Question

fill in the blanks below.
(a) the elevation of a point in a valley is 171 feet below sea level.
write a signed number to represent this elevation.

(b) a hibernating animal lost 2 pounds.
write a signed number to represent this weight change.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand signed numbers

Signed numbers use positive and negative signs to represent direction or change. Positive for above or gain, negative for below or loss.

Step2: Analyze part (a)

Elevation below sea level is represented by a negative number. So 171 feet below sea level is -171.

Step3: Analyze part (b)

Weight loss is a decrease. So losing 2 pounds is represented as -2.

Answer:

(a) -171
(b) -2