Question

Which of the following numbers is farthest from the number 1 on the number line?

• A. -10
• B. -5
• C. 0
• D. 5
• E. 10

Hint:

To find the distance between two numbers on a number line, simply subtract one from the other and take the absolute value. This method works regardless of whether the numbers are positive or negative. Visually, you can also count the "jumps" from one number to the other.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to find which of the given numbers has the greatest distance from the number 1 on the number line. The distance between two numbers on a number line is the absolute value of their difference.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The distance between two numbers, a and b, is given by the formula:
\[ \text{Distance} = |a - b| \] We will calculate the distance of each option from 1 and find the largest value.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's calculate the distance for each option from the number 1.
(A) Distance between -10 and 1:
\[ |-10 - 1| = |-11| = 11 \] (B) Distance between -5 and 1:
\[ |-5 - 1| = |-6| = 6 \] (C) Distance between 0 and 1:
\[ |0 - 1| = |-1| = 1 \] (D) Distance between 5 and 1:
\[ |5 - 1| = |4| = 4 \] (E) Distance between 10 and 1:
\[ |10 - 1| = |9| = 9 \] Now, we compare the calculated distances: 11, 6, 1, 4, and 9. The largest value is 11.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The number with the greatest distance from 1 is -10, with a distance of 11 units. Therefore, the correct answer is (A).