Nearest Tens for 96:
To find the nearest tens for the number 96, we need to determine which multiple of ten is closest to 96 on the number line. Let's analyze each option to determine the correct answer.

a) 90:
To determine whether 90 is the nearest tens for 96, we can compare the distance between 96 and 90 with the distance between 96 and other options. The difference between 96 and 90 is 6. However, the difference between 96 and 100 is also 6. Therefore, we cannot conclude that 90 is the nearest tens for 96 based on this information alone.

b) 80:
Similar to the previous option, we need to compare the distances between 96 and 80, 96 and 90, and 96 and 100. The difference between 96 and 80 is 16, which is greater than the difference between 96 and 90. Thus, we can conclude that 80 is not the nearest tens for 96.

c) 100:
The difference between 96 and 100 is 4, which is smaller than the differences between 96 and both 90 and 80. Therefore, 100 could potentially be the nearest tens for 96.

d) 85:
Lastly, we need to compare the distance between 96 and 85 with the distances between 96 and the other options. The difference between 96 and 85 is 11, which is greater than the difference between 96 and 90. Hence, we can eliminate 85 as the nearest tens for 96.

Conclusion:
Comparing all the options, we can determine that 100 is the nearest tens for 96. The difference between 96 and 100 is the smallest among all the options, making 100 the closest multiple of ten to 96 on the number line.