🔑 The Key Formula
Distance = |a − b|
Subtract the two numbers and take the absolute value. Distance is never negative!
Example: Distance between 16 and −25 → |16 − (−25)| = |16 + 25| = 41 units
Distance = |a − b|
Subtract the two numbers and take the absolute value (always positive). Distance can never be negative!
For points 16 and −25: Distance = |16 − (−25)|
16 − (−25) = 16 + 25 = 41
|41| = 41 — distance is always positive.
💡 Quick Trick
If the two numbers have opposite signs (one positive, one negative), just add them (ignore the signs)! That always gives the correct distance.
Example: distance between −25 and 16 → 25 + 16 = 41
What is the distance between −8 and +12? (Use |12 − (−8)| = ?)
Drag the blue point (A) and the orange point (B) along the number line. The distance and counting steps update automatically.
🧪 Try These Values
Drag the points to represent these problems:
• A = −8, B = 12 → distance = ?
• A = −15, B = 8 → distance = ?
• A = 0, B = −20 → distance = ?
Write your answer in the box. You may use numbers and/or the negative sign (−). Distance is always a positive number.