Using Signed Numbers to Represent Opposite Situations

Using Signed Numbers to Represent Opposite Situations 

Positive and negative numbers can represent or describe many different situations which demonstrate the concept of opposites:

  1. Numbers on a number line: + 3 is 3 units to the right of 0, while -3 is 3 units to the left of 0.
    Using Signed Numbers to Represent Opposite Situations 1
  2. Temperatures on a thermometer: Temperatures above zero degrees are positive (+100) and temperatures below zero degrees are negative (-100).
  3. Sports scores: If your favorite football team gained 4 yards during the big game, it could be represented by +4. Should your team lose 4 yards, it could be represented by –4.
  4. Weight gain and loss: Sam gained 8 pounds while on a Caribbean cruise (+8), but lost the 8 pounds after he returned home (-8).
  5. Geography: A location in Death Valley has an elevation of -282 feet (which is below sea level), while a location near Coffin Peak has an elevation of +282 feet (which is above seal level).
  6. Altitude: An airplane leaves the airport and climbs to an altitude (height) of 2500 feet (+2500). To land, the plane must lose 2500 feet of altitude (-2500).
  7. Profit and loss: A candy store lost $28,400 (-28,400) the first year of business but recovered the amount (+28,400) the second year.
  8. Recorded time: When referring to historical times, 2000 years BC (-2000) can be compared to 2000 years AD (+2000).
  9. Elevator movement: The elevator went up 15 floors (+15), and then went down 15 floors (-15).

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