The distance between (0,0) and (3,4) is?

Prepare for the PSAT 8/9 Math Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, featuring hints and explanations for each question to help you succeed. Be exam-ready!

Multiple Choice

The distance between (0,0) and (3,4) is?

Explanation:
The distance between two points on a plane uses the distance formula: distance = sqrt((x2 − x1)² + (y2 − y1)²). For (0,0) and (3,4), the differences are 3 and 4. Squaring gives 9 and 16, and adding them yields 25, whose square root is 5. So the distance is 5—the familiar 3-4-5 right triangle. The other numbers don’t match this distance: 3 would imply moving only along one axis, √41 would come from differences like 5 and 4 (since 5² + 4² = 41), and 8 isn’t the result of these coordinate changes. The key idea is recognizing the Pythagorean relationship between the coordinate differences.

The distance between two points on a plane uses the distance formula: distance = sqrt((x2 − x1)² + (y2 − y1)²). For (0,0) and (3,4), the differences are 3 and 4. Squaring gives 9 and 16, and adding them yields 25, whose square root is 5. So the distance is 5—the familiar 3-4-5 right triangle.

The other numbers don’t match this distance: 3 would imply moving only along one axis, √41 would come from differences like 5 and 4 (since 5² + 4² = 41), and 8 isn’t the result of these coordinate changes. The key idea is recognizing the Pythagorean relationship between the coordinate differences.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy