Asked by Claire

Find the distance between points (-2,1) and (1,5)

When finding the distance between these 2 points would you subtract 1-(-2) or -2-1? The same question with the other one as well.
Answered by drwls
In answer to your question, you can do it either way, because the numbers get squared anyway.

sqrt[(5-1)^2 + (1 -(-2))^2] = sqrt[16 + 9) = 5
Answered by CP
Would it matter in any other case though???
Answered by drwls
Yes, it matters if you want the slope of the line between the points. Then you must use either
(y2 = y1)/(x2 - x1) or (y1 - y2)/(x1 - x2).
Answered by CP
But if you're not trying to find the slope it wouldn't matter right?
Answered by drwls
For the distance between points, it doesn't matter.
Answered by CP
Alrighty! Thanks so much! (:
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