Find the distance between the points A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2), when
(i) AB is parallel to the x-axis
(ii) AB is parallel to the y-axis.
(i) Given: AB is parallel to the x-axis.
When AB is parallel to the x-axis, the y co-ordinate of A and B will be the same.
i.e., y1 = y2
Distance
⇒ |x2 – x1|
Therefore the distance between A and B when AB is parallel to x-axis is |x2 – x1|
(ii) Given: AB is parallel to the y-axis.
When AB is parallel to the y-axis, the x co-ordinate of A and B will be the same.
i.e., x2 = x1
Distance
⇒ |y2 – y1|
Therefore the distance between A and B when AB is parallel to y-axis is |y2 – y1|