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Which point on the number line represents Negative one-third?

A number line going from negative 2 to positive 1 in increments of 1. There are 3 equal spaces between each number. Point A is one mark to the left of negative 1. Point B is 1 mark to the right of negative 1. Point C is 2 marks to the right of negative 1. Point D is 1 mark to the right of 0.
A
B
C
D

1 answer

To locate negative one-third (-1/3) on the number line, you need to analyze the intervals between the numbers on the number line you described.

The number line spans from -2 to +1 in increments of 1, and you mentioned that there are 3 equal spaces between each number. This means that in the space between each whole number (for instance, between -2 and -1, or between -1 and 0), there are three equal divisions representing fractions:

  • The first division represents -5/3 (which is -1.67).
  • The second division represents -2/3 (which is -0.67).
  • The third division represents -1/3 (which is -0.33).

Now, given the points you provided:

  • Point A is -1.33, which is to the left of -1.
  • Point B is -0.67, which is less than -1/3.
  • Point C is +0.67, which is to the right of -1.
  • Point D is +0.33, which is also to the right of 0.

From this breakdown, the point that most closely represents -1/3 would be:

Point B, as it is the closest point located just to the left of 0, closer to -1/3 than any of the other options.

Thus, the answer is:

B