Interpret negative numbers in context 7 - Reasoning

In a reasoning task centred around understanding number and place value, students are presented with the challenge of determining the number that lies exactly halfway between -15 and 25. This exercise requires an application of knowledge about negative numbers and their position in relation to positive numbers on the number line. Malachi proposes that the number 5 is the midpoint between these two values, and indeed, his reasoning is correct. To explain why, one must consider the difference between the two numbers in question.

The difference between 25 and -15 is 40, and to find the midpoint, one must halve this difference, which results in 20. Therefore, the number that is 20 less than 25 or 20 more than -15 is indeed 5. This confirms that Malachi's assertion is accurate. The number 5 is equidistant from both -15 and 25, making it the halfway mark between them. This task not only reinforces the concept of negative numbers but also the practical application of arithmetic to find midpoints between values on the number line.