Question 455929
If the distance between the point (a,3) and (2,- 4) is sqr rt 74 units.Find a. How can I find a if they gave me any numbers in order to find a? Please show me how to solve this problem
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To solve this problem use the distance formlula: 
d=sqrt(x1-x2)^2+(y1-y2)^2)
√74=sqrt(2-a)^2+(-4-3)^2
square both sides
74=4-4a+a^2+49
74=a^2-4a+53
a^2-4a-21=0
(a-7)(a+3)=0
a=7
or
a=-3