Education Technology

Shortest Distances

Subject Area
Math: Geometry: Points, Lines and Angles
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire CX series
TI-Nspire Version
2.1
Resource Types
Lessons
Format
TNS

Shortest Distances

Activity Overview

Students will explore three situations involving distances between points and lines. First, the minimum distance between two points leads to the Triangle Inequality Theorem.

Then, the shortest distance from a point to a line is investigated.

Finally, students find the smallest total distance between two points on one side of a line and a point on the line.

Before the Activity

If needed, use the file "Getting Started TI-Nspire" for an introduction to the features of the device.

During the Activity

  • The file "Shortest_Distances" is the teacher file with background information and step-by-step directions.
  • The file "Shortest_Distances_Worksheet" is the student worksheet.
  • The file "Shortest_Distances.tns" is the TI-Nspire file.
  • Subject Area
    Math: Geometry: Points, Lines and Angles
    Level
    9-12
    Activity Time
    45 Minutes
    TI Calculator
    TI-Nspire CX series
    TI-Nspire Version
    2.1
    Resource Types
    Lessons
    Format
    TNS
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