(a) you have 3 points here, N(-2, 4), M(3, 9), and P(p, p2)
find the equaion of the line MN
which will require point-gradient formula
i.e. (9-4) / (3+2) = 1, which is gradient of the line
therefore y - 4 = x + 2
x - y + 6 = 0
using perpendicular distance formula from the line to point P,
| p - p2 + 6 | / sqrt(1 + 1) = | p - p2 + 6 | / sqrt (2)
(b) use the formula for area of a triangle, 1/2 * base * perpendicular height
base length is
sqrt{ (3+2)2 + (9-4)2 } = sqrt (50) = 5 sqrt (2)
perpendicular height is | p - p2 + 6 | / sqrt (2)
therefore area of triangle is
1/2 * | p - p2 + 6 | / sqrt (2) * 5 sqrt (2)
= 1/2 * 5(p - p2 + 6)
= 5(p - p2 + 6) / 2