Interpret Inequalities on Number Lines - 6th Grade Math

During a winter week, the temperatures were $-2^\circ\text{C}$ and $-5^\circ\text{C}$ . Which statement correctly interprets $-2>-5$ on a number line?
Answer: $-2$ is to the right of $-5$ on the number line, so $-2$ is greater (it is closer to 0). This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. In number line interpretation, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater, like -2°C being warmer than -5°C or higher than -5 m below sea level), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For the inequality -2 > -5 on a number line, -5 is farther left (more negative, smaller), -2 is closer to zero (less negative, greater), so -2 is positioned to the right of -5, meaning -2 > -5 indicates -2 is greater, like a warmer temperature. The correct interpretation is that -2 is to the right of -5 on the number line, so -2 is greater (it is closer to 0), which matches choice A. A common error is reversing positions, like claiming -2 is to the left of -5 so greater (choice B) or -5 is to the right so -2 greater (choice C), or using magnitude like -5 greater because 5 > 2 (choice D), ignoring that for negatives, closer to zero is greater. When interpreting, the inequality symbol shows position (> means right of, < means left of), with greater values farther right (for negatives, less negative is greater, closer to zero is right); comparing signed numbers with same sign uses position, like for negatives |-5| > |-2| but -5 < -2 because farther left. The number line as a tool visually shows order (left < right), helping compare signed numbers by plotting both and seeing which is to the right, with mistakes like reversing greater/less with position or magnitude errors for negatives.
A submarine is at $-4$ meters (below sea level) and the surface is at $0$ meters. Which statement correctly interprets $0>-4$ on a number line?
Answer: 0 is to the right of $-4$ on the number line, so 0 is greater. This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. In number line interpretation, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater, like higher than -5 m below sea level), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For the inequality 0 > -4 on a number line, -4 is to the left (negative, below surface), 0 is to the right (at surface, greater), so 0 > -4 means 0 is positioned to the right of -4. The correct interpretation is that 0 is to the right of -4 on the number line, so 0 is greater, which matches choice B. A common error is claiming 0 left of -4 so greater (choice A), or -4 greater because 4 > 0 (choice C), or 0 smallest ignoring negatives (choice D), not arranging left-to-right properly. Interpreting uses inequality symbols for position (> means right of), with greater farther right; comparing different signs shows positive (including 0) > negative. The number line visually shows order, helping plot and see right is greater, with mistakes like direction confusion or zero as smallest.
A student says, " $-7>-3$ because $7>3$ ." Which statement correctly fixes the student's reasoning using the number line?
Answer: The student is incorrect because on a number line $-7$ is left of $-3$ , so $-7<-3$ . This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is left of b (a smaller, b larger), understanding left-to-right increases, comparing signed numbers. Number line interpretation: a 3 (5 right of 3, farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 (−2 right of -5, closer to zero for negatives means less negative thus greater: -2 is warmer than -5°C, higher than -5 m below sea level), 2 > -3 (positive 2 right of negative -3, any positive > any negative); order: increasing from left to right (-7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right on line shows least to greatest). For example, inequality -3 > -7 on number line: -7 is farther left (more negative, smaller), -3 is closer to zero (less negative, greater), so -3 positioned right of -7, inequality -3 > -7 means -3 is right of -7; or 5 > 3 shows 5 right of 3 (both positive, 5 farther from zero is larger); or order -5, -2, 0, 3 from least to greatest: positions left-to-right: -5 leftmost (smallest), then -2, then 0, then 3 rightmost (largest). The correct fix is that the student is incorrect because on a number line -7 is left of -3, so -7 < -3, matching choice B. A common error is magnitude comparison for negatives like -7 > -3 because | -7 | > | -3 | or farther from 0 is greater (choices A and D), or thinking all negatives are equal (choice C). Interpreting: inequality symbol shows position (< means left of, > means right of), greater value is farther right (for positives: larger number farther from zero; for negatives: less negative is greater, closer to zero is right). Comparing signed: same sign (magnitudes for positives: 5 > 3, |-7| > |-3| but -7 < -3 because farther left), different signs (positive always > negative: 1 > -100); ordering: arrange left-to-right for least-to-greatest (start with most negative, end with most positive); number line as tool: visual shows order (left < right), helps compare signed numbers (plot both, see which is right); mistakes: reversing greater/less with position, magnitude error for negatives, zero position wrong, direction confused.
