COORDINATE GEOMETRY ■

Complete Student Notes

From Beginner > Intermediate > Advanced

■ Topics Covered ■ Designed For

• Cartesian Plane & Plotting • Class 8 to Class 10

• Distance Formula • Board Exam Students
• Midpoint Formula • Competitive Exam Prep
• Gradient / Slope • Step-by-step learning
• Equations of Lines • Self-study friendly
• Parallel & Perpendicular Lines • Concept + Practice
• Perpendicular Bisector
• Line-Curve Intersection

✦ Includes Solved Examples • Practice Questions • Tips & Tricks • Formula Sheet ✦
Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Table of Contents

# Topic Pg

Chapter 1 Introduction to Coordinate Geometry 3

Chapter 2 Distance Between Two Points 6

Chapter 3 Midpoint of a Line Segment 9

Chapter 4 Gradient (Slope) of a Line 12

Chapter 5 Equation of a Straight Line 16

Chapter 6 Parallel and Non-Parallel Lines 21

Chapter 7 Perpendicular Lines 24

Chapter 8 Perpendicular Bisector 27

Chapter 9 Intersection of Line and Curve 30

Chapter 10 Quick Revision Summary 34

Appendix Formula Sheet & Common Mistakes 37

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Chapter 1 — Introduction to Coordinate Geometry

Coordinate Geometry (also called Analytic Geometry) is the branch of mathematics where we use
numbers to describe the position of points and shapes on a plane. Think of it as giving every point on a
map a unique address!

1.1 The Cartesian Plane

The Cartesian Plane (named after mathematician René Descartes) is a flat surface formed by two
number lines — one horizontal (X-axis) and one vertical (Y-axis) — crossing at a point called the Origin.

The Cartesian Plane — Four Quadrants with Example Points

Y
B(-2,3)
3

A(3,2)
2
Q II QI

X
-4 -3 -2 -1 O 1 2 3 4

-1

C(-3,-2)
Q III Q IV
-2

D(2,-3)
-3

Key Terms:
Term Meaning

X-axis Horizontal number line (goes left ↔ right)

Y-axis Vertical number line (goes up ↕ down)

Origin (O) Point where X-axis and Y-axis meet. Coordinates = (0, 0)

Coordinates A pair (x, y) that gives the exact position of a point

x-coordinate Also called Abscissa — distance from Y-axis (horizontal)

y-coordinate Also called Ordinate — distance from X-axis (vertical)

1.2 The Four Quadrants

The two axes divide the plane into 4 regions called quadrants:

Quadrant X sign Y sign Example Point Color (diagram)

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

Quadrant I (Q I) + + (3, 2) Yellow

Quadrant II (Q II) - + (-2, 3) Green

Quadrant III (Q III) - - (-3, -2) Pink

Quadrant IV (Q IV) + - (2, -3) Blue

1.3 Plotting Points — Step by Step

To plot a point P(x, y) on the Cartesian plane:
Step 1: Start at the Origin (0, 0).
Step 2: Move x units along the X-axis: right if x is positive, left if x is negative.
Step 3: From that position, move y units along the Y-axis: up if y is positive, down if y is negative.
Step 4: Mark and label the point.

✏ Solved Example 1: Plot the point A(4, 3)

Step 1: Start at Origin O(0,0).
Step 2: x = 4 > Move 4 units to the RIGHT.
Step 3: y = 3 > Move 3 units UP.
Step 4: Mark the point. It lands in Quadrant I. ✓

✏ Solved Example 2: Plot the point B(-3, -2)

Step 1: Start at Origin.
Step 2: x = -3 > Move 3 units to the LEFT.
Step 3: y = -2 > Move 2 units DOWN.
Step 4: Mark the point. It lands in Quadrant III. ✓

✏ Solved Example 3: In which quadrant does (-5, 4) lie?

Step 1: x = -5 (negative) > left side.
Step 2: y = 4 (positive) > upper side.
Step 3: Left + Upper = Quadrant II ✓

Point on X-axis: y = 0 > example: (3, 0)

Point on Y-axis: x = 0 > example: (0, 4)
Origin: (0, 0)

■ Tip: Quick Memory Trick for Quadrants!

Going anti-clockwise: Q I (++), Q II (-+), Q III (--), Q IV (+-)
Remember: 'All Students Take Calculus' — All positive (I), Sin positive (II), Tan positive (III), Cos
positive (IV)

■ Practice Questions
Q1. In which quadrant does each point lie? (a) (5, 7) (b) (-3, 8) (c) (-6, -1) (d) (4, -9)
Ans: (a) Q I (b) Q II (c) Q III (d) Q IV
Q2. Plot the points: P(2, 5), Q(-4, 3), R(0, -6), S(-3, 0)
Ans: P is in Q I, Q is in Q II, R is on Y-axis (below origin), S is on X-axis (left of origin)
Q3. A point lies on the X-axis. What is its y-coordinate?
Ans: y = 0
Q4. Write the coordinates of the origin.
Ans: (0, 0)
Q5. The point (-7, 0) lies on which axis?

