If M and N are the points (-3, 8) and (5, -7) respectively, find |MN|
Answer Details
To find the distance between two points M(-3, 8) and N(5, -7), we use the distance formula:
|MN| = √[(x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²]
where (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂) are the coordinates of M and N, respectively.
Substituting the values, we get:
|MN| = √[(5 - (-3))² + (-7 - 8)²]
|MN| = √[(5 + 3)² + (-15)²]
|MN| = √[8² + 15²]
|MN| = √(64 + 225)
|MN| = √289
|MN| = 17
Therefore, the distance |MN| between the two points is 17 units. So, the correct option is "17 units".