Three points M, N, and K are collinear a. It is known that MN = 5.4 cm NK = 8.3 cm. What can be the distance MK?

Method 1:
Let point N lie between points K and M, then the length of the segment MK is equal to the sum of the lengths of the segments MN and NK:
MK = MN + NK = 5.4 + 8.3 = 13.7 cm.
Answer: The length of the segment MK is 13.7 cm.

Method 2:
Let point M lie between points N and K, then the length of the segment MK is equal to the difference between the segments NK and MN:
MK = NK – MN = 8.3 – 5.4 = 2.9 cm.
Answer: The length of the segment MK is 2.9 cm.