Question

find the distance between a (-3,8) and b (-1,4). round to the nearest tenth, if necessary. about 4.5 units

Explanation:

Step1: Recall distance formula

The distance formula between two points $(x_1,y_1)$ and $(x_2,y_2)$ is $d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2+(y_2 - y_1)^2}$. Here, $x_1=-3,y_1 = 8,x_2=-1,y_2 = 4$.

Step2: Substitute values

$d=\sqrt{(-1-(-3))^2+(4 - 8)^2}=\sqrt{(2)^2+(-4)^2}=\sqrt{4 + 16}=\sqrt{20}$.

Step3: Simplify and round

$\sqrt{20}=2\sqrt{5}\approx 4.5$ (rounded to the nearest tenth).

Answer:

$4.5$