CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY

Ahmed Al Hasan
Lecturer (Mathematics)
Department of CSE, ULAB

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Coordinate Geometry of Two Dimensions
1.1 Introduction

Coordinate geometry is the study of geometry using algebraic methods. It will be assumed that the
readers are familiar about the basics of the subject. Most of the results are either revision or simple
extensions of the previous work. The reader need not be concerned with proof as this material is
presented for information and revision purposes.

1.2 Coordinate system

1.2.1 Rectangular Coordinate System

Consider a plane with two lines intersecting each other at right angles at O as shown in Fig. 5.2.1.
The horizontal line is called the x-axis and the vertical line the y-axis. The point of intersection Oof
the axes is the origin. Two axes divide the plane into four quarters. Each quarter is called a
quadrant. The quadrants are numbered from 1 to 4 as shown, in an anti-clockwise direction.
y

(− ,+) (+,+)

(− ,−) (+ ,−)

Fig.1.2.1 Rectangular coordinate system.

Measurements of distances on the axes are taken from O. On the x-axis measurements to the right
of O are positive whilst those to the left are negative. On the y-axis measurements above O are
positive, and those below O negative. The position or coordinates of a point is defined by the
ordered pair x-coordinate and its y-coordinate. In Fig. 1.2.1 the coordinates of P defined by the
ordered pair (3, 2) and Q by the ordered pair (2,  1) .

1.2.2Distance between two points

In the right-angled triangle PQR (Fig 1.2.2),

PQ 2  PR 2  RQ 2 (Pythagoras’ theorem).
PQ 2   x2  x1    y2  y1  .
2 2
Hence
Thus the distance between any two points ( x1 , y1 ) and ( x2 , y2 ) is given by
 x2  x1    y2  y1 
2 2
Distance  .

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 Fig. 1.2.2
For example, the distance between the points (3, 5) and (1, 2) is
(1  3) 2  (2  5) 2  4 2  (3) 2  25  5 .

1.2.3Polar Coordinate System

In mathematics, the polar coordinate system is a two-dimensional coordinate system in which each
point on a plane is determined by a distance from a reference point and an angle from a reference
direction. The reference point (analogous to the origin of a Cartesian system) is called the pole, and
the ray from the pole in the reference direction is the polar axis. The distance from the pole is
called the radial coordinate or radius, and the angle is the angular coordinate, polar angle, or
azimuth.

Fig 1.2.3 Polar co-ordinate system

1.2.4 Relation between polar and Cartesian coordinate system

The polar coordinates r and ϕ can be converted to the Cartesian coordinates x and y by using the
trigonometric functions sine and cosine: x  r cos  and y  r sin 
The Cartesian coordinates x and y can be converted to polar coordinates r and ϕ using the relations
 y
 
r  x 2  y 2 and   arc tan   .
x

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Example 1: Find the polar coordinate of (-1, -1).

Solution: r  x 2

 y2   1   1
2 2
 2
 1   5
and   arc tan      arc tan 1     O
 1  4 4
 5 
So, the polar coordinate of (-1, -1) is  2, .
 4 
Example 2: Find the Polar coordinate of ( − )
Solution:

√ √ (− ) √
−
− ( )
− .
So, polar coordinate of ( − ) is (√ )

1.3 Inclination and Slope of a Line:

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The angle ( ), measured counter clockwise from the positive – axis to the line is
called the inclination of the line or the angle of inclination of the line.
The tangent of this angle i.e. , is called the slope or gradient of the line. It is generally denoted
by m. Thus m = , . The slope of the line is positive or negative according as the
angle of inclination is acute or obtuse.

1.2.6 Slope Intercept Form of a Line:

Let be a straight line making an angle with x-axis and cutting off an intercept from
. As the line makes intercept on -axis, it is called -intercept. Let intersect at
. Take any point ( ) on . Draw . . Draw .
From the right-angled triangle , we have

( )
where (Slope)
So, slope intercept form of a line is
Graph of

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When and , the line passes through the origin and its equation is

Graph of

1.2.7 Straight Line Parallel to an Axis:

The equation of the line parallel to -axis is

 If , then the line lies above the -axis

 If , then the line lies below the -axis
 If , then the line is the -axis itself.

