Question

what must be calculated first when applying the distance formula to points a(x1,y1) and b(x2,y2)? a. the product of x and y differences b. the squares of the differences of x and y values c. the sum of x and y values d. the average of x and y values

Explanation:

The distance formula between two points $A(x_1,y_1)$ and $B(x_2,y_2)$ is $d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2+(y_2 - y_1)^2}$. First, we calculate the differences $x_2 - x_1$ and $y_2 - y_1$.

Answer:

None of the given options are exactly correct as the first - step is calculating the differences of $x$ and $y$ values. But if we consider the closest option based on the operations in the formula after getting the differences, it would be b. The squares of the differences of x and y values.