Question about what they are implying

Test Preparation
1

<p>So far what I'm noticing is that when they ask for a number that is "less than" another number, they treat that as meaning "MORE NEGATIVE." </p>

<p>For example, -6 is less than -10. </p>

<p>I have always been under the impression that a number closer to 0 on a number line is technically "less." So -6 would be less than -10.</p>

<p>Clarification please?</p>

2

<p>Negative numbers are less than positive numbers, and “more negative” numbers are “less than” other negative numbers. In your example, -10 is less than -6. Don’t pay attention to how close to zero they are, that will rarely (if ever) be relevant.</p>

3

<p>Alright thanks a bunch. Seems a bit counter intuitive.</p>

4

<p>How?</p>

<p>If you have $10 to your name, then you have more money than if you had $6 to your name. If you have -$10 to your name (you are in debt), then you have LESS money than if you had -$6 to your name.</p>

<p>-10<-6.</p>

<p>It is crucial to understand this, lest you think, for example, that the expression -1<x<1 means x<1.</p>

<p>Also, you might want to consider what happens when you multiply both sides of -10>-6 by -1. That would give you 10<6 (the arrow switches “directions” when you change signs), which is obviously incorrect.</p>

5

<p>this is like first grade math buddy</p>

6

<p>Ya I get it, I was thinking of different terminology I was using in the past relating to another application.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>I mixed up terminology from another thing I used to do in algebra, don’t be a ******. Simplest example I can think of is vector magnitude where negatives only confer a directionality within coordinates. vector (0, -10) is larger than (0, -5). See what I mean?</p>

7

<p>when you talk about about magnitude, it’s the same thing as absoluate value. Vector is tottaly different from the scalar. Once again it’s first grade math.</p>

8

<p>Thank you for explaining vector magnitudes to me. The purpose of my post was obviously such an inquiry :rolleyes:</p>

<p>p.s. I guess you missed first grade spelling? Maybe we can go to summer classes together to make up for our losses.</p>