The equation of the line parallel to -axis is

 If then the line lies to the right of -axis.

 If then the line lies to the left of -axis.
 If then the line is the -axis itself.

1.2.8 Condition to be Parallel and Perpendicular:

 Given two lines are parallel when

 If − then two lines will be perpendicular.

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 Change of Axes
Transformation of coordinates:
The process of changing the coordinates of point or the equation of the curves is called transformation of
coordinates.
Transformation of coordinates is of three types such as follows

1. Translation of axes:
In this process the position of the origin is changed but the direction of coordinate axes is being parallel to
the old system. Y Y
When origin (0,0) shifted to the new point (ℎ, 𝑘) and keeping
the direction of coordinate axes fixed then the pair of equations
h, k 
X

represents the relation between new system(𝑋 ′ , 𝑌 ′ ) and old X

0,0
system (𝑋, 𝑌) and is called the translation of axes. Fig. Translation of axes

2. Rotation of axes :
In this process the position of the origin is not changed but the direction of coordinate axes is being changed
through a fixed angle with the x-axis.

When the position of the origin is not changed and the Y

X
direction of coordinate axes is being changed through a fixed
angle with the X-axis then then this is called rotation of axes Y
and the relation between new (𝑋 ′ , 𝑌 ′ ) system and old system
(𝑋, 𝑌) are given below.

X

Fig. Rotation of axes

Y X
3. Translation-Rotation:
In this process the position of the origin is changed and the direction
of coordinate axes is being changed through a fixed angle with the x- 
X
axis. The relation between new system and old system are given
below.

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 Mathematical problem
Mathematical problem on Translation of Axis

Problem 01: Determine the equation of the curve 2 x2  3 y 2  8x  6 y  7  0 when the origin is transferred
to the point  2, 1 .
Solution:
Given Equation of the curve is,
2 x2  3 y 2  8x  6 y  7  0 (i)
Origin is transferred to the point  h, k    2, 1 so as the transformed relations are x  x  h  x  2 and
y  y  k  y  1 .
Using the above transformation given equation (i ) becomes
2  x  2   3  y  1  8  x  2   6  y  1  7  0
2 2

 2  x2  4 x  4   3  y2  2 y  1  8  x  2   6  y  1  7  0
  2x2
 8x  8   3 y2  6 y  3  8x  16    6 y  6   7  0
 2 x2  8x  8  3 y2  6 y  3  8x  16  6 y  6  7  0
 2 x2  3 y2  18  0
 2 x2  3 y2  18
Removing suffices from the above equation we get the transformed equation of the given curve.
2 x 2  3 y 2  18
Thich is the required equation that represents an ellipse.

Problem 02: What does the equation x2  y 2  4 x  6 y  6  0 becomes when the origin is transferred to the
point  2,3 and the direction of axes remain unaltered.
Solution:
Given Equation of the curve is,
x2  y 2  4 x  6 y  6  0 (i)
Origin is transferred to the point  h, k    2,3 so as the transformed relations are x  x  h  x  2 and
y  y  k  y   3 .
Using the above transformation given equation (i ) reduces to
 x 2
 4 x  4    y2  6 y  9   4  x  2   6  y  3  6  0

  x 2
 4 x  4    y2  6 y  9    4 x  8   6 y  18  6  0
 x2  4 x  4  y2  6 y  9  4 x  8  6 y  18  6  0
 x2  y2  17  0
 x2  y2  17  0

Removing suffices from the above equation we get the transformed equation of the given curve.
x 2  y 2  17
Which is the required equations that represents a circle.

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H.W.

1. Transform to parallel axes through the point  3,5  the equation x2  y 2  6 x  10 y  2  0 .

2. Transform x 2  2 y 2  6 x  7  0 to parallel axes through the point  3,1 .
3. Transform the equation to parallel axes through( , ).
4. Transform the equation x  3 y  4 x  6 y  0 by transferring the origin to the point  2,1 ,
2 2

coordinate axes remaining parallel.

5. Transform the equation 3x2  14 xy  24 y 2  22 x  110 y  121  0 shifting the origin to the point
 1, 2  and keeping the direction of axes fixed.

Mathematical problem on Rotation of Axis

Problem 03: Transform the equation 0 to axes turned through .

