302

Applied Math The Straight Line

Chapter 12
The Straight Line
(Plane Analytic Geometry)
12.1 Introduction:
Analytic- geometry was introduced by Rene Descartes (1596 –
1650) in his La Geometric published in 1637. Accordingly, after the name
of its founder, analytic or co-ordinate geometry is often referred to as
Cartesian geometry. It is essentially a method of studying geometry by
mean of algebra. Its main purpose was to show how a systematic use of
coordinates (real numbers) could vastly simplify geometric arguments. In
it he gave a simple technique of great flexibility for the solution of a
variety of problems.
12.2 Rectangular Coordinates:
Consider two perpendicular lines X′X and Y′Y intersecting point
in the point O (Fig. 1). X'X is called the x-axis and Y'Y the y-axis and
together they form a rectangular coordinate system. The axes divide the
plane into four quadrants which are usually labeled as in trigonometry.
The point O is called the origin, When numerical scales are established on
the axes, positive distances x (abscissa) are drawn to the right of the
origin, negative distance to the left; positive distance y (ordinates) are
drawn upwards and negative distances downwards to the origin. Thus OX
and OY have positive direction while OX′, OY′ have negatives direction.
Y

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

Y
12.1
Figure 8.1
We now consider an arbitrary point P in the plane and the lines
through P parallel to the axes. (These parallel lines might coincide with an
 303
Applied Math The Straight Line

axis if P is on the axis). The line through P parallel to the y-axis will
intersect the x-axis at a point corresponding to some real number a. This
number is called the x-coordinate (or abscissa ) of P. the line through P
parallel to the x-axis will intersect the y-axis at a point corresponding to
some real number b. this number is called the y-coordinate ( or ordinate)
of P. The real numbers a and b are the coordinates of P and we indicate the
point and coordinates by P (a, b) or by (a, b). In the Fig.1 the point P
(-3,-2) is platted frequently. We shall refer to the order pair of real
numbers (a, b) as a point. The coordinates a and b of a point (a, b) are
called the Rectangular coordinates or Cartesian coordinates.

12.3 Polar Coordinates:

The Cartesian coordinates that we have been using specify the
location of a point in the plane by giving the directed distances of the point
from a pair of fixed perpendicular lines, the axes. There is an alternative
coordinate system that is frequently used in the plane, in which the
location of a point is specified in a different way.
In a plane, consider a fixed ray PB and any point A(Fig. 2) we can
describe the location of A by giving the distance r from p to A and
specifying the angle  (measured in degree or radian). By stating the order
pair (r, ) we clearly identify the location of A. The components of such
an ordered pair are celled polar coordinates of A. The fixed ray PB is
called the polar axis and the initial point of the polar axis is called the pole
of the system.

A(r ,)
r


P
Fig.12.2 B

In polar coordinate system each point in the plane has infinitely

many pair of polar coordinates. In the first place, if (r, ) are polar
coordinate of A, then so are (r,  + K360o for each kj (Fig 3a). In the
second place, if we let – r < 0 denote the directed distance from P to A
 304
Applied Math The Straight Line

along the negative extension of the ray PA' in the direction opposite that of
PA (Fig. 3b). Then we see that also (– r ,  + 180o) and more generally
(-r,  + 180° + K360°), KJ, are polar coordinates of A'. The pole P itself
represented by (0, ) for any  whatsoever.

A
A
 + 180

0 0 + 36 P B
P
B -r
(a) A (b)

12,3
Figure 8.3

12.4 Relation between Rectangular and Polar Coordinates:

If the pole P in a rectangular coordinates system is also the origin
O in a Cartesian coordinates system, and if the polar axis coincides with
the positive x-axis of the cartesian system, then the coordinates (x, y) can
be expressed in terms of the polar coordinates (r, ) by the following
equations (Fig. 4).
Y
(x , y )
(r,  )

r
y

0
X
X

Figure 8.4
12.4
x = r cos 
………………..(1)
y = r sin 
conversely, we have
r = + x2 + y2
y
and tan  = x ………………..(2)
 305
Applied Math The Straight Line

y
Or,  = tan-1 x
The sets of equations (1) and (2) enable us to find rectangular
coordinates for a point when given a pair of polar coordinates and vice
versa.
Example 1:
Find the rectangular coordinates of the point with polar
coordinates (4, 30o)

3
x = r cos  = 4 cos 30o =4 2 =2 3
1
y = r sin  = 4 sin 30o =42 =2

The rectangular coordinates are (2 3 , 2)

Example 2:
Find a pair of polar coordinates for the point with
cartesian coordinates (7, -2).
Solution:
r = x2 + y2 = 49 + 4 = 53
Noting that (7, -1) is in the fourth quadrant, so
y -2
Tan  = x = 7

 2
 = tan-1 - 7 = – 16o
 
12.5 The Distance Formula (distance between two points):
Let P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) be two points lying in the first quadrant.
Let d be the distance between the points P and Q. Draw PR and QR
parallel to the coordinates axes (Fig.12.5). By simple subtraction of
abscissa, PR = x2 – x1; similarly subtracting ordinates, QR = y2 – y1.
Since PQR is a right triangle, so by Pythagorean theorem, we have.
(PQ)2 = (PR)2 + (QR)2
= (x2 – x1)2 + (y2 – y1)2

|PQ| = (x2  x1)2 + (y2  y1)2

 306
Applied Math The Straight Line

d = (x2  x1)2 + (y2  y1)2

Or = (x1  x2)2 + (y1  y2)2

This is known as the

Q(x2 , y2)
distance formula. The
same formula holds true
regardless of the quadrants y2 - y1
in which the points lie.
Note: The distance d is X2 - X1
R(x2 – y1)
given positive, because we
are interested to find the
X2 - X1
numerical value of d and
not its direction. 12.5
Figure 8.5

Example 3:
Find the distance between (–3, –2) and (–1,5).

Solution:
d = (1 + 3)2 + (5 + 2)2
= 4 + 49 = 53 = 7. 42

Example 4:
Show that the points (–3, 1) ( 2,4) and ( 0, -4) are vertices
of a right triangle.
Solution:
Let A ( –3, 1), B(2,4) and C(0, –4), then
|AB| = (2 + 3)2 + (4  1)2 = 25 + 9 = 34 Units
|BC| = (0  2)2 + (4  4)2 = 4 + 64 = 68 Units

And |AC| = (0 + 3)2 + (4  1)2 = 9 + 25 = 34 Units

since |AB|2 + |AC|2 = |BC|2

 307
Applied Math The Straight Line

So the given points are the vertices of a right triangle, with right
angle at point A.
Example 5:
Show that the point (3, 7 ) is on a circle with centre at
the origin and radius 4.
Solution:
Let A ( O,O) and B (3, 7 )
The distance between A and B is:

|AB| = (3  0)2 + ( 7  0))2 = 9 + 7 = 4

Which is the radius of the circle, so the given point (3, 7 ) lies on
the circle.
Exercise 12.1
Q.1: Find the distance between:

