How it works
Same side of zero, subtract. Opposite sides, add.
Two points on the same horizontal or vertical line: look at the numbers that change.
Distance is never negative.
Worked examples
Same side
- P is at −4 and Q is at −1 along a line.
- Both are negative, so subtract the sizes: 4 − 1 = 3.
- They are 3 apart.
Opposite sides
- P is at −8 and Q is at 4.
- They are on opposite sides of zero, so add the sizes: 8 + 4 = 12.
- They are 12 apart.
Another
- P is at −5 and Q is at −8.
- Same side: 8 − 5 = 3.
- They are 3 apart.
A taste of the worksheet
These are the first problems of set A. The printable sheet has many more, with an answer key.
- P and Q have the same second number. How far apart are P and Q? Count the steps from P to Q. Answer: ___
- P and Q have the same first number. How far apart are they? Answer: ___
- P is at (−2, 3) and Q is at (−6, 3). How far apart are they?
- P and Q are on opposite sides of the y-axis. How far apart are they? Answer: ___
- A is at (−4, 3) and B is at (−4, −2). A and B are 3 units apart.