Is VaR considered a positive number or negative number?

CFA Level III
#1

I raise this question because in Q1 of Pearson (Risk Management) , one part of pearson explanation of the VaR is :

“A change to a 99% confidence level would provide a lower VaR estimate”

The Original VaR level was 95% , hence , if VaR is considered as a positive number, i expect the 99% VaR to be higher than the 95% level

The answer says that Pearson explanation is correct.

However in Q4 of Appollo (Risk Management) , three annual VaR are computed :

Var1 = 1414

Var2=1500

Var3=1581

They conclude that Var1 is lower

#2

When they say higher or bigger, they mean the absolute value, even though you calculate it with a negative.

#3

VaR talks about losses, so a lower VaR is a lower loss: a higher number arithmetically (i.e., to the right on the number line).

#4

Ok,

but then would you agree that “A change to a 99% confidence level would provide a lower VaR estimate” (compare to 95%)?

The answer says the statement is correct

#5

No, it is incorrect.

Well, according to the CFAI at least.