STRAIGHT LINES

1 Introduction
Co-ordinate geometry is a branch of mathematics which includes the study of
different curves and figures by ordered pairs of real numbers called Cartesian
co-ordinates, representing lines curves by algebraic equation. This
mathematical model is used in solving real world problems.

Co-ordinate system is nothing but a reference system designed to locate

position of any point or geometric element in a plane of space.

1.1 Section Formula

Let R divide the two points P (x1 , y1 ) and Q (x2 , y2 ) internally in the ratio m
:n. Let (x, y) be the co-ordinates of R. Draw PM, QN, RK perpendicular to the
PR
x-axis. Also, draw PE and RF perpendicular to RK and QN. Here, RQ = m n.
Triangles PRE and RFQ are similar.
PR PE PE m
= ⇒ =
RQ RF RF n
But P E = x − x1 and RF = x2 − x
x − x1 m mx2 + nx1
= ⇒x=
x2 − x n m+n
ER m y−y1 m my2 +ny1
In the same way, FQ = n  y2 −y = n ⇒ y=
i.e., m+n
2 +nx1 my2 +ny1
The co-ordinates of R are mxm+n , m+n
P R′
If R′ divides P Q externally, so that QR m
′ = n , triangles P ER′ and QR′ F are
similar.
P R′ PE
′
= ′
RQ RF
But P E = x − x1 and R′ F = x − x2 .
x − x1 m mx2 − nx1
= i.e. x =
x − x2 n m−n
 
2 −ny1 2 −nx1 my2 −ny1
Similarly, y = mym−n . The co-ordinates of R′ are mxm−n , m−n
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1.2 Special points in a triangle
1.2.1 Centroid
Let the vertices of the triangle ABC be
(x1 , y1 ) , (x2 , y2 ) and (x3 , y3 ).
3 y2 +y3
The mid-point D of BC is x2 +x 2 , 2 G, the centroid, divides AD internally
in the ratio 2 : 1.
Let G be (x, y),
2·((x2 +x3 )/2)+1·x1 x1 +x2 +x3
then x = 2+1 = 3

2((y2 +y3 )/2)+1·y1 y1 +y2 +y3

and y = 2+1 = 3

x1 +x2 +x3 y1 +y2 +y3

G is 3 , 3 .

1.2.2 Incentre
Let A (x1 , y1 ) , B (x2 , y2 ) , C (x3 , y3 ) be the vertices of the triangle. Let AD bisect
angle BAC and cut BC at D.
We know that
BD AB c
= =
DC AC b

Let (x, y) be the incentre of the triangle

CD b BC b+c ca AI AB c b+c
= = BD = = = =
BD c DB c b + c ID BD (ca/(b + c)) a

(b + c) ((cx3 + bx2 ) /(c + b)) + ax1 ax1 + bx2 + cx3

x= =
b+c+a a+b+c
(b + c) ((cy3 + by2 ) /(c + b)) + ay1 ay1 + by2 + cy3
y= =
b+c+a a+b+c

1.2.3 Ex-centre
The centre of the circle which touches the side BC and the extended portions
of sides AB and AC is called the ex-centre of ∆ABC with respect to the vertex
A it is denoted by I1 , and its co-ordinates are as follows:
 
−ax2 + bx2 + cx1 −ay1 + by2 + cy1
I1 = ,
−a + b + c −a + b + c

2
Similarly ex-centres of △ABC with respect to vertices B and C are denoted
byI2 and Ib respectively, and
 
ax1 − bx2 + cx1 ay1 − by2 + cy1
I2 = , .
a−b+c a−b+c
 
ax1 + bx2 − cx1 ay1 + by2 − cy7
Ia = , .
a+b−c a+b−c

1.2.4 Circumcentre
It is the point of intersection of perpendicular bisectors of the sides of the
triangle. It is about the centre of a circle passing through the vertices of the
triangle. If O is the circumcentre of any △ABC, then, OA = OB = OC.
Circumcentre:
 
x1 sin 2A + x2 sin 28 + x1 sin 2C y1 sin 2A + y2 sin 2A + y1 sin 2C
,
Σ sin 2A Σ sin 2A

Note: For a right-angled triangle, its circumcentre is the mid-point

of hypotenuse.

