Simple vs. Compound Interest
9-12
1
The Distance Formula
Lesson Details
Grade Level
6-8
Duration (minutes)
2
Summary
A grade 6-8 math lesson teaching the distance formula for finding the distance between two points on a coordinate plane, showing its connection to the Pythagorean theorem through two worked examples.
Student Worksheet: The Distance Formula
Teacher Note: Students can watch the video lesson above and answer the questions. Click the “Teacher Answer Key” dropdown below when you are ready to review the solutions!
Key Concepts:
• Distance Formula: D = √[(x₂ − x₁)² + (y₂ − y₁)²]
• Where It Comes From: The formula is built from the Pythagorean theorem, since the distance is the hypotenuse of a right triangle.
• The Process: Subtract, square, add, then take the square root.
Instructions: Read each question carefully and write your answer in the space provided.
- Question 1: Find the distance between (1, 2) and (4, 6).
- Question 2: Find the distance between (0, 0) and (6, 8).
- Question 3: What theorem is the distance formula built from?
- Question 4: What are the four steps of the distance formula process, in order?
- Question 5: Why do you always take the square root as the last step?
Click to reveal Teacher Answer Key
1. 5 units
2. 10 units
3. The Pythagorean theorem
4. Subtract, square, add, then take the square root
5. Because the sum of the squared differences gives you the squared distance, so the square root undoes that to find the actual distance
Disclaimer: This worksheet was generated with AI assistance based on original video content. It is intended for educational reference only. Teachers are encouraged to review and adjust questions to fit their curriculum standards before classroom use.
🎯 Extension Activity: Give students two new points, like (2, 3) and (5, 7), and have them apply the four-step process to find the distance on their own.