The great philospher and mathematician of France Rane Descartes

(1596-1665) published a book La Geometric in 1637. Descartes gave a new idea

i e . . , Each point in a plane is expressed by an ordered pair of algebraic real
numbers like ( , ), ( , ) x y r etc., called co-ordinates of the point. The point ( , ) x y is
called cartesian co-ordinates and ( , ) r is called polar co-ordinates of the point.
Then represents different forms of equations which are developed for all types of
straight lines and curves.
Thus the Co-ordinate Geometry (or Analytical Geometry) is that branch of
mathematics in which geometrical problems are solved with the help of Algebra.
The position of a point in a plane is determined with reference to two
intersecting straight lines called the co-ordinate axes and their point of
intersection is called the origin of co-ordinates. If these two axes of reference
(generally we call them x and y axes) cut each other at right angle, they are called
rectangular axes otherwise they are called oblique axes. The axes divide the
co-ordinate plane in four quadrants.
(a) Rectangular axes (b) Oblique axes
INTRODUCTION
1.1
CO-ORDINATE AXES
1.2
1
CO-OR DI N AT E SY ST EMS AN D
CO-OR DI N AT ES
II
quadrant
III
quadrant
I
quadrant
IV
quadrant
Y
X X'
Y'
90
y
-
a
x
i
s
x-axis O
II
quadrant
III
quadrant
I
quadrant
IV
quadrant
Y
X X'
Y'

x-axis O
o
b
l
i
q
u
e

a
x
i
s
( 90)
Let X OX and Y OY be two perpendicular axes in
the plane of paper intersecting at O. Let P be any point
in the plane of the paper. Draw PM perpendicular to
OX. Then the lengths OM and PM are called the
rectangular cartesian co-ordinates or briefly the
co-ordinates of P.
Let OM x and MP y
Then the position of the point P in the plane with
respect to the co-ordinate axes is represented by the
ordered pair (x, y). The ordered pair (x, y) is called the
co-ordinates of point P.
i e . . , OM x -co-ordinate or abscissa of the point P
and MP y -co-ordinate or ordinate of the point P.
1. The ordinate of every point on x-axis is 0.
2. The abscissa of every point on y-axis is 0.
3. The abscissa and ordinate of the origin O(0, 0) are both zero.
4. The abscissa and ordinate of a point are at perpendicular distance from y-axis
and x-axis respectively.
5. Table for conversion sign of co-ordinates :
Quadrants XOY
(I)
X OY
(II)
X OY
(III)
XOY
(IV)
Sign of x co-ordinates + +
Sign of y co-ordinates + +
Sign of ( , ) x y ( , ) + + ( , ) + ( , ) ( , ) +
6. Equation of x-axis, y 0 and equation of y-axis, x 0.
If OP r (radius vector)
and XOP (vectorial angle)
Then the ordered pair of real numbers ( , ) r
called the polar co-ordinates of the point P.
1. r may be positive or negative according as
is measured in anticlockwise or clockwise
direction. lies between to i e . . ,
< . If it is greater than , then
we subtract 2 from it and if it is less than
, then we add 2 to it. It is also known as
principal value of P.
2. Always taken in radian.
2 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
RECTANGULAR CARTESIAN CO-ORDINATES OF A POINT
1.3
Y
X X'
Y'
O M x
y
P x y ( , )
NOTE
POLAR CO-ORDINATES OF A POINT
1.4
X
Q (r, )
P (r, )
r
O

(Pole)
Initial line
NOTE
EXAMPLE 1. Draw the polar co-ordi nates 2
3
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
2
3
,

,
j
(
,
\
,
(
2
3
,

and 2
3
,
j
(
,
\
,
(

on the
plane.
Solution :

EXAMPLE 2.