1.2.5 Orthocentre
The point of intersection of altitudes of a triangle that can be obtained by
solving the equation of any two altitudes is called Orthocentre. It is denoted by
H.
Orthocentre:
 
x1 tan A + x2 tan B + x1 tan C y1 tan A + y2 tan B + y1 tan C
,
Σ tan A Σ tan A

Note: In a right angle triangle, orthocentre is the point where right

angle is formed.

Remarks:
(a) In an equilateral triangle, centroid, incentre, orthocentre, circumcentre co-
incide.
(b) Orthocentre, centroid, and circumcentre are always collineac.
(c) Centroid divides the Orthocentre and circumcentre joining line in a 2:1 ratio.

3
1.3 Area of Triangle
Let A, B, C be the vertices of the triangle having (x1 , y1 ) , (x2′ y2 ) and (x3 , y3 )
as their respective co-ordinates. Draw AL, BM, CN perpendicular to the x-axis.
Then △ABC = trapezium ALNC+ trapezium CNMB - trapezium ALMB
1 1 1
= (LA + N C)LN + (N C + M B)N M − (LA + M B)LM
2 2 2
1 1 1
= (y1 + y3 ) (x3 − x1 ) + (y3 + y2 ) (x2 − x3 ) − (y1 + y2 ) (x2 − x1 )
2 2 2
1
= {x1 (y2 − y3 ) + x2 (y3 − y1 ) + x3 (y1 − y2 )}
2
x1 y1 1
1
= x2 y2 1
2
x3 y3 1

If the area of the triangle formed by the points (x4 , y1 ) , (x2 , y2 ) and (x3 , y3 ) is
zero, the points lie on a straight line.
Using this, we can determine whether three point are in a straight line. i.e. the
condition for (x1 , y1 ) , (x2 , y2 ) and (x3 , y3 ) to be collinear is that
x1 y1 1
x2 y2 1 =0
x3 y3 1
.

2 Locus
Locus is a set of points which satisfies a given geometrical data. Thus, for exam-
ple, locus of a point moving at a constant distance from a given point is a circle.
Locus of a point which is equidistance from two fixed points is a perpendicular
bisector of the line joining the two points.
All the points in a locus can be represented by an equation. For example,
If the distance of the point (x, y) from (2, 3) is 4, then
(x–2)2 + (y–3)2 = 42 .
i.e. x2 + y 2 –4x–6y–3 = 0.
This equation will represent a circle with its centre at (2, 3) and radius 4.
From the geometrical constraint, which governs the motion, we can find a rela-
tion (locus) between the coordinates of the moving point in any of its positions.
Equation of locus is therefore merely on equation relating the x and y co-
ordinates of every point on the locus.
Steps to find locus
(i) Assume the co-ordinates of point for which locus is to be determined (h, k).
(ii) Apply the given geometrical conditions.
(iii) Transform the geometrical conditions into algebraic equation and simplify.
(iv) Eliminate variables (if any) and replace h → x and k → y to get the equation
of locus.

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3 Straight Line
Definition: It is defined as the locus of a point such that any two points of
this locus have a constant inclination (gradient).
Inclination: If a straight line intersects the x-axis, the inclination of the line is
defined as the measure of the smallest non-negative angle which the line makes
with the positive direction of the x-axis
Slope (or gradient): If the inclination of a line (i.e. non-vertical line) is θ
and θ ̸= π/2 then the slope of a line is defined to be tan and is denoted by m.
Hence, m = tanθ
(a) Slope of x-axis is zero.
(b) Slope of y-axis is not defined.

3.1 Slope
Let P (x1 , y1 ) and Q (y1 , y2 ) be two points on a line, then slope will be

MQ
m = tan θ =
MP
y2 − y1
m = tan θ =
x2 − x1

x y 1
(a)Line passing through two points (x1 , y1) and (x2 , y2 ) is x1 y1 1 =0
x2 y2 1
that is no slope.
Note: Above-mentioned matrix form is a condition for three points to be
colinear.
(b) Equation of the median through A (x1 , y1 ) is

x y 1 x y 1 x y 1
x1 y1 1 = 0 or x1 y1 1 + x1 y1 1 =0
x2 +x1 y2 +y1
2 2 1 x2 y2 1 x3 y1 1

(c) Equation of internal and external angle bisectors of A are

x y 1 x y 1
b x1 y1 1 = c x1 y1 1 =0
x2 y2 1 x1 y1 1

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3.2 Slope
Two lines intersecting each other make two angles between them, one acute and
the other obtuse.
Let lines L1 and L2 intersect each other, acute angle and obtuse angle ϕ.
Let line L1 makes angle θ1 with x-axis and L2 makes theta2 .

