0
Using the Euclidean metric, it is the straight line joining the two points. However, there are other metrics, some of which are familiar to many people even if they are not aware of it.
The shortest distance between two places in a city, for example, is usually not the straight line joining the two points since that would require you to tunnel through buildings! The shortest distance is constrained by the available roads.
The best example in this case is the Minkowski metric, also called the taxicab metric. The concept behind it similar to answering the question in a place like Manhattan with roads laid out in a grid-like pattern. The shortest distance is a combination of some moves in the N-S direction and others in the E-W direction.
There are many other, less intuitive metrics.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Ross
Jordan
BlakeAdd your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is distance distance between two points?
In plane geometry, the shortest distance between two points is a line. In spherical geometry, the shortest distance between two points is a segment of a great circle. The distance between one point and another is known as the displacement.
What is the distance between two points?
In plane geometry, the shortest distance between two points is a line. In spherical geometry, the shortest distance between two points is a segment of a great circle. The distance between one point and another is known as the displacement.
To find the distance between two points in the plane you can always use the distance formula?
True
Can you always find the distance between two points in a plane using the distance formula?
yes
What do you call the distance between two points?
A distance. Nothing more. Keep that in mind. However, if you're wondering what the shortest distance is between two points, the answer, assuming a two-dimensional plane, is a line.
