Question

Find the length of segment BD. B=-5 D=3

Answer 1

Is there a diagram?

Answer 2

Are B and D points on a number line?

Answer 3

yes

Answer 4

ok

Answer 5

Looking at the uploaded file below, how far is it from -5 to zero?

Answer 6

You count the units. We're taking turns solving the problem. And, it is your turn.

Answer 7

5

Answer 8

The rules of this site do not allow me to work the problem for you. I'm supposed to work the problem with you. So, please help with that. It's okay if you post a wrong answer. It's okay if you post a correct answer.

Answer 9

Good. My turn.
How far is it from zero to 3.
Answer: 3 units.

BD = 5 + 3 = 8 units.

Now, take a look at the Ruler Postulate.

Answer 10

substitue it in

Answer 11

The distance between two points on a number line can be found by taking the absolute value of the difference of their coordinates.

We could have done this problem by using this portion of the Ruler Postulate.

abs [ (-5) - (3) ] = ? Your Turn.

Answer 12

You could calculate this first and then take the absolute value:

[ (-5) - (3) ] = ? Your Turn

Answer 13

8

Answer 14

(-5) - (3) = -5 - 3 = -8.

So, the absolute value of (-8) is +8 or 8 which is the distance from B to D. BD = 8 as we counted.

Hey, a lot of people do -5 + 3 = -2 and then call 2 the length of BD. Common error.

Answer 15

so is it 8

Answer 16

Yes.