Which situation can be described using a negative integer?
In mathematics, a negative integer is a number that is less than zero. Negative integers are often used to represent situations where a quantity is being taken away or a loss is occurring. This concept can be applied to various real-life scenarios, providing a way to quantify and understand situations that involve subtraction or loss.
One common situation that can be described using a negative integer is a decrease in balance. For instance, if a person has a bank account with an initial balance of $100, and they withdraw $50, the new balance would be -$50. This negative balance indicates that the person has overdrawn their account, meaning they have taken out more money than they have in the account.
Another example is the concept of debt. When a person borrows money, they owe the lender a certain amount. If the borrowed amount is $200, the person’s debt can be represented as a negative integer, such as -200. This negative value signifies that the person owes money and needs to repay the debt.
Negative integers can also be used to describe a decline in stock prices. Suppose a stock has a current price of $50, and it drops to $30. The decrease in price can be represented as a negative integer, such as -20. This negative value indicates that the stock has lost value, and investors who hold the stock have experienced a loss.
Moreover, negative integers can be used to represent situations involving temperature. In many countries, temperatures below freezing are expressed as negative integers. For example, a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius means that it is 10 degrees below the freezing point.
In conclusion, negative integers are versatile tools in mathematics that can be used to describe various situations involving subtraction, loss, or decline. Whether it’s a decrease in balance, debt, stock prices, or temperature, negative integers provide a clear and concise way to quantify and understand these scenarios.