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

Ans: X-axis

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Chapter 2 — Distance Between Two Points

Imagine you have two cities on a map. How far apart are they? In coordinate geometry, we use the
Distance Formula to find the exact distance between any two points.

2.1 How the Formula is Derived

Let A(x■, y■) and B(x■, y■) be two points. Draw a right-angled triangle: the horizontal leg = |x■ - x■|
(Run) and the vertical leg = |y■ - y■| (Rise). By the Pythagorean Theorem: AB² = (Run)² + (Rise)²
B(x■,y■)
Pythagorean Theorem > Distance Formula
Y

A(x■,y■)
1

X
-3 -2 -1 O 1 2 3

-1

-2

Distance Formula:
AB = sqrt[ (x■ - x■)² + (y■ - y■)² ]

Special case — Distance from Origin to P(x, y):

OP = sqrt( x² + y² )

2.2 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Identify the coordinates: A(x■, y■) and B(x■, y■).
Step 2: Find the difference: (x■ - x■) and (y■ - y■).
Step 3: Square both differences.
Step 4: Add the squares.
Step 5: Take the square root. That's your distance!

✏ Solved Example 1: Find the distance between A(3, 4) and B(7, 1).
Step 1: x■ = 3, y■ = 4, x■ = 7, y■ = 1
Step 2: x■ - x■ = 7 - 3 = 4; y■ - y■ = 1 - 4 = -3
Step 3: (4)² = 16; (-3)² = 9
Step 4: 16 + 9 = 25

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

Step 5: AB = sqrt25 = 5 units ✓

✏ Solved Example 2: Find the distance from Origin to P(5, 12).

Step 1: OP = sqrt(5² + 12²) = sqrt(25 + 144) = sqrt169 = 13 units ✓

✏ Solved Example 3: Show that A(3, 4), B(5, 2), C(1, 2) form an isosceles triangle.
Step 1: AB = sqrt[(5-3)² + (2-4)²] = sqrt[4+4] = sqrt8 = 2sqrt2
Step 2: BC = sqrt[(1-5)² + (2-2)²] = sqrt[16+0] = 4
Step 3: AC = sqrt[(1-3)² + (2-4)²] = sqrt[4+4] = sqrt8 = 2sqrt2
Step 4: AB = AC = 2sqrt2 > Two sides are equal > Isosceles triangle ✓

■ Tip: Important Notes

• Distance is always positive (it's a length).
• It does NOT matter which point you call (x■,y■) and which (x■,y■) — the answer is the same!
• For a horizontal line (same y): Distance = |x■ - x■|
• For a vertical line (same x): Distance = |y■ - y■|

■ Practice Questions
Q1. Find the distance between P(1, 2) and Q(4, 6).
Ans: sqrt[(4-1)² + (6-2)²] = sqrt[9+16] = sqrt25 = 5 units
Q2. Find the distance between A(-3, -4) and B(3, 4).
Ans: sqrt[(3-(-3))² + (4-(-4))²] = sqrt[36+64] = sqrt100 = 10 units
Q3. Is the triangle with vertices A(0,0), B(4,0), C(0,3) a right triangle? Find all side lengths.
Ans: AB=4, AC=3, BC=5. Since 3²+4²=5², yes — it's a right triangle!
Q4. Find the distance of point (-5, 12) from the origin.
Ans: sqrt(25+144) = sqrt169 = 13 units
Q5. The distance between P(x, 3) and Q(2, 7) is 5. Find x.
Ans: (x-2)²+16=25 > (x-2)²=9 > x=5 or x=-1

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Chapter 3 — Midpoint of a Line Segment

The midpoint is the exact middle point of a line segment. If you folded the line segment in half, the fold
mark would be the midpoint. It's like finding the halfway house between two cities!

Midpoint Formula:
M = ( (x■ + x■)/2 , (y■ + y■)/2 )
< average of x-coordinates, average of y-coordinates >

3.1 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Note the coordinates of both endpoints: A(x■, y■) and B(x■, y■).
Step 2: Add the x-coordinates and divide by 2 > x_M = (x■ + x■) / 2
Step 3: Add the y-coordinates and divide by 2 > y_M = (y■ + y■) / 2
Step 4: Write the midpoint as M(x_M, y_M).

Midpoint M is the middle of segment AB B(4,3)

M(1,2)
2

A(-2,1)
1

X
-3 -2 -1 O 1 2 3

-1

-2

✏ Solved Example 1: Find the midpoint of A(2, 4) and B(8, 10).