(a) ( –4,2) and ( 0,5) (b) (2, –2) and (2,7)

(c) (1– 2 ,1 – 3 ) and (1 + 2 , 1 + 3
(d) (a, b) and (a + c, b + d)
Q.2: Show that the points

(a) A (2, 2), B(6, 6) and C(11,1) are the vertices of a right
triangle.
(b) A(1, 0), B(–2, –3), C(2, –1) and D(5,2) are the vertices
of a parallelogram.
(c) A (2, 3), B(0, –1) and C(–2, 1) are the vertices of an
isoscles triangle.
Q.3: Is the point (0,4) inside or outside the circle of radius 4 with
centre at (–3, 1) ?
Q.4: Determine y so that (0, y) shall be on the circle of radius 4
with centre at (–3, 1).
Q.5: The point (x, y) is on the x-axis and is 6 units away from the
point (1, 4), find x and y.
 308
Applied Math The Straight Line

Q.6: If one end of a line whose length is 13 Units is the point (4, 8)
and the ordinate of the other end is 3. What is its abscissa?
Q.7: Find a point having ordinate 5 which is at a distance of 5 units
from the point (2, 0).
Q.8: Find the value of y so that the distance between (1, y) and
(–1, 4) is 2.
Q.9: Find the coordinates of the point that is equidistant from the
points (2, 3), (0, –1) and (4, 5).
Q.10: Show that the points A(–3, 4), B(2,6) and C(0,2) are collinear.
Find the values of AC: CB and AB: BC.
Answers
Q.1: (a) 5 (b) 9 (c) 2 5 (d) c2 + d 2
Q.3: Outside Q.4: 1 + 7
Q.5: x = 1 + 2 5 , y = 0 Q.6: 16, –8 Q.7: (2,5)
Q.8: 4 Q.9: (11, –4)
Q.10: 3 5 : 2 5 ; 5 5 : 2 5

12.6 Segment of Line:

It is a part of a straight line between two points on it. The segment
contains one end point or both end points. The sign of a line segment has a
plus or minus sign according to some convention. Thus, if P1 P2 is the
positive directed segment, then P2P1 has the negative sense and we write
P1P2 = – P2P1.

12.7 The Ratio Formula (point of division):

Given a directed line
segment such as P1P2 in Fig.6; to
)
2
,y

find the coordinates of the point P

2
(x
2
P

which divides internally P1P2 in a

r2
y)

given ratio r1: r2. Let the

x,

Y2, y1
P(

y - y1

coordinates of points P, P1, and P2

r1
)
1
,y
1
(y
1
P

L M

12.6
 309
Applied Math The Straight Line

are (x, y), (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) respectively.

From points P1, P and P2 drawn P1A, PB and P2C perpendicular on
x – axis. Also draw a line P1M parallel to x-axis meeting PB at point L.
Now from the similar triangles P1PL and P1P2M, we have

P1L P1P
P1M = P1P2
x  x1 r1
=
x2  x1 r1 + r2
r1(x2  x1)
x – x1 =
r1 + r2
r1(x2  x1)
x = x1 + r1 + r2
r1x2 + r2 x1
Or x = ; r1 + r2  0
r1 + r2
PL P1P
Similarly, =
P2M P1P2
y  y1 r1
=
y2  y1 r1 + r2
r1(y2  y1)
y – y1 =
r1 + r2
r1(y2  y1)
y = y1 + r1 + r2
r1 y2 + r2 y1
r1 + r2 ; r1 + r2  0
Or y =

Hence coordinates of point P are:

r1 x2 + r2 x1 r1 y2 + r2 y1
  
 r1 + r 2 r 1 + r2 
Corollary 1:
If P divides P1P2 externally, then P1 P and PP2 are measured in
opposite directions. So in the ratio r1 : r2 either r1 or r2 is negative. The
corresponding coordinates of P for external point, are obtained just by
 310
Applied Math The Straight Line

giving negative sign to either r1 or to r2. So far external division the

coordinates of P are.

r1 x2  r2 x1 r1 y2  r2 y1
   , if r1 > r2
 r1  r2 r1  r2 
r2 x1  r2 x1 r1 y2  r2 y1
Or    , if r2 > r1
 r1  r2 r2  r1 
Corollary 2:
(Coordinate of Mid-point)
For the mid point P of the segment P1 P2.
r1 = r2  1 : 1. Therefore, the mid point P has the coordinates
x1 + x2 y1 + y2
 2  2 

Example 7:
Find the coordinates of the mid point of the segment.

P1(3, 7), P2 (–2, 3)

Solution:
If (x, y) is the mid point of the segment, then

3 +(–2) 1
x= 2 = 2
7+3
y= = 5
2
1 
P (x, y) = P 2  5
 
Example 8:
Find the coordinates of the point P which divides the
segments P1 (–2, 5), P2(4, –1) in the ratio of
 311
Applied Math The Straight Line

r1 6 r1 r1 1
(a) r = 5 , (b) r = –2 (c) =–
2 2 r2 3
Solution:
(a) r1 : r2 = 6 : 5
6(4) + 5(–2) 14
x= =
6+5 11
6(–1) + 5(5) 19
y= =
6+5 11
(b) r1 : r2 = –2 : 1
–2(4) + 1(–2)
x= = 10
–2 + 1
–2(–1) + 1(5)
y= = 7
–2 + 1
(c) r1: r2 = – 1 : 3
–1(4) + 3(–2)
x= = –5
–1 + 3
–1(–1) + 3(5)
y= = 8
–1 + 3

B(10, -7)

12.7
Example 9:
 312
Applied Math The Straight Line

Find the ratio in which the line joining (–2, 2) and (4, 5)

is cut by the axis of y.

Solution:
Let the ratio be r1 : r2 P2(4,5)

4r1 – 2r2
x= r +r = P(-2,2) P(0.y)
1 2

Since on y – axis, x = 0

4r1 – 2r2
So, 0= r +r
1 2

Or 4r1 – 2r2 = 0
Figure 8.812.8
Or 2r1 = r2

r1 1
Or =
r2 2

Or r 1 : r2 = 1 : 2
Example 10:
Find the point reached by going from the point (2, –14)
to the point (–3, 5) and then proceeding an equal distance
beyond the latter point.
Solution:

1
A(2,-14) B(-3,5) C(x , y)
2
r1 : r 2 = 2 : 1
Let P (x, y) be a point which is to find.
r1 x2 – r2 x1 2(–3) –1(2)
x= = = –8
r1 – r2 2–1
 313
Applied Math The Straight Line

r1 y2 – r2 y1 2(5) –1(–14)
y= = = 24
r1 – r2 2–1
Hence P (x, y) = P (–8, 24)
Example 11:
Let A (–2, 1), B(2, 3) and C (x, y) are collinear with B
between A and C and if |BC| = 8|AB|,find the point C(x, y)
Solution:

1 8
A(-2,1) B(2,3) C(x , y)

Since |BC| = 8 |AB|

|BC| 8
=
|AB| 1
So |AC| : |CB| = 9 : 8 = r1 : r2
Since. C(x, y) is external point, so by formula
r1 x2 – r2 x1 r1 y2 – r2 y1
x= , y=
r1 – r2 r1 – r2
9(2) – 8(–2) 9(3) – 8(–1)
x= , y=
9–8 9–8
x = 34 , y = 35
Hence C ( x, y) = C (34, 35)

Exercise 12.2
Q.1: Assuming that the points P1(2, 3), P2 (4, 2) and P3 (6, 1) are
collinear, find the ratio P1 P2 : P2 P3.

