High School Math : How to find the length of a line with distance formula

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : How To Find The Length Of A Line With Distance Formula

What is the distance between points \(\displaystyle (-2,4)\) and \(\displaystyle (12,3)\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 72\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{197}\)

\(\displaystyle 144\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{196}\)

\(\displaystyle 197\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{197}\)

Explanation:

Use the distance formula:

\(\displaystyle d=\sqrt{(x_2-x_1)^2+(y_2-y_1)^2}\)

Plug in the given points:

\(\displaystyle d=\sqrt{(12-(-2)))^2+(3-4)^2}\)

\(\displaystyle d=\sqrt{197}\)

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