Elementary Algebra
Introduction to Algebra Linear Equations and Inequalities Functions and Graphs I Lines and thier Graphs Linear Systems Exponents & Polynomials
Intermediate Algebra
Factoring Rational Expressions Rational Equations and Applications Radical Expressions Nonlinear Equations and Applications Functions and Graphs II Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Precalculus I / College Algebra
Equations and Inequalitites Functions and Graphs Polynomial and Rational Functions Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Systems and Matrices Geometry Basics Conic Sections Sequences and Series
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Calculus I
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Calculus III

Course: College Algebra
Topic: Basic Geometry
Subtopic: Distance & Midpoint Formulae

Overview

Given two points in a place, say with coordinates (x1,y1) and (x2,y2), we can find the exact distance between them and the exact midpoint of the line segment conntecting them using two formulas that you should MEMORIZE:

Distance Formula: D(P_1,P_2)=sqrt((x_2-x_1)^2+(y_2-y_1)^2)

Midpoint Formula: ((x_1+x_2)/2,(y_1+y_2)/2)

Objectives

By the end of this topic you should know and be prepared to be tested on:

• 6.1.1 Given the coordinates of two points, use the distance formula to find the exact distance between them
• 6.1.2 Given the coordinates of one point, use the distance formula to find the coordinates of a second point that lies at a given distance from it
• 6.1.3 Given the coordinates of two points, use the midpoint formula to find the exact midpoint of the line segment connecting them
• 6.1.4 Given the coordinates of the endpoint of a line segment and the midpoint of that line segment, use the midpoint formula to find the other endpoint

Terminology

Terms you should be able to define: point in a plane, distance between two points, line segment, midpoint of a line segment

Mini-Lectures and Examples

Supplemental Resources (optional)

If you need supplemental tutorial videos with examples relevant to this section go to James Sousa's MathIsPower4U and search for topics: "Using the Distance Formula / Midpoint Formula"

rev. 2020-10-10