Therefore slope of L1 is m1 = tanθ1 and slope of L2 is m2 = tanθ2

Now in ∆ABC,
θ1 + –θ2 + θ = π =⇒ θ = θ2 –θ1
tanθ = tan(θ2 –θ1 )
tanθ2 –tanθ1
tanθ =
1 + tanθ2 tanθ1
m2 − m1
tanθ =
1 + m2 m1
this gives the acute angle between lines.

Note:
(i) If m1 = m2 , then = 0º, i.e. lines are parallel or coincident.
(ii) If m1 m2 = 1, then = 90º , i.e. lines are perpendicular to each other.

3.3 Slope of a line

(a) Point slope form: Suppose P0 (x0 y0 ) is a fixed point on a non-vertical line
L whose slope is m. Let P(x, y) be an arbitrary point on L. Then by definition,
the slope of L is given by
y − y0
m= ⇒ y − y0 = m (x − x0 )
x − x0
This is called point slope form of a line.

(b) Two point form: Let line L passes through two given points P1 (x1 , y1 )
and P2 (x2 , y2 ). Let P (x, y) be a point on the line. So slope P1 P = slope P1 P2
y − y1 y2 − y1
⇒ =
x − x1 x2 − x1
y2 − y1
⇒ y − y1 = (x − x1 )
x2 − x1
This is called two-point form of the line.

(c) Slope intercept from:

Case-I: If slope of line is m and makes y-intercept c, then equation is (y − c) =
m(x − 0) ⇒ y = mx + c
Case-II: If slope of line is m and makes x-intercept d, then equation is
y = m(x − d)

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. These equations are called slope intercept form.

(d) Intercept form: Suppose a line L makes intercept a on x-axis and in-
tercept b on y-axis, i.e. the line meets x-axis at (a, 0) and y-axis (0, b).
b−0
So, y − 0 = 0−a (x − a) i.e.
x y
+ =1
a b
.
This is called intercept form of the line.

(e) Normal form: If P is perpendicular distance from origin to the line AB

and makes angle α with x-axis, then equation of the line is

x cos α + y sin α = P

Proof: cos α = OM
OL
OM = OL cos α = x cos α

In △PNL, sin α = PN PL
PN = PL sin α = y sin α
MQ = PN = y sin α Now
P = OQ = OM + MQ = x cos α + y sin α
So x cos α + y sin α = P This is called normal form of the line.

(f) Parametric form or distance form: The equation of the line passing
through (xp , y1 ) and making an angle θ with the positive x-axis is
x − x1 y − y1
= =r
cos θ sin θ
, where ’ r ’ is the signed value. Hence, the co-ordinate of any point at a distance
r on this line is
x = x1 + r cos θ y = y1 + r sin θ

4 Foots of perpendicular
The foot of the perpendicular (h, k) from (x1 , y1 ) to the line ax + by + c = 0 is
given by
h − x1 k − y1 − (ax1 + by1 + c)
= = .
a b a 2 + b2
Hence, the co-ordinates of the foot of perpendicular is
 2
b x1 − aby1 − ac a2 y1 − abx1 − bc

, .
a2 + b2 a2 + b2

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The image of a point with respect to the line mirror: The image of
A (x1 , y1 ) with respect to the line mirror ax + by +c = 0, B(h, k) is given by
h − x1 k − y1 −2 (ax1 + bx1 + c)
= =
a b a2 + b2
Special Cases
(a) Image of the point P (x1 , y1 ) with respect to x-axis is (x1 , −y1 ).
(b) Image of the point P (x1 , y1 ) with respect to y-axis is (−x1 , y1 ).
(c) Image of the point P (x1 , y1 ) with respect to the line mirror y = x is
Q (y1 , x1 ).
(d) Image of the point P(x, y) with respect to the origin is the point (−x, −y).