Solution: Given that,

0 ()
Since the axes rotated are an angle and origin be unchanged.

So, and
′ ′
,
′ ′ ′ ′
,
√ √ √ √

Using this value in equation ( ), we get,

′ ′ ′ ′
( ) ( ) 0
√ √ √ √
′ ′ ( ′ ′ )+
Or, * ( )+ * 0
√ √
′ ′ ′ ′ ′ ′ ′ ′
Or, ( ) ( ) 0
′ ′ ′ ′ ′ ′ ′ ′
Or, 0 0
′ ′ ′ ′
0
Now removing suffixes, we can write,

0
This is the required equation.

Problem 04: If the axes be turned through an angle tan 1 2 , what does the equation 4 xy  3x 2  a 2 become?
Solution:
Given Equation of the curve is,
4 xy  3x2  a 2 (i)
The coordinate axes turned through an angle   tan 1 2 that implies tan   2 .
Now
2
sin  
5
1 2
cos  
5 1


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Considering the new coordinate of the point is  x, y  and rotating the axes through an angle   tan 1 2 and
origin be unchanged as the transformed equations are as follows

x  x cos  y sin 
x 2 y  1
    x  2 y  
5 5 5

And, y  x sin   y cos 

2 x y  1
    2 x  y  
5 5 5

Putting the value of x and y the above equation (i ) becomes

2
 1  1   1 
4   x  2 y    2 x  y   3   x  2 y   a 2
 5  5   5 
1 3
 x  2 y 2 x  y   x  2 y  a 2
2
Or, 4.
5 5

Or, 4  x  2 y  2 x  y   3  x  2 y   5a 2
2

Or, 4  2 x2  xy  4 xy  2 y2   3  x2  4 xy  4 y2   5a 2

Or, 4  2 x2  3xy  2 y2   3  x2  4 xy  4 y2   5a 2

Or, 8x2  12 xy  8 y2    3x2  12 xy  12 y2   5a 2

Or, 8x2  12 xy  8 y2  3x2  12 xy 12 y2  5a 2

Or, 5x2  20 y2  5a 2

Or, x2  4 y2  a 2

Removing suffices from the above equation we get the transformed equation of the given curve.
x2  4 y 2  a2

H.W:

1. Transformed the equation 0 to the axes turned through an angle ( ).

2. Transformed the equation 0 to the axes turned through an angle ( ).

3. Determine the equation of the parabola x2  2 xy  y 2  2 x  4 y  3  0 after rotating of axes through .
4

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Mathematical problem on Translation-Rotation

Problem 05: Determine the transform equation of 0 when the origin is transferred to the
point ( , ) and the axes turned through an angle .

Solution:
Given Equation is,
0 ………………….(i)
′
Origin is transferred to the point (ℎ, ) ( , ) so as the transformed relations are and
′

Using the above transformation given equation (i ) becomes

′ ′
( ) ( ) 0
′ ′
0
′ ′
0
Now removing suffixes, we can write,

0 ……………………(ii)
Again the axes rotated are an angle

So, and
′ ′
,
′ ′ ′ ′
,
√ √ √ √

Using this value in equation ( ), we get,

′ ′ ′ ′
( ) ( ) 0
√ √ √ √

′ ′ ′ ′
( ) ( ) √ 0
′ ′ ′ ′
√ 0
′ ′
√ 0
Now removing suffixes, we can write,

√ 0
This is the required transform equation.

H.W:

1. Find transform equation of 0 0 when the origin is transferred

to the point ( , ) and the axes turned through an angle .
2. Find transform equation of x2  2 xy  y 2  2 x  4 y  3  0 when the origin is transferred to the point
( , ) and the axes turned through an angle 0 .
3. Find transform equation of 0 when the origin is transferred to the
point ( , ) and the axes turned through an angle .

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 Equation & its Geometry
◙ Equation in 2 variables:

 1st degree General equation:

It always represents a straight line in plane, provided at least a 0 or, b 0

 Homogeneous equation:
An equation in which degree of each term in it is equal is called Homogeneous equation. Such as
ax2  2hxy  by 2  0 is a homogeneous equation of degree or order 2 because degree of its each term is two.
It is noted that homogeneous equation always represents straight lines passing through the origin.

