Distance formulas help us calculate the shortest distance between two points in 2D and 3D spaces. Understanding distance formulas is essential for learning advanced topics in mathematics, such as vectors, trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry. In this section, we will derive the distance formula and use it to find the distance between two points on the coordinate plane and also to find the area and perimeter of polygons. Distance Formula and Pythagorean Theorem. The distance formula is derived from the Pythagorean theorem. To find the distance between two points ($$x_1, y_1$$) and ($$x_2, y_2$$), all that you need to do is use the coordinates of these ordered pairs and apply the formula pictured below. Distance formula is a mathematical formula used to calculate the distance between two points in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. It is a fundamental concept in geometry and can be applied in various fields, including physics, engineering, and computer science.
