Interpreting Positive and Negative Numbers

The left side of this number line is:

• Positive.

• Negative.

• Neither positive nor negative.

Which of these is the positive number?

• 2

• 0

• -14

The elevation of New Orleans is -0.3 meters.

What does an elevation of -0.3 meters represent in this situation?

• New Orleans is 0.3 meters above sea level.

• New Orleans is at sea level.

• New Orleans is 0.3 meters below sea level.

Last month, John lost money by selling stocks. His investment income was -$525. This month, his investment income is $163. What does this mean?

• John gained $163 by selling stocks.

• John lost $163 by selling stocks.

Last month, Lisa's bank statement said that she had money in her account. Her bank balance was $109.32.

This month, Lisa's bank balance is -$87.12. What does this mean?

• Lisa overdrew her account by $87.12.

• Lisa has $87.12 in her account.

A little while ago, a dolphin was swimming below sea level at -7 meters.

Now the dolphin is jumping at 0.5 meters. What does this mean?

• The dolphin is 0.5 meters below sea level.

• The dolphin is 0.5 meters above sea level.

What does 0 meters represent?

• The lowest point in Minnesota.

• The highest point in Minnesota.

• Sea level.

Which of the following is above sea level?

• -368 ft

• 2,851 ft

How would a bank represent a deposit of 126.40 dollars?

• 126.40 dollars

• -126.40 dollars

Put the following numbers in order from smallest to largest.
6, -2, -8, 8, 2
Choose the correct answer.

• 8,-8, 2, -2, 6

• -8,-2, 2, 6, 8

• 8, 6, 2, -2, -8

• 8, -8, 6, 2, -2