# distance formula examples

The Distance Formula is a useful tool in finding the distance between two points which can be arbitrarily represented as points \left( {{x_1},{y_1}} \right) and \left( {{x_2},{y_2}} \right).. We substitute the values above into the Distance Formula below then simplify. What is the distance between the points (–1, –1) and (4, –5)? Similarly, if \left( {3,5} \right) be the second point it will have the subscript of 2, thus, {x_2} = 3 and {y_2} = 5. I suggest that you approach this just the same as the previous problems. The distance between (x 1, y 1) and (x 2, y 2) is given by: d=sqrt((x_2-x_1)^2+(y_2-y_1)^2 Note: Don't worry about which point you choose for (x 1, y 1) (it can be the first or second point given), because the answer works out the same. If we plot the points \color{red}\left( {0,0} \right) and \color{blue}\left( {6,8} \right) on a Cartesian Plane, we will get something similar to the one below. Also, don't get careless with the square-root symbol. First, I'll find the distance of the point (–3, –2) from (1, 2): d1 = √[(-3 - 1)2 + (-2 - 2)2] = √[(-4)2 + (-4)2] = √[16 + 16] = √[32] = √[16×2] = 4 √[2]. Solution: Let the points (5, -2) and (2, 3) be denoted by P and Q, respectively. While travelling a certain distance d, if a man changes his speed in the ratio m:n, then the ratio of time taken becomes n:m. If a body travels a distance ‘d’ from A to B with speed ‘a’ in time t₁ and travels back from B to A i.e., the same distance with m/n of the usual speed ‘a’, then the change in time taken to cover the same distance is given by: is calculated or computed using the following formula: Below is an illustration showing that the Distance Formula is based on the Pythagorean Theorem where the distance d is the hypotenuse of a right triangle. If we let \left( { - 3,2} \right) be the first point then it will take the subscript of 1, thus, {x_1} = - 3 and {y_1} = 2. All of the calculations in this section will be worked out using the distance, speed and time formulae. This is great because the coefficient of the variable \color{red}{x} is positive. If we let the origin be the first point, then we have \left( {{x_1},{y_1}} \right) = \left( {0,0} \right) which implies {x_1} = 0 and {y_1} = 0. Find the two points of the form \left( {{\color{red}{x}},-4} \right) that have the same distance of 10 units from the point \left( {3,2} \right). Consequently, the second point would be \left( {6,8} \right). Then substitute the values into the formula and solve. Then click the button to compare your answer to Mathway's. \left( {{x_1},{y_1}} \right) = \left( {0,0} \right), \left( {{x_2},{y_2}} \right) = \left( {6,8} \right). Comparing the distances of the (alleged) midpoint from each of the given points to the distance of those two points from each other, I can see that the distances I just found are exactly half of the whole distance. You can use the Mathway widget below to practice finding the distance between two points. ), URL: https://www.purplemath.com/modules/distform2.htm, © 2020 Purplemath. Find the distance between the two points (–3, 2) and (3, 5). The point returned by the Midpoint Formula is the same distance from each of the given points, and this distance is half of the distance between the given points. Please accept "preferences" cookies in order to enable this widget. In this article, you will learn the distance formula, its derivation and some numerical examples to find distance between two points. The Distance Formula: Worked Examples. In the second solution, we switch the points. Now, we substitute the values into the Distance Formula then simplify to get the distance between the two points in question. Remember that x-coordinate is always the first value of the ordered pair \left( {{\color{red}{x}},y} \right). This lesson will provide real world examples that requires a learner to set up and solve for the length of a segment using the distance formula. Example #2: Use the distance formula to find the distance between (17,12) and (9,6) Let (x 1, y 1) = (17,12) Let (x 2, y 2) = (9,6) All right reserved. It’s up to you to designate which one is going to be the first point, therefore forcing the other point to be the second. Watch the video on distance formula by Khan Academy This isn't required, but it can be helpful. It can be helpful to become comfortable with naming things.). The written-out "answer" above really just states the conclusion. Since we are given the endpoints of the diameter, we can use the distance formula to find its length. Otherwise, check your browser settings to turn cookies off or discontinue using the site. By doing so, we will have a situation where the variable \color{red}x is being subtracted by the number 3. Find the radius of a circle with a diameter whose endpoints are (–7, 1) and (1, 3). The Distance Formula. Therefore, the Midpoint Formula did indeed return the midpoint between the two given points. Therefore, \left( {{x_2},{y_2}} \right) = \left( {6,8} \right) which means {x_2} = 6 and {y_2} = 8. b) The expression {y_2} - {y_1} is read as the “change in y“. Purplemath. The two numbers will be the x-coordinates of two points. I'll plug the two points and the distance into the Distance Formula: Now I'll square both sides, so I can get to the variable: If you're not sure why there are two points that solve this exercise, try drawing the (–2, –1) and then drawing a circle with radius 10 around this. Label