How to calculate difference between two points in some values?

Question

I have 5 values which are -2, -1, 0, 1, 2. I want to calculate difference between two variables which contains the values from these given values.

Suppose I have two variables x and y. Suppose following cases :

x = 0, y = 0 i.e. (x == y) then return value should be 2.

x = 1, y = -1 or vice versa then the return value should be 0.

x = -2, y = 2 or vice versa then the return value should be -2.

I have to use this formula in a program.

yes, return value should be 1 in that case too. Because distance between points is 1. — Sumit Madan, May 06 '15 at 14:06
What is the reasoning of the results ? Why is x = -2, y = 2 or vice versa then the return value should be -2 ? — callculus42, May 06 '15 at 14:15
Because of the distance between points. Actually I solved this and posting as answer. — Sumit Madan, May 06 '15 at 14:16
Please check my answer then you will get to know. I need this in my coding. I am a web developer actually not a mathematician. :) — Sumit Madan, May 06 '15 at 14:17

score 2 · Accepted Answer · edited May 06 '15 at 15:21

2

I have solved this by using following formula :

$$ d(x,y) = 2 - |x - y| $$

edited May 06 '15 at 15:21

hardmath

answered May 06 '15 at 14:16

Sumit Madan

1

Please use the edit link on your question to add additional information. The Post Answer button should be used only for complete answers to the question. – quid May 06 '15 at 14:56
@quid The description is in question itself. Please let me know if there is anything that is not understandable. – Sumit Madan May 06 '15 at 15:32
Sorry. This was an autogenerated comment. I did not get you meant this as a self-answer. Sorry, again. – quid May 06 '15 at 15:38

1 Answers1