Application of Number

Level 2

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Reading Scales - Tutorial 2

This tutorial looks at reading a thermostat again, but with negative numbers.

The picture shows a Freezer Thermostat. As you can see, the large markers measure every 10, the medium markers measure every 5 and the small markers measure units.

The setting A shows -4°C to the nearest unit.

To the nearest 10 it measures 0°C because it nearer 0°C than 10°C.

To the nearest 5, A measures -5°C because it is closer to -5°C than 0°C.

The table below shows the results for the other settings. Study this table and make sure that you understand how the readings are done.

To practise reading a Freezer Thermostat try this assessment. Remember to check what the questions want you to round to. (Either units, 5s or 10s)

Then go on to the next tutorial.