Question 393235
Find the shortest distance from the point (-2,7) to the line 5x – 2y – 34 = 0.  Round your answer to the nearest tenth.
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First, find the eqn of the line perpendicular to the given line thru the point.
Slope of the given line = 5/2
Slope m of the perpendicular line = -2/5
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y-7 = (-2/5)(x+2)
2x + 5y = 31 is the line perpendicular thru (-2,7)
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Solve for the intersection of the lines:
5x – 2y = 34
2x + 5y = 31
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(8,3) is the intersection
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Find the distance from (-2,7) to (8,3)
{{{d = sqrt(diffy^2 + diffx^2) = sqrt(4^2 + 10^2)}}}
d =~ 10.8 units
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There might be a better way to do these, I'll check into it.