Question

Graph a right triangle with the two points forming the hypothenuse, Using the sides, find the distance between the two points, to the nearest tenth if necessary (3. -7) and 8. -3)

Answer 1

That distance is 6.4

Explanation:

The legs of the triangle form a right angle. The bottom leg has length 8 - 3, or 5, and the vertical leg -3 - (-7), or 4. Applying the Pythagorean Theorem:

(vertical leg)^2 + (horizontal leg)^2 = (hypotenuse)^2, which here is

4^2 + 5^2 = (hypotenuse)^2

This works out to 16 + 25, or 41.

The distance between these two points is d = √41, or d = 6.4