Q.2: Obtain the ratio in which the point (3, – 2) divides the line
joining the points (1, 4) and ( – 3, 16).

3
Q.3: Find the point which is three fifth i.e.   from the point (4,1)
5
to the point (5,7).
 314
Applied Math The Straight Line

7
Q.4: Find the point which is of the way from the point (4, 5) to
10
the point (–6, 10).

Q.5: Find the point which is two third of the way from the point
(5, 1) to the point (–2, 9)

Q.6: Let P(0, 4), Q (5, 0) and R(x, y) are collinear with P between
R and Q and if |RP| = 10 |PQ|, find the coordinates of R(x, y).

Q.7: If A(–4, 2), B(6, –4) and C (x, y) are collinear with B between
A and C and if |AC| = 5 |AB|, find the coordinates of C.

Q.8: Find the point of trisection of the median of the triangle with
vertices at (– 1, –2), (4, 2) and (6, 3).

Q.9: Find the points trisecting the join of A(-1, 4) and B(6 , 2)

Q.10: Find the coordinates of the points that trisect the segment
whose end points are (a, b) and (c, d).

Q.11: The mid points of the sides of a triangle are at (–1, 4), (5, 2)
and (2, –1). Find its vertices.

Answers
Q.1: 1 : 1 internally Q.2: 1:3 externally
23 23
Q.3:    Q.4: (–3, 8.5) Q.5:(1/3, 19/3)
5 5

Q.6: (–50, 44) Q.7: (46, –28) Q.8: (3, 1)

Q.9: (4/3 , 10/3) and (11/3 , 8/3)

2a + c 2b + d a + 2c b + 2d
Q.10:   ;   Q.11: (–4, 1), (2,7)(8, –3)
 3 3   3 3 
 315
Applied Math The Straight Line

12.8 Inclination and Slope of a Line:

The angle  (0 <  < 180o), measured counter clockwise from
the positive x – 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. tan , is called the slope or
gradient of the line. It is generally denoted by m. Thus m = tan , 0 <
 < 180o. The slope of the line is positive or negative according as
the angle of inclination is acute or obtuse.
Now P1 P2 R is a right triangle,
P1R
Then m = tan  = )
P
P2R Y ,y 1
(x 1
P1
y2  y1 Vertical cange
m=
x2  x1
= Horizontal change . y 2) y2 - y1
(x 2
P 2
R
x2 - x 1
Note:
0
y2  y1 y1  y2 0
X
(i) m= =
x2  x1 x1  x2
Figure 8.9
12.9
(ii) The slope of a line parallel to x – axis is zero, because then y2
– y1 = 0.(fig.9)
(iii) The slope of x – axis is also zero.
(iv) The slope of a line parallel to y – axis is not defined, because
then x2 – x1 = 0
(v) The slope of y – axis is also not defined.

12.9 Parallel and Perpendicular Lines:

The concept of slope is a convenient tool for studying parallel and

perpendicular lines. The slopes of the vertical do not exist.

 316
Applied Math The Straight Line

Theorem – I:
Two lines are parallel or coincide if and only if they have the same slope.
Proof:
Let ℓ1 and ℓ2 be two parallel lines. The inclinations of the lines are
1 and 2 respectively. Therefore
1 = 2
Or tan 1 = tan 2
m1 = m2 i.e, the slopes of ℓ1 and ℓ2 are equal:

2 

12.10
Figure 8.10
Conversely, if m1 = m2, then the two lines ℓ1 and ℓ2 are parallel.
Theorem 2:
Two lines are perpendicular if and only if the product of their
slopes is –1.
Proof:Let ℓ1 and ℓ2 be two perpendicular lines with inclinations 1 and 2
respectively from fig.12.11
 317
Applied Math The Straight Line

Y
1

2
Q1
Q2

12.11
Figure 8.11
1 = 90o + 2
Or tan 1 = tan (90o + 2)
Or tan 1 = Cot 2
1
Or tan 1 = 
tan 2
1
Or m1 = m
2
Or m2 m1 = 1
Conversely if m1m2 =  1, then the two lines ℓ1 and ℓ2 are
perpendicular.

Example 12: Find the slope of a line which is perpendicular to

the line joining P1 (2, 4), P2(2, 1).
Solution:
The slope of the line P1 P2 is
14 3
m1 = =
22 4
4
Therefore the slope of a perpendicular line is m2 =  3
Example 13: Show that the points A(5, 3), B(6, 0) and C(5, 5)
are the vertices of a right triangle.
Solution:
03 3
Slope of AB = m1 = 6 + 5 =  11
 318
Applied Math The Straight Line

50
Slope of BC = m2 = = 5
56
53 1
Slope of AC = m3 = 5 + 5 = 5

Since m2 m3 = –1, so the sides AC and BC are perpendicular, with

vertices C at right angle. Hence the given points are the vertices of a right
triangle.
12.10 Angle Between Two Lines:
If  is the angle between two Y

lines ℓ1 and ℓ2 then from Fig.12 2

  2  1  1

2
tan  = tan (2 – 1) 

tan 2  tan 1
=
1 + tan 2 tan 1 X

m2  m1 12.12
Figure 8.12
tan =
1 + m2 m1
Example 14:
Find the angle from the line with slope to the line with slope
Solution:
Here m1 = , m2 =

m2  m1
tan = 1 + m m
2 1
== =
 = tan1(1) = 1350
Example 15:
Show that the points (2 , 6) , (-8 , 1) and (-2 , 4) are collinear.
Solution:
Let the given points be A(2 , 6) , B (-8 , 1) and C (-2 , 4), then
Slope of line AB = =
Slope of line AC = = =
 A , B and C are collinear
 319
Applied Math The Straight Line

Exercise 12.3
Q.1: Show that the two lines passing through the given points are
perpendicular.
(a) (0, 7), (8, – 5) and (5, 7), (8, – 5)
(b) (8, 0), (6, 6) and (–3, 3) , (6, 6)
Q.2: If a line ℓ1 contains P (2, 6) and (0, y). Find y if ℓ1 is parallel to ℓ2
3
and that the slope of ℓ2 = 4

Q.3: For the triangle A (1, 3), B(–2, 1), C(0, – 4), find

(a) Slope of a line perpendicular to AB.

(b) Slope of a line parallel to AC.
(c) Angle ABC

Q.4: Show that the given points are the vertices of a right triangle.

