Algebra – Distance between 2 points on a Graph

If you have two points on a graph and are asked to find the distance between these two points, then this can easily be done using Pythagoras theorem. Suppose you are asked to work out the distance between 2 points A and B.

Form a right-angle triangle to work out distance ‘c’

Use Pythagoras theorem to find distance ‘c’

STEP 1 – Using coordinates of points A and C, find distance ‘a’

STEP 2 – Using coordinates of points B and C, find distance ‘b’

STEP 3 – Using Pythagoras theorem, find distance ‘c’