The inequality $y ≤ 3.5$ is graphed on a number line. Jamie claims that $3\frac{1}{4}$ is a solution, while Alex claims that $3.6$ is a solution. Who is correct and why?
Answer: Jamie is correct because $3\frac{1}{4} = 3.25 < 3.5$ , but Alex is wrong because $3.6 > 3.5$ The correct answer is A. The inequality $y ≤ 3.5$ means $y$ can be any value less than or equal to $3.5$ . Jamie's value $3\frac{1}{4} = 3.25$ satisfies this since $3.25 ≤ 3.5$ . Alex's value $3.6$ does not satisfy this since $3.6 > 3.5$ . Choice B incorrectly suggests rounding changes inequality relationships. Choice C incorrectly suggests 'closeness' rather than the actual inequality relationship. Choice D incorrectly restricts solutions to integers only.
A coach records two times (in seconds) relative to a target time: $-2$ (2 seconds faster than the target) and $-2$ (also 2 seconds faster). Which statement is true and correctly uses number-line position language?
Answer: $-2\ge -2$ because both values are at the same point on the number line. This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is left of b (a smaller, b larger), understanding left-to-right increases, comparing signed numbers. Number line interpretation: a 3 (5 right of 3, farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 (−2 right of -5, closer to zero for negatives means less negative thus greater: -2 is warmer than -5°C, higher than -5 m below sea level), 2 > -3 (positive 2 right of negative -3, any positive > any negative); order: increasing from left to right (-7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right on line shows least to greatest). For example, inequality -3 > -7 on number line: -7 is farther left (more negative, smaller), -3 is closer to zero (less negative, greater), so -3 positioned right of -7, inequality -3 > -7 means -3 is right of -7; or 5 > 3 shows 5 right of 3 (both positive, 5 farther from zero is larger); or order -5, -2, 0, 3 from least to greatest: positions left-to-right: -5 leftmost (smallest), then -2, then 0, then 3 rightmost (largest). The correct statement is -2 ≥ -2 because both values are at the same point on the number line, matching choice A. A common error is claiming strict inequality like > or < for equals (choices B and C), or thinking ≤ is false for same numbers (choice D). Interpreting: inequality symbol shows position (< means left of, > means right of), greater value is farther right (for positives: larger number farther from zero; for negatives: less negative is greater, closer to zero is right). Comparing signed: same sign (magnitudes for positives: 5 > 3, |-7| > |-3| but -7 < -3 because farther left), different signs (positive always > negative: 1 > -100); ordering: arrange left-to-right for least-to-greatest (start with most negative, end with most positive); number line as tool: visual shows order (left < right), helps compare signed numbers (plot both, see which is right); mistakes: reversing greater/less with position, magnitude error for negatives, zero position wrong, direction confused.
A number line shows point $A$ at $0$ and point $B$ at $7$ . Which inequality and interpretation are correct?
Answer: $0<7$ because 0 is to the left of 7 on the number line. This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. On a number line, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater, like -2°C is warmer than -5°C), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For points A at 0 and B at 7 on the number line, 0 is to the left (smaller), 7 is to the right (larger, farther from zero), so 0 is left of 7, meaning 0 < 7. The correct inequality is 0 < 7 because 0 is to the left of 7 on the number line, which is choice B. A common error is thinking 0 > 7 as starting point (but 0 is smaller), or equality because nonnegative, or ≥ because closer to zero (but closer means smaller here for positives). When interpreting, the inequality symbol shows position (< means left of, > means right of), and for positives, larger is farther right like 7 > 0; comparing, plot to see right is greater. The number line visualizes order (left < right), helping avoid mistakes like zero position wrong or direction confused.
A hiker is at an elevation of $2$ meters relative to sea level, and another point is at $-3$ meters. Which inequality matches their positions on a number line?
