Thread: Finding the distance between points

The question states find the distance between the following points (a,sqrt(a)) (a+h,sqrt(a+h))

To begin with i know i should plug it into the distance formula so..
sqrt((a+h-a)^2 + (sqrt(a+h)-sqrt(a))^2)

from here I subtract a from a+h leaving sqrt((h)^2 + (sqrt(a+h)-sqrt(a))^2)

I'm unsure of how to proceed from here. If I remeber correctly (sqrt(a+h)-sqrt(a) is already simplified so i would assume I multiply (sqrt(a+h)-sqrt(a) (sqrt(a+h)-sqrt(a) use foil and then add the (h)^2 to the product but that answer doesn't check.

I then tried to rationalize the numerator but that seems like i'm over complicating it. i've been trying to solve this off and on for a week now with no luck its just an optional homework assignment that isn't graded, but I would really like to know how to figure this out. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

The distance between two points and is given by the formula:


So in this case the disctance is given by:

Originally Posted by Siron

The distance between two points and is given by the formula:


So in this case the disctance is given by:

ok... my text book and this website says sqrt((x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2) am I missing something or is this a typo?

Originally Posted by riderk

ok... my text book and this website says sqrt((x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2) am I missing something or is this a typo?

Originally Posted by riderk

The question states find the distance between the following points (a,sqrt(a)) (a+h,sqrt(a+h))

Those two are exactly the same. There is no typo.
In this problem: thus

thus

No, there is no typo. I don't see any difference between what you give and what Siron says. It is true that you have and Siron has but they are the same: .

@ riderk:
My apologies in case of confusing you, but I couldn't read your answer well, but now I see you're right .