Diego is working on a problem about net forces. In the problem, Meredith is applying a force of 5 N while Lanaya is applying a force of -7 N. Diego assumes that Meredith is applying a greater force than Lanaya. Explain why Diego is wrong and why he may have thought this.

Question

stormfire1 · Answer

The reason Diego thinks Meredith is applying a greater force is that +5 is greater than -7.  In actuality, -7N is a greater force...the sign of a force only indicates the direction that it is applied.