An integer is any positive whole number, negative whole number, and zero. It cannot be a fraction or a decimal.
Sometimes you can use key words or phrases to represent positive or negative integers.
Absolute value is the distance from zero on a number line. It is always a positive value.
Absolute value can be represented like this: |-5|
-5 is 5 units away from zero, so the absolute value = 5 units.
Steps:
What value is different? The x-coordinate or the y-coordinate?
If the values are in the same quadrant (both + or both -), SUBTRACT the absolute values
If the values are in different quadrants (+/-), ADD the absolute values
EXAMPLE:
Find the distance between (5, -7) and (5, 3).
-7 and 3 are opposite signs (one is positive and one is negative), so you would ADD the absolute values. 7 + 3= 10 units.
Extra Practice