Draw the polar co-ordi nate 3
5
4
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
on the plane.
Solution : Here

>
5
4
then

2
5
4
2
3
4

3
5
4
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
is same 3
3
4
,
j
(
,
\
,
(

Let P x y ( , ) be the cartesian co-ordinates with respect to axes OX and OY and

( , ) r be its polar co-ordinates with respect to pole O and initial line OX.
It is clear from figure
OM x r cos (1)
and MP y r sin (2)
Squaring and adding (1) and (2), we get
x y r
2 2 2
+ or r x y + ( )
2 2
Dividing (2) by (1), then
tan
j
(
,
\
,
(
y
x
or
j
(
,
\
,
(

tan
1
y
x
i e . . , ( cos , sin ) r r ( , ) x y (3)
and ( ), tan x y
y
x
2 2 1
+
j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(

( , ) r (4)
If r and are known then we can find ( , ) x y from (3) and if x and y are
known then we can find ( , ) r from (4).
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 3
X
P
3
O
3
4
5
4
3, or 3,
3
4

RELATION BETWEEN THE POLAR AND CARTESIAN CO-ORDINATES

1.5
Y
X
P x, y ( )
M
O

r
y
x
X
2 2
2 2
O

3
2,
S

3
2, P

3
2, Q

3
2, R
Q
j
(
,
\
,
(

tan
1
y
x
If
|
|
|
|
|
|

tan
1
y
x
Then values of in four quadrants
Quadrant I II III IV
+
EXAMPLE 1. Find the carte sian co-ordi nates of the points whose polar co-ordi nates are
(i) 5
4
3
1
, tan
j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(

(ii) 5 2
4
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
Solution : (i) Given r 5,
j
(
,
\
,
(

tan
1
4
3
Now, x r
j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(

cos cos tan 5

4
3
1

j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(

5
4
3
1
cos tan

j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(

5
3
5
5
3
5
3
1
cos cos
and y r
j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(

sin sin tan 5

4
3
1

j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(

5
4
3
1
sin tan

j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(

5
4
5
5
4
5
4
1
sin sin
Hence cartesian co-ordinates of the given point, will be ( , ) 3 4 .
(ii) Given, r 5 2,

4
Now, x r
j
(
,
\
,
(
cos cos

5 2
4
5 2
1
2
5
and y r
j
(
,
\
,
(
sin sin

5 2
4
5 2
1
2
5
Hence cartesian co-ordinates of the given point, will be ( , ) 5 5 .
EXAMPLE 2. Find the polar co-ordi nates of the points whose carte sian co-ordi nates are
(i) ( , ) 2 2 (ii) ( , ) 3 4
Solution : (i) Given x 2 , y 2
r x y + + ( ) ( )
2 2
4 4 2 2
and

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|


tan tan tan
1 1 1
2
2
1
4
y
x
Since, point ( , ) 2 2 lies in 3rd quadrant.
4 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY


+ +
4
3
4
Hence polar co-ordinates of the given points will be 2 2
3
4
, .
j
(
,
\
,
(

Remark : If we find , from the equation,

tan

y
x
2
2
1
then

4
and then ( , ) ( cos , sin ) , x y r r
j
(
,
\
,
(
2 2
1
2
2 2
1
2
( , ) ( , ) 2 2 2 2
(ii) Given x 3, y 4
r x y + + ( ) ( )
2 2
9 16 5
and
|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

j
(
,
\
,
(

tan tan tan
1 1 1
4
3
4
3
y
x
Since, point ( , ) 3 4 lies in 2nd quadrant

j
(
,
\
,
(

tan
1
4
3
Hence polar co-ordinates of the given points, will be 5
4
3
1
, tan .
j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(

EXAMPLE 3. Trans form the equa tion r a

2 2
2 cos into carte sian form.
Solution : Q r x y + ( )
2 2
and
j
(
,
\
,
(

tan
1
y
x
or r x y
2 2 2
+ ( ) and tan
y
x
Given r a a
2 2 2
2
2
2
1
1


+
j
(
,
\
,
( cos
tan
tan

or ( ) x y a
y
x
y
x
2 2 2
2
2
2
2
1
1
+

+
j
(
,
,
,
,
\
,
(
(
(
(

or ( ) ( ) x y a x y
2 2 2 2 2 2
+
This is the required equation in cartesian form.
Alternative Method :
r a
2 2
2 cos
or r a
2 2 2 2
(cos sin )
Q x r cos and y r sin
and r x y
2 2 2
+
then r a
x
r
y
r
2 2
2
2
2
2

