Please help! Does anyone know how to derive distance formula using pythagoean thoerem and generic coordinates?

Question

I am in Pre-cal and it's only my second week in that class and I am already lost. My teacher is an idiot and doesn't explain anything. Thanks!!

I am in Pre-cal and it's only my second week in that class and I am already lost. My teacher is an idiot and doesn't explain anything. Can you explain it to me or show me some how? I would really really appreciate it, no one in my class understands it and I have no clue what to do. I registered on think free.com and I made a graph, but I don't know what to do from there.

Answer 1

Sure, blame it on the teacher. We have all been through it. It is always the teacher's fault.

Anyway, to answer your question, yes I know how to derive the distance formula using Pythagorean's Theorem.

Answer 2

Sometimes to get a grasp of these ideas, doing hands on stuff helps. Try this:

(1) Keep this equation in mind: C^2 = a^2 + b^2

(2) Get a ruler (or measuring tape) and find anything square or rectangular around your house (e.g., computer screen; doorframe; books). Measure the width, length, and furthest corners of each (let's call this measure "span") and write down the measurements for each on a sheet of paper.

(3) If your measuring is accurate, you should be able to show that span^2 = width^2 + length^2 (same thing as the Pythagorean distance equation given in 1, but this time using words that probably make more sense).

Answer 3

http://www.purplemath.com/modules/distform.htm

The coordinates is pretty easy. I Here's a website for that. Email me if you have questions I'll be on all night. It explains everything you asked for on this site.