CHAPTER 7 : COORDINATE GEOMETRY
Introduction
Coordinate Geometry is a branch of mathematics that connects algebra with geometry. It
helps us represent geometric figures using algebraic equations and coordinates on a plane.
In earlier classes, we learned that to locate a point on a plane, we use two perpendicular
lines called coordinate axes:
X-axis (horizontal)
Y-axis (vertical)
These axes intersect at a point called the origin (0,0).
Any point on the plane is represented as (x, y):
x-coordinate (abscissa): Distance from the y-axis
y-coordinate (ordinate): Distance from the x-axis
For example, the point (3, 2):
3 units right from y-axis
2 units above x-axis
Applications of Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate Geometry is widely used in:
Physics (motion, graphs)
Engineering (designing structures)
Navigation (GPS systems)
Computer graphics
Architecture and art
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Basics of Coordinate Plane
Types of Points
On x-axis → (x, 0)
On y-axis → (0, y)
Origin → (0, 0)
Quadrants
The coordinate plane is divided into 4 quadrants:
1. First Quadrant: (+, +)
2. Second Quadrant: (–, +)
3. Third Quadrant: (–, –)
4. Fourth Quadrant: (+, –)
Distance Formula
The distance between two points can be calculated using the Pythagoras Theorem.
Let two points be:
P(x₁, y₁)
Q(x₁, y₁)
Then distance PQ is given by:
`
𝑃𝑄 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
Special Cases
1. Distance on x-axis
Distance = difference of x-coordinates
2. Distance on y-axis
Distance = difference of y-coordinates
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3. Distance from origin
For point (x, y):
𝑂𝑃 = √𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
Derivation of Distance Formula
To find the distance between two points:
Draw perpendicular lines from both points to form a right triangle
Apply Pythagoras theorem
Thus,
PQ² = (horizontal distance)² + (vertical distance)²
This leads to the distance formula.
Applications of Distance Formula
1. Checking Collinearity
If three points A, B, C satisfy:
AB + BC = AC
Then points lie on the same straight line.
2. Finding Type of Triangle
Using distance formula:
All sides equal → Equilateral
Two sides equal → Isosceles
Pythagoras satisfied → Right-angled
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3. Finding Shape of Quadrilateral
By calculating sides and diagonals, we can identify:
Square
Rectangle
Rhombus
Section Formula
The section formula is used to find coordinates of a point dividing a line segment.
Let:
A(x₁, y₁)
B(x₁, y₁)
Point P divides AB in ratio m₁ : m₁ internally.
Coordinates of P:
𝑚 𝑥 +𝑚 𝑥 𝑚 𝑦 +𝑚 𝑦
𝑃 = ( 1𝑚2 + 𝑚2 1 , 1𝑚2 + 𝑚2 1)
1 2 1 2
Midpoint Formula
Midpoint divides a line in ratio 1:1.
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So midpoint of A(x₁, y₁) and B(x₁, y₁) is:
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 , 𝑦1 + 𝑦2
𝑀=( )
2 2
Applications of Section Formula
1. Finding Coordinates of Division Point
Used in dividing roads, segments, or distances in real-life applications.
2. Finding Ratio
If coordinates are given, ratio can be found by:
Assuming ratio = k : 1
Substituting into section formula
3. Points of Trisection
Points dividing a line into three equal parts:
First point → ratio 1:2
Second point → ratio 2:1
Collinearity of Points
Three points are collinear if:
Distance condition: AB + BC = AC
Area of triangle = 0
Additional Concepts
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Centroid of Triangle
The centroid is the intersection point of medians:
Formula:
G = ((x₁ + x₁ + x₁)/3 , (y₁ + y₁ +
y₁)/3)
Area of Triangle using Coordinates
Area =
1
𝐴 = [𝑥1 (𝑦2 − 𝑦3 ) + 𝑥2 (𝑦3 − 𝑦1 ) + 𝑥3 (𝑦1 − 𝑦2 )]
2
If area = 0 → points are collinear
Solved Examples (Conceptual)
Example 1: Distance
Find distance between (2, 3) and (4, 1)
Solution:
Using formula:
= √[(4−2)² + (1−3)²]
= √[4 + 4] = √8
Example 2: Collinearity
Check (1,5), (2,3), (-2,-11)
If AB + BC = AC → collinear
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Example 3: Section Formula
Find point dividing (4, –3) and (8, 5) in ratio 3:1
Answer = (7, 3)
Real-Life Applications
Coordinate Geometry is used in:
Google Maps and GPS navigation
Designing buildings and bridges
Computer animations and games
Physics (motion graphs)
Summary
Coordinates represent position of a point
Distance formula helps measure length
Section formula helps divide line segments
Midpoint gives center of line
Used in geometry, algebra, and real life
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