Question

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.

• A. 4 units
• B. 8 units
• C. 3 units
• D. 2 units

Answer 1

The correct option is A

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.