Position of a point wrt. a line: Let the equation of the given line be
ax + by + c = 0 and let the co-ordinates of the two given points be P (x1 , y1 ) and
Q(x2 , y2 ). Let R1 be a point on the line. The co-ordinates of R1 which divides
the line joining P and Q in the ratio m : n
m −ax1 –by1 –c
=
n ax2 + by2 + c
Thus, the two points (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) are on the same (or opposite) sides of
the straight line ax+by +c = 0 whether Point R1 divides internally or externally
or sign of m
n

5 Lengths of perpendicular
The perpendicular distance ’ p ’ of a point P (x1 , y1 ) from the line ax+by +c = 0
is
|ax1 + by1 + c|
p= √
a2 + b2
(a) Distance between parallel lines: The distance between the parallel lines
c1 − c2
ax + by + c1 = 0 and ax + by + c2 = 0 is √
a2 + b2
(b) Lines making angle α with given line: The equations of the two straight
lines passing through P (x′ , y ′ ) and making an angle α with the line y = mx + c
(where m = tan θ) are
y − y ′ = tan(θ + α) (x − x′ )
π
Note: If θ + α or θ − α is an odd multiple of 2, the corresponding line has
equation x = x′ .

(c) Concurrency of lines: Lines a1 x + by y + c1 = 0, where i = 1, 2, 3 are

concurrent if they meet at a point. The condition for concurrency is
a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2 =0
a3 b2 c3

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6 Family of lines
Consider two intersecting lines L1 : a1 x+b1 y +c1 = 0 and L2 ; a2 x+b2 y +c2 = 0,
then
Type-1: The equation of the family of lines passing through the intersection
of the lines
L1 + λL2 = 0
⇒ (a1 x + b, y + c1 ) + λ (a2 x + b2 y + c2 ) = 0 where λ is a parameter.
Type-2: Converse, L1 + λL2 = 0 is a line which passes through a fixed point,
where L1 = 0 and L2 = 0 are fixed lines and the fixed point is the intersection
of L1 and L2 .

Type-3: Equation of AC = u2 ua = u1 uα = 0 and BD = u2 ua − u1 u2 = 0

Note that second degree terms cancel and the equation u2 ua − u1 ua = 0 is

satisfied by the co-oodinate points B and D

Q If a, b, c are in A.P, then prove that the variable line ax +by + c = 0

passes through a fixed point.
[JEE Mains]
Sol: By using given condition we can reduce ax +by + c = 0 to as L1 + λL2 = 0.
Hence we can obtain co-ordinate of fixed point by taking L1 = 0 and L2 = 0.
2 b=a+c ⇒c=2b=a ⇒ ax + by + 2b = a = 0
a(x − 1) + b(y + 2) = 0 This is of the form L1 + λL2 = 0, where b/a = 1
Co-ordinates of fired point is (1, −2).

7 Angular Bisector
7.1 Bisector of angle between two lines
(a) Equations of the bisectors of angle between the lines ax +by + c = 0 and
a, x + b, y + c, = 0 are
ax + by + c a1 x + b1 y + c1
√ =± p 2 (ab1 = a, b)
2
a +b 2 a1 + b21

(b) To discriminate between the bisectors of the angle containing the origin and
that of angle not containing the origin, rewrite the equations, ax +by + c = 0
and a′ x + b′ y + c′ = 0 such that the terms c, c′ are positive, then
ax + by + c a2 x + b2 y + c′
√ =+ √
a2 + b2 a′2 + b2

9
gives the equation of the bisector of the angle containing origin and
ax + by + c a′ x + by y + c′
√ =− √
a 2 + b2 a+2 + b2
gives the equation of the bisector of the angle not containing origin.

(c) Acute angle bisector and obtuse angle bisector can be differentiated from
the following methods:
Let two lines a1 x + b1 y + c1 = 0 and a2 x + b2 y + c2 = 0 intersect such that
constant terms are positive.
If a1 a2 + b1 b2 < 0, then the angle between the lines that contain the origin is
acute and the equation for the acute angle bisector is
a1 x + b1 y + c a2 x + b2 y + c2
√ =+ p 2
2
a +b 2 a2 + b22
Therefore
ax1 + by1 + c a2 x + b2 y + c2
√ =− p 2
a2 + b2 a2 + b22
is the equation of other bisector.
If, however, a1 a2 + b1 b2 > 0, then the angle between the lines containing the
origin is obtuse and the equation of the bisector of the obtuse angle is
a1 x + b1 y + c1 a2 x + b2 y + c2
p
2 2
=+ p 2
a1 + b1 a2 + b22
Therefore
a1 x + b1 y + c1 a2 x + b2 y + c2
p
2 2
=− p 2
a1 + b1 a2 + b22
is acute angle bisector.

