Question

The distance of the point (–3, 4) from the x-axis is ______. 

Options

• 3

• –3

• 4

• 5

Answer 1

The distance of the point (–3, 4) from the x-axis is 4.

Explanation:

Let B (−3, 4) be the given point. Suppose the perpendicular from B on the x-axis intersects at A.

Point A lies on the x-axis, so the coordinate of point A is (−3, 0).

Distance of the given point from the x-axis = AB

Using distance formula, we have

`AB= sqrt([-3-(-3)]^2+(4-0)^2)=sqrt((-3+3)^2+(4-0)^2)=sqrt16=4unit`

∴The distance of the point (−3, 4) from the x- axis is 4 units.

Hence, the correct answer is C.