(a) (0, 6), (9, – 6) and (–3, 0)

 39  29 
(b) (1, –1), – 25  7 and  4  1
   

Q.5: Show that the given points are the vertices of a parallelogram.
(a) (–3, 1), (–1, 7), (2, 8) and (0, 2)

(b) (1, 0), (–2, –3), (2, –1) and (5, 2)

Q.6: Find the slopes of the sides and altitudes of the triangles whose
vertices are the points (2, 3), (0, –1) and (–2, 1).
Q.7: Show that the points (2, 6), (–8, 1) and (–2, 4) are collinear by
using slope.
Answers
9 3 19
Q.2: Q.3: (a) – (b) 7, (c) tan  = –
2 2 4
1 1
Q.6: 2, – 1, 2 ; – 2 , 1, –2
 320
Applied Math The Straight Line

12.11 Equation of a Straight Line:

Straight Line:

The line, in Euclidean geometry, which passes through two points

in such a way that the length of the segment between the points is a
minimum. Or the straight line is a curve with constant slope.

The equation of a line is an equation in x, y which is satisfied by

every point of the line.
12.11.1When Parallel to X – Axis: Y

Let ℓ be a line parallel to x –

axis at a distance of „b‟ units. Then the P (x, y)

equation of the line ℓ is the locus of the

b b
point P (x, y) which moves such that it
remains at a constant distance b units X

from the x – axis i.e., y coordinate of P

is always equal to b. therefore.
y = b is the required equation,
for example the equation of the line 12.13
Figure 8.13

passing through (1,4)(2, 4) (3,

4) etc. is y = 4 or y – 4=0 Y
12.11.2. When
parallel to Y – axis:
Let ℓ be a line parallel
P (x, y)
to Y – axis at a distance of „a‟ a
units. Then the equation of the
line ℓ is the locus of the point P X

(x, y) which moves such that it

remains at a constant distance
a units from the Y – axis i.e., 12.14
Figure 8.14

X-Coordinates of P is always
equal to a. Therefore.
 321
Applied Math The Straight Line

x = a is the required equation, for example the equation of the line

passing through (3, 1), (3, 3) (3, – 5) etc. is x = 3 or x – 3 = 0
12.12 Three Important Forms of the Equation of a Line:
12.12.1 Point – slope form:
Suppose a line having slope m and passing through a given point
(x1, y1) as shown in Fig. 15. If P( x, y) is any other point on the line, then
the slope of the line is
y  y1
= m
x  x1
From which y – y1 = m (x – x1)
This is called point slope form for a linear equation.
(1)

P(x, y)
Y
)
,y
1
y - y1
(1 x 1
P
x - x1

Figure12.15
8.15

Corollary I:
Slope – Intercept Form:
Suppose a line having slope m, passing through a given point on
the y – axis having coordinates (0, c) as show in Fig.16 substituting (0, C)
in the point slope form of a linear equation.
y – y1 = m (x – x1) (2)
We obtain y – c = m ( x – 0) Y
From which y = mx + c
This equation is called slope – P(x, y)
intercept form.
y-c

Q(0, c)
x-0

Figure 8.16
 322
Applied Math The Straight Line

Where, m is the slope and C is the y- Intercept

Equation of the line passing through the origin is y = mx.
Corollary – II:
Two Point Form:
Suppose a line is passing through the points (x1, y1) and
(x2 , y2), then slope of the line is
y2  y1 12.16
m=
x2  x1
Using point slope form of a linear equation
y – y1 = m (x – x1)
y2  y1
We obtain y – y1 = ( x  x 1)
x2  x1
y  y1 x  x1
= (3)
y2  y1 x2  x1
This is the two point form of the linear equation.
Example 14: Find the equation of the line passing through the
1
point (2, 3) and having slope 
2
Solution:
By point – slope form, its equation is
1
y  3 =  2 ( x + 2)
Or 2y – 6 = x –2
Or x + 2y – 4 = 0
2
Example 15: Find an equation of the line with slope  and
3
having y- intercept 3.
Solution:
By sloping-intercept form, we have
2
y=3x+3

Or 3y =  2x + 9
 323
Applied Math The Straight Line

Or 2x + 3y – 9 = 0
Example 16: Write the equation, in standard form, of the line
with the same slope as 2y – 3x = 5 and passing
through (0, 5).
Solution:
Write the equation 2y – 3x = 5 in slope- intercept form
3 5 3
y = 2 x + 2 , the slope m = 2

Now by point-slope form (Or slope- intercept form)

3
We have, y – 5 = 2 ( x – 0)

2y – 10 = 3x
Or 3x – 2y + 10 = 0
Example 17: Find the equation of the line through (–1, 2) and
(3, –4)
Solution:
Equation of the line through two point is

y – y1 x – x1
=
y2 – y1 x2 – x1
y –2 x + 1
So =
–4 –2 3 +1
y –2 x + 1
Or =
–6 4
Or 6x + 4y – 2 =0
Or 3x + 2y – 1 =0
OR Alternatively, slope of (–1, 2) and (3, –4) is
– 4 –2 –6 –3
m= 3+1 = =
4 2
Now by point-slope form, point (–1, 2), ( Or (3, –4))
3
We have y–2 = – 2 ( x + 1)
2y – 4 = – 3x – 3
Or 3x + 2y – 1 = 0
 324
Applied Math The Straight Line

12.12.2 Intercept Form:

Suppose a and b are the x and y-intercepts of a straight line of
point A and B respectively. Then the coordinates of point A and B are
(a,0) and (0, b) respectively.

Therefore the slope of AB.

b–0 b B (0, b)
0–a =–a
m =
Using point-slope from
b
y – y1 = m ( x – x1)
b
y–0 = – ( x – a) A (a, 0)
a
Divide both sides by b, a
y x 12.17
Figure 8.17 (4)
Or = –a +1
b
x y
Or a+ b = 1

This is called intercept form of a linear equation.

Example 18: Find the equation of the line passing through
(–8,–1) and making equal intercepts on the
coordinate axes.
Solution:
Here a = b, so equation of the line is
x y
a+a = 1

Putting (x, y) = (–8, –1), we have

–8 –1
a + a = 1
–9
= 1
a
a = 9
x y
+ = 1
9 9
Or x+y+9 = 0
Is the required equation.
 325
Applied Math The Straight Line

Example 19: A line makes the positive intercepts on coordinate

axes whose sum is 7. It passes through ( 3, 8) find
the equation.
Solution:
If a and b are the positive intercepts, then
a+b = 7
Or b = 7–a
x y
By the Equation a + b = 1

x y
We have a + 7a = 1

As this line is passing through the point (–3, 8), so

–3 8
+ 7– a = 1
a
–21 + 3a + 8a = 7a – a2
Or a2 + 4a – 21 = 0
By solving this equation we get,
a=3 or a=–7
Since a is positive, so a = 3
and b=4
x y
Hence 3+4 =1

4x + 3y = 12
Or 4x + 3y – 12 = 0 is the required equation.
12.12.3 Perpendicular or Normal Form:
Suppose P is the perpendicular length from the origin O to the
point A on the line ℓ and  is the angle of inclination of perpendicular P.
The equation of the line ℓ which is passing through the point A can be
found in terms of P and .

The coordinates of A are (p cos , p sin ).

 326
Applied Math The Straight Line

The slope of AO is tan , since the line ℓ is perpendicular to OA, so

1
slope of line ℓ is – = – cot 
tan 
Using point slope form.
y – y1 = m ( x – x1)
We have, y – p sin  = –cot  (x – p cos )
cos 
Or y – p sin  = – ( x – p cos )
sin 
Or y sin  – p sin2  = –x cos  + p cos2 
Or x cos  + y sin  = p

A( p cos  , p sin  )

P
 p s in 
X
() P (cos  )

12.18
F igu re 8.18

This is the perpendicular or Normal form of a linear equation.

Example 20: Find the equation of the line when  = 45o and
1
p= .
2
Solution:

Since the equation of the Normal form is

 327
Applied Math The Straight Line

x cos  + y sin  = p
1
Putting  = 45o, and p =
2
1
x cos 45o + y sin 45o =
2
x y 1
+ =
2 2 2
Or x+y=1 or x + y – 1 = 0 is the required
equation.

Exercise 12.4
Q.1: Find equation for the lines:

(a) through (4 , 2) and ( –5, –1)

1
(b) through (–1 , –1) with slope –
2

 7   5 
(c) through – 0 and – 0
 3   2 

(d) through (–1, –2) and parallel to y – axis.

Q.2: Find the slope and y – intercept:

(a) ax + by = b, b  0 (b) 2 x + (1 – 2 ) y = 2

Q.3: Determine the real number k so that the two lines 5x – 3y =

12 and kx – y = 2 will be

(a) parallel (b) Perpendicular

Q.4: Show that the given points are collinear:

(a) (1, 0), (–4, – 12) and (2, –4)

 328
Applied Math The Straight Line

(b) (– 4,4), (– 2,1) and (6, – 11)

Q.5: Find the equations of the medians of the triangle with vertices
(–4, –6), (0, 10), (4, 2).

Q.6: Find the equations of the three altitudes of the triangle whose
vertices are (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and ( x3, y3)

Q.7: A triangle has vertices at (0, 0), ( a, b) and (c, d). Show that a
line containing the mid points of the two of the sides of the
triangle is parallel to the third side.

Q.8: Find the equation of the line which is perpendicular to the line
x + 2y = 7 and having y – intercept 3.

Q.9: A line is parallel to the line 2x + 3y = 5 and passes through

(–1, 3). Find an equation for the line.

Q.10: Write an equation of the line parallel to 2x  7y = 8 and

containing the origin.

Q.11: Find the line which is perpendicular to the line 4x + 7y = 5

and which passes through (–1, 2).

Q.12: What is an equation of a line perpendicular to 5x – y = 4 and

containing the point (2, 3)?

Q.13: Find the equation of the line passing through (–1, 7) and
perpendicular to the line through the points (2, 3) and (o,  4).

Q.14: What are the x and y-intercepts of 3x + 4y = 12?

Q.15: Find the equation of the line whose intercept on x- axis is

three times its intercept on y-axis and which passes through
the point (–1, 3).

Q.16: A line makes the negative intercepts on the coordinates axes

whose sum is –10. It passes through (4, –9), find its equation.
 329
Applied Math The Straight Line

Q.17: Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line

segment joining the points.

(a) (2, 4) and (6, 8) (b) (–4, 6) and (6, 10)

(c) 3, –2) and (5, 4)

Answers
Q.1: (a) x – 3y + 2 = 0 (b) x + 2y + 3 = 0
(c) y=0 (d) x= –1
–a
Q.2: (a) m= ; y – intercept = 1
b
2 2
(b) m= – ; y – intercept =
1 – 2 1 – 2
5 3
Q.3: (a) k= (b) –
3 5
Q.5: Equations of the medians : x = 0, y = 2 and 2x – y = –2

Q.6: (y2 – y1) y + ( x2 – x1) x = y3 (y2 – y1) + x3(x2 – x1),

(y3 – y2) y + ( x3 – x2) x = y1 (y3 – y2) + x1 ( x3  x2),
(y3 – y1) y + ( x3 – x1) x = y2 (y3 – y1) + x2 (x3 – x1)
Q.8: 2x – y + 3 = 0 Q.9: 2x + 3y = 7
Q.10: 2x – 7y = 0 Q.11: 7x – 4y + 15 = 0
Q.12: x + 5y = 17 Q.13: 2x + 7y  47 = 0
Q.14: a = 4, b = 3 Q.15: x + 3y – 8 = 0
Q.16: x + y + 5 = 0
Q.17: (a) x + y=10 (b) 5x  8y = 21
(c) 3x – y + 11 = 0
 330
Applied Math The Straight Line

12.13 The General Linear Equation:

A linear equation in x and y is an equation of the form
Ax + By + C = 0 (1)
Where A and B are given real numbers and A and B are not both
zero. The equation (1) is called the General linear equation because the
graph of such on equation is always a straight line.
Theorem:
Every linear equation has a graph which is a straight line.
Proof:
Suppose we have a linear equation (first degree) in variables x and
y.
Ax + By + C = 0
(i) If B = 0, then A  0 and the equation is
Ax + C = 0
C
Or x=A
The graph of this equation is a line parallel to the y – axis
(ii) If B  0, then A = 0 and the equation is
By + C = 0
C
Or y =
B
The graph of this equation is a line parallel to the x – axis.
(iii) If A  0, B  0, then equation can be written in the form.
A C
y=–Bx– B
Again the graph of this equation is a straight line with slope
A C
m = –B and y – intercept c = – B
Therefore, in all cases, the linear equation Ax + By + C = 0
represents a straight line.
12.14 Reduction of General form Ax + By + C = 0 to other
forms.

(i) Reduction to slope – Intercept Form:

Ax + by + C = 0
 331
Applied Math The Straight Line

A C
Reduce to, y=– x –
B B
Which is of the form y = mx + c
(ii) Reduction to Intercept Form:

Ax + By + C = 0
Or Ax + By – C
A B
Or + = 1
–C –C
x y
C C
Or + =1
A A
x y
Which is of the form a + b =1

(iii) Reduction to Perpendicular Form:

Comparing the equation
Ax + By + C = 0 (1)
With the perpendicular form
Cos . x + sin  y – P = 0 (2)
A B C
We have, = = P =k
cos  sin 
Because the co-efficients of (1) and (2) are proportional.
C
So A = k cos , B = k sin  and C= -pk or p = – k

A2 + B2 = k2 ( cos2  + sin2)
Or A2 + B2 = k2
Or k = + A2 + B2
 C 
So p =   2
+ A +B 
2

As p must be positive, so sign of C and A2 + B2 are opposite.

 332
Applied Math The Straight Line

If C is positive then k =  A2 + B2
A A
cos  = K =
Therefore
A2 + B2
B B
cos  = K = A + B2
2

 C  C
and p =  2 =
 A +B 
2
A + B2
2

Putting these values in eq. (2), we get

A B C
 x– y– =0
A2 + B2 A + B2
2
A + B2
2

A B C
Or x+ y+ =0
A2 + B2 A + B2
2
A + B2
2

A
If C is negative, then k =
A2 + B2
A B C
So, cos  = , sin  = ,p=–
A2 + B2 A + B2
2
A + B2
2

Putting these values in equation (2), we get.

