Find the distance between the points (3,–7.2) and (16,–20)

To find the distance between two points in a plane, we can use the distance formula derived from the Pythagorean theorem. The distance d between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by:

d = sqrt[(x2 - x1)² + (y2 - y1)²]

Here, the two points are (3, -7.2) and (16, -20). So, x1 = 3, y1 = -7.2, x2 = 16, and y2 = -20.

Substitute these values into the formula:

d = sqrt[(16 - 3)² + (-20 - (-7.2))²] d = sqrt[(13)² + (-12.8)²] d = sqrt[169 + 163.84] d = sqrt[332.84]

So, the distance between the points (3, -7.2) and (16, -20) is approximately 18.24 units.