Question

Find the shortest distance between
y = -3/2x + 1 and P(2,2)

Answer 1

The shortest distance between those two things will lie on the perpendicular line to the original line that intersects with that point P. Then to find the distance you'll need to solve the two lines for the point at which they intersect, and use that point along with P(2,2) to find the distance using the distance formula.

Answer 2

ok so stupid question but is the orginal line 0?

Answer 3

No the original line is given as:

\[y=-\frac{3}{2}x + 1\]

Answer 4

so like (-3, 2) , (2,2)

Answer 5

First lets draw a picture..

Answer 6

Imagine that we have a line and a point.

Answer 7

ok

Answer 8

If we want to find the shortest distance between a point on that line, and that point off the line, where would we look?

Answer 9

(it helps if you tilt your head)

Answer 10

wouldnt we have 2 set it up liek a grahp and put in the corodinants?

Answer 11

Hold up. I'm just asking in general.. where would that 'shortest distance' be?

Answer 12

im just taking a swing at it but would it be the one closest to the line?

Answer 13

Yes, but like where in the picture would the line segment representing that path appear?

Answer 14

A, B, C, or D?