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Find horizontal distance between points

Horizontal distance between two points with the same yy-coordinate is the number of units separating their xx-coordinates, found by taking the absolute value of their difference, ∣x2−x1∣\lvert x_2-x_1\rvert. This interpretation applies when coordinates may be positive, negative, or zero and prevents confusion about direction; diagonal distance and the distance formula are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Find horizontal distance between points

To find the horizontal distance between two points, make sure they have the same yy-coordinate. Then subtract their xx-coordinates and take the absolute value:

horizontal distance=∣x2−x1∣\text{horizontal distance}=\lvert x_2-x_1\rvert

The absolute value makes the distance positive, no matter which point comes first.

Example: Find the horizontal distance between A(−4,3)A(-4, 3) and B(5,3)B(5, 3).

  1. Check the yy-coordinates: both are 33, so the points are on the same horizontal line.
  2. Identify the xx-coordinates: x1=−4x_1=-4 and x2=5x_2=5.
  3. Subtract and use absolute value:
∣x2−x1∣=∣5−(−4)∣\lvert x_2-x_1\rvert=\lvert 5-(-4)\rvert
  1. Simplify:
∣5+4∣=∣9∣=9\lvert 5+4\rvert=\lvert 9\rvert=9

The horizontal distance between the points is 99 units.

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    Cartesian Grid - Distance Between Coordinates (Straight)

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