Question

P is on y-axis whose ordinate is 3 and Q ≡ (12, −13). Find the distance between P and Q.

Answer 1

We need to find the distance between the points:

P(0, 3) and Q(12, −13)

Step 1: Recall the distance formula

`"Distance" = sqrt((x_2 − x_1)^2 + (y_2 − y_1)^2)`

Step 2: Identify the coordinates

x₁ ​= 0, y₁ ​= 3(since P lies on the y-axis)

x₂ = 12, y₂ = −13

Step 3: Substitute values

`"Distance" = sqrt((12 − 0)^2 + (−13 − 3)^2)`

= `sqrt(12^2 + (−16)^2)`

`sqrt(144 + 256)`

`sqrt400`

= 20 units