Two students were asked to graph the rational number -7.1. Amy states that the number is between -8 and -7, but Laura states that the point is between -7 and -6. How can you determine which student is correct?

Answer 1

To determine which student is correct about the location of the rational number -7.1 on the number line, we can analyze the number itself.

The number -7.1 is a decimal number that is less than -7 but greater than -8. Here is the reasoning:

1. Identify the whole numbers around -7.1:

   • The whole number immediately less than -7.1 is -8.
   • The whole number immediately greater than -7.1 is -7.

2. Place -7.1 on the number line:

   • Since -7.1 is less than -7, it falls to the left of -7 on the number line.
   • Since -7.1 is greater than -8, it falls to the right of -8 on the number line.

3. Comparing the ranges:

   • For Amy: She states that -7.1 is between -8 and -7. This is correct because -8 < -7.1 < -7.
   • For Laura: She states that -7.1 is between -7 and -6. This is incorrect because -7.1 is not greater than -7.

Based on this analysis, Amy is correct; -7.1 is indeed between -8 and -7.