Candace Stewart Math1010-Sec029-Reflections

Module 5

Prove that the Distance formula and Pythagorean Theorem are

really the same thing. Give examples and draw pictures to help with
your explanation.
The Distance formula and Pythagorean Theorem are very well linked
together. Here is an example to show the relationship. Though first I will go
through the formulas that will be used.
The formula for the Pythagorean Theorem isa2 + b2 = c2
And next, the Distance formula isd= the square root of

( a2 a1 ) + ( b 2b1 )

Now, we have a triangle with sides of 3 and 4, and a hypotenuse of 5.

When we use the Pythagorean Theorem, we get 3 2 + 42 = 52.

Now we will place this on a graph.

Now, this is where the

Distance formula comes in. Lets look at our points- A = a 2, C = a1 & b1, and B = b2
Also, CA = (a2 a1), BC = (b2 b1), and BA (C2/Hypotenuse) = the square root of

( a2 a1 ) + ( b 2b1 )
So when we solve this out(4-1)2 = 32 = 9
(7-3)2 = 42 = 16

Candace Stewart Math1010-Sec029-Reflections

Module 5
Add those together and get 25. And if you square that, you end up getting 5.
Remember that 5 was our Hypotenuse, which actually just equals the distance from
one point to the other point.