December 30, 2022

Distance Between Two Points - Formula, Derivation, Examples

The idea of length is important in both

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and routine life. From simply measuring the length of a line to calculating the quickest route between two locations, comprehending the length between two points is vital.


In this article, we will investigate the formula for distance between two points, review some examples, and talk about real-life applications of this formula.

The Formula for Distance Between Two Locations

The length between two points, frequently indicated as d, is the extent of the line segment connecting the two locations.


In math, this could be depicted by drawing a right triangle and employing the Pythagorean theorem. Per the Pythagorean theorem, the square of the distance of the extensive side (the hypotenuse) is equal to the total of the squares of the lengths of the two other sides.


The formula for the Pythagorean theorem is a2 + b2 = c2. As a result, √c2 will as same as the length, d.


In instance of working out the distance between two locations, we can portray the extremities as coordinates on a coordinate plane. Let's say we have point A with coordinates (x1, y1) and point B at (x2, y2).


We could then utilize the Pythagorean theorem to derive the following formula for distance:

d = √((x2 - x1)2 + (y2 - y1)2)


In this formula, (x2 - x1) depicts the length on the x-axis, and (y2 - y1) represents the length along y-axis, creating a right angle. By considering the square root of the sum of their squares, we obtain the distance within the two extremities.


Here is a visual depiction:


Examples of Using the Distance Formula

Once we possess the formula for distance, let's check out some examples of how it can be utilized.

Finding the Length Among the Two Points on a Coordinate Plane

Assume we have two extremities on a coordinate plane, A with coordinates (3, 4) and B with coordinates (6, 8). We will utilize the distance formula to find the distance between these two locations as follows:


d = √((6 - 3)2+ (8 - 4)2)

d = √(32 + 42)

d = √(9 + 16)

d = √(25)

d = 5


Therefore, the length between points A and B is 5 units.

Calculating the Length Within Two Locations on a Map

In addition to figuring out the length on a coordinate plane, we can further utilize the distance formula to figure out distances between two locations on a map. For instance, assume we have a map of a city with a scale of 1 inch = 10 miles.


To work out the length between two points on the map, such as the airport and the city hall, we can simply calculate the length among the two points employing a ruler and convert the measurement to miles utilizing the map's scale.


When we measure the length between these two locations on the map, we figure out it is 2 inches. We convert this to miles using the map's scale and find that the real length between the airport and the city hall is 20 miles.

Determining the Distance Within Two Locations in Three-Dimensional Space

In addition to calculating lengths in two dimensions, we can further utilize the distance formula to work out the distance between two locations in a three-dimensional space. For instance, suppose we possess two points, A and B, in a three-dimensional space, with coordinates (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2), respectively.


We will use the distance formula to work out the length between these two points as follows:

d = √((x2 - x1)2 + (y2 - y1)2 + (z2 - z1)2)


Using this formula, we could identify the length between any two locations in three-dimensional space. For instance, if we possess two points A and B with coordinates (1, 2, 3) and (4, 5, 6), respectively, we can work out the distance between them as ensues:


d = √((4 - 1)2 + (5 - 2)2 + (6 - 3)2)

d = √(32 + 32 + 32)

d = √(9 + 9 + 9)

d = √(27)

d = 3.16227766


Hence, the distance within locations A and B is just about 3.16 units.

Uses of the Distance Formula

Now once we have observed some instances of using the distance formula, let's study some of its Utilizations in math and other fields.

Calculating Distances in Geometry

In geometry, the distance formula is utilized to work out the length of line segments and the sides of triangles. For example, in a triangle with vertices at points A, B, and C, we utilize the distance formula to find the lengths of the sides AB, BC, and AC. These lengths can be utilized to measure other properties of the triangle, such as its area, perimeter and its interior angles.

Solving Problems in Physics

The distance formula is also utilized in physics to solve problems involving speed, distance and acceleration. For instance, if we recognize the initial position and velocity of an object, as well as the time it requires for the object to move a certain length, we can use the distance formula to calculate the object's ultimate location and speed.

Analyzing Data in Statistics

In statistics, the length formula is often utilized to calculate the distances between data points in a dataset. This is beneficial for clustering algorithms, which segregate data points which are close to each other, and for dimensionality reduction techniques, this represent high-dimensional data in a lower-dimensional space.

Go the Distance with Grade Potential

The distance formula is an important idea in mathematics that enables us to calculate the distance between two location on a plane or in a three-dimensional space. By using the Pythagorean theorem, we can extract the distance formula and apply it to a magnitude of situations, from calculating length on a coordinate plane to analyzing data in statistics.


Understanding the distance formula and its utilizations are crucial for everyone interested in mathematics and its uses in other fields. If you're struggling with the distance formula or any other mathematical theories, reach out to Grade Potential tutoring for tailored guidance. Our experienced teachers will help you conquer any mathematics topic, from algebra to calculus and furthermore.


Call us right now to learn more and schedule your first tutoring session.