In order to derive the polar coordinates distance formula we use the law of cosines. Suppose youre given the two points 2 1 and 1 5 and they want you to find out how far apart they are. Distance x 2 x 1 2 y 2 y 1 2.
The formula states that.
X y Coordinates of Point 2 x 2y 2. D x 2 x 1 2 y 2 y 1 2 displaystyle d sqrt x_ 2-x_ 1 2 y_ 2-y_ 1 2 where. A Cartesian coordinate system UK. Coordinates of Point 1 x 1y 1.