Which statement is true about the distance formula, [tex]d=\sqrt{\left(x_2-x_1\right)^2+\left(y_2-y_1\right)^2}[/tex], when describing the distance along a line segment?

A. It is not a precise definition because it uses variables to represent unknown values.
B. It is not a precise definition because it uses a square root sign, which means the result might be an irrational number.
C. It is not a precise definition because it is based on the difference of two coordinates.
D. It is not a precise definition because it is based on an understanding of coordinates, which are defined based on the distance of a line segment.



Answer :

Let's analyze each of the statements provided to determine their validity concerning the distance formula [tex]\( d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (v_2 - v_1)^2} \)[/tex]:

1. Statement 1: "It is not a precise definition because it uses variables to represent unknown values."
- This statement is incorrect. Variables are extensively used in mathematics to represent general cases, and their usage does not inherently make a definition imprecise. They are a standard way to describe a wide range of possible values and scenarios in mathematical formulas.

2. Statement 2: "It is not a precise definition because it uses a square root sign, which means the result might be an irrational number."
- This statement is incorrect. The use of the square root sign in a formula does not make it imprecise. Mathematics rigorously defines the square root of a number, and the result—whether rational or irrational—does not affect the precision of the formula itself.

3. Statement 3: "It is not a precise definition because it is based on the difference of two coordinates."
- This statement is incorrect. The difference of two coordinates is a fundamental part of the definition of distance in a coordinate system. This difference precisely measures the separation between the coordinates and is a standard method in geometry.

4. Statement 4: "It is not a precise definition because it is based on an understanding of coordinates, which are defined based on the distance of a line segment."
- This statement is incorrect. Coordinates are a fundamental aspect defined rigorously in geometry. Using them to establish distance does not reduce the precision of the definition.

Analyzing all the statements, none of them provide a valid reason for the formula being imprecise. Thus, we can conclude:

- The answer statement indicating the correctness of the definition is 0 (meaning none of the provided statements are valid reasons for the formula being imprecise).
- Additionally, we affirm that the formula given is indeed precise.

The final answer based on this analysis is:
0, meaning none of the statements correctly denote the formula as imprecise.