1. What is the Distance Formula?

The distance formula calculates the straight-line distance between two points in a 2D plane. It's derived from the Pythagorean theorem and is fundamental in geometry, physics, and many practical applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the distance formula:

Where:

• \( (x_1, y_1) \) — Coordinates of the first point
• \( (x_2, y_2) \) — Coordinates of the second point

Explanation: The formula calculates the hypotenuse of a right triangle formed by the differences in x and y coordinates.

3. Applications of Distance Calculation

Details: Distance calculations are used in navigation, computer graphics, physics, engineering, and many scientific fields where measuring spatial relationships is important.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the coordinates of two points in any consistent units (meters, feet, etc.). The result will be in the same units as your inputs.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can this be used for 3D coordinates?
A: This calculator is for 2D only. For 3D, you would need to extend the formula to include the z-coordinate.

Q2: Does the order of points matter?
A: No, the distance is the same regardless of which point you consider first or second.

Q3: What if my coordinates are negative?
A: The formula works with any real numbers - positive, negative, or zero.

Q4: Can I use this for geographic coordinates?
A: For small distances on Earth, this works as an approximation. For large distances, you should use the haversine formula that accounts for Earth's curvature.

Q5: What's the maximum precision?
A: The calculator shows 4 decimal places, but can handle more precise inputs if needed.