Answer:
ST = 12 units
Explanation:
S is positioned at - 5 on the number line
T is positioned at 7 on the number line
using the absolute value function to find the difference between S and T
the absolute value function always gives a positive value, that is
| - a | = | a | = a
ST = | 7 - (- 5) | = | 7 + 5 | = | 12 | = 12 units
or
ST = | - 5 - 7 | = | - 12 | = 12 units