Distance and Midpoint Formulas

Question

Calculate the distance between the points (-8, 3) and (-10, 10). Round your answer to the hundredths place.

Answer 1

Use the Pythagorean Theorem or its corollary the distance formula

d = sqr(x^2 +y^2) where x and y are the differences in the x and y values of the two points

d = sqr(49+4) = sqr53

= about 7.28

Answer 2

You will need to use the distance formula

 

d = sqrt [ (y₂ - y₁)² + (x₂ - x₁)² ] 

  = sqrt [ (10-3)² + (-10-(-8))² ]

  = sqrt [ 7² +(- 2)² ]

  = sqrt [ 49 + 4]

  = sqrt [ 53 ] 

= 7.28