When the integers 10, 0, 5, –5, –7 are arranged in descending or ascending order, then find out which of the following integers always remains in the middle of the arrangement.
0
5
–7
–5
Step 1: List the integers
We have: (10,; 0,; 5,; -5,; -7)
Step 2: Arrange in ascending order (smallest to greatest)
Among the negatives, (-7) is smaller than (-5).
Zero is between negatives and positives: (-5 < 0 < 5).
Between the positives, (5 < 10).
So ascending order is:
(-7,; -5,; 0,; 5,; 10)
The middle (3rd) number here is (-5).
Step 3: Arrange in descending order (greatest to smallest)
Start from the largest: (10), then (5), then (0).
Next come the negatives: (-5), then (-7).
So descending order is:
(10,; 5,; 0,; -5,; -7)
The middle (3rd) number here is also (-5).
Conclusion: In both orders, the number in the middle is (-5). So, the correct answer is d) −5.