Question

Plot and connect the points A (2, -2), B (-4, -4), C (-4, -1), D (-2, 3), E (1, 3), F (2, 5), and find the length of BC.

Answer 1

• B(-4,-4)
• C(-4,-1)

Distance

• √(x_2-x_1)^2+(y_2-y_1)^2
• √(-4+4)^2+(-1+4)^2
• √3²
• 3 units

Graph is attached

Answer 2

BC = 3 units

Explanation:

Given points:

• A = (2, -2)
• B = (-4, -4)
• C = (-4, -1)
• D = (-2, 3)
• E = (1, 3)
• F = (2, 5)

Plot the points on the coordinate plane (x, y) and connect them in alphabetical order with straight lines (see attached).

From visual inspection of the drawn polygon, we can see that the length of BC is 3 units.

It is fairly simple to calculate the length of BC without plotting the points.

As points B and C have the same x-value, this means that the distance between them is simply the difference between their y-values.

⇒ distance = |-4 - (-1)| = |-3| = 3 units