Question

Use the four numbers listed to answer the question. Which number is closest to zero on a number line?

A) -15
B) -7
C) 8
D) 20

Answer 1

The number closest to zero is B) -7 because it has the smallest absolute value when compared with the others, making it the shortest distance from zero on the number line.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which number is closest to zero on a number line, we need to consider the absolute value of each number. The absolute value is the distance a number is from zero, regardless of its direction (positive or negative). Comparing the absolute values of the given numbers:

• Absolute value of A) -15 is 15
• Absolute value of B) -7 is 7
• Absolute value of C) 8 is 8
• Absolute value of D) 20 is 20

The number with the smallest absolute value is the one closest to zero. This is B) -7, with an absolute value of 7.