You are the mission controller for a research submarine. Use integers to track depths and temperatures, calculate distances from sea level, and order sensor readings to keep the crew safe.
The research submarine Nereid IV is collecting ocean data. You must interpret positive and negative integers for depth and temperature, compute absolute-value distances from sea level, order sensor readings from coldest to deepest, and decide whether conditions are safe. Work through all four phases, check your answers, fill the mission log, and print your report.
In ocean science, depths below sea level are represented as negative integers and heights above sea level are positive integers. Sea level itself is 0 meters.
Positive integers describe things above zero (sea level): floors above ground, temperatures above 0°C, heights. Negative integers describe things below zero: below sea level, below freezing, underground floors. Zero is the reference point — neither positive nor negative.
The absolute value of the depth tells you how many meters the submarine is from sea level — always a positive distance. Enter any depth and calculate.
Absolute value is always the distance from zero — never negative. |−45| = 45 because −45 is 45 units from 0 on the number line. |+30| = 30 for the same reason. Remove the sign, keep the number.
The sub's five temperature probes returned readings. Sort them from least to greatest to find the coldest and warmest zones. More negative = colder (farther left on the number line).
On a number line, numbers to the left are less than numbers to the right. −7 < −3 < −1 < 0 < 2. The most negative number is the smallest (coldest). Place each number on a mental number line and read from left to right.
Mission rules say the sub must stay within 200 meters of sea level. Use absolute value to decide whether the current depth is safe, then pass the quick checks.
Write a 3–5 sentence mission log entry. Describe the sub's depth using a negative integer, state the absolute-value distance from sea level, report the ordered temperature readings from coldest to warmest, and confirm whether the depth is within the safety limit.
| Category | 4 — Expert | 3 — Proficient | 2 — Developing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integers in Context | Correctly represents depth and height; explains why negative/positive applies | Both values correctly signed | One value correct or signs confused |
| Absolute Value | Correct distance with clear explanation of absolute value as distance from zero | Correct absolute value computed | Attempted; may confuse sign and value |
| Ordering Integers | All five readings correctly ordered with number-line reasoning shown | All five readings in correct order | Partial order; minor placement errors |
| Communication | Mission log justifies every integer used with its real-world meaning | Log uses most values with meaning | Log is unclear or missing real-world context |