2012-05-21 09:00:15

On an x-y coordinate plane, if point a is at the point (3,-3) and point b is at the point (4,5), what is the distance between points a and b?

(A) 3
(B) 9
(C) √17
(D) √65
(E) 64

The correct answer is D

Explanation: To find the distance between a and b, use the distance formula:



Use the a points for x₁ and y₁ and the b points for x₂ and y₂. Plug them in to the formula:

d = √((4 - 3)² + (5 - -3)²) = √((1)² + (8)²) = √(1 + 64) = √65

This means choice D is correct.