Interpret absolute value as distance and use it to compare quantities and errors.
Choose a smart strategy for absolute value and distance
Problem
A science lab's target temperature is \(18^{\circ}\text{C}\). \(\text{One}~\text{reading}\) is \(15^{\circ}\text{C}\) and another is \(21.5^{\circ}\text{C}\). What is the most useful first step: compare each reading's distance from \(18^{\circ}\text{C}\), compare the readings directly, or add the distances? Use that step to identify the closer reading and \(\text{both}~\text{error}~\text{sizes}\).
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