 2nd degree homogenous equation:

----------------(*)

In plane, it always represents two straight lines passing through the origin (0, 0).

 Lines be perpendicular if
 Lines be parallel/coincident if
Since two lines passes through the point , so lines must be coincident.
 Lines be real and different if .
 Lines be imaginary if . But passes through the point .

 Non-homogeneous equation:
An equation in which degree of each term in it is not equal is called Non-homogeneous equation. Such as
ax2  2hxy  by 2  2 gx  2 fy  c  0 is a non- homogeneous equation of degree or order 2.

 2nd degree General equation :

------------------(**)
Descartes found that the graphs of second-degree equations in two variables in plane always fall into one of
seven categories: [1] single point, [2] pair of straight lines, [3] circle, [4] parabola, [5] ellipse, [6] hyperbola,
and [7] no graph at all.

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 Note:
 , represents pair of straight lines if

(1) Two parallel lines if ∆ 0, ℎ b

(2) Two perpendicular lines if ∆ 0, b 0

 Otherwise, (**) will represent:

1. A circle if 𝑎 𝑏, ℎ 0
2. A parabola if ∆ 0, ℎ b
3. An ellipse if ∆ 0, ℎ b<0
4. A hyperbola if ∆ 0, ℎ b>0
5. A rectangular hyperbola if 𝑎 𝑏 0, ℎ 𝑎𝑏 > 0, ∆ 0

If none of the above conditions are satisfied then (**) represents [1] or [7].

Also,

 if c = 0 , then (**) always passes through the origin(0,0).

 term containing xy can be transformed by a suitably chosen rotation into a form which does not
contain xy term. The standard equation is easily obtained.
 the rotation angle ‘  ’ that will eliminate the ‘xy’ term is given by .

Some figure and standard form:-

Circle Ellipse
Y Y

X X
(  g , f )

[Link]. [Link].

Y Hyparabola
Parabola Y

X
[Link]. 𝑥 𝑦
2 2
[Link]. 𝑦 𝑎𝑥 x y
2
 2 1 Re c tan gular  Hyparabula
a b
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Angle ‘Ө’ between 2 (real) straight lines represented by (*) or (**):

We know that 2 straight lines always cut at an angle (real or imaginary). If ‘Ө’ be that angle, we have to use
following formula to find ‘Ө’.

√ℎ

Case 1 : If 𝒉𝟐 < 𝒂𝒃, then angle ‘Ө’ is imaginary and we can’t view it.

Case 2 : When 𝒉𝟐 ≮ 𝒂𝒃, then angle ‘Ө’ is not imaginary.

Some condition for angle ‘Ө’:-

 If Ө = 00 , we say, the straight lines are either parallel or, coincident (i.e. same ).
 If a + b = 0, then Ө = 900 , and we say, the straight lines are perpendicular.
 If Ө is +ve, we accept it & say that the angle is acute.
 If Ө is -ve, we add 1800 , and then get an obtuse angle.

Separation of equation of each line from (*) or (**):

To determine the equation of each line separately, we need to solve (*) or (**).i.e. we write the equation as
Ax2 + B x + C = 0 & then solve it.

Mathematical problem
Problem 01:- If the equation is 3x2  16 xy  5 y 2  0 , then find, (a) angle between the lines (b) equation of
line.

Solution:
(a)
Given homogeneous equation is as follows
3x2  16 xy  5 y 2  0
Comparing the given equation with the general homogeneous equation ax2  2hxy  by 2  0 we have
a  3, h  8 and b  5 .
Let an angle between the lines is  .
2 h2  ab
Then we have tan  
ab
2 (8)2  3.5
Or, tan  
35
2 64  15
Or, tan  
8

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 2 49 2.7 14
Or, tan    
8 8 8
 14 
   tan 1    60.260
8
Therefore the angle between the lines is 60.260 .

