What you’ll learn
Apply coordinate distance formula.
Key idea
The coordinate changes form the legs of a right triangle.
The bent grid route is not the segment; choose the positive vertical branch only because the problem explicitly places B above A.
Worked example
Enter the exact value or ordered values in the format requested below.
A coordinate plane plots A(-6,1) and B(-3,5). Find the straight-line distance AB in grid units.
- The coordinate changes are Δx=3 and Δy=4.
- AB=√((3)²+4²)=√25=5 grid units.
Answer: 5
Quick Check
Relate the graph used in 'Apply coordinate distance formula' to an equation, table, transformation, or verbal description.
For plotted points A(-5,1) and B(-8,5), a student claims AB=|-3|+|4|=7, using a horizontal-then-vertical grid route. Assess the graph-to-equation claim and correct the straight-line distance.