Question

which 2 of the following expressions represent the distance between - 2 and 1? choose 2 answers: a |1 + 2| b |-2 - 1| c |1 + (-2)|

Explanation:

Step1: Recall distance formula

The distance $d$ between two real - numbers $a$ and $b$ on the number line is given by $d = |a - b|$ or $d=|b - a|$. Here $a=-2$ and $b = 1$. Then $|a - b|=|-2 - 1|$ and $|b - a|=|1-(-2)|=|1 + 2|$.

Step2: Evaluate each option

• Option A: $|1 + 2|=|3| = 3$.
• Option B: $|-2 - 1|=|-3| = 3$.
• Option C: $|1+(-2)|=|1 - 2|=|-1| = 1$.

Answer:

A. $|1 + 2|$, B. $|-2 - 1|$