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(01.02 MC)Which of the following correctly uses absolute value to show the distance between -50 and 12?

OT-50 - 12| = |-62] = -62 units
OT-50 + 12 = 1-38= 38 units
OT-50 + 12 = 1-38] = -38 units
OT-50 - 12| = |-62] = 62 units

Plz help

User Moulay
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Answer: Choice D

|-50-12| = |-62| = 62 units

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Step-by-step explanation:

Draw out a number line. Mark two points on it at A = -50 and B = 12

The expression |A-B| represents the distance between the two points. So that would be....

|A-B| = |-50-12| = |-62| = 62

Note that negative distance does not make sense. The smallest distance can get is 0. So the result of an absolute value problem is never negative.

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Slightly alternative method:

If you wanted, you could plot point C on the number like such that C is at 0.

The distance from A = -50 to C = 0 is exactly 50 units

From C = 0 to B = 12 is an additional 12 units

Therefore, the total distance is AC+CB = 50+12 = 62 units

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Side note: |A-B| is the same as |B-A|. The order of subtraction doesn't matter as long as you use absolute value. If absolute value wasn't there, then A-B is different from B-A.

User Robinson
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