Question

Two friends are playing with water balloons. They each start at the bucket of balloons and walk in opposite directions before tossing their balloons at each other. Joy walked 15 steps forward, and Shaunte walked 6 steps backwards. Which expression correctly represents the distance between the friends?

Answer choices

|−15| + 6 = 21 steps
|−15| + |−6| = 21 steps
15 + 6 = 21 steps
15 + |−6| = 21 steps

Answer 1

Answer: 15 + |−6| = 21 steps

Its stated that Joy walked 15 steps forward, meaning it would be a positive value. Shaunte walking backwards would give a negative value.