Why do we use change of distance instead of just distance when calculating for speed and velocity?

An engine undergoes a cycle as shown in the diagram. during a complete cycle the work done by the gas is 28.5×103 j and the energy transferred thermally out is 99.4×103 j. there are 1.5×1024 gas molecules and they have three active degrees of freedom. 6. (6 pts) during which process(es) is energy transferred thermally into the gas? a. 1→2 b. 2→3 c. 4→1 d. 1→2 and 4→1 e. none of the above