Step 1: x_M = (2 + 8) / 2 = 10/2 = 5
Step 2: y_M = (4 + 10) / 2 = 14/2 = 7
Step 3: Midpoint M = (5, 7) ✓

✏ Solved Example 2: Find the midpoint of P(-3, 5) and Q(7, -1).

Step 1: x_M = (-3 + 7) / 2 = 4/2 = 2
Step 2: y_M = (5 + (-1)) / 2 = 4/2 = 2
Step 3: Midpoint M = (2, 2) ✓

✏ Solved Example 3: M(3, 5) is the midpoint of AB. A is (1, 3). Find B.

Step 1: Using midpoint formula: 3 = (1 + x■)/2 > x■ = 6-1 = 5
Step 2: 5 = (3 + y■)/2 > y■ = 10-3 = 7
Step 3: B = (5, 7) ✓

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

3.2 Diagonal of a Parallelogram (Midpoint Application)

In a parallelogram ABCD, the diagonals AC and BD bisect each other. This means the midpoint of AC =
midpoint of BD. We can use this to find unknown vertices!

Diagonals of a Parallelogram:
Midpoint of AC = Midpoint of BD
=> ( (x_A+x_C)/2 , (y_A+y_C)/2 ) = ( (x_B+x_D)/2 , (y_B+y_D)/2 )

✏ Solved Example 4: ABCD is a parallelogram. A(1,1), B(4,2), C(5,5). Find D.

Step 1: Midpoint of AC = ((1+5)/2, (1+5)/2) = (3, 3)
Step 2: Midpoint of BD must also = (3, 3)
Step 3: (4+x_D)/2 = 3 > x_D = 2
Step 4: (2+y_D)/2 = 3 > y_D = 4
Step 5: D = (2, 4) ✓

■ Tip: Memory Aid

Midpoint = Average. Just average the x's and average the y's. That's it!

■ Practice Questions
Q1. Find the midpoint of A(6, 8) and B(2, 4).
Ans: M = (4, 6)
Q2. Find the midpoint of P(-5, -3) and Q(3, 7).
Ans: M = (-1, 2)
Q3. M(0, 0) is the midpoint of PQ. If P = (3, -4), find Q.
Ans: Q = (-3, 4)
Q4. ABCD is a parallelogram with A(2,3), B(6,1), C(8,5). Find D.
Ans: Midpoint AC = (5,4). So (6+x)/2=5 > x=4; (1+y)/2=4 > y=7. D=(4,7)
Q5. The vertices of a triangle are A(2,4), B(6,0), C(0,0). Find the midpoint of each side.
Ans: Mid AB=(4,2), Mid BC=(3,0), Mid AC=(1,2)

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Chapter 4 — Gradient (Slope) of a Line

The gradient (or slope) tells us how steep a line is. Think of it as the steepness of a hill — a steeper hill
has a larger gradient. In real life: roads, ramps, rooftops all have gradients!

Gradient Formula:
m = (y■ - y■) / (x■ - x■) = Rise / Run
(where (x■,y■) and (x■,y■) are any two points on the line)

4.1 Understanding Rise and Run (4,3)

Rise=2, Run=3, Gradient=2/3

Rise = 2

(1,1)
Run = 3

Slope Value What it Means Direction

m > 0 (positive) Line goes UP from left to right /

m < 0 (negative) Line goes DOWN from left to right \\

m=0 Line is horizontal (flat) >

m = undefined Line is vertical ↑

m=1 Line at exactly 45° / (45°)

Large |m| Very steep line Nearly vertical

4.2 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Identify two points on the line: (x■, y■) and (x■, y■).
Step 2: Calculate Rise = y■ - y■.
Step 3: Calculate Run = x■ - x■.
Step 4: Divide: m = Rise ÷ Run. Simplify the fraction.

✏ Solved Example 1: Find the gradient of the line through A(2, 3) and B(6, 7).
Step 1: Rise = 7 - 3 = 4
Step 2: Run = 6 - 2 = 4
Step 3: m = 4/4 = 1
Step 4: The line rises at 45°. ✓

✏ Solved Example 2: Find the gradient through P(1, 4) and Q(5, 2).

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

Step 1: Rise = 2 - 4 = -2
Step 2: Run = 5 - 1 = 4
Step 3: m = -2/4 = -1/2
Step 4: Negative slope > line goes downward. ✓

✏ Solved Example 3: Find the gradient through (3, 5) and (3, -2).
Step 1: Run = 3 - 3 = 0 (x-coordinates are the same!)
Step 2: m = Rise/0 = UNDEFINED
Step 3: This is a vertical line. ✓

4.3 Angle of Inclination

The gradient is related to the angle theta (theta) the line makes with the positive X-axis:

m = tan(theta)
theta is measured anti-clockwise from positive X-axis
e.g. if m = 1 > tan(theta) = 1 > theta = 45°

■ Tip: Shortcut for Gradient Direction

• Positive slope > line tilts like '/' (goes up-right)
• Negative slope > line tilts like '\' (goes down-right)
• Zero slope > line is flat '—'
• Undefined slope > line is vertical '|'

■ Practice Questions
Q1. Find the gradient of the line through (1, 2) and (4, 8).
Ans: m = (8-2)/(4-1) = 6/3 = 2
Q2. Find the gradient through (-3, 4) and (1, -2).
Ans: m = (-2-4)/(1-(-3)) = -6/4 = -3/2
Q3. A line passes through (2, 5) and (6, 5). What is its gradient?
Ans: m = 0 (horizontal line)
Q4. If the gradient of a line is 3/4 and it passes through (0, 2), find the y-value when x=8.
Ans: Rise = m × Run = (3/4)×8 = 6. y = 2+6 = 8
Q5. If tan(theta) = sqrt3, what is theta?
Ans: theta = 60°

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Chapter 5 — Equation of a Straight Line

Every straight line has a unique equation that describes which points lie on it. If you substitute any point
from the line into its equation, it will satisfy (balance) the equation. There are three main forms:

Form Equation When to Use

Slope-Intercept y = mx + c When you know slope (m) and y-intercept (c)

Point-Slope y - y■ = m(x - x■) When you know slope (m) and one point

Two-Point Form Uses both given points When you know two points on the line

Intercept Form x/a + y/b = 1 When you know x-intercept (a) and y-intercept (b)

General Form ax + by + c = 0 Standard algebraic form

5.1 Slope-Intercept Form: y = mx + c

This is the most common form. 'm' is the gradient and 'c' is the y-intercept (where the line crosses the
Y-axis).

y = mx + c
m = gradient (slope)
c = y-intercept (where line crosses Y-axis)

✏ Solved Example 1: Write the equation of a line with gradient 3 and y-intercept -2.
Step 1: m = 3, c = -2
Step 2: Equation: y = 3x - 2 ✓

✏ Solved Example 2: Find the gradient and y-intercept of 2y = 4x + 6.

Step 1: Divide everything by 2: y = 2x + 3
Step 2: Compare with y = mx + c
Step 3: m = 2 (gradient), c = 3 (y-intercept) ✓

5.2 Point-Slope Form: y - y■ = m(x - x■)

Use this when you know the gradient and ONE point on the line.

y - y■ = m(x - x■)
Where (x■, y■) is the known point and m is the gradient

✏ Solved Example 3: Find the equation of a line with gradient 2 passing through (3, 5).
Step 1: m = 2, point = (3, 5)
Step 2: y - 5 = 2(x - 3)
Step 3: y - 5 = 2x - 6
Step 4: y = 2x - 1 ✓

5.3 Two-Point Form

Use this when you know TWO points on the line. First find gradient, then use point-slope form.

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

Step 1: Find m = (y■ - y■)/(x■ - x■)

Step 2: Use y - y■ = m(x - x■)

✏ Solved Example 4: Find the equation of the line through A(1, 2) and B(3, 8).
Step 1: m = (8 - 2)/(3 - 1) = 6/2 = 3
Step 2: y - 2 = 3(x - 1)
Step 3: y - 2 = 3x - 3
Step 4: y = 3x - 1 ✓

✏ Solved Example 5: Find the equation of the line through (-1, 3) and (2, -3).
Step 1: m = (-3 - 3)/(2 - (-1)) = -6/3 = -2
Step 2: y - 3 = -2(x - (-1))
Step 3: y - 3 = -2(x + 1) = -2x - 2
Step 4: y = -2x + 1 ✓

5.4 Intercept Form: x/a + y/b = 1

When a line cuts the X-axis at (a, 0) and the Y-axis at (0, b):

x/a + y/b = 1
a = x-intercept, b = y-intercept

✏ Solved Example 6: Write equation of line with x-intercept 4 and y-intercept 3.

Step 1: a = 4, b = 3
Step 2: x/4 + y/3 = 1
Step 3: Multiply by 12: 3x + 4y = 12 ✓

5.5 Special Lines

Horizontal line through (a, b): y = b (gradient = 0)

Vertical line through (a, b): x = a (undefined gradient)
Line through origin with gradient m: y = mx (c = 0)

■ Tip: Key Insight

To check if a point (p, q) lies on a line, substitute x=p and y=q into the equation. If it satisfies the
equation, the point lies on the line!

