We know that the perpendicular distance from origin to a straight line whose equation is a+by+c=0 is |c|/√(a2+b2). Also, we know that the perpendicular distance from (h,k) to ax+by+c=0 is, |ah+bk+c|/√(a2+b2). These two are the formulas to find out the distances to a line from origin or a point. But, how to find the distances between two parallel lines? Let us derive the formula for the distance between two parallel lines.
The general form of equation of a straight line is ax+by+c=0 whose slope is –a/b.
We know the fact that any two lines are parallel if they have same slope. Thus, any two parallel lines have same coefficients of x and y but differs in constants.
Let ax+by + p =0 and ax+by + q =0 be two parallel lines and let us find the distance between these lines now.
Let (h,k) be a point of the line ax+by+p=0
Then ah+bk +p=0 à ah+bk =-p …(1)
Now distance from (h,k) to the second line ax+by +q=0 according to formula is,
|ah+bk+q|/√(a2+b2)
=|-p+q |/√(a2+b2) (By using equation (1))
=|p-q |/√(a2+b2)
Thanks for reading this Mathematics tutorial and remember we can help you with your French tutoring.
SchoolTutoring Academy is the premier educational services company for K-12 and college students. We offer tutoring programs for students in K-12, AP classes, and college. To learn more about how we help parents and students in Saskatchewan visit: Tutoring in Saskatchewan.