To solve the problem, we are given the coordinates of points X, Y, Z, and W on a number line:

• $X = -8$
• $Y = -6$
• $Z = 3$
• $W = 5$

We are tasked with finding the length of the segment $XZ$.

The length of a segment on a number line is the absolute difference between the coordinates of the two points. In this case, we need to find the distance between $X = -8$ and $Z = 3$.

The formula for the distance between two points on a number line is:

$\text{Distance} = |Z - X|$

Substituting the values:

$\text{Distance} = |3 - (-8)| = |3 + 8| = |11| = 11$

Thus, the length of segment $XZ$ is 11 units.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

1. How do you find the distance between two points in a coordinate plane (not just on a number line)?
2. What is the length of segment $YW$ given the same coordinates?
3. Can the distance between two points ever be negative? Why or why not?
4. How would you calculate the midpoint of segment $XZ$?
5. How does the distance formula change when dealing with three-dimensional coordinates?

Tip: When working with number lines or coordinate geometry, always take the absolute value to ensure distances remain non-negative.