j
(
,
\
,
(
or r a x y
4 2 2 2
( )
or ( ) ( ). x y a x y
2 2 2 2 2 2
+
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 5
EXAMPLE 4. Trans form the equa tion x y ax
2 2
+ into polar form.
Solution : Q x r cos, y r sin
Given, x y ax
2 2
+
r a r
2
( cos )
or r a cos
This is the required equation in polar form.
1. The polar co-ordinates of the point whose cartesian co-ordinates are ( , ) 1 1 is :
(a) 2
4
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
(b) 2
3
4
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
(c) 2
4
,
j
(
,
\
,
(

(d) 2
3
4
,
j
(
,
\
,
(

2. The cartesian co-ordinates of the point whose polar co-ordinates are

13
5
12
1
, tan
j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(

is :
(a) ( , ) 12 5 (b) ( , ) 12 5
(c) ( , ) 12 5 (d) ( , ) 12 5
3. The transform equation of r a
2 2 2
2 cos cos to cartesian form is
( ) x y x a
2 2 2 2
+ , then value of is :
(a) y x
2 2
(b) x y
2 2

(c) xy (d) x y
2 2
4. The co-ordinates of P in the figure is :
(a) 3
3
,
j
(
,
\
,
(

(b) 3
3
,
j
(
,
\
,
(

(c)
j
(
,
\
,
(
3
3
,

(d)
j
(
,
\
,
(
3
3
,

5. The cartesian co-ordinates of the point Q in the

figure is :
(a) ( , ) 3 1
(b) ( , ) 3 1
(c) ( , ) 3 1
(d) ( , ) 3 1
6 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
1.1 INTRODUCTORY EXERCISE
A. Objective
X
O
P'