(b)
Given homogeneous equation is as follows
3x2  16 xy  5 y 2  0
We expressed the given equation as
3x2  16 xy  5 y 2  0
Or, 3x2  16 y. x  5 y 2  0
16 y  (16 y) 2  4.3.5 y 2
Or, x 
2.3
16 y  256 y 2  60 y 2
Or, x 
6
16 y  196 y 2
Or, x 
6
16 y  14 y
Or, x 
6
16 y  14 y 30 y
Taking positive sign we get x   5y
6 6
Therefore x  5 y  x  5 y  0
16 y  14 y 2 y y
And taking negative sign we get x   
6 6 3
y
Therefore, x   3x  y  3x  y  0
3
Therefore x  5 y  0 and 3x  y  0
These are the straight lines passing through the origin.

Problem 02:- Show that 6 x2  5xy  6 y 2  14 x  5 y  4  0 represents pair of straight lines.

Solution:
Given equation is,
6 x2  5xy  6 y 2  14 x  5 y  4  0 (i)
Comparing this above equation with the standard equation ax2  2hxy  by 2  2 gx  2 fy  c  0 we get
5 5
a  6 , h   , b  6, g  7, f  & c  4
2 2
Now,
5
6  7
2
5 5 25  5  35   25 
  6  6(24  )     10    7    42 
2 2 4  2  2   4 
5
7 4
2

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 25  5  35   25 
 6(24  )     10    7    42 
4  2  2  4 
25 5  35   25 
 6(24  )   10    7    42 
4 2 2  4 
150  175   175 
 (144  )   25    294 
4  4   4 
576  150  100  175   175  1176 
   
4  4   4 
726  275   1001 
   
4  4   4 
1001 1001
  0
4 4
Since   0 so the given equation represents a pair of straight lines.

Another process,

Given equation is,

6 x2  5xy  6 y 2  14 x  5 y  4  0 (i)
Comparing this above equation with the standard equation ax2  2hxy  by 2  2 gx  2 fy  c  0 we get
5 5
a  6 , h   , b  6, g  7, f  & c  4
2 2
We know that, ℎ ℎ
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
0
Since   0 so the given equation represents a pair of straight lines.

Problem 03:- Find the angle between the straight lines represented by the equation
6 x2  5xy  6 y 2  14 x  5 y  4  0 .
Solution:
Given equation is,
6 x2  5xy  6 y 2  14 x  5 y  4  0
Comparing this above equation with the standard equation ax2  2hxy  by 2  2 gx  2 fy  c  0 we get
5 5
a  6 , h   , b  6, g  7, f  & c  4
2 2
Assume that  be the angle between the straight lines then we have the followings
2 h2  ab
tan  
ab
25
2  36
4
 tan  
66
 tan   

   tan   
1

2

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Problem 04:- Find the equation of the straight lines represented by the equation
x2  6 xy  9 y 2  4 x  12 y  5  0 .
Solution:
Given equation is,
x2  6 xy  9 y 2  4 x  12 y  5  0
Arrange the above equation as a quadratic equation in x we get
x2  6 xy  9 y 2  4 x  12 y  5  0
x2   6 y  4  x  9 y 2  12 y  5  0

  6 y  4   6 y  4  4.1.  9 y 2  12 y  5 
2

 x
2.1
  6 y  4   6 y  4  4  9 y 2  12 y  5 
2

 x
2
  6 y  4   36 y 2  48 y  16   36 y 2  48 y  20 
 x
2
  6 y  4   36 y 2  48 y  16  36 y 2  48 y  20
 x
2
  6 y  4   16  20
 x
2
  6 y  4   36
 x
2
  6 y  4  6
 x
2
  6 y  4  6
Taking positive we get x 
2
6 y  4  6
 x
2
6 y  2
 x
2
 2 x  6 y  2
 x  3 y  1
 x  3 y 1  0
  6 y  4  6
Taking negative we get x 
2
6 y  4  6
 x
2
6 y  10
 x
2
 2 x  6 y  10
 x  3 y  5
 x  3y  5  0
Therefore, required equations of the straight lines x  3 y  1  0 and x  3 y  5  0 .

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Problem 05:- What are represented by the following equations?

(1) 12 x 2  7 xy  10 y 2  13x  45 y  35  0

(2) x  2 xy  y  2 x  1  0
2 2

(A) If it will be a straight line then find,

(i) The angle in between the lines; (ii) find the equation of each line.
(B) If it will be a curve then find,

(i) Find a rotation angle by which the xy-term will be eliminated; (ii) find the standard
form.

