Question

Can someone please help me? and if possible show work?
Coordinate Geometry You can use the
Pythagorean Theorem to prove the Distance
Formula. Let points P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) be the
endpoints of the hypotenuse of a right triangle.
a. Write an algebraic expression to complete
each of the following:
PR = j and QR = j.
b. By the Pythagorean Theorem,
PQ2
= PR2
+ QR2. Rewrite this statement substituting the algebraic
expressions you found for PR and QR in part (a).
c. Complete the proof by taking the square root of each side of the equation
that you wrote in part (b).

Answer 1

Hi Kas, you might begin by thinking of the point R as R(x2,y1)....

Answer 2

then apply the distance formula using the coordinates for P and R.....and set the value equal to j.

Repeat the process using the coordinates for Q and R.

Answer 3

then follow the guidelines and you should be fine.

Answer 4

what is j?

Answer 5

PR is the length of one side of the triangle. Since PR = j, j also represents a side of the triangle.