If the distance between the points (x, 2) and (-7, 18) is 20, then the value of x is1 point5 or -19-5 or 195 or 19-5 or -19

The distance between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) in a plane is given by the formula:

d = sqrt[(x2 - x1)² + (y2 - y1)²]

Given that the distance d is 20, and the points are (x, 2) and (-7, 18), we can substitute these values into the formula:

20 = sqrt[(x - (-7))² + (18 - 2)²]

Squaring both sides to get rid of the square root gives:

400 = (x + 7)² + 16²

Solving this equation will give the possible values of x.

400 = (x + 7)² + 256

Subtract 256 from both sides:

144 = (x + 7)²

Take the square root of both sides:

±12 = x + 7

Solving for x gives:

x = 12 - 7 = 5 or x = -12 - 7 = -19

So, the possible values of x are 5 or -19.