Answer: $2>-3$ because 2 is to the right of $-3$ on the number line. This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. In number line interpretation, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater, like -2°C being warmer than -5°C), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For the positions 2 and -3 on a number line, -3 is to the left (negative, below sea level), 2 is to the right (positive, above), so 2 > -3 means 2 is to the right of -3, indicating a higher elevation. The correct interpretation is 2 > -3 because 2 is to the right of -3 on the number line, which matches choice C. A common error is claiming negatives greater than positives (choice A), or equal because same distance (choice B), or 2 < -3 because farther from 0 (choice D), ignoring that positives are always greater than negatives and direction is left < right. When interpreting, the inequality symbol shows position (< means left of, > means right of), with greater values farther right (for different signs, positive always > negative like 1 > -100); comparing signed numbers involves checking signs first. Ordering arranges left-to-right for least-to-greatest (start with most negative, end with most positive); the number line helps by showing which is right, with mistakes like reversing position or confusing zero.
Two inequalities are graphed on the same number line: $m ≥ -1$ and $n \< 3$ . If point $P$ represents a value that satisfies both inequalities simultaneously, which description is most accurate?
Answer: Point $P$ can be located anywhere from $-1$ to $3$ , including $-1$ but not including $3$ on the number line The correct answer is B. To satisfy both inequalities simultaneously, we need the intersection: $m ≥ -1$ AND $n \< 3$ . This means $-1 ≤ P \< 3$ , which includes $-1$ (due to the ≥ symbol) but excludes $3$ (due to the \< symbol). Choice A incorrectly includes $3$ . Choice C incorrectly assumes only one value works. Choice D describes values that satisfy neither inequality or only one of them.
A student writes the inequality $5>3$ to compare two scores. What does $5>3$ mean on a number line?
Answer: 5 is to the right of 3 on the number line, so 5 is greater than 3. This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. In number line interpretation, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater, like -2°C being warmer than -5°C), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For the inequality 5 > 3 on a number line, 3 is farther left (smaller positive, closer to zero), 5 is to the right (larger positive, farther from zero), so 5 is positioned to the right of 3, meaning 5 > 3 indicates 5 is greater than 3. The correct interpretation is that 5 is to the right of 3 on the number line, so 5 is greater than 3, which matches choice B. A common error is reversing positions, like claiming 5 is to the left of 3 so 5 is less (as in choice A or D), or thinking they are the same because both positive (choice C), ignoring that left-to-right order properly shows increasing values. When interpreting, the inequality symbol shows position (> means right of, < means left of), with greater values farther right (for positives, larger numbers are farther from zero); comparing signed numbers involves magnitudes for positives like 5 > 3, but for negatives, being closer to zero means greater, and positives are always greater than negatives. Ordering uses left-to-right for least-to-greatest, starting with smaller numbers; the number line visually shows this order (left < right), helping compare values by seeing which is to the right, with mistakes like confusing direction or zero's position.
A student says: "Since $-6$ is farther from 0 than $-1$ , $-6$ must be greater." Which inequality correctly compares the numbers on a number line?
Answer: $-6<-1$ because $-6$ is to the left of $-1$ on the number line. This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. In number line interpretation, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For -6 and -1 on a number line, -6 is farther left (more negative, smaller), -1 is closer to zero (less negative, greater), so -1 is to the right of -6, meaning -6 < -1 corrects the student's magnitude error. The correct inequality is -6 < -1 because -6 is to the left of -1 on the number line, which matches choice B. A common error is claiming farther from 0 means greater for negatives (choice A), or equal because negative (choice C), or left greater (choice D), like magnitude comparison where |-6| > |-1| but actually -6 < -1. Interpreting uses > for right of, with greater farther right (for negatives, closer to zero); comparing same sign: farther left is smaller. Mistakes include magnitude error for negatives or reversing position.
Look at the number line diagram. Point $R$ is marked, and the shaded region represents all values of $x$ where $x ≤ R$ . If $R = 1.5$ , which number would NOT be included in the shaded region?
Answer: The value $2.0$ because it is greater than $1.5$ and falls outside the inequality The correct answer is B. The inequality $x ≤ 1.5$ includes all values less than or equal to $1.5$ . The value $2.0$ is greater than $1.5$ , so it does not satisfy $x ≤ 1.5$ and would not be in the shaded region. Choice A incorrectly states that ≤ excludes the boundary (it includes it). Choice C incorrectly excludes $0.5$ when $0.5 ≤ 1.5$ is true. Choice D incorrectly suggests negative numbers can't satisfy the inequality when $-1.0 ≤ 1.5$ is true.
