Question

at 7 pm, the temperature outside was $-5\\ ^\circ$c. what does $|-5|$ represent in this situation?
the temperature at 7 pm
the change in temperature during the past hour
the number of degrees between $0\\ ^\circ$c and $-5\\ ^\circ$c
the number of hours when the temperature was higher

Explanation:

Step1: Define absolute value

The absolute value $|x|$ is the distance between $x$ and 0 on the number line, so $|-5| = 5$.

Step2: Match to the scenario

We need which option describes the distance between $0^\circ\text{C}$ and $-5^\circ\text{C}$, which is the value of $|-5|$.

Answer:

the number of degrees between $0^\circ$ C and $-5^\circ$ C