Discussion
In the figure, the equation of line AB is y = x + 2. The difference of the x- and y-coordinates of any point on the line is equal to:
*This question is included in Nova Math - Problem Set J: Geometry, question #69
| (A) | –4 |
| (B) | ... |
| (C) | ... |
| (D) | ... |
| (E) | ... |
| (F) | ... |
The solution is
Posted: 09/15/2013 03:43
Does "the difference of A and B" always mean A minus B? I thought of this in terms of distance, or magnitude; therefore in absolute (positive) terms.
What about "the difference between A and B"? Would that also be A minus B, or would it be treated as an absolute number?
What about "the difference between A and B"? Would that also be A minus B, or would it be treated as an absolute number?
Posted: 09/19/2013 15:44
Patrick, I would say so regarding the first statement "the difference of A and B" = a - b.
I would interpret "the difference between A and B" in mathematical terms would be an absolute value. Google it and you find a similar discussion: http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/69177.html
Usually it's used as a figure of speech, e.g., in jokes: "What's the difference between a blonde and a brunette?" [insert your own punch line :) ]
I would interpret "the difference between A and B" in mathematical terms would be an absolute value. Google it and you find a similar discussion: http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/69177.html
Usually it's used as a figure of speech, e.g., in jokes: "What's the difference between a blonde and a brunette?" [insert your own punch line :) ]