Find the distance between points on the coordinate line A (-3) and B (2) C (-7.5) and D (-1.5).

In order to find the distance between points on the coordinate line, it is necessary to find the modulus of the difference between their coordinates (and it does not matter which coordinate to subtract which one).

1) A (- 3) and B (2):

S = | – 3 – 2 | = | – 5 | = 5.

Pay attention to the property noted earlier (we change the coordinates in places):

S = | 2 – (- 3) | = | 2 + 3 | = | 5 | = 5.

2) C (- 7.5) and D (- 1.5):

S = | – 7.5 – (- 1.5) | = | – 7.5 + 1.5 | = | -6 | = 6.

Answer: i.e., the distance between points A and B is 5, and between points C and D 6.