1. What is the Distance Formula?

The distance formula calculates the length between two points in a coordinate plane. It's derived from the Pythagorean theorem and is fundamental in geometry for determining side lengths of polygons like quadrilaterals.

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
• \( s \) — Length of the side connecting the two points

Explanation: The formula calculates the hypotenuse of a right triangle formed by the differences in x and y coordinates.

3. Importance of Side Length Calculation

Details: Calculating side lengths is essential for determining perimeter, area, and other properties of quadrilaterals and other polygons in geometry and real-world applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the coordinates of two points that form a side of the quadrilateral. The calculator will compute the straight-line distance between them.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Does the order of points matter?
A: No, the distance is the same regardless of which point is considered first or second.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: Use consistent units for all coordinates (e.g., all in meters or all in feet). The result will be in the same units.

Q4: Can I calculate perimeter with this?
A: Yes, by calculating all side lengths and summing them, you can determine the perimeter of a quadrilateral.

Q5: How accurate is the calculation?
A: The calculator provides results accurate to two decimal places, suitable for most applications.