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Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

LESSON 11.1

The Distance Formula

Table of Contents

Learning Competency 1
Learning Objectives 1
Essential Questions 2
Prerequisite Skills and Topics 2
Lesson Proper 3
A. Introduction to the Lesson 3
B. Discussion 5
C. Practice & Feedback 9
Performance Assessment 15
Worksheet Answer Key 16
Synthesis 18
Bibliography 19
 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Unit 11 | Distance Between Points and Lines

Lesson 1: The Distance Formula

Learning Competency
At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to derive the distance
formula.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the learners should be able to do the following:
• Accurately derive the distance formula.
• Correctly solve for the distance between two points using the distance
formula.
• Correctly solve word problems involving distance formula.

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Essential Questions
At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to answer the following questions:
• How is Pythagorean Theorem related to the distance formula?
• In what other areas of mathematics can the distance formula be applied?

Prerequisite Skills and Topics

Skills:
• Finding the square root of a number
• Plotting points in the Cartesian plane
• Solving equations involving radicals
• Solving for the sides of a triangle using the Pythagorean Theorem

Topics:
• Math 7 Unit 4: The Real Number System| Lesson 2: The Square Root
• Math 8 Unit 3: Linear Equations | Lesson 1: The Rectangular Coordinate System
• Math 9 Unit 5: Rational Exponents and Radical Expressions | Lesson 7: Solving
Equations Involving Radicals
• Math 9 Unit 8: Similarity | Lesson 6: Proving Similar Triangles and the Pythagorean
Theorem

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Lesson Proper

A. Introduction to the Lesson

Suggested Warm-up Activities
Choose from any of the following warm-up activities. These warm-up activities should
either stimulate recall of the previous lesson or introduce the lesson and not already
used in the study guide.

Activity 1: Graph and Count!

This activity will help the students illustrate the concept of distance between two
points by measuring using a ruler.

Duration: 10 minutes

Materials Needed: graphing paper, pen, ruler

Methodology:
1. Ask the students to bring out a graphing paper.
2. Ask the students to make a Cartesian coordinate plane on their graphing paper
and lot the following pairs of points.
a. (1, 5) and (4, 0)
b. (−4, −4) and (−6, −8)
c. (−2, 1) and (−6, 5)
3. Ask them to connect each pair of points to form a line.
4. Let the students measure the distance between two points using their ruler and
record the results.
5. Afterward, have them answer the guide questions below.

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Expected Results:
a. Approximately 5.83 cm
b. Approximately 4.47 cm
c. Approximately 5.66 cm

Guide Questions:
1. Do you think you get accurate results by measuring the distance of two points
using your ruler?
2. Is it possible to get the distance between two points without plotting?

Activity 2: Pass the Message!

This activity will challenge the students by creating their problem involving the
Pythagorean theorem.

Duration: 10 minutes

Materials Needed: cartolina, marker

Methodology:
1. Divide the class into groups of three.
2. In three minutes, let each group make a problem involving the Pythagorean
theorem.
3. Then, ask the groups to exchange questions with the group next to them.
4. In five minutes, let the group discuss and answer the question given to them.
5. Afterward, ask them to answer the guide questions below.

Expected Results:
Sample problem:

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Given right Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶 with legs 𝑎 = 3 cm and 𝑏 = 4 cm, find the length of the hypotenuse
𝑐.

Guide Questions:
1. What strategies did you use to solve the given problem?
2. What are the requirements for using the Pythagorean Theorem?

Teacher’s Notes
To help better gauge students’ readiness for this lesson, you may assign the short test
given in the Test Your Prerequisite Skills section of the corresponding study guide.

B. Discussion

1. Define and Discover

Teacher’s Notes
You may use the Learn about It! slides in the presentation file to discuss the following
key concepts and examples. Make sure to address student questions before jumping
from one concept to another.

In this lesson, the following key terms and concepts will be discussed:

• Pythagorean Theorem – states that in any given right triangle, the square of the
length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the
other two sides

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

In a right triangle ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶, if the measures of the legs are 𝑎 and 𝑏, and the measure
of the hypotenuse is 𝑐, it follows that 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2 .

Example:
To find the hypotenuse of a right triangle whose legs measure 3 m and 4 m, we
follow these steps.

Let 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑏 = 4. Substitute the given to the formula 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2 .

32 + 42 = 𝑐 2
9 + 16 = 𝑐 2
25 = 𝑐 2
√25 = √𝑐 2
5=𝑐
𝑐=5

Thus, the hypotenuse of the given right triangle is 𝟓 m.

• Distance Formula – used to find the distance between two distinct points on the
Cartesian plane

Given two points (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ), the distance between the two points can be

measured as 𝑑 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 +(𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2 .

Example:
To find the distance between points (2, 3) and (−3, −1), we follow these steps:

Let 𝑥1 = 2, 𝑥2 = −3, 𝑦1 = 3, and 𝑦2 = −1. Substitute the given to the distance

formula 𝑑 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 +(𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2 .
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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

𝑑 = √(−3 − 2)2 +(−1 − 3)2

𝑑 = √(−5)2 +(−4)2
𝑑 = √25 + 16
𝑑 = √41

Hence, the distance between points (2, 3) and (−3, −1) is √𝟒𝟏 units.