3,

3
P
X
Q
2
2
2
/6
/3
O
2,

3
P
2,

6
S
2,

3
R
2
1. A point lies on x-axis at a distance 5 units from y-axis. What are its co-ordinates ?
2. A point lies on y-axis at a distance 4 units from x-axis. What are its co-ordinates ?
3. A point lies on negative direction of x-axis at a distance 6 units from y-axis. What are
its co-ordinates ?
4. Transform the equation y x tan to polar form.
5. Transform the equation r a 2 cos to cartesian form.
Theorem : The distance between two points
P x y ( , )
1 1
and Q x y ( , )
2 2
is given by
| | ( ) ( ) PQ x x y y +
2 1
2
2 1
2
Proof : Let P x y ( , )
1 1
and Q x y ( , )
2 2
be any
two points in the plane. Let us assume that the
points P and Q are both in 1st quadrant (for the
sake of exactness).
From P and Q draw PL and QM
perpendiculars to x-axis. From P draw PR
perpendicular to QM and join PQ. Then
OL x
1
, OM x
2
, PL y
1
, QM y
2
PR LM OM OL x x
2 1
and QR QM RM QM PL y y
2 1
Since PRQ is a right angled triangle, therefore by Pythagoreas theorem.
( ) ( ) ( ) PQ PR QR
2 2 2
+
| | ( ) ( ) PQ PR QR +
2 2
(QPQ is always positive)
+ ( ) ( ) x x y y
2 1
2
2 1
2
The distance PQ between the points P x y ( , )
1 1
and Q x y ( , )
2 2
is
given by ( ) ( ) x x y y
2 1
2
2 1
2
+
or (difference in co-ordinates) (difference in
2
x y + co -ordinates)
2
or (difference of abscissaes) (difference of ordina
2
+ tes)
2
Notations : We shall denote the distance between two points P and Q of the
co-ordinate plane, either by | | PQ or by PQ.
Corollary 1 : The above formula is true for all positions of the points
(i.e., either point or both points are not in the 1st quadrant) keeping in mind, the
proper signs of their co-ordinates.
Corollary 2 : The distance of the point P x y ( , ) from the origin O( , ) 0 0 is given by
| | ( ) ( ) ( ) OP x y x y + + 0 0
2 2 2 2
Corollary 3 : The above formula can also be used as
( ) ( ) x x y y
1 2
2
1 2
2
+
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 7
DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO POINTS
1.6
O
Q (x , y )
2 2
y y
2 1
y
2
R
P
y
1
(x , y )
1 1
x x
2 1
x
1
x
2
Y'
X' X
Y
M L
B. Subjective
Corollary 4 : (i) If PQ is parallel to x-axis, then y y
1 2
and so
| | ( ) | | PQ x x x x
2 1
2
2 1
(ii) If PQ is parallel to y-axis, then x x
1 2
and so
| | ( ) | | PQ y y y y
2 1
2
2 1
Corollary 5 : If distance between two points is given, then use sign.
1. If three points A x y ( , )
1 1
, B x y ( , )
2 2
and C x y ( , )
3 3
are collinear, then
| | | | | | AB BC AC
2. When three points are given and it is required to :
(i) an Isosceles triangle, show that two of its sides (or two angles) are
equal.
(ii) an Equilateral triangle, show that its all sides are equal or each angle is
of 60.
(iii) a Right angle triangle, show that the sum of the squares of two sides is
equal to the square of the third side.
(iv) an Isosceles right angled triangle, show that two of its sides are equal
and the sum of the squares of two equal sides is equal to the square of the
third side.
(v) a Scalene triangle, show that its all sides are unequal.
3. When four points are given and it is required to
(i) a Square, show that the four sides are equal and the diagonals are also
equal.
(ii) a Rhombus, show that the four sides are equal and the diagonals are not
equal.
(iii) a Rectangle, show that the opposite sides are equal and the diagonals are
also equal.
(iv) a Parallelogram, show that the opposite sides are equal and the diagonals
are not equal.
(v) a Trapezium, show that the two sides are parallel and the other two sides
are not parallel.
4. If A, B, C be the vertices of a triangle and we have to find the co-ordinates of the
circumcentre then, let the circumcentre be P x y ( , ) and use PA PB
2 2
and
PA PC
2 2
this will give two equations in x and y then solve these two equations
and ( , ) x y .
Impor tant Note for Objec tive Ques tions
If two vertices of an equilateral triangle are ( , ) x y
1 1
and ( , ) x y
2 2
then co-ordinates of
the third vertex are
x x y y y y x x
1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1
3
2
3
2
+ + j
(
,
\
,
(
m ( )
,
( )
8 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
A
B
C
NOTE
A
B
C
EXAMPLE 1. Prove that the distance of the point ( cos , sin ) a a from the origin is
inde pend ent of .
Solution : Let P a a ( cos , sin ) and O ( , ) 0 0
then | | ( cos ) ( sin ) OP a a + 0 0
2 2
+ ( cos sin ) a a
2 2 2 2

+ a
2 2 2
(cos sin )
a
2
| | a , which is independent of .
EXAMPLE 2. Find the distance between the points ( cos , sin ) a a and ( cos , sin ) a a
where a > 0.
Solution : Let P a a ( cos , sin ) and Q a a ( cos , sin )
then | | ( cos cos ) ( sin sin ) PQ a a a a +
2 2
+ a
2 2 2
{(cos cos ) (sin sin ) }
+ + + a
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 {cos cos cos cos sin sin sin sin }
+ + a
2
1 1 2 { (cos cos sin sin )}
a
2
2 2 ( cos( ))
2 1
2
a ( cos( ))

j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(
2 2
2
2 2
a sin

j
(
,
\
,
(
4
2
2 2
a sin

j
(
,
\
,
(
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
2
a sin

j
(
,
\
,
(
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
2
a sin

( ) Qa > 0
EXAMPLE 3. If the point ( , ) x y be equi dis tant from the points ( , ) 6 1 and ( , ) 2 3 , prove that
x y 3.
Solution : Let P x y ( , ) , A ( , ) 6 1 and B ( , ) 2 3
By the given condition, PA PB
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) x y x y + + + 6 1 2 3
2 2 2 2
or ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) x y x y + + + 6 1 2 3
2 2 2 2