(d) Few more methods of identifying an acute and obtuse angle bisectors are as
follows:

Let L1 = 0 and L2 = 0 are the given lines and u1 = 0 and u2 = 0 are the
bisectors between L1 = 0 and L2 = 0. Take a point P on any one of the lines
L1 = 0 or L2 = 0 and draw a perpendicular on u1 = 0 and u2 = 0 as shown.

If
|p| < |q| ⇒ u1 is the acute angle bisector.
|p| > |q| ⇒ u1 is the obtuse angle bisector.
|p| = |q| ⇒ the lines L1 and L2 are perpendicular.

Note: The straight lines passing through P (x1 , y1 ) and equally inclined with
the lines a1 x + b1 y + c1 = 0 and a2 x + b2 y + c2 = 0 are those which are parallel
to the bisectors between lines and passing through the point P .

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8 Pair of Straight Lines
8.1 Pair of Straight Lines through origin
(a) A homogeneous equation of degree two of the type ax x2 + 2 hry + by 2 = 0
always represents a pair of straight lines passing through the origin and if
(i) h2 > ab = lines are real and distinct.
(ii) h2 = ab ⇒ lines are coincident.
(iii) h2 < ab ⇒ lines are imaginary with real point of intersection, ie. (0, 0)

(b) If y = m1 x and y = my x be the two equations represented by x2 + 2hxy +

by 2 = 0, then
2h a
m2 + m2 = − and m1 mk =
b b

Angle between two straight lines:

(c) If 6 is the acute angle between the pair of straight lines represents by
a2 + 2hxy + b, then
√
2 h2 − ab
tan θ =
a+b
The condition that these lines are:
(i) At right angles to each other if a + b = 0, i.e sum of coefficients of x2 and y 2
is zero.

2 2 2
(ii)
√ Coincident
√ 2 if h = ab and ax + 2hxy + by is a perfect square of
( ax + by) .
(iii) Equally inclined to the axis of x if h = 0, ie. coefficient of xy = 0.

Combined equation of angle bisectors passing through origin:

The combined equation of the bisectors of the angles between the lines ax2 +
2hxy + by 2 = 0 (a pair of straight lines passing through origin) is given by
x2 − y 2 xy
=
a−b h
.

8.2 General equaltion for pair of Straight Lines

(a) ax2 + 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx + 2f y + c = 0 represents a pair of straight lines if:
a h g
abc + 2f gh − af 2 − bg 2 − ch2 = 0, if h b f =0
g f c
(b) The slope of the two lines represented by a general equation is the same as
that between the two lines represented by only its homogeneous part.

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8.3 Homonisation
The equation of the two lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of
the line lx + my + n = 0 and the curve ax2 + 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx + 2f y + c = 0 is
obtained by homogenising the equation of the curve using the equation of the
line.
The combined equation of pair of straight lines joining origin to the points of
intersection of the line given by bx + my + n = 0 The second degree curve:

ax2 + 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx + 2f y + c = 0

Using equation (i) and (ii)

     2
lx + my lx + my lx + my
ax2 + 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx + 2f y +c =0
−n −n −n

Obtained by homogenizing (ii) with the help of (i), by writing (i) in the form:
 
lx + my
=1
−n
.

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9 Level-1 (Objective Questions)
Q1. Find the equation of the line passing through the intersection of lines
x–3y + 1 = and 2x + 5y–9 = 0 and whose distance from the origin is 5.
a) 2x + y–5 = 0A
b) 2x − y + 5 = 0
c) 2x + y + 5 = 0
d) 2x − y–5 = 0
Q2. Find the angle ϕ between the straight lines (x2 +y 2 )sin2α = (xcosθ–ysinθ)2 ,
where 0 < 2α < 2π.
a) 0B
b) 2α
c) 3α
α
d) 2

Q3. The point A divides the line joining P (–5, 1) and Q(3, 5) in the ratio k : 1.
Find the two values of k for which the area of where B(1, 5) and C(7, 2) is equal
to two square units.
a) 6
b) 3
62
c) 3
31
d) 9

Q4. Find the incentre I of , if A is (4, –2) B is (–2, 4) and C is (5, 5).
a) (5, 5)
b) ( 23 , 3)
5 5
c) 2, 2C
d) ( 32 , −2)
Q5. A rectangle PQRS has its side PQ parallel to the line y = mx and vertices
P, Q, S lie on lines y = a, x = b and x = –b, respectively. Find the locus of the
vertex R.

