Problem 18 - Fundamentals of Mathematics

Question

How should the number in the following 6 problems be read? (Write in words.) -7

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Negative seven.

Step 1: Understand the Problem

The task is to read the numerical value \(-7\) and express it in words. This involves recognizing the number and interpreting it correctly as a grammatical phrase.

Step 2: Identify the Value and Significance

Identify that the number is negative due to the minus sign. This signifies that the value is below zero on the number line.

Step 3: Write the Absolute Value in Words

The absolute value of \(-7\) is \(7\), which is written as "seven."

Step 4: Add the Appropriate Prefix for Negative Numbers

Since the number is negative, we place the word "negative" before the number. Therefore, \(-7\) is read as "negative seven."

Key Concepts

Negative Numbers

Negative numbers are numbers less than zero, represented with a minus sign \(-\). They are used to express temperatures below freezing, debts, losses, and other quantities that fall below a standard reference point. For instance, \(-7\) is a negative number.

• The minus sign in front of a number indicates its negativity.
• In conversation or writing, it is important to say or write the word "negative" before the number to convey this meaning.

Understanding negative numbers is crucial in math and everyday life. It allows us to make sense of situations where things have decreased or dropped below a certain level.

Absolute Value

The absolute value of a number represents its distance from zero, regardless of direction on the number line. For any number, negative or positive, its absolute value is always non-negative.In the case of \(-7\):- The absolute value is written as \(|-7|\).- This equals \(7\) because we consider only the number's magnitude without the sign.Here are some key points about absolute value:

• Think of it as "how far away a number is from zero."
• It ignores whether the number is positive or negative.

The concept of absolute value is very useful when comparing numbers, finding differences, and solving equations where only the size of numbers is important, not their sign.

Number Line

A number line visually represents numbers in order from smaller to larger, usually horizontally. It includes both positive and negative numbers. Zero is the central point.- Negative numbers like \(-7\) appear to the left of zero, while positive numbers appear to the right.- Each step or mark on the line represents an equal interval, making it easy to see the relative size of numbers.Using a number line helps in understanding relationships between numbers, especially when dealing with negative and positive numbers. It's a powerful tool for visual learners, providing a clear picture of how numbers are spaced and related.