Analytic Geometry

DISTANCE
MATH SUBJECT FOR HIGH SCHOOL
BETWEEN TWO POINTS
Quadratic Functions
 Background Information
The distance between any two points or the length of a line segment connecting them
can be determined when we know the coordinates of the endpoints.

Let P1 and P2 be the endpoints of a line

segment with coordinates (x1, y1) and
(x2, y2) in a given coordinate system.
P1 and P2 are not on the same vertical
or horizontal line. We wish to find a
formula for the distance 𝑃1 𝑃2 .
 Background Information
If a line is drawn through P1 parallel to the x-axis and another line through P2 parallel
to the y-axis, these two lines will intersect at a point Q.

𝑃1 𝑄 ∥ x-axis ( 𝑃1 𝑄 is parallel to x-axis)

𝑃2 𝑄 ∥ y-axis ( 𝑃2 𝑄 is parallel to y-axis)
Recall the Pythagorean Theorem
Apply the Pythagorean Theorem
𝑃1 𝑃2 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1 2 + 𝑦2 − 𝑦1 2 ⟵This equation is called

the DISTANCE FORMULA.

This formula also holds when 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 lie on the same

horizontal line or on the same vertical line.
 Definition
The Distance Formula is a useful tool in
finding the distance between two points
with coordinates (x1, y1) and (x2, y2). The
distance is given by the formula
𝑑 = 𝑥2 – 𝑥1 2 + 𝑦2 – 𝑦1 2
Examples
 Example 1

Find the distance between

A(-2, -1) and B(4,3).
 Solution
Let 𝐴(𝑥₁, 𝑦₁) = ( −2, −1) and 𝐵 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 = (4,3) and 𝑑 the
distance between the two points, substitute these values into the
Distance formula, we get
𝑑 = 𝑥2 – 𝑥1 2 + 𝑦2 – 𝑦1 2
𝑑 = 4 – (−2) 2 + 3 – (−1) 2
𝑑 = 36 + 16 = 𝟓𝟐 units
 Example 2

A triangle is a closed three-

sided geometric figure. Find
the perimeter of the triangle
with vertices
A(4,-1) ,B( 3,1) ,and C( -4,-2).
 Solution
Substitute the coordinates of the points to the distance formula

If P is the perimeter of a triangle, then

𝑃 =𝑎+𝑏+𝑐
𝑃 = 5 + 58 + 65 ≈ 17.91units