Chapter 8: Problem 18
Find the distance between the given two points. $$ (3,-1,-2) \text { and }(2,-3,-5) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The distance between the points is \(\sqrt{14}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We are tasked with finding the distance between two points in a 3-dimensional space. The given points are \((3, -1, -2)\) and \((2, -3, -5)\).
02
Recall the Distance Formula
The distance formula for two points \((x_1, y_1, z_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2, z_2)\) in 3D space is given by:\[ \text{Distance} = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2 + (z_2 - z_1)^2} \]
03
Subtract the Corresponding Coordinates
Calculate the differences of the corresponding coordinates:- \(x_2 - x_1 = 2 - 3 = -1\)- \(y_2 - y_1 = -3 - (-1) = -2\)- \(z_2 - z_1 = -5 - (-2) = -3\)
04
Square Each Difference
Calculate the squares of each of the differences:- \((-1)^2 = 1\)- \((-2)^2 = 4\)- \((-3)^2 = 9\)
05
Sum the Squares
Add the squared differences together:\[1 + 4 + 9 = 14\]
06
Take the Square Root
Find the distance by taking the square root of the sum:\[ \text{Distance} = \sqrt{14} \]
07
Simplify the Result
The distance remains as \(\sqrt{14}\) since 14 cannot further be simplified to an integer value.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
3-dimensional space
In our everyday world, we commonly navigate through three dimensions: length, width, and height. This is known as three-dimensional space. When we deal with 3D space in mathematics, we usually refer to it as the xyz-plane or xyz-coordinate system. Here, each point in space is defined by three coordinates.
- The x-coordinate (abscissa) locates the position along the horizontal axis.
- The y-coordinate (ordinate) locates the position along the vertical axis.
- The z-coordinate locates the position along the depth axis, which is perpendicular to both x and y.
distance between points
To find the distance between two points in 3-dimensional space, we use the 3D distance formula. This formula extends the Pythagorean theorem (used in two dimensions) to accommodate an additional axis.
The formula is:\[ \text{Distance} = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2 + (z_2 - z_1)^2} \]
Let's understand the process step by step:
The formula is:\[ \text{Distance} = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2 + (z_2 - z_1)^2} \]
Let's understand the process step by step:
- Coordinate Differences: Start by finding the difference in each coordinate. This helps in understanding how far apart the points are along each axis individually. It's like measuring the length of a box between two corners.
- Squares of Differences: Square these coordinate differences. Squaring ensures that the result is positive, and it elevates the concept to work in three dimensions.
- Sum and Square Root: Add the squared differences and then take the square root. This aggregates the total 'straight-line' distance between the points, considering all dimensions together.
coordinate geometry
Coordinate geometry, or Cartesian geometry, is the combination of algebra and geometry using a coordinate system. It allows for the precise representation and analysis of geometrical shapes by calculating their properties through equations and algebraic expressions.
In a 3-dimensional context, coordinate geometry helps us:
In a 3-dimensional context, coordinate geometry helps us:
- Find distances, as seen with our step-by-step problem.
- Locate points precisely with three coordinates (x, y, z). Each point can be placed exactly in 3D space.
- Understand the spatial relationship between various geometric shapes and planes.