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Co-ordinate Geometry
Introduction
We have already learnt that graph of linear equation in two variables is a straight line. In this
chapter we are going to learn about how to find the equation of a given line using co-ordinate
system. For that we have to learn some concepts.
Inclination of a line
Let ℓ be the line in the XY-plane, Let θ be the angle made by the line ℓ with positive direction of
X – axis. The inclination of a line ℓ is the smallest positive angle made by it with positive direction of
X – axis (anticlockwise). Thus θ is called the inclination of a line where 0˚ ≤ θ < 180˚
Slope of line
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The slope of inclined plane is the ratio of vertical (rise) height and horizontal distance (run)
Vertical height
i.e. slope =
Horizontal distance
∆ ABC is right angled triangle where ∠ CAB = θ (see fig.)
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Note:
If x 1 = x 2 then slope is not defined and the line will be Y- axis or parallel to Y- axis
Slope of Y – axis or of the lines parallel to Y-axis is not defined.
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Consider the line AB given in above figure, Line AB is parallel to Y – axis such that its distance
form the Y-axis is ‘a’.
The x – co-ordinate of every point on the line AB is ‘a’ which is fixed number, we write this as x = a
which is equation of line AB. All the points in the plane having x–coordinate ‘a’ lie on the line AB.
Consider line CD given in above figure, Line CD is parallel to the X-axis such that its distance from
X-axis is ‘b’.
The y-coordinate of every point on the line CD is ‘b’, which is a fixed number, so y = b which is the
equation of line CD. All the points having y-coordinate ‘b’ lie on the line CD.
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y 2 − y1
Slope of line AB =
x 2 − x1
P is the point on line AB
∴ P (x, y) and A ( x 1, y 1) are two points on the line.
y1 − y y − y1
∴ Slope of AP = =
x1 − x x − x1
Slope of AP = Slope of AB
y − y1 y −y
∴ = 2 1
x − x1 x 2 − x1
( y − y1 ) ( x 2 − x1 ) = ( x − x1 ) ( y2 − y1 )
x − x1 y − y1
∴ =
x 2 − x1 y2 − y1
x − x1 y − y1
It can also be written as =
x1 − x 2 y1 − y2
which is the equation of a line in two point form.
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To find equation of a line ℓ having x – intercept ‘a’ and y – intercept ‘b’ as shown in figure
x – intercept of a line is the x – coordinate of the point of intersection of line with X – axis.
y – intercept of a line is the y – coordinate of the point of intersection of line with Y-axis.
x – intercept of line ℓ is ‘a’ …… ( given )
∴ A (a, 0) is a point on the line ℓ.
y – intercept of line ℓ is ‘b’.
∴ B ( 0, b) is a point on the line ℓ.
Let P (x, y) be any point on the line ℓ.
∴ (a, 0) ≡ (x1, y1) and (0, b) ≡ (x2, y2)
y 2 − y1
∴ Slope of line =
x 2 − x1
b −0 b −b
Slope of line AB = = =
0 −a −a a
Equation of the line AB in ‘slope-point’ form is y – y2 = m (x – x 2)
−b
y −b = ( x − 0) ( Here y 2 = b and x 2 = 0 )
a
−b
∴ y−b = x
a
y b −x
− = ....... ( dividing both the sides by ' b ' )
b b a
x y
+ = 1
a b
x y
i.e. + =1
x − int ercept y − int ercept
which is the equation of line in double intercept form.
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a b p 1
x + y =1 Q =
−c −c q q/ p
x y
+ =1
c c
− −
a b
c c
∴ x intercept = − and y intercept = −
a b
Note:
For finding x–intercept, put y = 0 and for finding y–intercept, put x = 0 in the given equation.
Exercise 1
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1 −5
Q.2 Find slope of the line passing through the points A , − 1 and B 3,
2 2
Sol:
1 −5
Points are A ( x1 , y1 ) ≡ , − 1 and B ( x 2 , y 2 ) ≡ 3,
2 2
−5
+1
y 2 − y1
∴ Slope of line AB = = 2
x 2 − x1 1
3−
2
− 3 / 2 −3
= =
5/ 2 5
Q.3 Using concept of slope check whether the points A (7,8), B ( -5, 2) and C (3,6) are collinear.
Sol: Given points are A (7,8), B ( -5, 2) and C( 3,6)
y 2 − y1 2 −8 −6 1
Slope of line AB = = = =
x 2 − x1 −5 − 7 − 12 2
y 2 − y1 6 − 2 4 1
Slope of line BC = = = =
x 2 − x1 3 + 5 8 2
Here slopes of lines AB and BC are the same.
But point B is common to both the lines
∴ points A, B, C are collinear.
Note: 1. If slopes are not equal, then lines are not parallel. So points are not collinear.
2. The simplest method to check collinearity of three points is to plot them on graph
paper. If a straight line can be drawn through those points, points are collinear.
Otherwise, they are not collinear.
Q.4 Find value of k if the points (-3, 11), (6, 2), (k, 4) are collinear
Sol: Suppose A (-3, 11), B (6, 2) and C (k, 4 ) are given points.
y 2 − y1 2 − 11
Slope of line AB = = = −1
x 2 − x1 6+ 3
y 2 − y1 4 − 11 −7
Slope of line AC = = =
x 2 − x1 k+3 k+ 3
As points A, B, C are collinear,
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Q.5 Show that ( -2, 1), ( 0, 3), ( 2, 1) and ( 0, -1) are the vertices of a parallelogram
Sol: Suppose given points are A (-2, 1), B ( 0, 3), C ( 2, 1) are D ( 0, -1)
y 2 − y1
We know that the slope of line =
x 2 − x1
3 −1 2
∴ Slope of line AB = = = 1 .......... ( 1)
0+2 2
1 − 3 −2
Slope of line BC = = = − 1 .......... ( 2)
2−0 2
−1 − 1 −2
Slope of line AD = = = − 1 ...........( 3)
0+ 2 2
−1 − 1 −2
Slope of line CD = = = 1 ...........( 4)
0 − 2 −2
From (1) and (4) ,
Slope of line AB = Slope of line CD
∴ line AB || line CD
From (2) and (3)
Slope of line BC = Slope of line AD
∴ line BC || line AD
Here both pairs of opposite sides of quadrilateral are parallel.
□ ABCD is a parallelogram.
∴ ( -2, 1), ( 0, 3), ( 2, 1) and ( 0, -1) are the vertices of a parallelogram
Q.6 A (0,0), B ( 7,2), C (7, 7), D (2,7) are vertices of a quadrilateral. Find slope of each diagonal.
Sol: Vertices of a quadrilateral are
A (0,0), B ( 7,2), C (7, 7) and D (2,7)
There are two diagonals, AC and BD.
y 2 − y1 7−0 7
Slope of diagonal AC = = = = 1
x 2 − x1 7−0 7
y 2 − y1 7 − 2 5
Slope of diagonal BD = = = = −1
x 2 − x1 2 − 7 − 5
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Q.7 Vertices of a triangle are A ( 3, -4), B ( 5, 7), C ( -4, 5). Find slope of each side of triangle
ABC.
Sol: Vertices are A ( 3, -4), B ( 5, 7) and C ( -4, 5)
y 2 − y1
Now slope =
x 2 − x1
7 + 4 11
∴ Slope of side AB = =
5−3 2
5−7 −2 2
Slope of side BC = = =
−4−5 −9 9
5+ 4 9 −9
Slope of side AC = = =
−4 − 3 −7 7
Q.8 Show that line joining ( -1, 1), and ( -9, 6 ) is parallel to the line joining
( -2, 14 ) and ( 6, 9 )
Sol: Suppose A ( -1, 1), B ( -9, 6 ), P ( -2, 14 ), Q ( 6, 9 ) are given points.
y 2 − y1 6 −1 5 −5
Slope of line AB = = = =
x 2 − x1 −9 + 1 − 8 8
y 2 − y1 9 −14 −5
Slope of line PQ = = =
x 2 − x1 6+ 2 8
As slope of lines AB and PQ are the same, line AB || line PQ
i.e. line joining (-1, 1) and (-9, 6) is parallel to the line joining ( -2, 14 ) and ( 6, 9)
1
Q.9 If the slope of line joining points (k, -3) and (4, 5) is , find value of k.
2
Sol:
y 2 − y1
We have slope of a line =
x 2 − x1
5+3 8
Slope of line through (k, -3) and (4, 5) is = .
4 − k 4− k
1
But it is given to be .
2
8 1
∴ =
4−k 2
i.e. 8 × 2 = 4 − k
∴ k = 4 − 16 = − 12
Q.10 If (K, -5) lies on the line joining (4, 1) and (2, -3), find K.
Sol: Suppose P (K, -5), lies on line through A (4, 1) and B (2, -3)
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Q.11 Find point on the X axis such that the slope of the line containing that point and the point
( 5, -3) is -2
Sol: If a point lies on a X axis, its y co-ordinate = 0
So we can take point on X axis as A (a, 0), B ( 5, -3) is another point.
y 2 − y1 −3 − 0 −3
Slope of line AB = = =
x 2 − x1 5− a 5 −a
But it is given to be -2
−3
∴ = −2
5−a
∴− 2 ( 5 − a ) = − 3
− 10 + 2a = − 3
2 a = − 3 +10 = 7
7
∴a=
2
7
∴ po int on X axis is , 0
2
Exercise 2
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We get,
−2
m = slope = and
3
14
y int ercept = c =
3
3
Q.2 Write the equation of a line if m = and c = 7
2
3
Sol: We are given that slope = m = and c = y and intercept = 7
2
∴ equation of a line is
y = mx + c
3
i.e. y = x +7
2
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3y = x+2
3
Divide both sides by 3
10 2
∴y = x+
9 3
Compare with y = mx + c
10
∴ m = slope =
9
Exercise 3
Q.1 Slope of a line is 3 and y intercept is -4. Write the equation of this line.
Sol: Slope of line m = 3 and y intercept = c = -4
∴ equation of a line in slope intercept form is y = mx + c i.e. y = 3x -4
1
Q.2 Line PQ intersects Y axis in (0, 3) with slope − . Write the equation of line PQ.
2
Sol: As line PQ intersects Y axis in (0, 3) , y intercept = c = 3.
1
Also, Slope = m = −
2
∴ equation of line PQ is y = mx + c
1
i.e. y = − x + 3
2
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Q.5 Write down equation of a line passing through (-3, 5) and (4, -7) in the form y = mx + c
Sol: The points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) on the line are (-3, 5) and (4, -7) respectively.
Equation of line using two point form is
x − x1 y − y1
=
x1 − x 2 y1 − y 2
x +3 y −5 x +3 y −5
i.e. = i.e. =
−3 − 4 5 + 7 −7 12
i.e. 12 ( x + 3) = − 7 ( y − 5 )
i.e. 12x + 36 = − 7y + 35
12x + 7y + 1 = 0
i.e. 7y = − 12x − 1
divide both sides by 7
−12 1
∴ y= x−
7 7
x y
Q.6 Write equation + =1 in y = mx + c form
−4 −1
x y
Sol: Equation is + =1
−4 −1
−x −x
i.e. − y =1 i.e. −1 = y
4 4
−x −1
i.e. y = −1 i.e. y = x −1
4 4
This is in the form of y = mx + c
Note :
−1
Here m = slope = and c = y intercept = − 1
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Q.7 Write equation of a line passing through the points A (-3, 4) and B (4, 5)
Sol: Two points on the line are A(-3, 4) ≡ (x1, y1) and B(4, 5) ≡ (x2, y2)
∴ equation of line using two points form is
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x − x1 y − y1
=
x1 − x 2 y1 − y 2
x +3 y− 4
i.e. =
−3 − 4 4 − 5
x +3 y − 4
i.e. =
−7 −1
i.e. − 7 ( y − 4 ) = − ( x + 3)
i.e. − 7y + 28 = − x − 3
i.e. x − 7y + 31 = 0
Q.9 Inclination of a line passing through (2, 4) is 45˚. Find its equation.
