Question

what is one way to find the distance? find $-15 - 7$. then take the absolute value. subtract. $-15 - 7 = \square$ (with a number line image showing -15, 0, 7)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall subtraction of integers

To subtract \(7\) from \(-15\), we use the rule \(a - b=a+(-b)\). So, \(-15 - 7=-15+(-7)\).

Step2: Add the negative integers

When adding two negative integers, we add their absolute values and keep the negative sign. The absolute value of \(-15\) is \(15\) and the absolute value of \(-7\) is \(7\). So, \(15 + 7 = 22\), and since both are negative, \(-15+(-7)=-22\).

Answer:

\(-22\)