Chap 7
Chap 7
Chap 7
COORDINATE GEOMETRY 7
7.1 Introduction
In Class IX, you have studied that to locate the position of a point on a plane, we
require a pair of coordinate axes. The distance of a point from the y-axis is called its
x-coordinate, or abscissa. The distance of a point from the x-axis is called its
y-coordinate, or ordinate. The coordinates of a point on the x-axis are of the form
(x, 0), and of a point on the y-axis are of the form (0, y).
Here is a play for you. Draw a set of a pair of perpendicular axes on a graph
paper. Now plot the following points and join them as directed: Join the point A(4, 8) to
B(3, 9) to C(3, 8) to D(1, 6) to E(1, 5) to F(3, 3) to G(6, 3) to H(8, 5) to I(8, 6) to
J(6, 8) to K(6, 9) to L(5, 8) to A. Then join the points P(3.5, 7), Q (3, 6) and R(4, 6) to
form a triangle. Also join the points X(5.5, 7), Y(5, 6) and Z(6, 6) to form a triangle.
Now join S(4, 5), T(4.5, 4) and U(5, 5) to form a triangle. Lastly join S to the points
(0, 5) and (0, 6) and join U to the points (9, 5) and (9, 6). What picture have you got?
Also, you have seen that a linear equation in two variables of the form
ax + by + c = 0, (a, b are not simultaneously zero), when represented graphically,
gives a straight line. Further, in Chapter 2, you have seen the graph of
y = ax2 + bx + c (a 0), is a parabola. In fact, coordinate geometry has been developed
as an algebraic tool for studying geometry of figures. It helps us to study geometry
using algebra, and understand algebra with the help of geometry. Because of this,
coordinate geometry is widely applied in various fields such as physics, engineering,
navigation, seismology and art!
In this chapter, you will learn how to find the distance between the two points
whose coordinates are given, and to find the area of the triangle formed by three given
points. You will also study how to find the coordinates of the point which divides a line
segment joining two given points in a given ratio.
156 MATHEMATICS
Fig. 7.4
Therefore, PQ = ( x2 x1 )2 + ( y2 y1 ) 2
Note that since distance is always non-negative, we take only the positive square
root. So, the distance between the points P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) is
PQ = ( x2 x1 ) + ( y2 y1 ) ,
2 2
OP = x2 + y 2 .
Example 1 : Do the points (3, 2), (2, 3) and (2, 3) form a triangle? If so, name the
type of triangle formed.
Solution : Let us apply the distance formula to find the distances PQ, QR and PR,
where P(3, 2), Q(2, 3) and R(2, 3) are the given points. We have
Also, PQ2 + PR2 = QR2, by the converse of Pythagoras theorem, we have P = 90.
Therefore, PQR is a right triangle.
Example 2 : Show that the points (1, 7), (4, 2), (1, 1) and ( 4, 4) are the vertices
of a square.
Solution : Let A(1, 7), B(4, 2), C(1, 1) and D( 4, 4) be the given points. One way
of showing that ABCD is a square is to use the property that all its sides should be
equal and both its digonals should also be equal. Now,
AB = (1 4) 2 + (7 2)2 = 9 + 25 = 34
BC = (4 + 1) 2 + (2 + 1) 2 = 25 + 9 = 34
CD = (1 + 4)2 + (1 4) 2 = 9 + 25 = 34
DA = (1 + 4) 2 + (7 4) 2 = 25 + 9 = 34
AC = (1 + 1) 2 + (7 + 1) 2 = 4 + 64 = 68
BD = (4 + 4) 2 + (2 4) 2 = 64 + 4 = 68
BC = (8 6) 2 + (6 4) 2 = 4 + 4 = 8 = 2 2
AC = (8 3) 2 + (6 1)2 = 25 + 25 = 50 = 5 2
Example 4 : Find a relation between x and y such that the point (x , y) is equidistant
from the points (7, 1) and (3, 5).
Solution : Let P(x, y) be equidistant from the points A(7, 1) and B(3, 5).
