Find the shortest distance from the point (-2,-1) and 2x + y + 3= 0

Question

Point (-2, -1) 

and 2x +y + 3=0

Answer 1

The shortest distance is along the perpendicular to 2x + y + 3 = 0 and through (-21, -1).

1) determine the slope of the perpendicular to 2x + y + 3 = 0

2) determine the equation of the line passing through (-2, -1) having the slope from 2

3) determine the intersection of the two lines

4) use the distance formula using the point of intersection and (-2, -1)