GED Mathematical Reasoning TestQuantitative Problem Solving with MeasurementMedium
A scientist is tracking the movement of a drone. The drone starts at point A (1, 2) and flies to point B (7, 10). What is the straight-line distance, in units, the drone traveled?
- A8
- B14
- C10
- D12
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 10
Use the distance formula: d = √[(x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²]. Here, (x₁, y₁) = (1, 2) and (x₂, y₂) = (7, 10). So, d = √[(7 - 1)² + (10 - 2)²] = √[(6)² + (8)²] = √[36 + 64] = √100 = 10 units.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is the difference in y-coordinates (10-2) or a calculation error.
- B. This is the sum of the coordinates (7+10-1-2) or a calculation error.
- D. This is the sum of the differences in coordinates (6+8) or a calculation error.
Distance Formula
The distance formula calculates the straight-line distance between two points (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂) in a coordinate plane.
- Formula: d = √[(x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²]
- Essentially an application of the Pythagorean theorem.
- Results in a positive value.
Memory trick: Subtract, Square, Add, then Square Root, to find the path's true loot!