Finding Distance on the Coordinate Plane
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can calculate the distance between two points on a coordinate plane using absolute value
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
JoAnn's School · 6:30
We don't generate video — this one is by JoAnn's School on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
The absolute value of a number is that number's distance from zero on a number line, and distances are always positive numbers.
- 2
When finding the distance between two points on opposite sides of the x-axis or y-axis, we add their absolute values, but if they are in the same quadrant, we subtract.
- 3
If two points have the same x-coordinates, we use the y-coordinates to find the distance, and if they have the same y-coordinates, we use the x-coordinates to find the distance.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
9 questions
What does the absolute value of a number represent on a number line?
Points A and B have the same x-coordinate. Point A is at y = 3 and Point B is at y = -2. What is the distance between points A and B?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“What is the distance between the points (-2, 5) and (6, 5)? Show your work using absolute value.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson
