Linear and Perpendicular Distance


OB = 1
BA is a straight line perpendicular to OB
OA = L
BA = X



If the number of segments between B and A are doubled, then the sum of the perpendicular segments (y-length) is slightly less than the sum for the previous diagram. If the segments are increased ad infinitum then the y-length is defined by the equation below.


perpendicular distance [y-length] = ln (L + X)


If the segments between B and A are doubled, the sum of the linear segments [x-length] are the same as in the previous diagram. The amount is the same regardless of the number of segments.


linear distance [x-length] = L - 1



in the diagram:
AB = 1.959592
AO = 2.2

y-length of BA, relative to O, is:

y-length = ln(1.959592 + 2.2)
y-length = 1.425417

x-length of BA, relative to O, is:

x-length = 2.2 - 1
x-length = 1.2