Find a value for t such that the points (0,2) and (12,t) are 13 units apart

Question

I am having trouble figuring out if I need to use an equation or how to solve it

Answer 1

Use the distance formula.  The distance between the two points (0, 2) and (12, t) is 13.

 

d = √[(x₁  - x₂)² + (y₁ - y₂)²]

 

 

Plugging in values,

 

13 = √[(0 - 12)² + (2 - t)²]

 

 

Square both sides of the equation to get rid of the square-root symbol.

 

169 = (0 - 12)² + (2 - t)²

 

 

Now you can solve for t from this equation.  I leave this part to you.