■ Practice Questions
Q1. Find the equation of the line with gradient 4 and y-intercept -1.
Ans: y = 4x - 1
Q2. Find the equation of the line passing through (2, 3) with gradient -2.
Ans: y - 3 = -2(x - 2) > y = -2x + 7
Q3. Find the equation of the line through (0, 5) and (3, 2).
Ans: m = (2-5)/(3-0) = -1. y = -x + 5
Q4. Does the point (3, 7) lie on the line y = 2x + 1?
Ans: Substitute: 7 = 2(3)+1 = 7. YES, it lies on the line. ✓
Q5. Write in slope-intercept form: 3x - 2y + 6 = 0
Ans: 2y = 3x+6 > y = (3/2)x + 3. Gradient=3/2, y-intercept=3

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

↔ Chapter 6 — Parallel and Non-Parallel Lines

Parallel lines are like train tracks — they go in the same direction and NEVER meet. Non-parallel lines
have different directions and WILL meet at some point.

6.1 Condition for Parallel Lines

Two lines are parallel if and only if they have the SAME gradient.

Lines L■: y = m■x + c■ and L■: y = m■x + c■

Parallel if and only if: m■ = m■ (and c■ ≠ c■)
Same gradient > same direction > never meet

Parallel lines — same slope, different y-intercepts

3 Y

X
-4 -3 -2 -1 O 1 2 3 4

-1

-2

-3

✏ Solved Example 1: Are y = 3x + 5 and y = 3x - 2 parallel?

Step 1: m■ = 3, m■ = 3 > m■ = m■
Step 2: c■ = 5, c■ = -2 > c■ ≠ c■
Step 3: YES — they are parallel! ✓

✏ Solved Example 2: Find the equation of a line parallel to y = 2x + 1 passing through (3, 4).
Step 1: Parallel > same gradient: m = 2
Step 2: y - 4 = 2(x - 3)
Step 3: y - 4 = 2x - 6
Step 4: y = 2x - 2 ✓

✏ Solved Example 3: Are 2x + 3y = 6 and 4x + 6y = 12 parallel?

Step 1: Line 1: y = (-2/3)x + 2 > m■ = -2/3
Step 2: Line 2: y = (-2/3)x + 2 > m■ = -2/3, same y-intercept!
Step 3: These are actually the SAME line (coincident). m■=m■ AND c■=c■

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

Summary of Relationships:
m■ = m■, c■ ≠ c■ > Parallel (no intersection)
m■ = m■, c■ = c■ > Same line (infinite intersections)
m■ ≠ m■ > Non-parallel (meet at exactly one point)

■ Practice Questions
Q1. Are y = 5x - 3 and y = 5x + 7 parallel? Explain.
Ans: Yes. Both have gradient m=5. Same slope, different intercepts > parallel.
Q2. Find a line parallel to y = -2x + 4 through the origin.
Ans: Same slope m=-2, through (0,0) > y = -2x
Q3. Are 3x - y = 5 and 6x - 2y = 7 parallel?
Ans: Line 1: y=3x-5, m=3. Line 2: y=3x-3.5, m=3. Same slope > Parallel. ✓
Q4. A line through (1,3) is parallel to the X-axis. Write its equation.
Ans: Parallel to X-axis > m=0 > y = 3

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

_|_ Chapter 7 — Perpendicular Lines

Perpendicular lines are lines that meet at a RIGHT ANGLE (90°). Think of the corner of a square, or the
floor meeting a wall. There's a beautiful relationship between their gradients!

Condition for Perpendicular Lines:

If L■ has gradient m■ and L■ has gradient m■, then:
L■ _|_ L■ <=> m■ × m■ = -1

Equivalently: m■ = -1/m■ (negative reciprocal)

Perpendicular lines — gradients m and -1/m

3 Y

O(0,0) X
-3 -2 -1 O 1 2 3

-1

-2

-3

7.1 Finding the Negative Reciprocal

To find the gradient of a perpendicular line, flip the fraction and change the sign:

Original Gradient (m) Perpendicular Gradient (-1/m)

2 -1/2

-3 1/3

1/4 -4

-2/3 3/2

5 -1/5

✏ Solved Example 1: Are y = 3x + 1 and y = -(1/3)x + 4 perpendicular?

Step 1: m■ = 3, m■ = -1/3
Step 2: m■ × m■ = 3 × (-1/3) = -1 ✓
Step 3: YES — they are perpendicular! ✓
✏ Solved Example 2: Find the equation of a line perpendicular to y = 2x - 5, passing through (4, 1).
Step 1: m■ = 2 > m■ = -1/2 (negative reciprocal)

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

Step 2: y - 1 = -(1/2)(x - 4)
Step 3: y - 1 = -x/2 + 2
Step 4: y = -x/2 + 3 ✓

✏ Solved Example 3: Verify that the lines 3x + 2y = 6 and 2x - 3y = 4 are perpendicular.

Step 1: Line 1: 2y = -3x + 6 > y = (-3/2)x + 3 > m■ = -3/2
Step 2: Line 2: 3y = 2x - 4 > y = (2/3)x - 4/3 > m■ = 2/3
Step 3: m■ × m■ = (-3/2) × (2/3) = -1 ✓ > Perpendicular!

■ Tip: Special Cases

• A horizontal line (m=0) is perpendicular to a vertical line (undefined m).
• Y-axis and X-axis are perpendicular to each other.

■ Practice Questions
Q1. Find the gradient of a line perpendicular to y = 4x - 1.
Ans: m = -1/4
Q2. Are y = (2/3)x + 1 and y = (-3/2)x - 5 perpendicular?
Ans: (2/3)×(-3/2) = -1. YES, perpendicular. ✓
Q3. Find the equation of a line perpendicular to y = -x + 3 through (2, 5).
Ans: m = 1. y - 5 = 1(x - 2) > y = x + 3
Q4. Are 2x - 4y = 8 and x + 2y = 3 perpendicular?
Ans: m■ = 1/2, m■ = -1/2. Product = -1/4 ≠ -1. NOT perpendicular.
Q5. Find the equation of the line through (0,0) perpendicular to y = 3x.
Ans: m = -1/3, through origin > y = -(1/3)x

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Chapter 8 — Perpendicular Bisector

The perpendicular bisector of a line segment AB is the line that: (1) passes through the MIDPOINT of AB,
and (2) is PERPENDICULAR to AB. Every point on the perpendicular bisector is equidistant from A and
B!

To find the Perpendicular Bisector of AB:

Step 1: Find Midpoint M = ((x■+x■)/2, (y■+y■)/2)
Step 2: Find gradient of AB: m_AB = (y■-y■)/(x■-x■)
Step 3: Gradient of bisector: m_perp = -1/m_AB
Step 4: Equation: y - y_M = m_perp(x - x_M)

Perpendicular Bisector of AB — passes through M, perpendicular to AB B

Y

M(midpoint)
2

A
1

X
-3 -2 -1 O 1 2 3

-1

-2

✏ Solved Example 1: Find the perpendicular bisector of the segment joining A(2, 4) and B(6, 8).
Step 1: Midpoint M = ((2+6)/2, (4+8)/2) = (4, 6)
Step 2: Gradient of AB: m = (8-4)/(6-2) = 4/4 = 1
Step 3: Gradient of bisector: m_perp = -1/1 = -1
Step 4: Equation: y - 6 = -1(x - 4)
Step 5: y = -x + 10 ✓

✏ Solved Example 2: Find the perpendicular bisector of A(1, 3) and B(5, 1).
Step 1: M = ((1+5)/2, (3+1)/2) = (3, 2)
Step 2: m_AB = (1-3)/(5-1) = -2/4 = -1/2
Step 3: m_perp = -1/(-1/2) = 2
Step 4: y - 2 = 2(x - 3) > y = 2x - 4 ✓

✏ Solved Example 3: A(3, 4) and B(7, 2). Show that C(6, 5) is equidistant from A and B.
Step 1: CA = sqrt[(6-3)²+(5-4)²] = sqrt[9+1] = sqrt10
Step 2: CB = sqrt[(6-7)²+(5-2)²] = sqrt[1+9] = sqrt10
Step 3: CA = CB = sqrt10 > C is equidistant from A and B ✓

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Tip: Real Life Connection

Perpendicular bisectors are used in: construction (finding the center of a circle), GPS location
(triangulation uses equidistant points), and architecture!

■ Practice Questions
Q1. Find the perpendicular bisector of A(0, 0) and B(4, 4).
Ans: M=(2,2), m_AB=1, m_perp=-1. Equation: y-2=-1(x-2) > y=-x+4
Q2. Find the perpendicular bisector of A(3, 1) and B(-1, 5).
Ans: M=(1,3), m_AB=-1, m_perp=1. y-3=1(x-1) > y=x+2
Q3. P is on the perpendicular bisector of A(2,6) and B(8,2). If P=(5,y), find y.
Ans: PA=PB. (5-2)²+(y-6)²=(5-8)²+(y-2)². 9+y²-12y+36=9+y²-4y+4 > -8y=-32 > y=4
Q4. Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of (-4, 2) and (4, 6).
Ans: M=(0,4), m_AB=1/2, m_perp=-2. y-4=-2(x-0) > y=-2x+4

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

✕ Chapter 9 — Intersection of Line and Curve

When a straight line meets a curve (usually a parabola y=ax²+bx+c, or a circle), we find their intersection
by solving the two equations simultaneously. The number of solutions tells us how many times they meet!

9.1 Line Intersecting a Parabola

Method — Simultaneous Equations:

Substitute the line equation into the curve equation
Solve the resulting quadratic: ax² + bx + c = 0
Use the discriminant: D = b² - 4ac
D > 0: Two intersection points | D = 0: Tangent (one point) | D < 0: No intersection

✏ Solved Example 1: Find where y = x + 2 meets y = x².