2. Develop and Demonstrate

Example 1
Find the length of the hypotenuse of the right triangle in the figure given below.

Solution:
Substitute the values to the Pythagorean equation.

𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2
(6)2 + (10)2 = 𝑐 2
36 + 100 = 𝑐 2
136 = 𝑐 2
√136 = √𝑐 2
2√34 = 𝑐
𝑐 = 2√34

Therefore, the length of the hypotenuse is 𝟐√𝟑𝟒 units.

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Example 2
Find the distance between the points (0, 2) and (5, −4).

Solution:
From the given, let 𝑥1 = 0, 𝑥2 = 5, 𝑦1 = 2, and 𝑦2 = −4.

Substitute these values into the distance formula.

𝑑 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 +(𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
= √(5 − 0)2 + [(−4) − 2]2
= √(5)2 + (−6)2
= √25 + 36
= √61

Therefore, the distance between the points (0, 2) and (5, −4) is √𝟔𝟏 units.

Example 3
Miguel’s house is mapped on the coordinate grid with the city hall as the origin. His
home is located at point (2, 4), and his best friend’s home is at point (−4, 12). If the
scale used in the grid is 1 unit ∶ 1 km, how far are their homes from each other?

Solution:
From the given, let 𝑥1 = 2, 𝑥2 = −4, 𝑦1 = 4, and 𝑦2 = 12.

Substitute these values to the distance formula.

𝑑 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 +(𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
= √[(−4) − 2]2 + (12 − 4)2
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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

= √(−6)2 + (8)2
= √36 + 64
= √100
= 10

Therefore, the distance between Miguel’s home and his best friend’s home is 10 km.

C. Practice & Feedback

For Individual Practice
1. Ask the students to answer the following problem items individually using pen
and paper.
2. Give students enough time to answer the problem items.
3. Call a random student to show his or her work on the board afterward.
4. Let the student share how he or she comes up with his or her solution.
5. Inform the student the accuracy of his answer and solution, and in the case
when there is some sort of misconception, lead the student to the right
direction to find the correct answer.

Problem 1
Find the missing length of the leg of the right triangle in the figure given below.

Solution:
Substitute the values to the Pythagorean formula.

𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

(5)2 + 𝑏 2 = (13)2
25 + 𝑏 2 = 169
𝑏 2 = 169 − 25
𝑏 2 = 144
√𝑏 2 = √144
𝑏 = 12

Therefore, the length of the leg of the right triangle is 𝟏𝟐 cm.

Problem 2
Find the distance between the points (-3,-4) and (2,6).

Solution:
From the given, let 𝑥1 = −3, 𝑥2 = 2, 𝑦1 = −4, and 𝑦2 = 6.

Substitute these values into the distance formula.

𝑑 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 +(𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
= √[2 − (−3)]2 + [6 − (−4)]2
= √(5)2 + (10)2
= √25 + 100
= √125
= 5√5

Therefore, the distance between the points (−3, −4) and (2, 6) is 𝟓√𝟓 units.

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Problem 3
Given the points (𝑎, 6) and (28,13), find the value of 𝑎 so that the distance between
the two given points is 25 units.

Solution:
Let 𝑥1 = 𝑎, 𝑥2 = 28, 𝑦1 = 6, and 𝑦2 = 13. Substitute these values into the distance
formula with 𝑑 = 25 and solve for 𝑎.

25 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
25 = √(28 − 𝑎)2 + (13 − 6)2
25 = √(28 − 𝑎)2 + (7)2
25 = √784 − 56𝑎 + 𝑎2 + 49
25 = √𝑎2 − 56𝑎 + 833
2
(25)2 = (√𝑎2 − 56𝑎 + 833)

625 = 𝑎2 − 56𝑎 + 833

0 = 𝑎2 − 56𝑎 + 833 − 625
0 = 𝑎2 − 56𝑎 + 208
0 = (𝑎 − 52)(𝑎 − 4)

Therefore, the value of 𝑎 is either 4 or 52.

For Group Practice

1. Ask the students to form a minimum of two groups to a maximum of five groups.
2. Each group will answer problem items 4 and 5. These questions are meant to test
students’ higher-order thinking skills by working collaboratively with their peers.
3. Give students enough time to analyze the problem and work on their solution.
4. Ask each group to assign a representative to show their solution on the board and
discuss as a group how they come up with their solution.

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

5. Inform the student the accuracy of his answer and solution, and in the case when
there is some sort of misconception, give the student opportunity to work with
his/her peers to re-analyze the problem, and then lead them to the right direction
to find the correct answer.

Problem 4
Two cars departed from Manila at the same time. Car A traveled 5 km north and 3 km
west, while Car B traveled 2 km south and 4 km east. How far are the two cars from
one another?

