Algebra: Chapter 11, Lesson 7 and Lesson 8, pages 509 and 514.
Theorem of Pythagoras and its Uses
`c^2 = a^2 + b^2`,
where `a`, `b` and `c` are the sides of a RIGHT TRIANGLE. `a` and `b` are considered the sides of the triangle where `c` (opposite of the right angle) is called the hypotenuse.
The distance formula is a derivation of the Pythagorean Theorem and you can use it to find the distance from one coordinate point to another. Just remember, like in the slope equation, DON’T MIX UP THE DIRECTION that you define as `x_1` and `y_1`, they both go the same way!
`d = sqrt((x_1 – x_2)^2 + (y_1 – y_2)^2)`
Here is another quick explanation of the Theorem of Pythagoras and the Distance Formula.
Use a calculator with a `sqrt` key, it will make the word problems much easier to do!