High School

What is the meaning of the statement [tex]$-30\ \textless \ -5$[/tex]?

A. 30 is greater than 5
B. 30 is less than minus 5
C. Minus 30 is less than minus 5
D. Minus 30 is greater than minus 5

Answer :

The statement [tex]\(-30 < -5\)[/tex] is asking us to compare two negative numbers, [tex]\(-30\)[/tex] and [tex]\(-5\)[/tex].

Here's a step-by-step explanation of what this means:

1. Understanding Negative Numbers:
- Negative numbers are numbers less than zero. The larger the absolute value of a negative number, the smaller it actually is in comparative value.
- For example, [tex]\(-30\)[/tex] and [tex]\(-5\)[/tex] are both less than zero, but [tex]\(-30\)[/tex] is further away from zero than [tex]\(-5\)[/tex].

2. Comparison of [tex]\(-30\)[/tex] and [tex]\(-5\)[/tex]:
- On a number line, [tex]\(-30\)[/tex] is to the left of [tex]\(-5\)[/tex].
- As we move left on the number line, values decrease. Therefore, [tex]\(-30\)[/tex] is less than [tex]\(-5\)[/tex].

3. Conclusion:
- The statement [tex]\(-30 < -5\)[/tex] is correct.
- This means that [tex]\(-30\)[/tex] is indeed less than [tex]\(-5\)[/tex].

So, the correct option is C: Minus 30 is less than minus 5.