Question

Which of the following is the correct formula for finding distance (d) between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)?

(a) d^2 = (x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2

(b) d^4 = (x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2

(c) d^3 = (x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2

(d) d = (x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1) ^2

I had been asked this question in an interview for job.

This interesting question is from Straight Line Motion in section Motion in a Straight Line of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

Right option is (c) d^3 = (x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2

The explanation: The correct answer is d^2 = (x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2. This expression can be found out using Pythagoras theorem in Cartesian coordinate system. Build a right-angle triangle with sides parallel to the axes and the hypotenuse joining the two points to construct the right-angle triangle.