Gail Dziorny

LS521-Sp 02

March 4, 2002

Integers Drop-In

 

            The study of integers is the study of both positive and negative whole numbers. We can show these integers on a number line. The positive and negative numbers are opposite each other on the number line. Zero is neither positive or negative.

 We have plenty of examples of positive numbers, but when and where do we see and use negative numbers in the “real world”.

           

            Your job is going to find some of these negative numbers in use. Go to

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html and go to the alphabetized country list on the left hand portion of the screen. Click on the “U” and a listing of seven countries should appear.  Click on United States.

 

            Scroll through the geography section until you see Elevation extremes on the left hand portion of the text.

           

            You will notice that the highest point is Mount McKinley at 6,194 m high (or 6,194 m above sea level). What is the lowest point ? Why is it listed as a negative number?

            When we talk about how high Mount McKinley is, we say it is above sea level. Negative numbers reflect below sea level. What is the difference between the highest and lowest elevations in the United States?

 

Using the same website: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html answer the following questions:

  1. What is the lowest point in Demark and how many miles below sea level is it? ____________________________________________________
  2. What is the difference between the highest and lowest points in Peru? _______________
  3. What are the lowest and highest points in Egypt? ________________ How far would you travel from the bottom of the lowest point to the top of the highest point? ____________________________
  4. Many of the lowest points are located at sea (or ocean) level. Find 4 countries whose lowest points are at sea (or ocean) level.                                                             

a.     b.

c.                              d.

  1. The lowest point in Israel is the lowest point on earth. What is it? ______________________
  2. The highest point on earth is located in Nepal. What is it? ______________________
  3. What is the difference between the highest and lowest points on earth? __