Two students are using the distance formula to determine the distance between (9.4) and (-3, 8) on a coordinate grid. Their
work is shown below.
Karlin's Work
Abby's Work
da (9-(-3))2+(4-3)
de (12)2+(-4)
d= 144.16
de 160
de /-3-9)2+(8-4)2
do V-12)* + (4)
de 144+ 16
d= V160
Which best explains why the order in which the subtraction occurred did not cause a difference in the answers determined
by the two girls?
W
The differences are each squared
The differences are added together.
The square root of the differences is taken: