Question

find the length of bc. round to the nearest tenth. (use distance formula) b(-1,3) a(-4,1) c(3,1) d(0,-1) a. 3.6 b. 4.5 c. 5.4 d. 2.8

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the distance formula

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

Step2: Determine the coordinates of points B and C

Point B has coordinates $(-1,3)$ and point C has coordinates $(3,1)$. So $x_1=-1,y_1 = 3,x_2=3,y_2 = 1$.

Step3: Substitute values into formula

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

Step4: Simplify and round

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

Answer:

B. 4.5