Math Problem Statement

On a number line, the coordinates of X, Y, Z, and W are −7, −5, 4, and 8, respectively. Find the lengths of the two segments below. Then tell whether they are congruent. XY and ZW.

Solution

To solve this problem, let's find the lengths of the segments XY\overline{XY} and ZW\overline{ZW} using the given coordinates on the number line.

Coordinates:

  • X=7X = -7
  • Y=5Y = -5
  • Z=4Z = 4
  • W=8W = 8

Calculating the lengths:

  1. Length of XY\overline{XY}: Length of XY=YX=5(7)=5+7=2=2\text{Length of } \overline{XY} = |Y - X| = |-5 - (-7)| = |-5 + 7| = |2| = 2

  2. Length of ZW\overline{ZW}: Length of ZW=WZ=84=4=4\text{Length of } \overline{ZW} = |W - Z| = |8 - 4| = |4| = 4

Conclusion:

  • The length of XY\overline{XY} is 2.
  • The length of ZW\overline{ZW} is 4.

Since the lengths are different, the segments XY\overline{XY} and ZW\overline{ZW} are not congruent.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you find the length of a segment between two points on a coordinate plane?
  2. What does it mean for two segments to be congruent?
  3. How can you determine the midpoint of a segment on a number line?
  4. How do absolute values affect calculations involving distance?
  5. Can two segments be congruent if their lengths are decimals or fractions?

Tip:

When finding the length of a segment on a number line, always use the absolute value of the difference between the two coordinates to ensure the result is positive.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Coordinate Geometry
Congruence

Formulas

Length of a segment on a number line: |coordinate2 - coordinate1|

Theorems

Congruent segments theorem: Segments are congruent if and only if they have the same length.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8