Question

If “a” represents a number on the real number line and the result of “a + b” is located to the left

of a then which of the following must be true about the value of “b”?

(1) b is positive
(2) b is negative
(3) b is zero
(4) b is less than a

Answer 1

(2) b is negative

Explanation:

If b is negative then the result of a + b would actually be a - b, which is located to the left of a. For answer 1, the number would be located on the right and for 3 the answer would be in the same place. Finally, for answer 4, the number would still be located to the right of a, just a smaller distance than a away.