Consider the number line shown with points marked at specific locations. If point $M$ represents $-\frac{3}{2}$ and point $N$ represents $\frac{5}{2}$ , which inequality correctly describes the relationship between these points?
Answer: $M < N$ because $-\frac{3}{2}$ is positioned to the left of $\frac{5}{2}$ on the number line diagram The correct answer is B. On a number line, values increase from left to right. Since $M$ at $-\frac{3}{2} = -1.5$ is positioned to the left of $N$ at $\frac{5}{2} = 2.5$ , we have $M < N$ , or $-\frac{3}{2} < \frac{5}{2}$ . Choice A incorrectly reverses the inequality direction. Choice C confuses distance from zero with equality ( $|-1.5| ≠ |2.5|$ anyway). Choice D makes a false general statement about negative and positive numbers.
Order the numbers $-7,\,-3,\,0,\,2,\,5$ from least to greatest (left to right on a number line).
Answer: $-7,\,-3,\,0,\,2,\,5$ This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. In number line interpretation, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For ordering -7, -3, 0, 2, 5 from least to greatest, positions are -7 leftmost (smallest), then -3, then 0, then 2, then 5 rightmost (largest), reflecting increasing order left to right. The correct order is -7, -3, 0, 2, 5, which matches choice C. A common error is reversing to greatest to least (choice B), or mixing like placing 0 before -3 (choice D) or -3 before -7 (choice A), not arranging left-to-right properly. Ordering arranges left-to-right for least-to-greatest (start with most negative, end with most positive); the number line shows this visually (left < right). Mistakes include order wrong or zero position confused.
On a number line, point $a$ is at $-7$ and point $b$ is at $-3$ . Which inequality correctly describes their positions?
Answer: $-7<-3$ because $-7$ is to the left of $-3$ on the number line. This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. On a number line, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater, like -2°C is warmer than -5°C), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For points at -7 and -3 on the number line, -7 is farther left (more negative, smaller), -3 is closer to zero (less negative, greater), so -3 is positioned to the right of -7, meaning -7 < -3 or equivalently -3 > -7. The correct inequality is -7 < -3 because -7 is to the left of -3 on the number line, which is choice B. A common error is magnitude comparison for negatives, like -7 > -3 because 7 > 3 (but actually -7 < -3), or claiming numbers increase leftward (reversing direction), or equality because both negative. When interpreting, the inequality symbol shows position (< means left of, > means right of), and for negatives, the less negative is greater and farther right, like |-7| > |-3| but -7 < -3 since -7 is left; comparing same-sign, magnitudes reverse for negatives. The number line helps visualize (left < right), aiding in plotting and seeing the right one is greater, avoiding mistakes like reversing position or magnitude errors.
A number line is drawn. Point $x$ is at $-8$ and point $y$ is at $-8$ . Which statement is true?
Answer: $x\le y$ because both points are at the same position on the number line. This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. In number line interpretation, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For points x and y both at -8 on a number line, they are at the same position, so x = y, meaning inequalities like x <= y or x >= y are true since they include equality. The correct statement is x <= y because both points are at the same position on the number line, which matches choice B. A common error is claiming x > y despite same (choice A), or x < y with left greater (choice C), or x >= y false because negative (choice D), ignoring equality for negatives. When interpreting equals, <= or >= apply; comparing same negatives shows equality like positives. The number line helps by showing identical spots, with mistakes like assuming negatives can't equal or direction issues.
Study the number line diagram where two different inequalities are represented by different line styles. If the solid line represents $x ≥ 0$ and the dashed line represents $x < 4$ , what does the overlapping region represent?
Answer: The solution $0 ≤ x < 4$ because that's where both inequality conditions are satisfied together The correct answer is B. The overlapping region represents where both inequalities are true simultaneously: $x ≥ 0$ AND $x < 4$ , which gives us $0 ≤ x < 4$ . This includes $0$ (from ≥) but excludes $4$ (from <). Choice A only describes the boundary point. Choice C describes the union of non-overlapping regions, not the intersection. Choice D incorrectly excludes $0$ and incorrectly includes $4$ .
