Question

Consider a building with 20 stairs above ground level and 20 stairs below ground level. Considering ground level as zero, if you are standing on the 16^th step below ground level, how will you say it mathematically?

• A. You are on the +16^th step.
• B. You are on the -16^th step.
• C. You are on 8^th step
• D. You are on the 4^th step.

Answer 1

The correct option is B You are on the -16^th step.

Consider the stairs to be a number line and ground level as zero.
The stairs above the ground level can be considered as positive and below the ground level as negative.
So, if you are standing on the 16^th step below the ground, you can say that you are at -16^th step.