Question

Use absolute value to determine the distance between the two numbers.

-3.5 and 4 1/4

|-3.5- 1 1/4|

|-3.5- 9/4|

|-3.5/1 - 9/4|

|-14/4 - 9/4|

|-23/4|

23/4

5.75

I got 5.75 as my answer. But why does my answer key show 7.75 units?

I'm not sure what I did wrong. I've double checked it multiple times and I keep getting the same answer.

Answer 1

try adding the absolute values of the two numbers

they are on opposite sides of zero

Answer 2

I've tried that. And I either get |-5.75| or I get 5.75 which are the same thing

Answer 3

Oh never mind. I realized my mistake. It was 4 1/4 in the question but I accidentally changed it to 1 1/4. Thank you so much for the help though