Using the Pythagorean Theorem

This lesson, led by Kirk Weiler, focuses on calculating distances in the coordinate plane using the Pythagorean theorem. It begins with an introduction to the concept and proceeds through a series of exercises that demonstrate how to find the distance between points by plotting them, drawing right triangles, and using coordinate subtraction. The lesson also covers handling negative coordinates and concludes with a preview of the next topic.

What is the main focus of this lesson?

• Exploring the concept of parallel lines.

• Using the Pythagorean theorem to find distances in the coordinate plane.

• Learning about different types of triangles.

• Understanding the properties of circles.

In Exercise 1, what are the coordinates of point A?

• (8, 0)

• (0, 6)

• (6, 0)

• (0, 8)

How do you find the length of a line segment using the Pythagorean theorem?

• By adding the coordinates of the endpoints.

• By multiplying the coordinates of the endpoints.

• By using the formula a^2 + b^2 = c^2.

• By subtracting the coordinates of the endpoints.

In Exercise 2, what is the distance between points A (3, 2) and B (9, 6)?

• 8.5

• 10.0

• 7.2

• 5.0

What is the purpose of Exercise 3?

• To learn how to count squares on a grid.

• To find horizontal and vertical leg lengths using coordinates.

• To practice drawing right triangles.

• To memorize the distance formula.

In Exercise 4, what is the length of the horizontal leg between points E (4, 3) and F (9, 15)?

• 3 units

• 5 units

• 7 units

• 9 units

How do you handle negative numbers when finding distances in Exercise 5?

• Use absolute values to ensure positive distances.

• Add them to the positive numbers.

• Subtract them from the positive numbers.

• Ignore them completely.

What is the distance between points (-2, 10) and (6, 5) in Exercise 5?

• 10 units

• 12 units

• 17 units

• 15 units

What is the key takeaway from the lesson on distance in the coordinate plane?

• The coordinate plane is only useful for plotting points.

• Distances can only be measured in whole numbers.

• The Pythagorean theorem is only applicable to right triangles.

• The Pythagorean theorem can be used to find distances between any two points in the coordinate plane.