Find all points on the x-axis 5 units away from the point (4, 3).

Question

debbieg · Answer

Use the distance formula:

$$\Large d=\sqrt {(x_1-x_2)^2+(y_1-y_2)^2}$$

This the points you are interested in are ON the x axis, you know what their y-coordinate is, right?

And the distance from your given point is d=5.

so you have:

$\Large 5=\sqrt{(x_1-4)^2+(y_1-3)^2}$

Once you fill in the correct $y_1$ value, you will be able to solve that for the two x coordinates that give you the distance of 5 from the given point. :)

anonymous · Answer

Is y(sub 1) equal to zero?

anonymous · Answer

Yes. $y_1=0$.

anonymous · Answer

Is this the distance formula or what @DebbieG  attached?

anonymous · Answer

You have the correct formula now. I'm not sure if it really makes a difference. I will run a few examples to check.

anonymous · Answer

Reversing the points make the values inside the parenthesis negative but that is irrelevant because the number is being squared and becomes positive.

anonymous · Answer

Ok, so it's one way or the other.  Thanks!

anonymous · Answer

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