Worked Example 1
Opposite Sides of the Axis
Find the distance between (2, 5) and (2, −3).
- 1The x-coordinates match, so the points are on a vertical line.
- 25 is above the x-axis and −3 is below it.
- 3|5| + |−3| = 8
Answer: 8 units
Florida Grade 6 Math · Geometric Reasoning
MA.6.GR.1.2: Distance on the Coordinate Plane
What this Grade 6 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.
Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC
What Is Benchmark MA.6.GR.1.2?
Students find the distance between two points that have the same x-coordinate or the same y-coordinate (points on a vertical or horizontal line).
If the points are on the same side of an axis, subtract the absolute values. If they are on opposite sides, add the absolute values.
Official benchmarkFind distances between ordered pairs, limited to the same x-coordinate or the same y-coordinate, represented on the coordinate plane.
On the FAST test: part of the Grade 6 reporting category Geometric Reasoning, Data Analysis, and Probability, which is about 25–36% of the test.
Worked Examples
Worked Example 2
Same Side of the Axis
Find the distance between (−6, 1) and (−1, 1).
- 1The y-coordinates match, so the points are on a horizontal line.
- 2Both x-coordinates are negative.
- 3|−6| − |−1| = 5
Answer: 5 units
Common Mistakes to Watch For
Subtracting when the points are on opposite sides
Wrong:The distance from (2, 5) to (2, −3) is 5 − 3 = 2.
The points are on opposite sides of the x-axis, so add: 5 + 3 = 8 units.
Using the coordinates that match
Wrong:For (−6, 1) and (−1, 1), the distance is 1 − 1 = 0.
Use the coordinates that are different: the x-coordinates −6 and −1 are 5 units apart.
Helpful Math Tip
Count the grid units on graph paper to check: the count should match the calculated distance.
Related Grade 6 Skills
Make Florida Math Practice More Fun
Help your child build math confidence with original interactive questions aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. Mathematics Standards.
Start Practicing FreeIndependent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.