Question

when using distance formula to find the distance between two points, how would you write the answer if it isn't a perfect square?

Answer 1

try and figure out if its a fraction if so use that if you cant find the fraction i would say round to nearest thousandth, unless specified that you need exact answer

Answer 2

Example:
distance between (1,4) and (-2,1)
\[d = \sqrt{(1-(-2))^{2} + (4-1)^{2}} = \sqrt{3^{2}+3^{2}} = \sqrt{2*3^{2}} = \sqrt{3^{2}}*\sqrt{2} = 3\sqrt{2}\]

Answer 3

@dumbcow would you write your answer as 3 radical 2 0r as a decimal or fraction. Does it matter???

Answer 4

depends on the what they are asking for.
Usually they will either ask for an exact answer or a decimal approximation
exact -> 3sqrt(2)
decimal -->4.24

Answer 5

it just says to find the distance between the two points, so how would you write it?

Answer 6

i dunno either one works, what does your teacher usually want
i would go with the exact answer

Answer 7

i dunno my teacher yet. it's a summer packect but thanks :)