Which number is exactly midway between −2 and 3 on the number line?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 1/2
The exact midpoint of two numbers is their arithmetic mean, found by adding the endpoints and dividing by 2. For −2 and 3, the calculation is (−2 + 3)/2 = 1/2. Thus 1/2 is the number equally distant from both endpoints: the distance from −2 to 1/2 is 2.5 units, and the distance from 1/2 to 3 is also 2.5 units. Therefore option A is correct. Option B is one unit from 0 but is not equally distant from the given endpoints; its distances are 3 and 2. Option C lies on the negative side and is not the average, while option D is outside the interval altogether. The governing concept is the midpoint formula (a+b)/2, which works for positive, negative, and mixed endpoints alike.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
1/2
Why is this the correct answer?
The exact midpoint of two numbers is their arithmetic mean, found by adding the endpoints and dividing by 2. For −2 and 3, the calculation is (−2 + 3)/2 = 1/2. Thus 1/2 is the number equally distant from both endpoints: the distance from −2 to 1/2 is 2.5 units, and the distance from 1/2 to 3 is also 2.5 units. Therefore option A is correct. Option B is one unit from 0 but is not equally distant from the given endpoints; its distances are 3 and 2. Option C lies on the negative side and is not the average, while option D is outside the interval altogether. The governing concept is the midpoint formula (a+b)/2, which works for positive, negative, and mixed endpoints alike.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Polynomials. Topic: Representing real numbers on the number line.
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