Solution:- (1)
Given equation is,
12 x 2  7 xy  10 y 2  13x  45 y  35  0
Comparing this above equation with the standard equation ax2  2hxy  by 2  2 gx  2 fy  c  0 we get

, 0, , , , ℎ
Now we have, ℎ ℎ

( 0) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( 0) ( )

( ) ( )
0
Since   0 so the given equation represents a pair of straight lines.
The angle between two lines:-
If  be the angle between the straight lines then we know that
2 h2  ab
tan  
ab
√( ) ( )

( )


 ( )
 ′

Separation of lines:-

Given equation is,

12 x 2  7 xy  10 y 2  13x  45 y  35  0
 12 x 2  (7 y  13) x  (10 y 2  45 y  35)  0

 (7 y  13)  (7 y  13) 2  4  (10 y 2  45 y  35)  12

 x
2  12
 24 x  (7 y  13)  (23 y  43) 2
 24 x  7 y  13  (23 y  43)

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Taking positive,
24 x  7 y  13  (23 y  43) Taking negative,
 3x  2 y  7  0

Hence, 3x  2 y  7  0 and 4 x  5 y  5  0 are the required equations of two straight lines represented by
12 x 2  7 xy  10 y 2  13x  45 y  35  0 .

Solution:- (2)

Given general equation of second degree is

x2  2 xy  y 2  2 x  1  0 (i)
Comparing this above equation with the standard equation ax2  2hxy  by 2  2 gx  2 fy  c  0 we get
a  1 , h  1, b  1, g  1, f  0 & c  1
Now,
a h g 1 1 1
 h b f 1 1 0 1 0
g f c 1 0 1
And
h2  ab  1  1  0
Since   0 and h2  ab  0 . So the equation represents parabola.

To remove ‘ ’ term we need a rotation of ‘ ’ where

ℎ
Or, =0
Or, 0

Thich is the required angle.

Now we know that,

and
′ ′

′ ′ ′ ′
√ √ √ √
′ ′ ′ ′
= ( ) = ( )
√ √

Putting this in (i) we get,

x2  2 xy  y 2  2 x  1  0
Or, ( x  y) 2  2 x  1  0
2
 1 1  1
Or,  ( x   y )  ( x  y )  2  ( x  y )  1  0
 2 2  2
2
 1  1
Or,  ( x  y   x  y )  2  ( x  y )  1  0
 2  2

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 Or, 2( x) 2  2 x  2 y   1  0
Or, 2( x) 2  2 x  2 y   1 Thich can be written as
Or, 2( x) 2  2 x  2 y  1
Standard form,
2( x) 2  2 x  2 y  1
1 1 1
Or, ( x) 2  x y (Both side multiply by 2)
2 2 2
1 1 1 1 1
Or, ( x) 2  2  x ( )2   y
2 2 2 2 8 2 2
1 1 5
Or, ( x  )2  y
2 2 2 8
1 1 5
Or, ( x  )2  (y  2  )
2 2 2 8
1 1 5
Or, ( x  )2  (y   )
2 2 2 4 2
1 1 5
Or, ( x  )2 4 (y   )
2 2 4 2 4 2

1 1 5
X 2  4 AY where X  ( x  ), A  &Y  (y   )
2 2 4 2 4 2
That is the standard form of Parabola.

H.W

What are represented by the following equations?

1. x2 + xy + y2 + x + y = 0 .
2. 6 x2 – 5 xy – 6 y2 = 0 ;
3 4 x2 –15 xy – 4 y2 – 46 x + 14 y + 60 = 0 ;
4. x2 – 5 xy + y2 + 8 x – 20 y + 15 = 0 ;
3. 34 x2 + 24 xy + 41 y2 + 48 x + 14 y – 108 = 0 ;
5. 9 x2 – 24 xy + 16 y2 – 18 x – 101 y + 19 = 0 ;
6. x2 + 2 xy – y2 + 2 x + 4 y – 3 = 0 ;
7. 12 x2 + 7 xy + 32 x + 2 y = 0 ;

(A) If it will be a straight line then find,

(i) The angle in between the lines ; (ii) find the equation of each line.
(B) If it will be a curve then find,
(i) Find a rotation angle by which the xy-term will be eliminated; (ii) find the standard
form.

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