We are given that AP = BP. So, AP2 = BP2
i.e., (x 7)2 + (y 1)2 = (x 3)2 + (y 5)2
i.e., x2 14x + 49 + y2 2y + 1 = x2 6x + 9 + y2 10y + 25
i.e., xy= 2
BP = ( 4 0) 2 + (3 9) 2 = 16 + 36 = 52
Note : Using the remark above, we see that (0, 9) is the intersection of the y-axis and
the perpendicular bisector of AB.
EXERCISE 7.1
1. Find the distance between the following pairs of points :
(i) (2, 3), (4, 1) (ii) ( 5, 7), ( 1, 3) (iii) (a, b), ( a, b)
2. Find the distance between the points (0, 0) and (36, 15). Can you now find the distance
between the two towns A and B discussed in Section 7.2.
3. Determine if the points (1, 5), (2, 3) and ( 2, 11) are collinear.
4. Check whether (5, 2), (6, 4) and (7, 2) are the vertices of an isosceles triangle.
5. In a classroom, 4 friends are
seated at the points A, B, C and
D as shown in Fig. 7.8. Champa
and Chameli walk into the class
and after observing for a few
minutes Champa asks Chameli,
Dont you think ABCD is a
square? Chameli disagrees.
Using distance formula, find
which of them is correct.
6. Name the type of quadrilateral
formed, if any, by the following
points, and give reasons for
your answer:
(i) ( 1, 2), (1, 0), ( 1, 2), ( 3, 0)
(ii) (3, 5), (3, 1), (0, 3), (1, 4)
(iii) (4, 5), (7, 6), (4, 3), (1, 2) Fig. 7.8
7. Find the point on the x-axis which is equidistant from (2, 5) and (2, 9).
8. Find the values of y for which the distance between the points P(2, 3) and Q(10, y) is
10 units.
162 MATHEMATICS
9. If Q(0, 1) is equidistant from P(5, 3) and R(x, 6), find the values of x. Also find the
distances QR and PR.
10. Find a relation between x and y such that the point (x, y) is equidistant from the point
(3, 6) and ( 3, 4).
m1 x2 + m2 x1 , m1 y2 + m2 y1
(2)
m1 + m2 m1 + m2
This is known as the section formula.
This can also be derived by drawing perpendiculars from A, P and B on the
y-axis and proceeding as above.
If the ratio in which P divides AB is k : 1, then the coordinates of the point P will be
kx2 + x1 , ky2 + y1
k+1 k+1
Special Case : The mid-point of a line segment divides the line segment in the ratio
1 : 1. Therefore, the coordinates of the mid-point P of the join of the points A(x1, y1)
and B(x2, y2) is
1 x1 + 1 x2 , 1 y1 + 1 y2 x1 + x2 , y1 + y2
=
1+1 1+1 2 2 .
Let us solve a few examples based on the section formula.
164 MATHEMATICS
Example 6 : Find the coordinates of the point which divides the line segment joining
the points (4, 3) and (8, 5) in the ratio 3 : 1 internally.
Solution : Let P(x, y) be the required point. Using the section formula, we get
Example 7 : In what ratio does the point ( 4, 6) divide the line segment joining the
points A( 6, 10) and B(3, 8)?
Solution : Let ( 4, 6) divide AB internally in the ratio m1 : m2. Using the section
formula, we get
3m1 6m2 8m1 + 10m2
( 4, 6) = , (1)
m1 + m2 m1 + m2
3m1 6m2
Now, 4= gives us
m1 + m2
4m1 4m2 = 3m1 6m2
i.e., 7m1 = 2m2
i.e., m1 : m2 = 2 : 7
You should verify that the ratio satisfies the y-coordinate also.
m1
8 + 10
8m1 + 10m2 m2
Now, = (Dividing throughout by m2)
m1 + m2 m1
+1
m2
2
8 + 10
7 =6
= 2
+1
7
COORDINATE GEOMETRY 165
Therefore, the point ( 4, 6) divides the line segment joining the points A( 6, 10) and
B(3, 8) in the ratio 2 : 7.
m1
Alternatively : The ratio m1 : m2 can also be written as :1, or k : 1. Let ( 4, 6)
m2
divide AB internally in the ratio k : 1. Using the section formula, we get
3k 6 , 8k + 10
( 4, 6) = (2)
k +1 k +1
3k 6
So, 4=
k +1
i.e., 4k 4 = 3k 6
i.e., 7k = 2
i.e., k:1= 2:7
You can check for the y-coordinate also.
