MHB Vertical Dist. Origin to (8,1): 8 units

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The vertical distance from the origin to the point (8,1) is defined as the absolute difference in the y-coordinates, which is 1 unit. The discussion highlights that "vertical" can be contextually defined in two dimensions, typically along the y-axis in an xy-coordinate system. This definition is considered arbitrary but useful for calculations. The calculation confirms that the vertical distance is simply the value of the y-coordinate at point (8,1). Therefore, the vertical distance from the origin to (8,1) is 1 unit.
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what is the vertical distance from the origin to the point (8,1)
 
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vertical distance between two points = $|\Delta y|$
 
flolisa said:
what is the vertical distance from the origin to the point (8,1)
How are you DEFINING "vertical" in two dimensions? "Vertical" is a three dimensional notion depending on the direction of gravity. It might make sense to define "vertical", in a two dimensional sense, in the direction of the y-axis in an xy-coordinate system (but that is, of course, completely arbitrary). Here, since you specified both the origin and the point (8, 1) we are given a coordinate system and can say that the "vertical distance" is 1.
 
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