Question

A student calculated the distance between the points (2, 3) and (–3, 5).

In two or more complete sentences, explain whether or not the student’s calculation of the distance between the two points is correct.

Answer 1

Well the distance formula definitely is √(x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)² First thing''s first, his calculations kind of are wrong, which for the most part is quite significant. First instead of doing (x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)² he did (x₂ - x₁)² - (y₂ - y₁)² (subtracted instead of added) That kind of means the answer should for the most part have came down to √25 + 4 meaning the answer for the most part is √29 not √2, basically contrary to popular belief.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Well the distance formula is √(x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²
First thing's first, his calculations are wrong.
First instead of doing (x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)² he did (x₂ - x₁)² - (y₂ - y₁)² (subtracted instead of added) That means the answer should have came down to √25 + 4 meaning the answer is √29 not √21