a) x(m + 1)2my + b + am + bm = 0
b) x(m2 –1)2my + b + am + bm2 = 0B
c) x(m2 –1)2m2 y + b + am + bm2 = 0
d) x(m2 + 1)2my + b + am − bm = 0

13
Q5. Find the point of intersection of the straight lines represented by 6x2 +
13xy + 6y 2 + 8x + 7y + 2 = 0.
a) ( 15 , 45 )
b) ( 52 , −2
5 )c
c) ( 51 , −4
5 )
d) ( 51 , 15 )
Q6. A square lying above the x-axis and has one vertex at the origin. A side
passing through the origin makes an angle α (0 < α < π4 ), with the positive
direction of x-axis. Which of the following can be the equation of its diagnol ?
a) y(sin α– sin α) = x(cos α + cos α)
b) y(cos α + sin α) = x(sin α − cos α)D
c) y(cos α– sin α) = x(sin α + cos α)
d) y(sin α– cos α) = x(sin α + cos α)
Q7. The base of a triangle ABC passes through a fixed point (f, g) and its other
two sides are bisected at right angles by the lines y 2 –8xy–9x2 = 0. Find the
locus of the vertex.
a) 4(x2 + y 2 ) + (4g + 5f )x + (4f –5g)y = 0
b) (x2 − y 2 ) + (5g + 4f )x + (4f + 5g)y = 0A
c) 2(x2 + y 2 ) + (4g + 5f )x + (4f –5g)y = 0
d) 2(x2 − y 2 ) + (4g + 5f )x + (4f + 5g)y = 0
Q8. ABC is a variable triangle with the fixed vertex C(1, 2) and vertices A
and B with co-ordinates (cos t, sin t) and (sin t, – cos t), respectively, where t is
a parameter. Find the locus of the centroid of the ∆ABC.
a) 2(x2 + y 2 )–5x–9y + 1 = 0
b) (x2 − y 2 )4y + 4 = 0D
c) 4(x2 + y 2 )–7x − 1 = 0
d) 3(x2 + y 2 )–2x–4y + 1 = 0
Q9. A triangle has the lines y = m1 x and y = m2 x for two of its sides, with
m1 and m2 being roots of the equation bx2 + 2hx + a = 0. If H(a, b) is the
orthocentre of the triangle, find equation of the third side.
a) (a − b)(ax + by) = ab
b) (a + b)(bx + ay) = ab(a + b–2h)C
c) (a + b)(ax + by) = ab(a + b–2h)
d) (a + b)(ax + by) = (a + b–2h)

14
Q10. If the image of the point (x1 , y1 ) with respect to the mirror ax + by + c = 0
be (x2 , y2 ),which of the following is correct ? x2 −x
a
1
= y2 −y
b
1
= −2(axa21+b
+by1 +c)
2

x2 −x1 y2 −y1 −2(ax1 +by1 +c)

a) a = b = a2 +b2
x2 −x1 y2 −y1 2(ax1 +by1 +c)
b) b = a = a2 +b2 A
x2 −x1 y2 −y1 −2(ax1 +by1 +c)
c) a = b = a2 −b2
x2 −x1 y2 −y1 2(ax1 +by1 +c)
d) b = a = a2 +b2

Q11. The sides of ∆ABC are 2x–y + 5 = 0, x + y–5 = 0 and x–2y–5 = 0. Sum
of the tangents of its interior angle is-
a) 6
27
b) 4
c) 9
d) None of these
Q12. The point (4, 1) undergoes the following three transformations successively
(I) Reflection about the line y = x.
(II) Translation through a distance 2 unit along the positive direction of x-axis.
(III) Rotation through an angle 4π about the origin in the counter clockwise
direction.
Then, the final position of the point is given by the coordinates-
a) ( √12 , √72 )
√ p
b) (− 2, 7 2)
−1 √7
c) ( √ 2
, 2)
√ p
d) ( 2, 7 2)
Q13. Let a, b, c and d be non-zero numbers. If the point of intersection of the
lines 4ax + 2ay + c = 0 and 5bx + 2by + d = 0 lies in the fourth quadrant and
is equidistant from the two axes then-
a) 2bc − 3ad = 0
b) 2bc + 3ad = 0
c) 3bc − 2ad = 0
d) 3bc + 2ad = 0
Q14. Locus of the image of the point (2, 3) in the line (2x−3y+4)+k(x−2y+3) =
0, k ∈ R , is a:
a) Straight line parallel to y-axis
√
b) Circle of radius 2
c) Circle of radius 3
d) Straight line parallel to x-axis.

