Writing a signed number for a real-world situation

Signed numbers are used in real world situations. For example, increase in weight, deposit in an account, increase in pay, income, profit, investment, height above sea level, etc. are represented by positive signed numbers.

Decrease in weight, withdrawal from an account, pay cut, loans, liabilities, losses, temperature below zero, position below sea level, etc. are represented by negative signed numbers.

Rules for writing signed numbers in real world situations

• Increases are often written as positive signed numbers.
• Decreases are often written as negative signed numbers.

Write a signed integer for following real-world situation.

A gain of twelve pounds in weight.

Solution

Step 1:

A gain is represented by a positive signed integer.

Step 2:

A gain of twelve pounds in weight is represented by the signed integer +12

Write a signed integer for following real-world situation.

408 feet above sea level.

Solution

Step 1:

Position above sea level is represented by a positive signed integer.

Step 2:

408 feet above sea level is represented by the signed integer +408

Write a signed integer for following real-world situation.

A deposit of $3,390 in bank account.

Solution

Step 1:

A deposit in a bank is represented by a positive signed integer.

Step 2:

A deposit of $3,390 in bank account is represented by the signed integer +3390