1.5: The Plane
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The Distance Formula
Definition: Distance
Recall that for two points (a,b) and (c,d) in a plane, the distance is found by the formula
Distance=√(c−a)2+(d−b)2.
Example 1.5.1
Find the distance between the points (1,1) and (−4,3).
Solution
Distance=√(−4−1)2+(3−1)2=√25+4[5pt]=√29.
The Midpoint Formula
Definition: Midpoint
For points (a,b) and (c,d) the midpoint of the line segment formed by these points has coordinates:
M=(a+c2,b+d2).
Example 1.5.2
Suppose that you have a boat at one side of the lake with coordinates (3,4) and your friend has a boat at the other side of the lake with coordinates (18,22). If you want to meet half way, at what coordinates should you meet?
Solution:
M=(3+182,4+222)=(10.5,13).
Exercises
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Show that the points (−5,14), (1,4), and (11,10) are vertices of an isosceles triangle.
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Show that the triangle with vertices (1,1), (−1,−1), and (√3,−√3) are vertices of a right triangle.
Graphing on a Calculator
We will graph the equations:
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y=2x−3 (Use graph then y(x) =)
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y=5x2+4
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y=|x+1| (To find absolute value, use catalog then hit enter)
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y=2x+{−1,0,1,2,3,5} (find the curly braces "{" and "}" use the list feature)
Contributors
- Larry Green (Lake Tahoe Community College)
Integrated by Justin Marshall.