Question

a library and a music store are located on the same straight road. their locations are shown on a number line. each unit on the number line is one kilometer. which statement best describes the distance between the library and the music store?
the distance is -5 kilometers because 2 - (-3)=5 and the absolute value of 5 is -5.
the distance is 5 kilometers because -3 - 2=-5 and the absolute value of -5 is 5.
the distance is -5 kilometers because 2 - (-3)=5 and the opposite of 5 is -5.
the distance is -5 kilometers because -3 - 2=-5.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify locations on number line

Library is at $-3$, Music Store at $2$.

Step2: Calculate distance via subtraction

Distance = $|2 - (-3)|$ or $|-3 - 2|$

Step3: Compute and apply absolute value

$2 - (-3) = 5$, $|-3 - 2| = |-5| = 5$. Distance is positive.

Answer:

B. The distance is 5 kilometers because -3-2=-5 and the absolute value of -5 is 5.