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Distance Formula in R3

The formula for the distance between two points in the plane can be extended to two points in space.

 

Distance Formula in Three Dimensions

The distance | P1P2 | between the points P1(x1, y1, z1) and P2(x2, y2, z2) equals

 

 

Study the figure below: can you explain how to derive this formula? (Hint: use the Pythagorean theorem twice.)

 

x3.JPG

Examples - using the distance formula in R3

(a) Find the distance between the points P(2, -1, 7) and Q(3, 1, 5).

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(b) Find the equation of a sphere with radius r and center C(h, k, l).

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Think about it:

Given three points in space, how are the distances between them related if the points lie on a straight line?

x4.JPG

 

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If the points A, B and C lie on a straight line and B lies between A and C, then |AB| + |BC| = |AC|.
 
 

 

Section 13.1 - Suggested Exercises

# 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23, 25, 29, 33, 35

 


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