How it works
Distance from zero is how far, with no sign.
The distance of −7 and of 7 from zero is 7.
Less than is a place on the line: a number further left is less.
Worked examples
Distance of a positive number
- The distance from zero of 2 is ?
- The number is 2.
- It is 2 steps from zero.
- So the answer is 2.
Distance of a temperature
- The thermometer says 7 degrees. How far from zero is that? Say it, or write it!
- 7 degrees is 7 steps from zero.
- Distance has no sign.
- So the answer is 7.
Closer to zero
- Is −10 closer to zero than 30?
- Compare −10 and 30 by their distance from zero.
- 10 is less than 30, so −10 is closer.
- So the answer is Yes.
A taste of the worksheet
These are the first problems of set A. The printable sheet has many more, with an answer key.
- The distance from zero of −8 is __
- The distance from zero of 10 is __
- The distance from zero of 8 is __
- The distance from zero of 3 is __
- The distance from zero of −4 is __