Step 1: Set equal: x² = x + 2
Step 2: x² - x - 2 = 0
Step 3: Factorise: (x - 2)(x + 1) = 0
Step 4: x = 2 or x = -1
Step 5: When x=2: y=4. When x=-1: y=1
Step 6: Intersection points: (2, 4) and (-1, 1) ✓

✏ Solved Example 2: Find where y = 2x + 1 meets y = x² - 2x + 3.

Step 1: x² - 2x + 3 = 2x + 1
Step 2: x² - 4x + 2 = 0
Step 3: D = 16 - 8 = 8 > 0 > two intersections
Step 4: x = (4 ± sqrt8)/2 = 2 ± sqrt2
Step 5: x■ = 2+sqrt2 ≈ 3.41, x■ = 2-sqrt2 ≈ 0.59
Step 6: y values: substitute back into y = 2x+1

✏ Solved Example 3: Is y = x + 5 tangent to y = x²?

Step 1: x² = x + 5 > x² - x - 5 = 0
Step 2: D = 1 - 4(1)(-5) = 1 + 20 = 21 > 0
Step 3: D > 0 > NOT tangent; it intersects at 2 points.

✏ Solved Example 4: Find k if y = kx + 1 is tangent to y = x².

Step 1: x² = kx + 1 > x² - kx - 1 = 0
Step 2: For tangency: D = 0 > k² - 4(1)(-1) = 0
Step 3: k² + 4 = 0 > k² = -4 (no real solution)
Step 4: Let's try y = x² and y = kx - 1:
Step 5: x² - kx + 1 = 0. D=0: k² - 4 = 0 > k = ±2 ✓

9.2 Line Intersecting a Circle

Circle equation: x² + y² = r² (centre at origin, radius r)

Substitute line y = mx + c into circle equation
Solve resulting quadratic — use discriminant to count intersections

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

✏ Solved Example 5: Find where y = x + 1 meets the circle x² + y² = 25.

Step 1: Substitute y = x+1: x² + (x+1)² = 25
Step 2: x² + x² + 2x + 1 = 25
Step 3: 2x² + 2x - 24 = 0 > x² + x - 12 = 0
Step 4: (x+4)(x-3) = 0 > x = -4 or x = 3
Step 5: y = -3 or y = 4
Step 6: Intersection points: (-4, -3) and (3, 4) ✓

■ Tip: Discriminant Summary

D > 0: Line is a secant (cuts curve at 2 points)
D = 0: Line is a tangent (touches curve at 1 point)
D < 0: Line does not intersect the curve

■ Practice Questions
Q1. Find where y = x + 6 meets y = x².
Ans: x²-x-6=0 > (x-3)(x+2)=0 > (3,9) and (-2,4)
Q2. Find where y = 3 meets y = x² - 1.
Ans: x²-1=3 > x²=4 > x=±2. Points: (2,3) and (-2,3)
Q3. Find the discriminant for y = 2x+1 and y = x². Is it tangent?
Ans: x²-2x-1=0. D=4+4=8>0. Not tangent — 2 intersection points.
Q4. Find where y = x + 3 meets x² + y² = 29.
Ans: x²+(x+3)²=29 > 2x²+6x-20=0 > x²+3x-10=0 > x=2 or -5. Points: (2,5) and (-5,-2)
Q5. For what value of c does y = x + c touch y = x²+2?
Ans: x²+2=x+c > x²-x+(2-c)=0. D=0: 1-4(2-c)=0 > 4c=7 > c=7/4

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Chapter 10 — Quick Revision Summary

Here is a one-stop revision of all key concepts covered in this book:

Concept Key Formula / Rule

Coordinate Axes X-axis (horizontal), Y-axis (vertical), Origin (0,0)

Quadrants Q I(+,+), Q II(-,+), Q III(-,-), Q IV(+,-)

Distance Formula d = sqrt[(x■-x■)² + (y■-y■)²]

Distance from Origin d = sqrt(x² + y²)

Midpoint Formula M = ((x■+x■)/2, (y■+y■)/2)

Gradient Formula m = (y■-y■)/(x■-x■) = Rise/Run

Positive Slope Line goes up-right (/)

Negative Slope Line goes down-right (\)

Zero Slope Horizontal line (>), y = constant

Undefined Slope Vertical line (↑), x = constant

y = mx + c m = gradient, c = y-intercept

Point-Slope Form y - y■ = m(x - x■)

Intercept Form x/a + y/b = 1

Parallel Lines m■ = m■ (same gradient, different intercepts)

Perpendicular Lines m■ × m■ = -1 (negative reciprocals)

Perpendicular Bisector Passes through midpoint, perpendicular to segment

Intersection (line+curve) Substitute & solve; D>0: two pts; D=0: tangent; D<0: none

Parallelogram Diagonal Midpoints of both diagonals are equal

Mind Map — Coordinate Geometry

All topics connect back to the Cartesian Plane:
Cartesian Plane
Distance Formula <> Midpoint Formula <> Slope Formula
↓↓↓
Shapes & Length Bisectors & Centres Line Equations
↓↓↓
Triangle / Circle Perpendicular Bisector Parallel/Perp Lines
↓
Intersection of Lines & Curves

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Appendix A — Complete Formula Sheet

Keep this page handy during study and revision!

