Numbers: An Essential Part of Our Real-World Experience - Essay Sample

Introduction

Numbers are everywhere in the real world. For instance, speed limits, which are represented in numbers, are usually posted along highways. Drivers using the highways are cognizant with the system of numbers used to display the speed limits. As such, if the posted speed limit is 80 km/h, then drivers understand that driving over the designated speed limit, for example, at 100 km/h, could result in a fine. Besides, clocks have numbers that make it easier for us to understand the time. The numbers used in maps are crucial in giving locations and directions. Thus, it is easy to recognize the application of integers in everyday life. An integer represents a positive or a negative whole number. Also, zero is considered as an integer. Therefore, this essay aims to explore the application of integers in the real world.

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Introduction to Integers

An integer is considered as any whole number without any fractional part. As such, it is possible to count using integers in both forward and backward directions. Counting from one whole number to the next is represented by a unit jump, with no stopping in between the numbers. Fractional numbers can be made integers by rounding them to the nearest whole number. There are two types of integers; positive and negative (Pennington, 2017). A number line is used to visualize the positive and negative integers. As a rule of thumb, positive integers are indicated to the right of the zero point while negative integers are marked to the left. On a coordinate graph, positive integers are registered above the zero line while negative integers are marked below the zero point. Understanding the definition of integers is crucial as positive and negative numbers are everywhere in the real world surrounding us.

Practical Applications of Integers

It is easy to understand the implications of positive integers in the world around us. In contrast, the effect and influence of negative integers may be less apparent. Positive integers represent increasing or upward movement, while negative integers indicate decreasing or downward change. The implications of the positive and negative integers are described in the following examples;

Temperature

Temperature is a good example of how integers are applied in real life. Temperature readings can either be positive or negative. The thermometer corresponds to the number line, though it is vertical. It has positive readings above the zero line and negative readings below the zero. Commonly, a temperature of 230 C is recognized as hot, while a reading of – 250 C is considered as cold. As such, the number system in the thermometer is used to measure and indicate the atmospheric temperature. Also, if the atmospheric temperature is 100 C outside, an increase by 3 degrees will result in a new reading of 13 0 C. Conversely, if the atmospheric temperature outside is -100 C, a drop by 3 degrees will result in a new reading of -130 C. As such, an upward movement along the thermometer represents an increase in temperature while a downward change indicates a drop in temperature.

Sea Level

Geographically, the sea level is represented with integers. Positive and negative integers are used to represent altitudes either above or below the sea level, respectively. For instance, Mount Everest, the highest altitude above sea level, has an elevation of 8, 848 meters. This elevation can be numerically represented as + 8,848 meters above sea level (Glydon, n.d.). The Dead Sea, which is the lowest altitude below sea level, has a depression of 409 meters. Numerically, this depression is represented as – 409 meters below sea level (Glydon, n.d.). When studying the difference between a lower and a higher altitude, geography specialists use positive representations. In contrast, negative representations are used when considering the difference between a higher and a lower altitude.

Debit and Credit

Banks and other financial institutions frequently use integers in the operations. In the banking systems, credits are represented using positive integers, while debits are indicated using negative integers. For example, a deposit of $ 100 is considered as a credit to the bank account, while a withdrawal of a similar amount is considered as a debit transaction. Numerically, a deposit of $ 100 increases the bank balance by +100 units, while a withdrawal of a similar amount decreases the bank balance by -100 units. Also, given a bank balance of $ 100, a withdrawal of $ 20, which is represented numerically as - $20, will reduce the bank balance to $ 60. Therefore, it is relatively easy to visualize how financial institutions such as banks and credit unions apply positive and negative integers to represent either a deposit or a withdrawal of funds into an account.

Conclusion

In summary, the application of integers is crucial in representing real-life situations. Integer values represent the set of whole numbers consisting of positive and negative integers. Mostly, numerous real-life situations can either be represented with either a positive or negative integer. Often, English words are used to describe positive or negative changes or conditions. Positive integers can be expressed using above, up, north, right, credit, and others. Conversely, words such as below, down, south, left, debit, among others, are used to describe negative integers.

References

Glydon, N. (n.d.). Applications of Integers. Math Central. Retrieved from http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/beyond/articles/Integers/integer1.html

Pennington, L. (2017). Positive & Negative Numbers in the Real World. Study.com. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/positive-negative-numbers-in-the-real-world.html