We’re always considering distance when travel. We are looking for the shortest distance but we are restricted by roads or whatever form of transportation we choose to use. The shortest distance between any two point is, however, a straight line. Given two points we look at the formula for finding the shortest distance between two point, or the distance formula.
curriculum: Grade 9
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The length of a line is not necessarily a practical value as a line goes on for ever. The length of a line is infinite. However, the length of a line segment is of more value and is a finite value. Any time we measure how long a package is or how long our table is, we are taking the length of a line segment. Learn the formula for finding the length of a line segment when given two points in either 2 dimensions or in 3 dimensions.
What does it mean for points to be equidistant? We take a look at the meaning of this and then look at how we can determine if points are equidistant using mathematics and formulas we have seen such as the distance formula.
The vector equation of a line is another form of interpreting a line but now with a different structure called a vector. Again, we will see a parameter in this form. A single parameter indicating that we are representing a linear relationship.
Another form of interpreting the linear relation is with the parametric equation of a line. In this form we have an unknown or parameter value. Depending on how many parameters there are we determine the type of “plane” we have. In our case here we will see one parameter indicating that we have a line.
The scalar equation of a line is another way to represent a linear relationship. Learn more about the scalar form of the equation of a line and practice writing the scalar equation form of a line.
Given two points it may be necessary to find the midpoint of the line between the two points. Learn about the midpoint formula for finding the midpoint of a line segment.