The distance formula is:  d  =  sqrt( (x2 - x1)2 + (y2 - y1)2 )
 
For this problem, let (-5, -4) be the "first" point, so  x1 = -5  and  y2 = -4
                      and let (-6, 4) be the "second" point, so  x2 = -6  and  y2 = 4.
 
Then:  d  =  sqrt( (-6 - -5)2 + (4 - -4)2 )  =  sqrt( (-1)2 + (8)2 )  =  sqrt( 1 + 64 )  =  sqrt( 65)
 
The distance formula is just the Pythagorean Theorem applied to an x-y graph.
 
You would get the same final answer if you let (-5, -4) be the second point and (-6, 4) be the first point.
 
        
             
        
        
        
Answer:
Positive.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you see two negative signs directly next to each other (as shown in the given expression), it will become a positive sign: 
7 - (-4) = 7 + 4 = 11
Positive is your answer.
* To be fair, even if there is only one negative sign, the answer will still be positive, however, I am assuming you are suggesting only the sign, and not the answer. 
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About a 37% change
74 - 54 = 20
20/54 = <span>0.37037037037</span>