Which of the following can be used to determine the distance between a point and a line?
1) parallel postulate
2) none of the above
3) a perpendicular construction
4) midpoint formula
I guessed it would be the distance formula so I was thinking of putting B. But I was looking for clarification.

Question

Which of the following can be used to determine the distance between a point and a line?
	1)	parallel postulate
	2)	none of the above
	3)	a perpendicular construction
	4)	midpoint formula
I guessed it would be the distance formula so I was thinking of putting B. But I was looking for clarification.

anonymous · Answer

The distance between a point and a line is measured along the line through the point *perpendicular* to the line.  So you must construct algebraically, the perpendicular.

Make sense?

anonymous · Answer

You'd then find the intersection of this perpendicular line to the original line and use that point (with the origianl point) in the distance formula...so you're correct, but there's the first step necessary.

anonymous · Answer

oh ok, i knew that there was multiple steps, but I didnt know if they just wanted one individually or if they wanted just a general method.

anonymous · Answer

It's kind of a weird question...I don't really like it since leaving the option of "none of the above" allows there to be more than one good answer.  Personally, if I had this on a test/quiz, I'd answer 3)

anonymous · Answer

ok, I'll take your word for it. thanks

anonymous · Answer

np