So, the point ( 4, 6) divides the line segment joining the points A( 6, 10) and
B(3, 8) in the ratio 2 : 7.
Note : You can also find this ratio by calculating the distances PA and PB and taking
their ratios provided you know that A, P and B are collinear.
Example 8 : Find the coordinates of the points of trisection (i.e., points dividing in
three equal parts) of the line segment joining the points A(2, 2) and B( 7, 4).
Solution : Let P and Q be the points of
trisection of AB i.e., AP = PQ = QB
(see Fig. 7.11). Fig. 7.11
Therefore, P divides AB internally in the ratio 1 : 2. Therefore, the coordinates of P, by
applying the section formula, are
1( 7) + 2(2) , 1(4) + 2( 2)
, i.e., (1, 0)
1+ 2 1+ 2
Now, Q also divides AB internally in the ratio 2 : 1. So, the coordinates of Q are
Therefore, the coordinates of the points of trisection of the line segment joining A and
B are (1, 0) and ( 4, 2).
Note : We could also have obtained Q by noting that it is the mid-point of PB. So, we
could have obtained its coordinates using the mid-point formula.
Example 9 : Find the ratio in which the y-axis divides the line segment joining the
points (5, 6) and (1, 4). Also find the point of intersection.
Solution : Let the ratio be k : 1. Then by the section formula, the coordinates of the
k + 5 , 4k 6
point which divides AB in the ratio k : 1 are
k +1 k +1
This point lies on the y-axis, and we know that on the y-axis the abscissa is 0.
k + 5
Therefore, = 0
k +1
So, k=5
That is, the ratio is 5 : 1. Putting the value of k = 5, we get the point of intersection as
13
0, .
3
Example 10 : If the points A(6, 1), B(8, 2), C(9, 4) and D(p, 3) are the vertices of a
parallelogram, taken in order, find the value of p.
Solution : We know that diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other.
So, the coordinates of the mid-point of AC = coordinates of the mid-point of BD
6 + 9, 1+ 4 8 + p , 2 + 3
i.e., =
2 2 2 2
15 , 5 8 + p, 5
i.e., =
2 2 2 2
15 8+ p
so, =
2 2
i.e., p= 7
COORDINATE GEOMETRY 167
EXERCISE 7.2
1. Find the coordinates of the point which divides the join of (1, 7) and (4, 3) in the
ratio 2 : 3.
2. Find the coordinates of the points of trisection of the line segment joining (4, 1)
and (2, 3).
3. To conduct Sports Day activities, in
your rectangular shaped school
ground ABCD, lines have been
drawn with chalk powder at a
distance of 1m each. 100 flower pots
have been placed at a distance of 1m
from each other along AD, as shown
1
in Fig. 7.12. Niharika runs th the
4
distance AD on the 2nd line and
1
posts a green flag. Preet runs th
5
the distance AD on the eighth line
and posts a red flag. What is the
distance between both the flags? If
Rashmi has to post a blue flag exactly
halfway between the line segment
joining the two flags, where should
she post her flag? Fig. 7.12
4. Find the ratio in which the line segment joining the points ( 3, 10) and (6, 8) is divided
by ( 1, 6).
5. Find the ratio in which the line segment joining A(1, 5) and B( 4, 5) is divided by the
x-axis. Also find the coordinates of the point of division.
6. If (1, 2), (4, y), (x, 6) and (3, 5) are the vertices of a parallelogram taken in order, find
x and y.
7. Find the coordinates of a point A, where AB is the diameter of a circle whose centre is
(2, 3) and B is (1, 4).
8. If A and B are ( 2, 2) and (2, 4), respectively, find the coordinates of P such that
3
AP = AB and P lies on the line segment AB.
7
9. Find the coordinates of the points which divide the line segment joining A( 2, 2) and
B(2, 8) into four equal parts.
10. Find the area of a rhombus if its vertices are (3, 0), (4, 5), ( 1, 4) and ( 2, 1) taken in
1
order. [Hint : Area of a rhombus = (product of its diagonals)]
2
168 MATHEMATICS
Example 11 : Find the area of a triangle whose vertices are (1, 1), ( 4, 6) and
(3, 5).
