The Distance Between Points


Exploration

GR. 6-8

Skill:

Use the distance formula to find the distance between two points. Use the midpoint formula to find the coordinates of the midpoint of a segment.

The Distance Between Points

Derive the distance formula for any two points on the coordinate plane by applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

Putting It All Together

Answer these open ended questions on your own or with others to form deeper math connections.

Question ouverte 1

Can we use the method above to find the distance between two points that are vertical to one another? Is this the easiest method?

Entrée de texte et de données mathématiques

Question ouverte 2

Can be used for the horizontal distance? Why or why not?

Entrée de texte et de données mathématiques

Question ouverte 3

In the last step of the calculations, is a positive square root. Why is the negative square root not included as a value for ?

Entrée de texte et de données mathématiques