Math Problem Statement

find the length of the line segment C(-2,1) D(4,5)

Solution

To find the length of the line segment between two points C(2,1)C(-2, 1) and D(4,5)D(4, 5), we use the distance formula:

d=(x2x1)2+(y2y1)2d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}

Here:

  • (x1,y1)=(2,1)(x_1, y_1) = (-2, 1)
  • (x2,y2)=(4,5)(x_2, y_2) = (4, 5)

Steps:

  1. Subtract the coordinates:

    • x2x1=4(2)=4+2=6x_2 - x_1 = 4 - (-2) = 4 + 2 = 6
    • y2y1=51=4y_2 - y_1 = 5 - 1 = 4
  2. Square the differences:

    • (x2x1)2=62=36(x_2 - x_1)^2 = 6^2 = 36
    • (y2y1)2=42=16(y_2 - y_1)^2 = 4^2 = 16
  3. Add the squares:

    • 36+16=5236 + 16 = 52
  4. Take the square root:

    • 52=413=213\sqrt{52} = \sqrt{4 \cdot 13} = 2\sqrt{13} (simplified form)
    • Approximation: 527.211\sqrt{52} \approx 7.211

Final Answer:

The length of the line segment is 2132\sqrt{13} or approximately 7.217.21.

Would you like a step-by-step visualization or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How would you calculate the midpoint of the segment joining C(2,1)C(-2, 1) and D(4,5)D(4, 5)?
  2. What is the slope of the line passing through C(2,1)C(-2, 1) and D(4,5)D(4, 5)?
  3. If another point E(1,2)E(1, 2) lies on the same line, can you verify it using the slope?
  4. What is the equation of the line passing through C(2,1)C(-2, 1) and D(4,5)D(4, 5)?
  5. How does the distance formula relate to the Pythagorean theorem?

Tip: The distance formula is a direct application of the Pythagorean theorem in a coordinate plane!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Distance Formula
Geometry
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

d = √((x2 - x1)² + (y2 - y1)²)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10