Solution : The area of the triangle formed by the vertices A(1, 1), B( 4, 6) and
C (3, 5), by using the formula above, is given by
1
[1 (6 + 5) + (4) (5 + 1) + (3) (1 6)]
2
1
= (11 + 16 + 21) = 24
2
So, the area of the triangle is 24 square units.
Example 12 : Find the area of a triangle formed by the points A(5, 2), B(4, 7) and
C (7, 4).
Solution : The area of the triangle formed by the vertices A(5, 2), B(4, 7) and
C (7, 4) is given by
1
[5 (7 + 4) + 4 ( 4 2) + 7 (2 7) ]
2
1 4
= (55 24 35) = = 2
2 2
Since area is a measure, which cannot be negative, we will take the numerical value
of 2, i.e., 2. Therefore, the area of the triangle = 2 square units.
Example 13 : Find the area of the triangle formed by the points P(1.5, 3), Q(6, 2)
and R(3, 4).
Solution : The area of the triangle formed by the given points is equal to
1
[ 1.5(2 4) + 6(4 3) + (3)(3 + 2)]
2
1
= (9 + 6 15) = 0
2
Can we have a triangle of area 0 square units? What does this mean?
If the area of a triangle is 0 square units, then its vertices will be collinear.
Example 14 : Find the value of k if the points A(2, 3), B(4, k) and C(6, 3) are
collinear.
Solution : Since the given points are collinear, the area of the triangle formed by them
must be 0, i.e.,
170 MATHEMATICS
1
[ 2(k + 3) + 4(3 3) + 6(3 k )] = 0
2
1
i.e., ( 4k ) = 0
2
Therefore, k=0
Let us verify our answer.
1
area of ABC = [ 2 (0 + 3) + 4( 3 3) + 6 (3 0)] = 0
2
Example 15 : If A(5, 7), B( 4, 5), C(1, 6) and D(4, 5) are the vertices of a
quadrilateral, find the area of the quadrilateral ABCD.
Solution : By joining B to D, you will get two triangles ABD and BCD.
1
Now the area of ABD = [ 5( 5 5) + (4)(5 7) + 4(7 + 5)]
2
1 106
= (50 + 8 + 48) = = 53 square units
2 2
1
Also, the area of BCD = [ 4( 6 5) 1(5 + 5) + 4( 5 + 6)]
2
1
= (44 10 + 4) = 19 square units
2
So, the area of quadrilateral ABCD = 53 + 19 = 72 square units.
Note : To find the area of a polygon, we divide it into triangular regions, which have
no common area, and add the areas of these regions.
EXERCISE 7.3
1. Find the area of the triangle whose vertices are :
(i) (2, 3), (1, 0), (2, 4) (ii) (5, 1), (3, 5), (5, 2)
2. In each of the following find the value of k, for which the points are collinear.
(i) (7, 2), (5, 1), (3, k) (ii) (8, 1), (k, 4), (2, 5)
3. Find the area of the triangle formed by joining the mid-points of the sides of the triangle
whose vertices are (0, 1), (2, 1) and (0, 3). Find the ratio of this area to the area of the
given triangle.
4. Find the area of the quadrilateral whose vertices, taken in order, are ( 4, 2), ( 3, 5),
(3, 2) and (2, 3).
5. You have studied in Class IX, (Chapter 9, Example 3), that a median of a triangle divides
it into two triangles of equal areas. Verify this result for ABC whose vertices are
A(4, 6), B(3, 2) and C(5, 2).
COORDINATE GEOMETRY 171
(v) If A(x1, y1), B(x2, y2) and C(x3, y3) are the vertices of ABC, find the coordinates of
the centroid of the triangle.
8. ABCD is a rectangle formed by the points A(1, 1), B( 1, 4), C(5, 4) and D(5, 1). P, Q,
R and S are the mid-points of AB, BC, CD and DA respectively. Is the quadrilateral
PQRS a square? a rectangle? or a rhombus? Justify your answer.
7.5 Summary
In this chapter, you have studied the following points :
m1 x2 + m2 x1 , m1 y2 + m2 y1
x= y=
m1 + m2 m1 + m2