A B C
x+ y+ =0
A2 + B2 A + B2
2
A + B2
2

Hence the equation Ax + by + C = 0 is reduced in perpendicular

form by dividing + A2 + B2 or – A2 + B2 accordingly C is negative or
positive respectively.
Example 22: Reduce the equation 3x + 4y = 10 to the
(i) Slope-intercept from (ii) Intercept form
(ii) Normal form
Solution: (i)
3x + 4y = 10
4y = –3x + 10
3 5
y =–4 x+2
 333
Applied Math The Straight Line

3 5
Which is the slope-intercept form with slope m = – , y – intercept = C= .
4 2
(iii) 3x + 4y = 10
3x 4y
10 + 10 = 1
x x
Or 10 + 5 = 1
3 2
x y
Which is the intercepts form a + b = 1

10 5
With x – intercept a = 3 and y – intercept b = 2

(iii) 3x + 4y = 10
k= A2 + B2 = 9 + 16 = 5
3 4
Divide the equation by 5  5 x + 5 y = 2

Which is the perpendicular form

X cos  + y sin  = p
3 4
With cos  = 5 , sin  = 5 and p = 2

4
tan  = 3

4
 = tan-1 3

Hence the given line is at a distance of 2 unit from the origin

and is perpendicular from the origin on the line with angle of
4
inclination  = tan-1 .
3
12.15 Intersection of Two Lines:
Let a1 x + b1 y + c 1 = 0 (1)

a2 x + b 2 y + c 2 = 0 (2)
 334
Applied Math The Straight Line

be the two lines. Their point of intersection can be obtained

by solving them simultaneously.

x y 1
= =
b1c2  b2c1 a1 c2  a2 c1 a1b2  a2b1
b1c2  b2c1 a2 c1  a 1 c2
 x= , y=
a1b2  a2b1 a1b2  a2b1
Hence point of intersection is

 b1c2  b2c1 a2c1  b1c2 

  
 a1b2  a2b1 a1b2  a2b1 
a1 b1
If a1b2 – a2b1 =   = 0 then the above coordinates have no
a2 b2
meaning and the lines do not intersect but are parallel.
Hence the lines (1) and (2) intersect if
a1 b1
 0
a2 b2
12.16 Concurrent Lines and Point of Concurrency:
Three or more than three lines are said to be concurrent if these are
intersecting at the same point. The point of intersection of these lines is
called point of concurrency.

12.16.1 Condition of Concurrency of Three Lines:

Suppose the three line are
a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 (1)
a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 (2)
a3x + b3y + c3 = 0 (3)
These lines will be concurrent if the point of intersection of any
two lines satisfies the third line.

The point of intersection of (2) and (3) is

 335
Applied Math The Straight Line

 b2c3  b3c2 a3 c2  a2 c3 
  
 a2b3  a3b2 a2b3  a3b2 
Putting this point in equation (1)
 b2c3  b3c2   a3 c2  a2 c3 
a1  + b1   + c1 = 0
 a2b3  a3b2   a2b3  a3b2 
a1(b2c3 – b3c2) – b1(a2c3 – a3c2) + c1 (a2b3 – a3b2) = 0
This equation can be written in the determinant form

a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2 = 0
a3 b3 c3

Example 23: Show that the three lines

x–y+6 =0 ………………………(1)
2x + y – 5 =0 ………………………(2)
–x – 2y + 11 =0 ………………………(2)
are concurrent. Also find the point of concurrency
Solution:
1 -1 6
2 1 -5 
Since, 
-1 -2 11
= 1 (11 – 10) + 1 ( 22 – 5) + 6 ( -4 + 1)
= 1 + 17 – 18 = 0
Hence the lines are concurrent.
For the point of concurrency, solving equations (1) and (2)
Adding equations (1) and (2), we get
3x + 1 = 0
1
Or x = – 3 , Put in (1)
 336
Applied Math The Straight Line

1 19
y=3 +6= 3

 1 19
So point of concurrency is – 3
 3 
Example 24: Find K so that the lines
x – 2y + 1 = 0, 2x – 5y + 3 = 0 and 5x + 9y + k = 0 are
concurrent.
Solution:
Since the lines are concurrent, so
1 -2 1
2 -5 3  = 0

5 9 k
1 (–5k –27) + 2(2k – 15) + 1 (18 + 25) = 0
–5k –27 + 4k –30 + 43 = 0
–k – 14 = 0
Or k =  14
12.16.2 Condition that Three Points be Collinear:
The three points (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) will be collinear
y2 – y1 y3 – y2
If =
x2 – x1 x3 – x2
Or (y2 – y1) (x3 – x2) = (y3 – y2) (x2 – x1)
x1 y1 1
x y2 1 = 0
Or  2
x3 y3 1
Example 25: Show that the three points ( 1, 2), (7, 6), (4, 4) are
collinear.
Solution:
1 2 1
7 6 1  = 0
Since 
4 4 1
 337
Applied Math The Straight Line

= 1 (6 – 4) – 2(7 – 4) + 1 (28 – 24)

=2–6+4=0
Therefore the points are collinear i.e., these lie on a line.
Exercise 12.5

Q.1: Reduce the given equations to

(i) Slope-intercept form (ii) Intercepts form
(iii) Normal form
(a) 3x + y = y2 (b) 6x – 5y = 15
(c) 3 + 6y= 2
Q.2: Determine p and  for the lines:
(a) x – 5y + 3 = 0 (b) x+y+3 2 =0
Q.3: Show that the following lines are concurrent. Also find the
point of concurrency.
(a) 3x – 5y + 8 = 0, x + 2y -4 = 0 and 4x – 3y + 4 =0

(b) 2x – 3y -7 = 0, 3x – 4y – 13 = 0 and 8x – 11y – 33 = 0

(c) 5x + y + 11 = 0, x + 7y + 9 = 0 and 2x + y + 5 =0

Q.4: Find K so that x+y+1 =0

kx – y + 3 = 0

and 4x – 5y + k = 0 will be concurrent.

Q.5: Show that the altitudes of the triangle whose vertices are
(–1, 2), (4, 3) and (1, –2) intersect at a point. Find the
coordinates of the point of intersection.
(Hint: First find the equations of the altitudes, then show them
concurrent).
Q.6: Find the equations of the medians of the triangle with vertices
(–4, –6), (0, 10), (4, 2). Show that the medians meet in a
point.
 338
Applied Math The Straight Line

Q.7: Show that the given points are collinear

(a) (–4, 4), (–2,1) and (6, –11)

(b) (1, 9), (–2, 3) and (–5, –3)

Q.8: Find the value of k so that (1, –3), (–2, 5), (4, k) lie on a line.

