Find Exact Distance: (2,-2) to (5,2) - Help!

[OMGMathPLS]

Find exact distance between two points. (2, -2) (5, 2)

I plug in the distance formula but I get

sq rt (5-2)^2+ (2-(1)^2

and I get 9 on both sides so that's sq rt 18 = 4.24

but the book says it's 5

so i don't know what I'm doing wrong. Help please.

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Wait, I see i plugged it in the wrong spot. Oh thank God it was that simple. Oh thank you Jesus.

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Ok, so my new question is is it normal to have a hard time plugging into the spots. I feel dyslexic as I am doing this. is there a trick to remember it?

 

[MarkFL]

You want to use:

\(\displaystyle d=\sqrt{(5-2)^2+(2-(-2))^2}=\sqrt{3^2+4^2}=\sqrt{25}=5\)

You see, the distance formula states that given two points $\left(x_1,y_1\right)$ and $\left(x_2,y_2\right)$. then the distance $d$ between these points is given by:

\(\displaystyle d=\sqrt{\left(x_2-x_1\right)^2+\left(y_2-y_1\right)^2}\)

 

[OMGMathPLS]

You want to use:

\(\displaystyle d=\sqrt{(5-2)^2+(2-(-2))^2}=\sqrt{3^2+4^2}=\sqrt{25}=5\)

You see, the distance formula states that given two points $\left(x_1,y_1\right)$ and $\left(x_2,y_2\right)$. then the distance $d$ between these points is given by:

\(\displaystyle d=\sqrt{\left(x_2-x_1\right)^2+\left(y_2-y_1\right)^2}\)

Thanks MarkFl

I want to ask you, how do you keep from getting the variables confused amongst each other and how many times do you recheck to make sure it's correct? How old were you when you first learned this level of math?

 

[MarkFL]

Ok, so my new question is is it normal to have a hard time plugging into the spots. I feel dyslexic as I am doing this. is there a trick to remember it?

It just takes practice...you are not alone in finding it a challenge at times to know which of the given data values goes into which place in a formula. :D

I have had lots and lots of practice over the last 23 years. I was 27 when I really began studying mathematics.

Just make certain you understand what each parameter in a given formula represents. ;)

 

[CellCoree]

I understand that math can be difficult and mistakes can happen. It is important to double check your work to ensure accuracy. In this case, it seems that you may have made a small mistake in plugging in the coordinates into the distance formula. It is normal to have difficulties with math and it is important to take your time and double check your work. As for remembering the formula, it may be helpful to practice and use mnemonic devices to help you remember the steps. Additionally, using graph paper or drawing out the points can also help with visualizing and solving the problem. Keep practicing and don't be discouraged, as mistakes are a part of the learning process.