Use the distance formmula to find the distance between point B (-3,-8) and point C (2,4).

Question

phoenixfire · Answer

Do you know what the distance formula is?

anonymous · Answer

yes but I'm confused as to where to put the numbers in.

phoenixfire · Answer

$$d=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}=\sqrt{(x_1-x)^2+(y_1-y)^2}$$
You have two points, find the change in x and change in y, and put into the formula.

anonymous · Answer

is -3 -8  x1 and y1

phoenixfire · Answer

it shouldn't make a difference since it's squared. But usually if you want to find the distance from B to C, your x1y1=C and xy=B

anonymous · Answer

Is the answer 17

phoenixfire · Answer

$$dist=\sqrt{(2+3)^2+(4+8)^2}=\sqrt{25+144}=\sqrt{169}=13$$

anonymous · Answer

My distance formula says you subtract x 2 and x 1

phoenixfire · Answer

yup.
$$2-(-3)=2+3=5$$

phoenixfire · Answer

$$4-(-8)=4+8=12$$
Double negative becomes a positive.

anonymous · Answer

Ok. Thanks for youre help.