In the book "Holes" X-Ray's shovel is shorter than everyone else's. So while Stanley digs a hole that has an elevation of -5, X-Ray's hole has an elevation of -4.98.
Which number is smaller? -4.98 ____ -5
Find the absolute value of each number.
Whose hole is bigger?
My bank account reads -400. My friend's account reads -367.
Which number is smaller? -400 ____ -367
Find the absolute value of each number.
Who is in more debt?
Act 2
Compare your answers to #1 and #3 in each problem. What do you notice? What role does absolute value play in this comparison?