Analytic Geometry Question

Asked Sep 13 '12 at 19:02

Active Sep 13 '12 at 19:07

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There is a point $M (2,1$) on a Cartesian coordinate system. There is also a point $P (x,y)$. What is the distance $MP$ in $x$ and $y$?

I can figure out that $ PM^2$ = $(x-2)^2 + (y-1)^2$, at least, I think so, but how to solve $PM$? I am not the biggest fan of algebra so..

edited Sep 13 '12 at 19:07

asked Sep 13 '12 at 19:02

JohnPhteven

1

Take the square root... – copper.hat Sep 13 '12 at 19:03
I know that, but I don't exactly know how to or even if it is the correct answer. – JohnPhteven Sep 13 '12 at 19:04
that's right... – HipsterMathematician Sep 13 '12 at 19:05
I know I have to take the square root guys, but I don't know what the answer is.. – JohnPhteven Sep 13 '12 at 19:06
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Well, the formula you have for the distance squared between $M$ and $P$ is correct. The formula for the distance involves taking the square root. Until you have specific value for $x,y$ you can't do much more... – copper.hat Sep 13 '12 at 19:07
You found the distance of (2,1) to any (x,y),understood? – HipsterMathematician Sep 13 '12 at 19:10
What is the square root of the answer I found? That is my question really. I haven't done any algebra for a while so I forgot how to handle it. Is it just (x-2) + (y-1)? – JohnPhteven Sep 13 '12 at 19:11
4

$\sqrt{(x-2)^2 + (y-1)^2}$. That is the simplest form to write it in, and it is the correct answer. – Elchanan Solomon Sep 13 '12 at 19:13
How do I handle this: This answer, Root of (x-2)^2 + (y-1)^2 = Root of 2 – JohnPhteven Sep 13 '12 at 19:18
If you are considering the Euclidean distance then the distance between $M$ and $P$ is exactly the one written above by Isaac. – Sigur Sep 13 '12 at 19:28

0 Answers0