Distance Using Pythagorean Theorem

Distance Using Pythagorean Theorem

Introduction

The Pythagorean Theorem can be used to find the straight-line distance between two points on a coordinate plane. The horizontal and vertical distances between the points form the legs of a right triangle...

Imagine two groups of students are playing a game of capture the flag. The game field is represented on a coordinate plane. One team's base is at (20, 50), and the other team's base is at (60, 80).

Let's find the straight-line distance between the two bases.

First, find the horizontal distance by subtracting the x-coordinates. Then, ...