Distance Formula and Pythagorean Theorem

I can use the distance formula to verify the Pythagorean theorem.

3:40

We don't generate video — this one is by Khan Academy on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

1. 1

   To find the distance between two points, create a right triangle where the line connecting the points is the hypotenuse.

2. 2

   The length of the legs of the triangle can be determined by the difference in the x-coordinates and y-coordinates of the points.

3. 3

   Using the Pythagorean theorem, a² + b² = c², where c is the distance between the two points, we find that the distance, c, is equal to the square root of 85.

“Points A and B are located at (-2, 3) and (1, 7) respectively. Using the distance formula, find the distance between points A and B. Then, using the lengths of the legs of the right triangle formed by these points, verify the Pythagorean theorem.”

Sample answer included in the free materials