College

What is the distance between -172 and -69 on a number line?

A. [tex]$-241$[/tex]
B. [tex]$-103$[/tex]
C. 103
D. 241

Answer :

Certainly! Let's find the distance between the numbers -172 and -69 on a number line using simple calculations.

1. Identify the Two Points:
The two points we are considering are -172 and -69.

2. Understand the Concept of Distance on a Number Line:
The distance between two points on a number line is always a positive number. It is found by calculating the absolute difference between the two points.

3. Calculate the Difference:
To find the absolute difference, subtract the smaller number from the larger number, and then take the absolute value of the result.

[tex]\[
\text{Difference} = -69 - (-172)
\][/tex]

4. Simplify the Subtraction:
When you subtract a negative number, it's the same as adding that number.

[tex]\[
\text{Difference} = -69 + 172
\][/tex]

5. Perform the Addition:
Now, add the two numbers:

[tex]\[
-69 + 172 = 103
\][/tex]

6. Absolute Value:
Since the result of our addition is already positive, the absolute value of 103 is simply 103.

Therefore, the distance between -172 and -69 on a number line is [tex]\( \mathbf{103} \)[/tex].