The distance between rational numbers

Front

What is the formula to calculate the distance between two rational numbers?

Back

The distance between two rational numbers a and b is calculated using the formula |a - b|.

Front

How do you determine the distance between two negative rational numbers?

Back

To determine the distance between two negative rational numbers, subtract the smaller number from the larger number and take the absolute value.

Front

What is the vertical distance in a hiking scenario?

Back

The vertical distance is the absolute difference in elevation between two points, regardless of whether they are above or below sea level.

Front

If a hiker is at -200 feet and hikes to 580 feet, how do you calculate the total vertical distance?

Back

Add the absolute values of both elevations: |-200| + |580| = 200 + 580 = 780 feet.

Front

What is the significance of absolute value in calculating distance?

Back

Absolute value is used to ensure that distance is always a non-negative quantity, regardless of the direction.

Front

How do you find the change in temperature when given two temperatures?

Back

The change in temperature is found by taking the absolute difference between the two temperatures: |T2 - T1|.

Front

What is the distance between -5 and -3?

Back

The distance between -5 and -3 is |-5 - (-3)| = |-5 + 3| = |-2| = 2.

Front

What is the distance between 15°F and -18°F?

Back

The distance is |15 - (-18)| = |15 + 18| = |33| = 33°F.

Front

How do you interpret a negative distance in a real-world context?

Back

Negative distances indicate direction but are not physically meaningful; distance is always expressed as a positive value.

Front

What is the relationship between distance and rational numbers?

Back

Distance can be calculated between any two rational numbers using their numerical values, regardless of their sign.