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The library is at (−4, 3). The school is at (5, 3). How many blocks apart are they?
In this video
- (−4, 3) to (5, 3): the points are on opposite sides of 0, so add 4 + 5 = 9.
- (4, −1) to (4, −6): same side of 0, so subtract 6 − 1 = 5.
- A simple rule: same sign, subtract; different signs, add.
Try it together
Distance from (−6, 1) to (2, 1)
Show the answer
8 units
The y-coordinates match. −6 and 2 have different signs, so add: 6 + 2 = 8.
Ask, don't tell
“Which coordinate is the same for both points?”
“Can you count the squares to check?”
The workbook these videos go with
Math for Parents – 6th Grade: Numbers & Operations. Picture-first lessons, “Ask, don't tell” prompts on every page, worked examples, real-world missions, and answer keys with coaching notes, so you can help even if it's been years since you learned it.