A science class records these temperatures (in °C): $-7, -3, 0, 2, 5$ . Which list shows the numbers ordered from least to greatest (left to right on a number line)?
Answer: $-7, -3, 0, 2, 5$ This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. On a number line, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater, like -2°C is warmer than -5°C), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For ordering -7, -3, 0, 2, 5 from least to greatest, positions are -7 leftmost (smallest), then -3, then 0, then 2, then 5 rightmost (largest), reflecting increasing order left to right on the number line for temperatures. The correct list is -7, -3, 0, 2, 5, which matches choice C. A common error is wrong order, like starting with -3 before -7 (not arranging most negative first), or reversing to greatest to least, or misplacing zero (like between -3 and 2 incorrectly). Ordering arranges left-to-right for least-to-greatest (most negative to most positive); the number line shows this visually (left < right), helping compare signed numbers by plotting and reading left to right. Mistakes include direction confusion or ignoring negatives are left of zero.
On a number line, point $a$ is at $-1$ and point $b$ is at $4$ . Which inequality correctly describes their positions?
Answer: $a<b$ because $-1$ is to the left of $4$ . Comparing numbers on a number line is all about position. The key rule is simple: the number farther to the left is always smaller. Let's use our points. Point $a$ is at $-1$ , and point $b$ is at $4$ . On the number line, $-1$ sits to the left of $4$ . Since left means smaller, we know $-1$ is less than $4$ . We write that as $a < b$ . Think of a thermometer standing up tall. A temperature of $-1$ degree is below $4$ degrees — colder and lower. The lower, "lefter" number is always the smaller one! Try this at home: draw a number line and mark two numbers, like $-3$ and $2$ . Point to which one is farther left, then say out loud which is smaller. The more you practice reading position, the faster these comparisons become. You've got this!
A student's account balance is $0 and another student's balance is $-4 (they owe $4). Which statement is true on a number line?
Answer: $0>-4$ because 0 is to the right of $-4$ on the number line. This question tests interpreting inequalities as position statements on a number line: a < b means a is to the left of b (a is smaller, b is larger), understanding that values increase from left to right, including comparing signed numbers. On a number line, a 3 because 5 is to the right of 3 (farther from zero for positives means greater), -2 > -5 because -2 is to the right of -5 (closer to zero for negatives means less negative and thus greater, like -2 is higher than -5 m below sea level), and 2 > -3 because positive 2 is to the right of negative -3 (any positive is greater than any negative), with order increasing from left to right such as -7 < -3 < 0 < 2 < 5 arranged left to right showing least to greatest. For comparing 0 and -4 on the number line, -4 is to the left (negative, smaller), 0 is to the right (greater), so 0 is positioned to the right of -4, meaning 0 > -4; this matches account balances where $0 is better than owing $4. The correct statement is 0 > -4 because 0 is to the right of -4 on the number line, which is choice B. A common error is thinking zero is the smallest (ignoring negatives are smaller), or magnitude like -4 > 0 because 4 > 0 (ignoring sign), or claiming equality because both not positive. When interpreting, the inequality symbol shows position (< means left of, > means right of), and zero is greater than negatives since it's to their right; for different signs, positive (including zero) > negative. The number line visualizes order (left < right), helping compare by plotting points and seeing which is right, avoiding mistakes like zero as smallest or direction confused.
Marcus writes the inequality $-2.5 > y$ to represent the temperature in his freezer. Based on the number line shown, which statement correctly interprets this inequality?
Answer: The temperature $y$ is colder than $-2.5$ degrees, so it includes values like $-3$ , $-4$ , and $-5$ The correct answer is B. The inequality $-2.5 > y$ means $y < -2.5$ , so the temperature is less than (colder than) $-2.5$ degrees. On a number line, this includes all values to the left of $-2.5$ , such as $-3$ , $-4$ , $-5$ , etc. Choice A incorrectly reverses the inequality direction. Choice C misunderstands that inequalities represent ranges, not single values. Choice D incorrectly limits the solution to a specific interval.

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