Answers
x y
Q.1: (a) (i) y = –3x – 2 (ii) + =1
2/3 2
–3 y
(iii) x– =1
2 2

6 x y
(b) (i) y= x– 3 (ii) + =1
5 15/6 3

6 5 15
(iii) x– y, =
61 61 61

1 1 x y
(c) (i) y=– x+ (ii) + =1
2 3 2 1
3 3
1 2 2
(iii) x+ y =
3 3 3

3
Q.2: (a) p= ,  = 92o 34′ (b) p = 3,  = 225o
26
4 20 
Q.3: (a)    (b) (11,5) (c) (–2, 1)
11 11

Q.4: k = –3 + 2 10

4 13 
Q.5:    is the point of intersection.
11 11
 339
Applied Math The Straight Line

Q.6: Equation of the medians : x = 0, y = 2 and 2x – y = –2 . The

medians intersect at (0, 2).
Q.8: k =  11

12.17 The Distance from a Point to a Line:

To find the distance from a point P1 ( x1 , y1) to the line Ax + By +
C = 0, draw P1 P2 = d perpendicular on the line. The coordinates of P2 are
(x2, y2).
By distance formula
Y

P1(x1, y1)
d
P2 (
x2 ,
y2 )
Ax X
+
By
+
Figure 8.19
12.19 C
=
00

|P1 P2| = (x2  x1)2 + ( y2  y1)2 (1)

We find the points P2 (x2, y2)
Since point P2 (x2 , y2) lies on the line Ax + By + C = 0
So Ax2 + By2 + C = 0 (2)
From equation Ax + By + C = 0
A C
y=BxB

A
The slope of lines is  B
 340
Applied Math The Straight Line

___
B
The slope of perpendicular P1P2 is m = A
___
The equation of perpendicular P1P2 passing through ( x2, y2) and
(x1, y1).
B
Slope of P1 P2 = A

y2  y1 B
= A
x2  x1
B
Or (y2 – y1) = A ( x2 – x1)

Ay2 – Ay1 = Bx2 – Bx1

Or Bx2 – Ay2 + Ay1 – Bx1 = 0 (3)
Now solving equation (2) and (3) for x2 and y2
Ax2 + By2 + C = 0 (2)
Bx2  Ay2 + Ay1  Bx1 = 0 (3)
x2 y2 1
=  =
ABy1  B x1 + AC
2
A y1  ABx1  BC
2
A  B2
2

B2x1  ABy1  AC
x2 = A2 + B2

A2y1  ABx1  BC
y2 = A2 + B2

Putting x2 and y2 in equation (1)

2 2
 B x1 ABy1  AC  A y1 ABx1  BC
2 2
 
|P1 P2| =   x1 +  y1
   
2 2 2 2
A + B A + B

2 2
 ABy1  AC  A x1   ABx1  BC  B y1
2 2
=   +  
   B A y1 B y1 
2 2 2 2 2
A +B
 341
Applied Math The Straight Line

{A (Ax1 + By1 + C)}2 } + { B (Ax1 + By1 + C)}2

= (A2 + B2)2

A2 (Ax1 + By1 + C)}2 + B2 (Ax1 + By1 + C)2

= (A2 + B2)2

(Ax1 + By1 + C)2

=
A2 + B2

|Ax1 + By1 + C|
Or d = |P2 P2| = (4)
A2 + B2
Which is the required distance from a point P1 (x1, y1) on the line
Ax + By + C = 0

Remarks
If we take the expression
Ax1 + By1 + C
A2 + B2
The Numerator of this expression i.e., Ax1 + By1 + C will be
positive, negative or zero depending upon the relative positions of the
point P1, the line, and the origin. If P1 (x1, y1) is any point, and

Ax1 + By1 + C
A2 + B2
C
has the same sign as
A + B2
2

Then P1 (x1, y1) and the origin are on the same side of the line. If
the signs are different, then P1 (x1, y1) is on the opposite side of the line
from the origin.
For P1 (0, 0), we get the directed distance from the origin to the
line, which may be positive, negative or zero.
Example 26: Find the distance from the point (–3, 2) to the line
2x – y + 4 = 0, Is (–3, 2) on the same side of the line
as the origin, or is it on the opposite side?
 342
Applied Math The Straight Line

Solution:
|2(–3) –2 + 4 | |–4|
d = 2 2 =
2 + (–1) 5
4
d =
5
Ax1  By1 + C 4
Because =
A2 + B2 5
C 4
and 2 2=
A +B 5
has different signs, so the point (3, 2) and the origin are on
opposite side of the line 2x – y + 4 = 0 as shown in Fig. 20.

(-3.2)

-3 -2

12.20
Figure 8.20

Example 27: An equation of a line is 4x – 3y + 12 = 0. Find the

coordinates of the point Po (xo, yo) which is the foot of the
perpendicular from the origin to the line.
Solution:
Since point Po (xo , yo)
Lies on the line 4x – 3y + 12 = 0
So,
4xo – 3yo + 12 = 0 …………..(1)
The slope of line (1) is
 343
Applied Math The Straight Line

4
yo = x +4
3 o
4
m =
3
___
The slope of the perpendicular OP is

)o
,y
o
P(x

X
( ) (0.0)

Figure 8.21
12.21
yo  0 3
= 4
xo  0
Or 3xo + 4yo = 0 ……………………..(2)

Solving equation (1) and (2) together, we find

xo yo 1
=  =
0  48 0  36 16 + 9

48 36
xo =  25 , yo = 25

Hence the coordinates of Po are : 

48 36 
 25 25
Example 28: If P is the perpendicular distance of the origin from a
line whose intercepts on the axes are a and b, show that.

1 1 1
2 = 2 +
P a b2
 344
Applied Math The Straight Line

Solution:
The equation of the line in intercepts form is
x y
=
a b =1
Or xb + ay – ab = 0
If P is the perpendicular distance from the origin 0 (o,o) on the line
bx + ay – ab = 0.

|b(o) + a(o)  ab| |  ab|

Then P= 2 2 =
b +a b2 + a2

ab
Or P=
b2 + a2

a2 b2
Or P2 =
b2 + a2

1 a2 + b2
Or P2 = b2 a2

1 1 1
Or 2= 2 + 2
P a b

Example 29: Find the equations of the two lines ( or find the
locus of a point) which are parallel to and 3 units
from the perpendicular bisector of the line segment
(1, – 2 ), (– 3, 8).
Solution:

Mid-point of the segment (1, –3)

Slope of the segment is:

8+2 10
m= =
–3 –1 –4
 345
Applied Math The Straight Line

5
m=2

(-3.8)

(x.y)
(-1.3)
3

-3

(x.y) (1.-2)

12.22
Figure 8.22
2
Slope of the perpendicular bisector is m1 = 5

Equation of the perpendicular bisector passing through (1, 3)

2
y – 3 = 5 (x + 1)
5y – 15 = 2x + 2
2x – 5y + 17
Since the required equations are of a distance of 3 units from the
perpendicular bisector 2x – 5y + 17 = 0. So by the formula.