15
Q15. The straight line, ax + by = 1 , makes with the curve px2 + 2axy + qy 2 = r
a chord which subtends a right angle at the origin. Then:
a) (a2 + b2 ) = p + q
b) r(a2 + p2 ) = q + b
c) r(b2 + q 2 ) = p + a
d) None
Q16. Point P (a2 , a + 1) is a point of the angle (which contains the origin)
between the lines 3x–y + 1 = 0, x + 2y–5 = 0. Find interval for values of ‘a’.
a) a ∈ (−3, 0)
1


b) a ∈ (−3, 0) ∪ 3, 1
c) a ∈ 13 , 1

d) a ∈ R

16
10 Level 2 (PYQs of IAT, NEST)



Q1. Suppose a, b ∈ R are such that the points (a, b), a2 , b2 , and a3 , b3 in
the coordinate plane are distinct, collinear, and the line passing through these
points is not parallel to the y-axis. Then, for all such choices of (a, b), the slope
of the line passing through these three points can take-
[IAT 2021]
A. exactly two values.
B. infinitely many values.
C. exactly three values.
D. exactly one value

AE
Q2. Consider the parallelogram ABCD as shown in the figure, where AB =
CF 1
CD = n , for some positive integer n. Suppose the length of AC is a, then the
length of XY is-
[IAT 2019]
A. na .
na
B. n+1 .
(n−1)a
C. n+1 .
(n−1)a
D. n .

Q3. Let y = f (x) be the equation of the curve passing through the point
(1, 1) having slope loge x for positive values of x. Then the curve-
[IAT 2018]
A. passes through the point (2, 3 + loge 4).
B. passes through the point (2, log6 4).
C. passes through the point (2, 3 − loge 4).
D. does not pass through the point (2, − loge 4).

Q4. Consider the set of lines in the plane at a unit distance from origin and
intersecting both X-axis and Y -axis. Let S be the set of mid points of segments
of these lines joining their point of intersection with X-axis and Y -axis. Then
S is
n o [NEST 2022, Session-2]
1 1
A. (x, y) : x2 + y2 =4
n o
1 1
B. (x, y) : x2 − y2 =4

C. (x, y) : x2 + y 2 = 4

D. (x, y) : y 2 = 4x

17
Q5. Let P be a point, different from (0, 0), on the parabola y 2 = 4x whose focus
is at F . Let T be the foot of the perpendicular drawn from P on to the directrix
of the parabola. The least distance of the point (0, 0) from the orthocentre of
triangle P F T as P moves on the parabola is
√ [NEST 2021, Session-2]
A. √ 2
B. √3
C. 5
D. 2

Q6. Consider the equations y = x3 − x2 + 3x − 4 and y = αx2 − x − 4, α ∈ R.

The number of values of α for which the above two equations intersect at exactly
two points is
[NEST 2020, Session-2]
A. 0
B. 2
C. 1
D. 3

Q7. Let ABCD be a trapezium where AB∥CD and AB ⊥ BC. Suppose

the length of the sides AB and CD are 3 and 5 units respectively and the coor-
dinate of B and C are (2, 5) and (3, 7) respectively. If E is a point on the side
BC and AE + DE is minimum, then the coordinate of E is
[NEST 2020, Session-2]
A. 52 , 6

B. (3, 7)

19 46


C. 8 , 8

21 50


D. 8 , 8

Q8. In a triangle, two of the angles are 20◦ and 55◦ and the included side has
length (1 + 3). Its circumradius is
[NEST 2015]
A. √
1
B. √2
C. 3 √
D. 1 + 2

18
Q9. Let L be the point (t, t) in xy-plane and M be a point on the y-axis
such that LM has slope t. Then the locus of the midpoint of LM as t varies
over all real numbers is
[NEST 2014]
A. y = 2x2 − 2x
B. y = −2x2
C. y = −2x2 + 2x
D. y = 2x2 + 2x

19
11 Level 1 (Answer Key)

Answer Key (SCQs)

1 (A)
2 (B)
3 D
4 (C)
5 (B)
6 (C)
7 (D)
8 (A)
9 (D)
10 (C)
11 A
12 C
13 C
14 (B)
15 (D)
16 (B)

20