Distance on the Coordinate Plane - Grade 8

Examples, videos, and solutions to help Grade 8 students learn how to determine the distance between two points on a coordinate plane using the Pythagorean Theorem.

New York State Common Core Math Grade 8, Module 7, Lesson 17

Worksheets for Grade 8

Lesson 17 Student Outcomes

• Students determine the distance between two points on a coordinate plane using the Pythagorean Theorem.

Lesson 17 Summary

To determine the distance between two points on the coordinate plane, begin by connecting the two points. Then draw a vertical line through one of the points and a horizontal line through the other point. The intersection of the vertical and horizontal lines forms a right triangle to which the Pythagorean Theorem can be applied.
To verify if a triangle is a right triangle, use the converse of the Pythagorean Theorem.

Lesson 17 Classwork

Example 1
What is the distance between the two points A, B on the coordinate plane?

Exercises
For each of the Exercises 1–4, determine the distance between points and on the coordinate plane. Round your answer to the tenths place.

Example 3
Is the triangle formed by the points A, B, C a right triangle?

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