Answer:
The Distance Formula itself is actually derived from the Pythagorean Theorem which is {a^2} + {b^2} = {c^2}a
2
+b
2
=c
2
where cc is the longest side of a right triangle (also known as the hypotenuse) and aa and bb are the other shorter sides (known as the legs of a right triangle).
The very essence of the Distance Formula is to calculate the length of the hypotenuse of the right triangle which is represented by the letter cc.
a green right triangle with hypotenuse c (distance between two red dots) and legs a and b.
That’s why we can claim that the idea of the Distance Formula is borrowed and derived from the Pythagorean Theorem. If you want to see how the Distance Formula is derived from the Pythagorean Theorem, please check out my lesson on How to Derive the Distance Formula.