■ DISTANCE & MIDPOINT

Distance: d = sqrt[ (x■-x■)² + (y■-y■)² ]

Distance from Origin: d = sqrt(x² + y²)
Midpoint: M = ( (x■+x■)/2 , (y■+y■)/2 )

■ GRADIENT (SLOPE)

Gradient: m = (y■-y■) / (x■-x■) = Rise / Run

Angle: m = tan(theta), where theta = angle with positive X-axis
Horizontal line: m = 0 | Vertical line: m = undefined

■ EQUATIONS OF LINES

Slope-Intercept Form: y = mx + c
Point-Slope Form: y - y■ = m(x - x■)
Two-Point Form: First find m, then use point-slope
Intercept Form: x/a + y/b = 1
General Form: ax + by + c = 0
Horizontal Line: y = k (gradient = 0)
Vertical Line: x = k (gradient undefined)

■ PARALLEL & PERPENDICULAR

Parallel: m■ = m■ (same gradient)

Perpendicular: m■ × m■ = -1 (negative reciprocals)
Perp. gradient: m■ = -1/m■

■ PERPENDICULAR BISECTOR

Find Midpoint M of the segment

Find gradient of segment (m_AB)
Perp. gradient = -1/m_AB
Equation: y - y_M = (-1/m_AB)(x - x_M)

■ INTERSECTIONS

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

Substitute line equation into curve equation

Discriminant D = b² - 4ac of resulting quadratic:
D > 0 > 2 intersection points
D = 0 > Tangent (1 point, line touches curve)
D < 0 > No intersection

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■ Appendix B — Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these typical errors that students make — and make sure YOU don't repeat them!

■ Mixing up x and y coordinates

■ Correct approach: Always remember: the FIRST number in (x, y) is the x-coordinate (horizontal), the
SECOND is y (vertical). (3, 5) means x=3, y=5 — NOT the other way around!

■ Forgetting to square both differences in the distance formula

■ Correct approach: Distance = sqrt[(x■-x■)² + (y■-y■)²]. Students often write sqrt[(x■-x■)+(y■-y■)]
— the squaring is essential!

■ Subtraction order in gradient formula

■ Correct approach: m = (y■-y■)/(x■-x■). Make sure you subtract in the SAME order for both
numerator and denominator. (y■-y■)/(x■-x■) gives the WRONG sign!

■ Confusing parallel (same gradient) with same line (same gradient AND intercept)
■ Correct approach: If m■=m■ AND c■=c■, the lines are identical (same line), not parallel. Parallel
lines must have different y-intercepts.

■ Getting the negative reciprocal wrong for perpendicular lines

■ Correct approach: If m = 2/3, the perpendicular gradient is -3/2 (flip the fraction AND change the
sign). Students often forget to change the sign!

■ Not simplifying the equation of a line to y = mx + c form

■ Correct approach: Always rearrange your final answer to y = mx + c form so you can clearly read off
m and c. Verify by substituting the given point.

■ Using the midpoint formula only for x or y

■ Correct approach: BOTH x and y coordinates must be averaged separately. Don't average just one
and ignore the other!

■ Forgetting that the perpendicular bisector passes through the MIDPOINT

■ Correct approach: The perpendicular bisector has TWO conditions: perpendicular to AB AND passes
through the midpoint. Both must be satisfied.

■ Using discriminant inequality wrong

■ Correct approach: D > 0 means TWO intersections, D = 0 means ONE (tangent), D < 0 means
NONE. Don't flip these!

■ Thinking distance is negative

■ Correct approach: Distance is ALWAYS positive. sqrt[(x■-x■)²+(y■-y■)²] ≥ 0 always. Never write a
negative distance.

■ FINAL TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Practice plotting points every day — it builds spatial intuition.
• Memorise the distance and midpoint formulas — they appear in EVERY exam.
• Always sketch a rough graph when solving problems — it prevents silly mistakes.
• Verify your answers: substitute the point back into the equation.
• For intersection problems, ALWAYS check with the discriminant first.
• Gradient is your friend — once you find m, you can find almost anything!
• Use the formula sheet above for quick revision before exams.

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Coordinate Geometry — Complete Notes From Beginner to Advanced

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
Best of luck with your studies! Remember: Mathematics is not about memorising — it's
about understanding! ■
■ Coordinate Geometry Complete Notes ■

Page 26 | Coordinate Geometry Notes | Master Mathematics