Stretch: When Size Matters More Than Order
I can interpret absolute value as magnitude (size) in context and distinguish it from order.
🧠 The Challenge
absolute value | x |magnitude (size)distance from 0order vs. size
Absolute value measures magnitude — how big, ignoring sign. In context: a bigger debt, a deeper dive, a larger temperature drop all use |value|, even though more-negative numbers are lower in order.
👀 Worked Example
Account A: −$50, Account B: −$20. In order, −50 < −20 (A is worse). In magnitude, |−50| > |−20|, so A has the bigger debt ($50).
✏️ Your Turn
0 of 3 checks complete
1. Diver A at −30 m, diver B at −12 m. Who is FARTHER from the surface?
2. Which temperature change is BIGGER in size: −8° or +5°?
3. Two debts: −$15 and −$40. Which statement is true?
💬 Explain Your Thinking
Explain how a number can be 'less' yet 'bigger in size':
"blank is less than blank in order, but its magnitude |blank| is larger because blank."