Problem 102 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Describe how to graph a number on the number line.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

To graph a number on the number line, one draws a horizontal line and marks the middle point as zero. Points to the right are positive numbers and points to the left are negative numbers. The number to be graphed is then marked at its corresponding position.

Step 1: Draw the number line

The first step is to draw a straight horizontal line. This acts as the basis for the number line.

Step 2: Place the zero

Mark a point in the middle of the line. Label it as 0. This point is considered the origin of the number line.

Step 3: Add the positive numbers

Starting from zero, mark points to the right at equal intervals. Label these points as positive numbers, such as 1, 2, 3 and so on.

Step 4: Add the negative numbers

Similarly, starting from zero, mark points to the left at equal intervals. Label these points as negative numbers, such as -1, -2, -3 and so on.

Step 5: Graph the number

Given a number, identify its position on the number line and mark it. If for example, we have the number 3, it will be found 3 units to the right of 0. If we have -3, it will be found 3 units to the left of 0.