Test Index

WAEC Mathematics 2014 Paper

Question : 10

Total: 49

Solution:

Concept:

The shortest distance between two points is the length of the straight line segment joining them, found using the distance formula.

Explanation:

Let

P(x_1, y_1) = (4, 3)

and

Q(x_2, y_2) = (2, -1)

The distance formula is:

PQ = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}

Substitute the coordinates:

PQ = \sqrt{(2 - 4)^2 + (-1 - 3)^2}

Simplify the differences:

= \sqrt{(-2)^2 + (-4)^2}

= \sqrt{4 + 16}

= \sqrt{20}

= \sqrt{4 \times 5}

= 2\sqrt{5}

Answer:

The shortest distance between P and Q is

2\sqrt{5}

Hence, the correct option is D.

Go to Question:

Prev Question

Next Question