Distance bewtween two points is measured by the formula d= sqrt(X2-X1)^2 + (Y2-Y1)^2
I have this problem: 'What's the distance between A(3,4) and B(-3,-2)
I did the operation and I get this result: 6.32
But the options are:
1.- 2 u ( u stands for units)
2.- 2 sqrt 6u
3.- 4u
4.- 6 sqrt 2u
What am I doing wrong?

Question

Distance bewtween two points is measured by the formula d= sqrt(X2-X1)^2 + (Y2-Y1)^2
I have this problem: 'What's the distance between A(3,4) and B(-3,-2)
I did the operation and I get this result: 6.32
But the options are:
1.- 2 u ( u stands for units)
2.- 2 sqrt 6u
3.- 4u
4.- 6 sqrt 2u
What am I doing wrong?

mertsj · Answer

$$\sqrt{(3-(-3))^2+(4-(-2))^2}=\sqrt{36+36}=\sqrt{72}=6\sqrt{2}$$

mertsj · Answer

It seems that they want you to leave the answer in exact radical form

anonymous · Answer

Your formula is missing a parentheses.$$d(P_1,P_2)=\sqrt{(x_1-x_2)^2+(y_1-y_2)^2}$$

liliakarina · Answer

I see. So, P= point, i.e. A(3,4)?

liliakarina · Answer

@Mertsj So, I just get this answer with the radical form, I don't have to get the square root?

anonymous · Answer

A second indicator is that the x difference and the y difference are equal.  This indicates a 45/45/90 triangle with sides of the ratio 1/1/sqrt2.

mertsj · Answer

Yes.  Look at the list of answers.  That will give you a clue.

liliakarina · Answer

Really helpful @Mertsj @AnimalAin !

anonymous · Answer

No sweat.  Do math every day.