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Find distance from zero

Distance from zero is the number of units between an integer and 0 on a number line, so it is always nonnegative; this distance is the integer’s absolute value. Opposite integers, such as −5 and 5, have the same distance from zero, while 0 has distance zero; this understanding supports interpreting coordinates and comparing locations on the coordinate plane.

Detailed Explanation: Find distance from zero

The distance from zero tells how many units an integer is away from 00 on a number line. Distance is always nonnegative, so it is found using the integer’s absolute value.

Example: Find the distance from zero of −5-5.

  1. Locate −5-5 on a number line.
  2. Count the spaces from −5-5 to 00:
    −5→−4→−3→−2→−1→0-5 \to -4 \to -3 \to -2 \to -1 \to 0
  3. There are 55 spaces, so the distance is 55.

We write this as:

∣−5∣=5 \vert -5 \vert =5

Therefore, the distance from zero of −5-5 is 55 units. Notice that 55 would also have a distance of 55 from zero because 55 and −5-5 are opposites. The distance from zero of 00 is 00.

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