Determining Distance using the Pythagorean Theorem

T.i.P.S.

Students must have a deep understanding of points on a coordinate plane because they will need to draw the right triangle that is formed from two given points. They can then count the number of units for the two legs to then use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the hypotenuse. Without drawing the right triangle formed by two points, students can find the side lengths of the legs by calculating the differences in both x-coordinates and y-coordinates and taking their absolute values. This will give the leg lengths for use in Pythagorean Theorem.  

Example

The coordinates of the vertices of the triangle are shown below as A(-6, 2), B(6, 2), C(6, -3).

What is the length of segment AC in units?

Hint
Possible Solution

TEKS

Supporting Standard  8.7 Expressions, equations, and relationships. The student applies mathematical process standards to use geometry to solve problems. The student is expected to:
(D) determine the distance between two points on a coordinate plane using the Pythagorean Theorem

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