Answer:
In this scenario, the situation with the greater absolute value refers to the change in gasoline prices. To determine which situation had the greater absolute value, we need to compare the absolute values of the price changes in April and May.
The increase in gasoline prices in April was 34 cents per gallon, while the decrease in May was 17 cents per gallon. To find the absolute value, we ignore the positive or negative sign and only consider the magnitude of the change.
The absolute value of a positive number is the number itself, so the absolute value of the increase in April is 34 cents per gallon.
The absolute value of a negative number is its positive counterpart, so the absolute value of the decrease in May is also 17 cents per gallon.
Comparing the absolute values, we find that the increase in April (34 cents per gallon) has a greater absolute value than the decrease in May (17 cents per gallon). Therefore, the situation with the greater absolute value is the increase in gasoline prices during the month of April.
Explanation: