Question

The distance between -18 and 15 is equal to _____. 18 - 15 15 - 18 -18 - 15 15 - (-18)

Answer 1

Answer: Choice D.  15 - (-18)

This results in 15 - (-18) = 15 + 18 = 33.

So from -18 to 15 on a number line is 33 spaces.

We can also say

|-18 - 15| = |-33| = 33

The use of absolute value is to ensure the distance is never negative.