Question

n a right triangle, the hypotenuse has endpoints P(–3, 2) and Q(1, –3).

On a coordinate plane, line P Q has points (negative 3, 2) and (1, negative 3).

If R represents the third vertex in the triangle and R is located in the third quadrant, what is the length of PR?
3
4
5
6

Answer 1

Answer: 5

Reason: Take R = (-3, -3) (third quadrant). Then PR is vertical from (-3,2) to (-3,-3), so PR = |2 - (-3)| = 5, and QR is horizontal from (1,-3) to (-3,-3), so PR ⟂ QR and PQ is the hypotenuse. Thus PR = 5.