Distance Formula problem

[ryan_kalle]

College Algebra course. Instructor have us this assignment.

1. Let m and n be any real numbers. What is the distance between (0,0) and (2m, m^2 - 1)? What is the distance between (0,0) and (2mn, m^2 - n^2)?

I don't understand what exactly he is wanting. MY confusing is on the phrase "Let m and n be any real numbers."

"all real numbers" means (-infinity, infinity) but this says "any" do I get to just pick 2 random digits?

 

[galactus]

I assume you know the distance formula. m and n are any reals. This just means the formula works for any reals.

Just sub 2m and m^2-1 into the distance formula and simplify.

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{(2m-0)^{2}+(m^{2}-1-0)^{2}}\)

Do the same for the second part of the problem.

 

[Aladdin]

College Algebra course. Instructor have us this assignment.

Your college major is,please ?!

 

[BigGlenntheHeavy]

\(\displaystyle Distance Formula \ (in \ the \ plane): \ d \ = \ \sqrt{(x_2-x_1)^2+(y_2-y_1)^2}\)

\(\displaystyle Hence, \ now \ knowing \ the \ distance \ formula, \ the \ rest \ should \ be \ elementary \ my \ dear \ Watson.\)