Solution:
Suppose Manila is the origin, let (−3, 5) be the coordinates of Car A while (4, −2) be
the coordinates of Car B.

Then, let 𝑥1 = −3, 𝑥2 = 4, 𝑦1 = 5, and 𝑦2 = −2.

Substitute these values to the formula.

𝑑 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
2 2
= √(4 − (−3)) + ((−2) − 5)

= √(7)2 + (−7)2
= √49 + 49
= √98
= 7√2

Therefore, the distance between the two cars is 𝟕√𝟐 km.

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Problem 5
Find the perimeter of the triangle whose vertices are located at (1,6), (3,1), and
(−2, −2).

Solution:
1. Find the distance between points (1, 6) and (3, 1).

From the given, let 𝑥1 = 1, 𝑥2 = 3, 𝑦1 = 6, and 𝑦2 = 1.

Substitute these values into the distance formula.

𝑑 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
= √(3 − 1)2 + (1 − 6)2
= √(2)2 + (−5)2
= √4 + 25
= √29

Therefore, the distance between the points (1, 6) and (3, 1) is √𝟐𝟗 units.

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

2. Find the distance between points (3, 1) and (−2, −2).

From the given, let 𝑥1 = 3, 𝑥2 = −2, 𝑦1 = 1, and 𝑦2 = −2.

Substitute these values into the distance formula.

𝑑 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
= √(−2 − 3)2 + (−2 − 1)2
= √(−5)2 + (−3)2
= √25 + 9
= √34

Therefore, the distance between the points (3, 1) and (−2, −2) is √𝟑𝟒 units.

3. Find the distance between points (−2, −2) and (1, 6).

From the given, let 𝑥1 = −2, 𝑥2 = 1, 𝑦1 = −2, and 𝑦2 = 6.

Substitute these values into the distance formula.

𝑑 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
= √[1 − (−2)]2 + [6 − (−2)]2
= √(3)2 + (8)2
= √9 + 64
= √73

Therefore, the distance between the points (−2, −2) and (1, 6) is √𝟕𝟑 units.

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

4. Add the distances to get the perimeter.

Since the radicals are unlike, we cannot simplify them into one term.

√29 + √34 + √73

Therefore, the perimeter of the given triangle is (√𝟐𝟗 + √𝟑𝟒 + √𝟕𝟑) units.

Performance Assessment
This performance assessment serves as a formative assessment, divided into three sets
based on the student's level of learning. Click on the link provided on the lesson page to
access each worksheet.

● Worksheet I (for beginners)

● Worksheet II (for average learners)
● Worksheet III (for advanced learners)

Teacher’s Notes
For a standard performance assessment regardless of the student’s level of learning,
you may give the problem items provided in the Check Your Understanding section of
the study guide.

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Worksheet Answer Key

Worksheet I
A. 1. 𝑎 = 5 m
2. 𝑥 = 15 cm
3. 𝑑 = 24 dm
4. 𝑧 = 15 mm

B. 1. 5 units
2. 5 units
3. 10 units
4. √53 units
5. √41 units

C. 1. The ladder is √73 feet long.

2. The two trains are 3√5 km away from one another.

Worksheet II
A. 1. 𝑚 = 10 cm
2. 𝑞 = 48 dm
3. 𝑑 = 9 m
4. 𝑟 = 24 mm

B. 1. 5√2 units
2. 5 units
3. 15 units
4. √146 units

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

5. 2√34 units
C. 1. The value of 𝑎 should be 10 or −32
2. The shortest distance he must take to return to his starting point is 3√5 km.

Worksheet III
A. 1. 5 units
2. 12 units

B. 1. 𝑥 = 8 or 𝑥 = −16
2. 𝑥 = 15 or 𝑥 = −27
3. 𝑥 = 25 or 𝑥 = −23

C. 1. The perimeter of triangle ABC is (10 + 6√5) units.

2. a. The value of 𝑥 is −6
b. the perimeter of ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 is 18 units.

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Synthesis

Wrap-up To summarize the lesson, ask students the following questions:

1. How do you determine the distance between two points?
2. How is Pythagorean Theorem related to the distance
formula?

Application and To integrate values and build connection to the real world, ask
Values Integration students the following questions:
1. Which part of the discussion did you have difficulty
understanding? Why?
2. In which aspects of life can the concept of distance formula
be applied?

Bridge to the Next To spark interest for the next lesson, ask students the following
Topic questions:
1. Do you think we can determine the shortest distance
between a point and a line?
2. If we were to determine the distance between an external
point and a line, how would we know if that distance is the
shortest possible distance?

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 Grade 10 • Unit 11: Distance Between Points and Lines

Bibliography

Pierce, Rod. “Distance Between 2 Points.” Math Is Fun. Retrieved 6 June 2019 from
https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/distance-2-points.html

Stapel, Elizabeth. “The Distance Formula.” Purple Math. Retrieved 17 May 2019 from
http://bit.ly/2JM6gtW

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