text: # Find the Length of Line Segments
  
  In this worksheet, students will state the length of a vertical or horizontal line segment when they are given the coordinates of its endpoints.
  
  Key stage:  KS 3
  
  Curriculum topic:   Algebra
  
  Curriculum subtopic:   Use Coordinates in All Four Quadrants
  
  Popular topics:   Algebra worksheets, Year 7 Algebra worksheets
  
  Difficulty level:
  
  #### Worksheet Overview
  
  To find the length of a line segment, given the coordinates of its endpoints, we can use two methods.
  
  Example
  
  Find the length of the line segment AC whose endpoints are at:
  
  A(-5, -3) and C(3, -3).
  
  Method 1
  
  Plot the points and count the squares.
  
  This is a good method if you have time to do it and paper and pencil to hand!
  
  AC is 8 units long. Just write 8
  
  Method 2
  
  If you don't have the time to plot the coordinates, this method is the best!
  
  Subtract the relevant coordinates.
  
  The x-coordinates of the endpoints of vertical lines will be the same.
  
  The y-coordinates of the endpoints of horizontal lines will be the same.
  
  A is at (-5, -3) and C is at (3, -3).
  
  The line AC is horizontal because the y-coordinates are both -3.
  
  Subtract the x-coordinates:  -5 - 3 = -8 or 3 - -5 = 8.
  
  Ignore the sign:  -8 or 8 means a length of 8 units. Just write 8.
  
  For vertical lines, we would subtract the y-coordinates.
  
  Let's give it a try in some questions now.
  
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