Sol: Inclination of line = θ = 45˚
∴ slope = m = tan 45˚ = 1
Also, (x1, y1) ≡ (2, 4) lies on line
∴ its equation using point slope form is y – y1 = m (x – x1)
i.e. y – 4 = 1 ( x – 2)
i.e. x – y + 2 = 0
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Exercise 4
5
Q.1 Find x and y intercept of the line 3x + y − =0
3
5
Sol: equation of line is 3x + y − = 0 ....... ( 1)
3
Put y = 0 in (1) to get,
5
3x − =0
3
5 5
i.e. 3x = i.e x = = X int ercept
3 9
Put x = 0 in (1) to get,
5 5
y− = 0 ∴ y = = Y int ercept
3 3
OR
Equation of line is 7x – y + 3 = 0
i.e. y = 7x + 3
compare it with y = mx + c
to get m = 7 = slope
and c = 3 = y intercept
Q.4 Write the equation of line 2x + 3y – 7 = 0 in double intercept form and write x and y
intercepts
Sol: Equation of line is 2x + 3y -7 = 0
i.e. 2x + 3y = 7
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Q.5 Write equation of a line 2x – y = 3 in double intercept form. Find x and y intercepts.
Sol: Equation of line is 2x – y = 3
Divide both sides by 3
2x y
∴ − =1
3 3
a 1
x y b = b / a
i.e. + =1
3 / 2 −3 ∴ 2 = 1
3 3 / 2
Comparing it with
x y
+ =1 to get
a b
3
a= = x int ercept
2
b = − 3 = y int ercept
Q.6 Find the equation of the line passing through (2, -1) and parallel to 3x + 4y = 10
Sol: Given line is 3x + 4y = 10
− coefficient of x −3
its slope = =
coefficient of y 4
Parallel lines have same slope
−3
∴ slope of required line parallel to given line is also
4
−3
∴m =
4
Also, point (x1, y1) on line is (2, -1)
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Note: This is a sum from textbook ( page 146). The answer given in the text is wrong.
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Q.9 Write the equation of a line through the origin and the point (-3, 5)
Sol: First Method
Co-ordinates of origin are (0, 0)
Here, O (0, 0) and A (-3, 5) lie on line
y 2 − y1 5−0 5 −5
∴ Slope = = = = =m
x 2 − x1 −3 − 0 −3 3
Using point slope form equation of line is y – y1 = m (x – x1)
−5
i.e. y − 0 = ( x − 0)
3
i.e. 3y = -5x
i.e. 5x + 3y = 0
Note : We have taken (x1, y1) as (0, 0), we get the same answer even if we take (x1, y1) as
(-3, 5)
−5
y − 5 = ( x + 3) i.e 3y − 15 = −5x − 15 i.e. 5x + 3y = 0
3
Second Method
Two points on line are (x1, y1) ≡ (0, 0) and (x2, y2) ≡ (-3, 5)
Using two point form, equation of line is
x − x1 y − y1
=
x1 − x 2 y1 − y 2
x −0 y− 0 x y
∴ = i.e. =
0+ 3 0− 5 3 −5
i.e. 3y = -5x
i.e 5x + 3y = 0
Q.10 Find equation of line parallel to X axis and passing through the point (-3, 4)
Sol: Slope of X axis = 0
∴ Slope of required line parallel to X axis is also 0
i.e. m = 0
{ parallel lines have same slope }
The point (x1, y1) on line is (-3, 4)
∴ equation of line using point-slope form is
y – y1 = m (x – x1)
i.e y – 4 = 0 ( x + 3)
i.e. y – 4 = 0
Graph:
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OR
Equation of any line parallel to X axis is of the type y = b
The point (-3, 4) lies on the line
∴ Co-ordinates satisfy equation of line
Put y = 4 in y = b to get
4 = b i.e. b = 4
∴ equation of line is y = 4
i.e. y – 4 = 0
Q.11 Write equation of a line parallel to Y axis and passing through the point (-3, 5).
