IntroductionFinding the distance between two points on a coordinate system is similar to finding the distance between two points on a number line. It is different in that finding the distance between two points on a coordinate system makes use of two dimensions, but the distance along a number line is only one dimension. Also, we can’t always easily measure or count the number of units between two points on a coordinate system. Instead, we can use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the number.

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Introduction, continuedThe Pythagorean Theorem relates the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle (c) to the lengths of its legs (a and b), a2 + b2 = c2, to calculate the distance between the two points. Remember that distance is always positive; therefore, we must take the absolute value, or the distance from zero, of distances calculated.

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Key ConceptsReviewing the Pythagorean Theorem •  Right triangles are triangles with one right (90˚)

angle.

• The side that is the longest and is always across from the right angle is called the hypotenuse. The two shorter sides are referred to as the legs of the right triangle.

• We can use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the length of any one of the three sides.

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Key Concepts, continued• For example, to find the length of the hypotenuse of a

triangle with legs of 5 and 7 units, we use the Pythagorean Theorem.

a2 + b2 = c2 Pythagorean Theorem

52+ 72 = c2 Substitute known values.

25 + 49 = c2 Simplify.

74 = c2 Simplify.

Take the square root of both sides of the equation.

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Key Concepts, continued• The length of the hypotenuse of the right triangle with

side lengths 5 and 7 is , or approximately 8.6 units.

• The Pythagorean Theorem can help us find the distance between two points on a coordinate system.

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Key Concepts, continued

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Finding the Distance Between Two Points Using the Pythagorean Theorem1. Plot the points on a coordinate system.2. Draw lines to form a right triangle, using each point as the end

of the hypotenuse.3. Calculate the length of the vertical side, a, of the right triangle

by taking the absolute value of the difference of the y-values ( |y2 – y1| ).

4. Calculate the length of the horizontal side, b, of the right triangle by taking the absolute value of the difference of the x-values ( |x2 – x1| ).

5. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the length of the hypotenuse, c.

6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Common Errors/Misconceptions• incorrectly identifying the x- and y-values

• substituting the x- and y-values incorrectly to find the lengths of the triangle’s sides

• forgetting to take the square root of c in order to find the distance between the points

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice

Example 2Tyler and Arsha have mapped out locations for a game of manhunt. Tyler’s position is represented by the point (–2, 1). Arsha’s position is represented by the point (–7, 9). Each unit is equivalent to 100 feet. What is the approximate distance between Tyler and Arsha?

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice: Example 2, continued

1. Plot the points on a coordinate system.

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice: Example 2, continued

2. Draw lines to form a right triangle, using each point as the end of the hypotenuse.

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice: Example 2, continued

3. Calculate the length of the vertical side and horizontal side of the right triangle.Let (x1, y1) = (–2, 1) and (x2, y2) = (–7, 9).

|y2 – y1| = |9 – 1| = |8| = 8

The length of side a is 8 units.

|x2 – x1| = |–7 – –2| = |–5| = 5

The length of side b is 5 units. 11

6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice: Example 2, continued

4. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the length of the hypotenuse, c.

a2 b2 = c2 Pythagorean Theorem

82 + 52 = c2 Substitute values for a and b 64 + 25 = c2 Simplify each term.

89 = c2 Simplify.

Take the square root of both

sides of the equation.

The distance between Tyler and Arsha is approximately 9.4 units or 940 feet.

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✔6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice

Example 3Kevin is standing 2 miles due north of the school. James is standing 4 miles due west of the school. What is the distance between Kevin and James?

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice: Example 3, continued

1. Plot the points on a coordinate system.Let (0, 0) represent the location of the school.

Kevin is standing 2 miles due north, so his location is 2 units above the origin, or at the point (0, 2).

James is standing 4 units due west, so his location is 4 units to the left of the origin, or at the point (–4, 0).

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice: Example 3, continued

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice: Example 3, continued

2. Draw lines to form a right triangle, using each point as the end of the hypotenuse.

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice: Example 3, continued

3. Calculate the length of the vertical side and horizontal side of the right triangle.Let (x1, y1) = (0, 2) and (x2, y2) = (–4, 0).

|y2 – y1| = |0 – 2| = |–2| = 2

The length of side a is 2 units.

|x2 – x1| = |–4 – 0| = |–4| = 4

The length of side b is 4 units.

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6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

Guided Practice: Example 3, continued

4. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the length of the hypotenuse, c.

a2+b2 = c2 Pythagorean Theorem

22 + 42 = c2 Substitute values for a and

4 + 16 = c2 Simplify each term.

20 = c2 Simplify.

Take the square root of both

sides of the equation.

The distance between Kevin and James is approximately 4.5 miles.

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✔6.1.1: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem