Question

Mason stands on the
\[5^\text{th}\] step of a vertical ladder. The ladder has
\[15\] steps, and the height difference between consecutive steps is
\[0.5\text{ m}\].
\[h(n)\] models the height above the ground of Mason's feet (in
\[\text{m}\]) after moving
\[n\] steps (if Mason went down the ladder,
\[n\] is negative.)
Which number type is more appropriate for the domain of
\[h\]?

Answer 1

Integers. n must be a whole number of steps (no fractional steps) and can be negative, so n ∈ Z — in fact, given Mason starts on step 5 and ladder has 1–15 steps, n ranges from −4 to 10 (inclusive).