We use absolute value to find distances in the real world. Suppose you travel 10 miles north to the grocery store, then 6 miles south to the post office. From there, you travel 8 miles north to the nearest bank. What is the total distance you have traveled?

Question

mathmale · Answer

I'll paraphrase the question:
First, we travel from the origin 10 miles north.  How far was that?
Next, we travel from (0,10) (10 miles north of the origin) 6 miles south to (0,4).  How far was that?  (Trick question.)
Last, we travel 8 more miles.
Add these three distances together, and you're done.

Actually, all this language is really not necessary.  The answer stems from 10+6+8.  This has to do with the amount of gas you'd have to pay for!!   

However, if you want the NET DISTANCE from your final location back to the origin, that's a different ball game.  Try drawing your itinerary using arrows.

The net distance from the origin at which you eventually end up would be the absolute value of +10-6+8 miles.

anonymous · Answer

thank you! i was in a rush and really didn't look at it but when I did I realized that it was a super easy one :) blonde moment! thank you though!

mathmale · Answer

:)