The distance formula in 3-D space is defined as:
$$|P_1\, P_2| = \sqrt{(x_2- x_1)^2 + (y_2 -y_1)^2 + (z_2- z_1)^2}$$
My question is that if I have 2 points that have negative coordinates, do I have to use the absolute value on all the points?
For example my two points are $\,P(3, -2, -3)\,\,,\,\, Q(7,0,1)$
When I plug in the y and z values of P do I have to use positive 2 and positive 3?
Thanks in advance.
Best Answer
The formula is correct for all real numbers. You don't need absolute value. (Note that $-3$ and $1$ are $4$ units apart, not $2$.)