How to Use the Distance Formula on the Coordinate Plane

Mashup Math

This educational math video provides a clear, step-by-step introduction to the Distance Formula. It begins by defining distance conceptually using real-world analogies like a 100-meter dash and GPS navigation, helping students transition from physical measurements to abstract coordinates. The video then explicitly demonstrates how to calculate the distance between two points on a coordinate plane using the formula derived from the Pythagorean Theorem. The content focuses on two distinct examples of varying complexity. The first example involves positive coordinates that result in a perfect square, allowing for a clean integer answer. It also visually connects the distance formula back to the Pythagorean Theorem by overlaying a right triangle on the graph. The second example introduces negative coordinates and finding the length of a diagonal within a polygon, requiring students to handle double negatives and round an irrational square root to the nearest tenth. Teachers can use this video to introduce the concept of distance in coordinate geometry or to reinforce algebraic substitution skills. The visual highlighting of coordinates during the substitution phase is particularly helpful for scaffolding the learning process for students who struggle with tracking variables. The video serves as an excellent bridge between geometry and algebra, making it highly relevant for middle school and early high school math curriculums.