Self-Learning Module: Applying the Distance Formula to Prove Geometric
Properties
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
1. Apply the distance formula to calculate the distance between two points.
2. Use the distance formula to prove geometric properties such as congruence of segments
and classification of triangles.
3. Reflect on your learning process and identify areas for improvement.
Lesson
The Distance Formula
The distance formula is used to determine the distance between two points (x 1, y1) and (x2,
y2) in a Cartesian plane. The formula is derived from the Pythagorean theorem:
D = √¿¿¿¿
where:
- D is the distance between the two points,
- (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinates of the points.
Example 1: Calculating Distance
Find the distance between the points A(2, 3) and B(5, 7).
Solution:
x2 = 5, x1 = 2, y2 = 7, y1 = 3
√
D = ( 5−2 )2 + ( 7−3 )2
D =√ ( 3 ) + ( 4 )
2 2
D = √ 9+16
D = √ 25
D=5
The distance between A and B is 5 units.
Using the Distance Formula to Prove Geometric Properties
1. Proving Congruence of Segments
Segments are congruent if their lengths are equal. Use the distance formula to calculate the
lengths and compare them.
2. Classifying Triangles
- A triangle is equilateral if all sides are equal.
- It is isosceles if two sides are equal.
- It is scalene if all sides are different.
- It is a right triangle if the square of the longest side equals the sum of the squares of the
other two sides (Pythagorean theorem).
Example 2: Classifying a Triangle
Determine the type of triangle formed by the points A(1, 2), B(4, 6), and C(1, 6).
To determine the type of triangle, we must find the distance between the points to check if
all sides are congruent (equilateral), if only two sides are congruent (isosceles), if all sides
are different (scalene) or if the sides form a right triangle.
Plan: Find the length of AB, AC and BC, then check which type of triangle these
side measurements fit into.
Solution:
1. Find the distances:
√ √
- AB = ( 4−1 )2 + ( 6−2 )2 = ( 3 )2 + ( 4 )2 = √ 9+16 = √ 25 = 5
- AC = √ ( 1−1 ) + ( 6−2 )
2 2
= √ 0 + ( 4 ) = √ 0+16 = √ 16 = 4
2 2
- BC = √ ( 1−4 ) + ( 6−6 )
2 2
= √ (−3 ) + ( 0 ) = √ 9+0 = √ 9 = 3
2 2
2. Compare the sides:
√
- Since 5 is equal to ( 3 )2 + ( 4 )2, then AB, AC and BC are sides forming a right triangle based
on the Pythagorean Theorem.
Practice Exercises (Solve on your own first then check your answers with the
answer key provided.)
Part A: Solve for the Distance
1. Find the distance between P(-3, 2) and Q(4, -1).
2. Determine the distance between R(0, 0) and ( S(7, 24).
3. Compute the distance between T(-5, -5) and U(5, 5).
4. Calculate the distance between V(-2, 3) and W(3, -1).
5. Find the distance between X(2, -4) and Y(6, -8).
Part B: Prove Geometric Properties
1. Use the distance formula to prove that the points A(1, 1), B(4, 1) , and C(1, 5) form a
right triangle.
2. Show that P(2, 3) , Q(6, 3) , and R(4, 5) form an isosceles triangle.
3. Prove that the points A(0, 0) , B(3, 4) , and C(6, 0) form an isosceles triangle.
Answer Key
Part A: Solve for the Distance
1. √ 58
2. 25
3. √ 200 = √ 100 ( 2 ) = 10 √ 2
4. √ 41
5. √ 32 = √ 16 ( 2 ) = 4 √ 2
Part B:
Final Assessment (Without Answer Key)
1. Calculate the distance between A(-1, 2) and B(3, -2) .
2. Prove that F(-2, 1) , G(1, 1) , and H(-2, -2) form an isosceles triangle.
3. Verify if J(0, 0) , K(3, 4) , and L(6, 0) form a scalene triangle.
4. Determine if M(1, 2) , N(4, 6) , and P(1, 6) form a right triangle.
Reflection
What I Learned: Write about the key concepts you learned in this module.
How Well I Performed: Reflect on your performance in the practice exercises and final
assessment.
What Was Easy: Identify the parts of the module that you found easiest to understand or
apply.
What Was Difficult: Identify the parts of the module that you found most challenging.