|Ax1 + By + C|
d=
A2 + B2
|2x  5y + 17|
3=
22 + (5)2
 346
Applied Math The Straight Line

|2x  5y + 17|
3=
29

Or |2x – 5y + 17| = 3 29
Or 2x – 5y + 17 = + 3 29
So the equation ( for locus) are
2x – 5y + 17 – 3 29 =0
and 2x – 5y + (17 + 3 29 ) = 0

Exercise 12.6
Q.1: Find the distance to the line 3x – 2y + 12 = 0 from each of the
following points:
(a) (1, 3) (b) (–1, 7) (c) (–3, –2)
Q.2: Which of the following points are on the same side of the line
x – 6y + 8 = 0 as the origin?
(a) (2, 3) (b) (3, –2) (c) (–2, –3) (d) (–3,2)

Q.3: If the vertices of a triangle are A ( 2, –1), B(–2,3) and C(0,3),

Find the length of altitude from B to AC.
Q.4: The distance from the point (–2, –3) to the line 3x – 4y + k =
13
0 is . Find the value of K.
5
Q.5: Write equation of the two lines ( or locus of a point) parallel
to the line through (1, 2) and (4, 6) which are 3 units distant
from the given line.
Q.6: Find the locus of a point which moves so that it is always
“one” unit from the line 3x  4y + 7 = 0.
Q.7: Find the equation of the two lines ( or locus of point) parallel
18
to the line x – 6y + 8 = 0 and a distance of units from it.
37
Q.8: Find the distance between the parallel lines.

3x – 4y + 11 = 0 and 3x – 4y – 9 = 0
 347
Applied Math The Straight Line

(Hints: Take a point at one line and find the distance of this
point on the other line)
Q.9: Find the perpendicular distance from the origin to the line
passing through (1, 2) and perpendicular to the line 3 y = x
+ 4.
Q.10: Find the locus of all points which are equidistant from the
point (– 3, 8) and the line 4x + 9 = 0
Answers
9 5 12 7
Q.1: (a) (a) (b) (c) (d)
13 13 13 13
Q.2: (b), (c) Q.3: 4 2 Q.4: k = 7, –19
Q.5: 4x – 3y – 13 = 0 , 4x – 3y + 17 = 0

Q.6: 3x – 4y + 2 = 0 , 3x – 4y + 12 = 0

Q.7: x – 6y – 10 = 0 , x – 6y + 26 =0
2+ 3
Q.8: 4 Q.9:
2
2
Q.10: 16y – 256y + 24x + 1087 = 0
 348
Applied Math The Straight Line

Short Questions
Write the short answers of the following:
Q.1: Write distance formula between two points and give one example.
Q.2: Find distance between the points (-3, 1) and (3, -2)
Q.3: Show that the points A(-1, -1), B (4, 1) and C(12, 4) lies on a
straight line.

Q.4: Find the co-ordinate of the mid point of the segment P1 (3,7),
P2 (-2, 3).
Q.5: Find the co-ordinates of the point P(x,y) which divide internally
r1 6
the segment through P1 (-2,5) and P2 (4, -1) of the ratio of r = .
2 5
Q.6: If a line is extended from A(2, 3) through B(-2, 0) to a point C so
that AC = 4 AB, find the co-ordinate of C.
Q.7: For the triangle whose vertices are A(0,1), B (7,2) and C( 3,8).
Find the length of the median from C to AB.

Q.8: If the mid point of a segment is (6,3) and one end point is(8, -4),
what are the co-ordinates of the other end point.
Q.9: Find the angle between the lines having slopes 3 and 2

Q.10: Find the slope of a line which is perpendicular to the line joining
P1 (2, 4) and P2 (-2, 1).
Q.11: Find the equation of a line through the point (3, -2) with
3
slope m = 4 .

Q.12: Find the equation of a line through the points (– 1, 2) and (3, 4).

Q.13: Find an equation of the line with the following intercepts

a = 2 , b = 5
Q.14: Find the equation of line having x – intercept -2 and
y – intercept 3.
Q.15: Find the equation of a line whose perpendicular distance from the
origin is 2 and inclination of the perpendicular is 225o.
Q.16: Reduce the equation 3x + 4y – 2 = 0 into intercept form.
 349
Applied Math The Straight Line

Q.17: Find the equation of the line passing the point (1, –2) making an
angle of 135o with the x-axis.
Q.18: Find the points of intersection of the lines
x + 2y – 3 = 0, 2x – 3y + 8 = 0
Q.19: Show that the points (1,9), (-2, 3) and (-5, -3) are collinear.
Q.20: Show that the lines passing through the points (0, -7), (8, -5) and
(5, 7), (8, -5) are perpendicular.
Q.21: Find the distance from the point (-2,1) to the line 3x + 4y – 12 = 0

Answers
1  14 19
Q2. 3 5 Q4. 2  5 Q5. P 11  11
   
85
Q6. C (– 14, – 9) Q7. 2 Q8. (4, 10)
 
4
Q9. 135o Q10. - 3 Q11. 3x – 4y – 17 = 0

Q12. x- 2y + 5 = 0 Q13. 5x – 2y = 10 Q14. 3x – 2y + 6 = 0

Q15. x + y + 2 2 = 0
2 1
Q16. + = 1 , where a = 3 and b = 2
14
Q17. x + y + 1 =0 Q18. (– 1, 2) Q21.
5

<><><>
 350
Applied Math The Straight Line

Objective Type Questions

Q.1 Each questions has four possible answers. Choose the correct
answer and encircle it.
x y
__1. Slope of the line a + b = 1 is:

a b b a
(a) (b) (c) a (d) b
b a
__2. y = 2 is a line parallel to:
(a) x – axis (b) y – axis (c) y = x (d) x=3
__3. Eq. of the line in slope intercept form is;
x y
(a) y+b=1 (b) y = mx + c (c) y – y1 = m(x–1)

(d) None of these

__4. Distance between (4, 3) and ( 7, 5) is:
(a) 25 (b) 13 (c) 5 (d) None of these
__5. Point ( – 4, –5) lines in the quadrant:
(a) 1st (b) 2nd (c) 3rd (d) 4th
__6. When two lines are perpendicular:
(a) m1 = m2 (b) m1m2 = –1 (c) m1 = –m2
(d) None of these
__7. Ratio formula for y – coordinate is:
x1r2 + x2 r1 y1r2 + y2 r1 xy
(a) (b) (c)
r1 + r2 r1 + r2 2
(d) None of these

__8. Slope of the line through (x1 , y2) and (x2, y2)

x1 + x2 y2  y1
(a) (b) (c)
y1 + y2 x 2  x1
(d) None of these
 351
Applied Math The Straight Line

__9. Given three points are collinear if their slopes are:

(a) Equal (b) Unequal (c) m1 m2 = -1
(d) None of these
__10. y – y1 = m(x – x1) is the:
(a) Slope intercept form (b) Intercept form
(c) Point slope form (d) None of these
Answers
1. c 2. a 3. b 4. b 5. c
6. b 7. b 8. c 9. a 10. c