George runs a manufacturing business and needs to keep track of the inventory in his warehouse each month. The table shows the change in total inventory at the end of each month last quarter.

Question

Month Inventory Change
Jan
+
20
Feb
+
30
Mar
−
70
Which number line represents this information?

A.
The number line shows a backward arrow from 70 to 0, a backward arrow from 100 to 70, and a forward arrow from 80 to 100.

B.
The number line shows a forward arrow from 90 to 160, a backward arrow from 120 to 90, and a backward arrow from 140 to 120.

C.
The number line shows a backward arrow from 160 to 90, a forward arrow from 110 to 130, and a forward arrow from 130 to 160.

D.
The number line shows a backward arrow from 160 to 90, a forward arrow from 130 to 160, and a backward arrow from 150 to 130.

what is answer?

Answer 1

To determine which number line accurately represents George's inventory changes, we need to look at the information given:

1. January: Inventory increases by 20.

   • Let's assume the starting inventory is 100. Then, at the end of January, it would be:
     • 100 + 20 = 120

2. February: Inventory increases by 30.

   • At the end of February, the inventory would be:
     • 120 + 30 = 150

3. March: Inventory decreases by 70.

   • At the end of March, the inventory would be:
     • 150 - 70 = 80

Now, we represent these changes on a number line:

• Start at 100 (initial inventory).
• Move to 120 for January (+20).
• Move to 150 for February (+30).
• Move down to 80 for March (-70).

Based on these calculations, we can analyze the given options:

• Option A: Moves backward from 70 to 0, which does not match our numbers.
• Option B: Starts at 90 and has movements that do not correspond with 100, 120, 150, or 80.
• Option C: Starts at 160 (incorrect) and does not imply movements matching our final calculation.
• Option D: Starts at 160 and does not follow our calculated values.

None of the given options clearly match our inventory transitions from 100 to 120 to 150, and finally down to 80 based on the numbers described.

Upon reviewing the options again, it seems there may not have been a direct mapping of the events for the potential answers provided, as none portray the accurate trajectory. If the above reasoning aligns, none of the options are correct.

However, if I need to pick the closest option based on the pattern of going up and down (even though it doesn't exactly reflect the numbers), I might suggest:

D (as it inclines upward and downward, albeit starting from an incorrect point).

But still, it's crucial to note that no option gives a precise representation of the changes based on the numbers we calculated.