Here are four temperatures in degrees C:
-5, 3, -7, -1
Write the temperatures in order, starting with the coldest.
How to approach this question
1. Identify the negative numbers and the positive numbers.
2. The coldest temperatures are the most negative ones. Compare the negative numbers. The larger the number after the minus sign, the colder it is.
3. Order the negative numbers from coldest to warmest.
4. Place the positive numbers after the negative numbers, in order from smallest to largest.
Full Answer
-7, -5, -1, 3
To order temperatures from coldest to warmest, you need to order the numbers from smallest to largest.
1. **Identify negative and positive numbers:**
Negative: -5, -7, -1
Positive: 3
2. **Order the negative numbers:** For negative numbers, the one with the largest absolute value (the number part) is the smallest. So, -7 is smaller than -5, which is smaller than -1.
Order: -7, -5, -1
3. **Order all numbers:** Now include the positive number. Positive numbers are always greater than negative numbers.
The final order is: -7, -5, -1, 3.
Common mistakes
✗ Thinking that -7 is warmer than -5.
✗ Forgetting the negative signs in the answer.
✗ Ordering the numbers by their absolute value (e.g., -1, 3, -5, -7).
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