Question

what is the distance from the given point to the vertical axis? (-2, 7) -2 unit(s)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the concept of distance to vertical axis

The distance of a point \((x,y)\) to the vertical axis (y - axis) is given by the absolute value of the x - coordinate.
For the point \((-2,7)\), the x - coordinate is \(x=-2\).

Step2: Calculate the absolute value

We use the formula \(d = |x|\). Substituting \(x=-2\) into the formula, we get \(d=|-2|\).
Since \(|-2| = 2\) (by the definition of absolute value: \(|a|=

$$\begin{cases}a, & a\geq0\\-a, & a < 0\end{cases}$$

\), and when \(a=-2\), \(|a|=-(-2) = 2\)).

Answer:

\(2\)