The Distance

Formula
Understand horizontal/vertical distance in a coordinate
system as absolute value of the difference between
coordinates; develop the distance formula for a coordinate
plane using the Pythagorean Theorem.
The Distance Formula
The distance d between any two
points with the coordinates
(x1,y1) and (x2,y2) is given by

d  ( x2  x1 )  ( y2  y1 )
2 2

A (x1,y1)

B (x2,y2)
 The Distance Formula
• Find the distance
between A(4,8)
and B(1,12)
A (4, 8) B (1, 12)

distance  ( x2  x1 )  ( y2  y1 )
2 2

distance  (1  4)  (12  8)
2 2

distance  (3)  (4) 2 2

distance  9  16  25  5
Distance Between Two Points

Find the distance between the points at

(2,3) and (-4,6)

d  ( x2  x1 )  ( y2  y1 )
2 2

 (4  2)  (6  3) 2 2

Now just type this into your calculator!

Round your
answer
6.71
Try this one!
Find the distance between (1,2) and (-3,0)

Answer is 4.47
Find the distance using the
Pythagorean Theorem!

a2+b2=c2
(5)2+(7)2=c2
25 + 49 =c2
74 =c2

7
Now try these
(12,3) and (-8,3)

(6,8) and (3,4)

(0,0) and (5,12)

(-4,2) and (4,17)

Try this one using the
Pythagorean Theorem!