A right triangle is formed by connecting the 3 coordinates A, B and C. If AB and BC are parallel to the coordinate axes as shown in figure, find the distance BC.
4 units
Since BC is parallel to the X-axis, the ordinate of B is equal to that of c.
So, the ordinate of B is 1.
AB is parallel to the Y-axis, so the abscissa of B is equal to that of A.
So, the abscissa of B is 1.
Hence, the coordinates of B is (1,1).
Length of BC is the difference between the abscissa of the points B and C since it is parallel to X-axis.
So, BC = 5 - 1 = 4 units.