Sol: A line parallel to Y axis has equation x = a. The point (-3. 5) lies on this line
∴ -3 = a i.e. a = -3
∴ line is x = -3 i.e. x + 3 =0
Q.12 A (3, 7), B (5, 11), c (-2, 8) are the vertices of △ABC. Find equation of median AD
Sol:
AD is the median (i.e. a line segment joining a vertex and midpoint of side opposite to it)
of ∆ ABC
∴ D is midpoint of side BC
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B (x1, y1) is (5, 11) and C(x2, y2) is (-2, 8) by mid-point formula, co-ordinates of point D are
x1 + x 2 5 − 2 3
x= = =
2 2 2
y1 + y 2 11 + 8 19
and y = = =
2 2 2
3 19
∴ D ( x , y ) is ,
2 2
As A is (3,7), equation of median AD using two point form is
x − x1 y − y1
=
x1 − x 2 y1 − y 2
Note:
3 19
(x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are any two points on this line. For AD they are (3, 7) and ,
2 2
x −3 y−7
i.e. =
3 19
3− 7−
2 2
x − 3 y−7
i.e. =
3 −5
2 2
x −3 y − 7
i.e. =
3 −5
i.e. 3 ( y – 7) = -5 ( x – 3 )
i.e. 3y – 21 = -5x + 15
i.e. 5x + 3y – 36 = 0
Note: Answer given in the textbook is wrong. Answer can be checked as follows:
Q.13 P ( -3, 4), Q ( 2, 3), R ( -2, -5) are the vertices of △PQR. Find equation of all medians.
Sol:
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Median PA
A is the midpoint of seg. QR,
Where Q is (2, 3) and R is (-2, -5)
2−2
∴ x co-ordinate of point A = =0
2
3−5 −2
y co-ordinate of point A = = = −1
2 2
∴ A is (0, -1)
As P is (-3, 4)
y 2 − y1 4 +1 5 −5
Slope of PA is = = =
x 2 − x1 − 3 − 0 − 3 3
∴ equation of PA using point-slope form is
y – y1 = m (x – x1)
i.e. y – y1 = m ( x- x1)
−5
i.e. y − 4 = ( x + 3)
3
i.e 3y −12 = − 5 x − 15
i.e.5x + 3y + 3 = 0
Median QB
B is midpoint of side PR
P is ( -3, 4), Q is ( -2, -5)
∴ Co-ordinates of midpoint of B are
−3 − 2 −5
x= =
2 2
4−5 −1
y= =
2 2
−5 −1
∴ B is ,
2 2
As Q is (2, 3)
Slope of QB is,
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1 7
3+
2 = 2 = 7
5 9 9
2+
2 2
∴ equation of QB is
7
y− 3 = ( x−2 )
9
i.e. 7 ( x – 2) = 9 ( y – 3)
i.e. 7x – 14 = 9y – 27
i.e. 7x – 9y + 13 = 0
Note: To get equation we have used co-ordinates of Q. We could have taken co-ordinates
of B also.
Median RC
C is midpoint of side PQ
P is (-3, 4) and Q is (2, 3)
∴ Co-ordinates of C are
−3 + 2 −1 4+ 3 7
x= = and y = =
2 2 2 2
−1 7
∴ C is ,
2 2
As R is (-2, -5)
7 −17
−5 −
Slope of RC is 2 = 2 = 17
1 −3 3
−2 +
2 2
17
∴ equation of median RC using R ( -2, - 5) and slope = m = is
3
y – y1 = m ( x – x1)
17
i.e. y + 5 = (x+ 2)
3
i.e. 17 ( x + 2) = 3 ( y + 5) i.e. 17x + 34 = 3y + 15
i.e 17x – 3y + 19 = 0
Q.14
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In the fig. two lines are intersecting at point (3,4). Find the equation of line PA and line PB
Sol: Inclination of line PA is 45˚
∴ its slope = tan 45˚ = 1
As P is (3, 4), equation of line PA using point -slope form is
y – y1 = m (x – x1) i.e. y – 4 = 1(x -3)
i.e. x – y + 1 = 0
Inclination of line PB is 60˚
∴ its slope = tan 60˚ = 3
As P is (3, 4), equation of line PB is
y − 4 = 3 ( x − 3)
i.e. 3 x − y + 4 − 3 3 = 0
Q.15 Find equation of the line passing through the point (5, 2) and having equal intercepts on the
co-ordinate axes.
x y
Sol: Equation of line in double intercept form is + =1
a b
Here, intercepts are equal
∴a=b
Also (5, 2) lies on the line
∴ co-ordinates satisfy equation of line.
5 2 7
∴ + = 1 i.e =1
b b b
∴ b = 7 and a = 7
∴ equation of line is
x y
+ = 1 i.e x + y = 7
7 7
i.e. x + y − 7 = 0
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