Question

James says that since -5 is farther from zero on a number line than -4 is, then -5 > -4. Use complete sentences to explain the error in James’ thinking.

Answer 1

You can be farther from zero both to the left (in the negative direction) and to the right (in the positive direction). So the absolute distance from zero is bigger for -5, but if that distance is to the left, it is a very low number or at least lower than -4, which is less low. So -5 is lower than -4, which is the same as -5 is smaller than -4.

Answer 2

Answer:

-5 < -4

Step-by-step explanation:

We are given that Jame says that since -5 is farther from zero on  a number line than -4.

Then,-5 > -4

We have to complete sentence to explain the error in Jame's thinking. to

We know that when we go  left side of zero then the value decrease and when we go right side of zero then the value increases.

Therefore, -5 < -4

-5 is farther from zero than -4 but value of  -5 is less than  -4.

Distance is the magnitude or absolute value of any number

Therefore, -5 is at larger distance then -4 from zero.

Hence, Jame's error is -5 <-4 not -5 > -4.