Directions for finding distance between point and a line:

Step 1: Find the slope of the given line. y = mx + b

Step 2: Determine the slope of the line through the given point and perpendicular to the given line. Slope of perpendicular is -1/m (negative reciprocal) of the given line.

Step 3: Use the point-slope form of a linear equation to find the equation of the perpendicular line. Use the point given and the -1/m to determine the equation of the line that contains the segement representing the shortest distance between point and line.

Step 4: Determine the point of intersection of the given line and the perpendicular line by solving a linear system.

Step 5: Use the distance formula to determine how far the point of intersection lies from the given point.

Not included at this time: horizontal & vertical distance (point & line/parallel lines)/shortest distance(point & line/parallel lines), intersection between circles & line(chord/diameter/tangent), parallel/non-parallel chords

Program of Studies

Topic 5: Circles and Coordinate Geometry

General Outcome: Solve coordinate geometry problems involving lines and line segments, and justify the solutions.

Specific Outcomes:

• 5.4 Solve problems involving distances between points and lines.
  [CN, PS, R]
• 5.5 Verify and prove assertions in plane geometry, using coordinate geometry and trigonometric ratios as necessary.
  [C, R, V]