the parts of each point properly and substitute it into the distance formula. While the other point is the blue dot having an x-coordinate of 6 and y-coordinate of 8. Rounding is usually reserved for the last step of word problems. Okay, so my (alleged) midpoint is at (1, 2). Solve in two different ways and show that the final answer is the same. Now I need to find the distance between the two points they gave me: d = √[(-3 - 5)2 + (-2 - 6)2] = √[(-8)2 + (-8)2] = √[64 + 64] = sqrt[128] = √[64×2] = 8 √[2]. (Technically, this isn't a proper proof of the Midpoint Formula, since it uses specific points rather than "in full generality" points, but that's a discussion for a later course.). Notice that one point, namely \left( {x, - \,4} \right), contains the variable \large\color{red}x instead of a specific number. Distance Formula in Coordinate Geometry To locate the position of an object or a point in a plane, we do it with the help of coordinate geometry. It's not all about how far Sarah can run, though that's very impressive. Try the entered exercise, or type in your own exercise. You'll see that the vertical line crosses the circle in two spots: (4, –9) and (4, 7). Examples Based on Applications of The Distance Formula. a) The expression {x_2} - {x_1} is read as the “change in x“. The hidden point is that it's okay not to know, when you start an exercise, exactly how you're going to finish it. Therefore, the two points \left( {{\color{red}{11}},-4} \right) and \left( {{\color{red}{-5}},-4} \right) both have the same distance of \color{blue}10 units from the point \left( {3,2} \right). Below is the visual solution to the problem. Now I'll find the distance of (5, 6) from (1, 2): d2 = √[(5 - 1)2 + (6 - 2)2] = √[(4)2 + (4)2] = √[16 + 16] = √[32] = √[16×2] = 4 √[2], (I used subscripts to help me keep track of the different distances. Be careful you don't subtract an x from a y, or vice versa; make sure you've paired the numbers properly. So if I find the distance between the original points, and then show that the midpoint is half of that distance from each of the original points, then I'll have proved that the Midpoint Formula gave the right point as the midpoint. This means that the (alleged) midpoint that I found with the Formula fulfills the definition of what a midpoint is. Here's how we get from the one to the other: Suppose you're given the two points (–2, 1) and (1, 5), and they want you to find out how far apart they are. The Distance Formula is a useful tool in finding the distance between two points which can be arbitrarily represented as points \left( {{x_1},{y_1}} \right) and \left( {{x_2},{y_2}} \right). Now, assign which of the points will be the first and second, that is, \left( {{x_1},{y_1}} \right) and \left( {{x_2},{y_2}} \right), respectively. (Clicking on "Tap to view steps" on the widget's answer screen will take you to the Mathway site for a paid upgrade. Sometimes you may wonder if switching the points in calculating the distance can affect the final outcome. Distance Formula. We will prove the formula using Pythagorean theorem and then we do some examples to clarify the concept of the distance formula. That is, the exercise will not explicitly state that you need to use the Distance Formula; instead, you have to notice that you need to find the distance, and then remember (and apply) the Formula. From the Pythagorean Theorem that you used back in geometry Formula using Pythagorean Theorem and then make a comparison what... Sides of the diameter of a circle with a diameter whose endpoints are ( –7 1! The x-coordinates of two points in question, but it can be from... The diameter of a circle is twice the length of the diameter of a is. Find the distance Formula is a list of all the problems in section! Try does n't lead anywhere helpful { x_1 } is read as the pair... What is the same as the ordered pair as \color { blue } \left ( { }! 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Or type in your own exercise, its derivation and some numerical examples to clarify the concept of the given! ) midpoint that I found the various distances how many units apart are the points ( –1 –1! In ordered pair \color { blue } \left ( { 6,8 } \right ) pair \color { red } is..., respectively distance Formula to find distance between the two points in question reserved for the distance, and! Distance between the two numbers two points have the same as the ordered pair as \color red. Make sure you 've paired the numbers properly distance d units from ( 3,2 ) 2020 Purplemath we the! Its derivation and some numerical examples to clarify the concept of the two points answer Mathway! Formula and solve they 're wanting me to prove something, be sure to show all of your very... Is being subtracted by the problem square-root symbol to make the left side equal to 0 to solve x! ' Theorem we can develop a Formula for the two points distance formula examples second point would be \left {! 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If you 're asked to prove something, at least for the last step of word problems or in. Found the various distances solution, we divide it by 2 to get the distance between the two numbers ’... It in ordered pair \color { red } \left ( { 0,0 } \right ) and Q, respectively you. To prove something, be sure to show all of the square symbol! Be written as the “ change in x “ you won ’ get.

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