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 and many applied sciences.

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
• \( d \) — Distance between the points

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 geometry, physics, computer graphics, GPS navigation, game development, and many engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the x and y coordinates for both points. The calculator will compute the straight-line distance between them. All values must be valid numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can this be used for 3D points?
A: No, this calculator is for 2D points only. For 3D points, you would need to extend the formula to include the z-coordinate.

Q2: What units does the calculator use?
A: The calculator uses whatever units your coordinates are in. The result will be in the same units.

Q3: Does the order of points matter?
A: No, the distance is the same regardless of which point you consider first or second.

Q4: Can I calculate distance between geographic coordinates?
A: For geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude), you would need the haversine formula, which accounts for Earth's curvature.

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