Ranking velocities from least to greatest

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to rank three given velocities, specifically -10 m/s, 3 m/s, and 1 m/s, from least to greatest. Participants explore the implications of negative values in velocity and the concept of magnitude versus direction.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the ranking should be 1 m/s, 3 m/s, and -10 m/s, questioning the treatment of negative velocities.
  • Another participant asserts that the more negative number, such as -10 m/s, is considered the smallest when ranking numbers, emphasizing that magnitude is different from value.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether the question pertains to ranking by speed rather than velocity, indicating a potential distinction in interpretation.
  • Another participant raises a question about the need for direction when ranking velocities, implying that directionality may affect the ranking process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on how to rank the velocities, with multiple competing views regarding the treatment of negative values and the importance of direction in the ranking process.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of "least to greatest" in terms of velocity versus speed, as well as the implications of directionality on the ranking.

Christie
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If I have three velocities and am asked to rank them from least to greatest and they are

-10 m/s, 3 m/s and 1 m/s

I thought it would be 1 m/s, 3 m/s, and -10 m/s.

However, someone told me that because -10 was negative, it would technically be the smallest. I found this strange. Who is right?? Thanks.
 
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When you have two numbers, the more negative number is generally considered the smaller of the two. This certainly holds true for all positive numbers. Note that the magnitude of the -10 velocity is the largest of the three.
 
Christie said:
If I have three velocities and am asked to rank them from least to greatest...

What is the specific question that was asked? Least to greatest speed?
 
Christie said:
-10 m/s, 3 m/s and 1 m/s
What are the magnitudes and directions of these three "vectors"?
 
How do you rank velocities, unless they are all in the same direction?
 

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