or x x y y
2 2
12 36 2 1 + + + + + + + x x y y
2 2
4 4 6 9
or 8 8 24 x y
or x y 3.
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 9
EXAMPLE 4. Using distance formula, show that the points ( , ), ( , ) 1 5 2 4 and ( , ) 3 3 are
collin ear.
Solution : Let A ( , ) 1 5 , B ( , ) 2 4 and C ( , ) 3 3 be the given points, then
| | ( ) ( ) AB + 1 2 5 4 2
2 2
| | ( ) ( ) BC + 2 3 4 3 2
2 2
and | | ( ) ( ) AC + 1 3 5 3 2 2
2 2
Clearly, | | | | | | AB BC AC + + 2 2 2 2 .
Hence A, B, C are collinear.
EXAMPLE 5. An equi lat eral trian gle has one vertex at the point ( , ) 0 0 and another at
( , ) 3 3 . Find the co-ordi nates of the third vertex.
Solution : Let O ( , ) 0 0 and A ( , ) 3 3 be the given
points and let B x y ( , ) be the required point. Then
OA OB AB
( ) `( ) ( ) OA OB AB
2 2 2

( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 3 0 3 0 0 0
2 2 2 2
+ + x y
+ ( ) ( ) x y 3 3
2 2
12 6 2 3 12
2 2 2 2
+ + + x y x y x y
Taking first two members then
x y
2 2
12 + (1)
and taking last two members then
6 2 3 12 x y + or y x 3 2 ( ) (2)
From (1) and (2), we get
x x
2 2
3 2 12 + ( ) or 4 12 0
2
x x
x 0 3 ,
Putting x 0 3 , in (2), we get y 2 3 3 ,
Hence, the co-ordinates of the third vertex B are ( , ) 0 2 3 or ( , ) 3 3 .
Short Cut Method : According to important note :
x x y y y y x x
1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1
3
2
3
2
+ + j
(
,
\
,
(
m ( )
,
( )
i.e.,
0 3 3 3 0
2
0 3 3 3 0
2
+ + j
(
,
\
,
(
m ( )
,
( )
or
3 3
2
3 3 3
2
m
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
( , ) 0 2 2 or ( , ) 3 3
EXAMPLE 6. Show that four points ( , ) 1 2 , ( , ) 3 6 , ( , ) 5 10 and ( , ) 3 2 are the verti ces of a
paral lel o gram.
Solution : Let A ( , ) 1 2 , B ( , ) 3 6 , C ( , ) 5 10 and D ( , ) 3 2 be the given points. Then
| | ( ) ( ) AB + + 1 3 2 6 4 64 2 17
2 2
| | ( ) ( ) BC + + 3 5 6 10 4 16 2 5
2 2
10 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
A
B
2
2
C
X' X
Y'
Y
O
(0, 0)
B(x, y)
(x, y)B
A(3, 3)
| | ( ) ( ) CD + + 5 3 10 2 4 64 2 17
2 2
| | ( ) ( ) AD + + 1 3 2 2 4 16 2 5
2 2
| | ( ) ( ) AC + + 1 5 2 10 16 144 4 10
2 2
and | | ( ) ( ) BD + 3 3 6 2 4
2 2

Clearly, | | | | AB CD , | | | | BC AD and | | | | AC BD
Hence ABCD is a parallelogram.
EXAMPLE 7. Let the oppo site angu lar points of a square be ( , ) 3 4 and ( , ) 1 1 . Find the
co-ordi nates of the remain ing angu lar points.
Solution : Let A( , ) 3 4 and C( , ) 1 1 be the given angular points of a square ABCD and let
B x y ( , ) be the unknown vertex. Then
AB BC
( ) ( ) AB BC
2 2

( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) x y x y + + + 3 4 1 1
2 2 2 2
4 10 23 0 x y +
x
y

j
(
,
\
,
(
23 10
4
(1)
Also in ABC,
( ) ( ) ( ) AB BC AC
2 2 2
+
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) x y x y + + + + 3 4 1 1
2 2 2 2
+ + ( ) ( ) 3 1 4 1
2 2
x y x y
2 2
4 3 1 0 + (2)
Substituting the value of x from (1) into (2), we get
23 10
4
4
23 10
4
3 1 0
2
2
j
(
,
\
,
(
+
j
(
,
\
,
(

y
y
y
y
4 12 5 0
2
y y + or ( )( ) 2 1 2 5 0 y y
y
1
2
or
5
2
Putting y
1
2
in (1), we get x
9
2
,
and putting y
5
2
in (1), we get x
1
2
Hence the required vertices of the square are
9
2
1
2
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
and
j
(
,
\
,
(
1
2
5
2
, .
EXAMPLE 8 Find the circumcentre of the trian gle whose verti ces are ( , ) 2 3 , ( , ) 1 0 and
( , ) 7 6 . Also find the radius of the circumcircle.
Solution : Let A ( , ) 2 3 , B ( , ) 1 0 and
C ( , ) 7 6 . Let P x y ( , ) be the circumcentre of
ABC.
Since P is the circumcentre
| | | | | | PA PB PC
( ) ( ) ( ) PA PB PC
2 2 2

CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 11
D C
A B
A(3, 4)
B x y ( , )
D
C(1, 1)
O
(1, 0)B
(2, 3)A
C(7, 6)
P
( x
,
y )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) x y x y + + + + + 2 3 1 0
2 2 2 2
+ + ( ) ( ) x y 7 6
2 2
x y x y x y x
2 2 2 2
4 6 13 2 1 + + + + + + +
+ + + x y x y
2 2
14 12 85
Taking first two members, we get
x y + + 3 6 0 (1)
and taking 1st and last member then, we get
3 12 0 x y (2)
Solving (1) and (2), we get
x 3, y 3
Hence circumcentre is ( , ) 3 3 .
Radius of the circumcircle + + PB ( ) ( ) 3 1 3 0
2 2
+ 16 9 5 units
EXAMPLE 9. If the line segment join ing the points A a b ( , ) and B c d ( , ) subtends an angle at
the origin O, prove that
cos
( )( )

+
+ +
ac bd
a b c d
2 2 2 2
or OA OB ac bd . cos +
Solution : Let OA r
1
and OB r
2
Now r OA a b
1
2 2
+ | | ( ) (1)
and r OB c d
2
2 2
+ | | ( ) (2)
Also | | ( ) ( ) AB a c b d +
2 2
+ + + a b c d ac bd
2 2 2 2
2 2
+ + r r ac bd
1
2
2
2
2( ) (from (1) and (2))
By using Cosine formula in AOB
cos
( ) ( ) ( )
.

+

OA OB AB
OA OB
2 2 2
2

+ + + r r r r ac bd
r r
1
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
1 2
2
2
( ( ))

+

+ 2
2
1 2 1 2
( ) ( ) ac bd
r r
ac bd
r r
(3)

+
+ +
( )
( ) ( )
ac bd
a b c d
2 2 2 2
(from (1) and (2))

+
+ +
( )
( )( )
ac bd
a b c d
2 2 2 2
Also from (3),
r r ac bd
1 2
cos + or OA OB ac bd . cos +
12 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
X' X
Y'
Y
O
A(a, b)
B(c, d)
r
1
r
2

For simplification we carefully choose the axes or the origin. Some situations
are given below :
(i) If two lines are perpendicular then point of intersection is taken as origin
and these lines must be taken as the co-ordinate axes.
(ii) If two fixed points A and B are given then we take | | AB a 2 and the mid
point of AB as origin O, line AOB as x-axis and the line perpendicular to
AB through O is taken as y-axis then the co-ordinates of the fixed points
are ( , ) a 0 . Similarly if AOB as y-axis and the line perpendicular to AB
through O is taken as x-axis then the co-ordinates of the fixed points are
( , ) 0 a .
(iii) If there is a symmetry of any kind then take the co-ordinates of the
points in a general way i e . . , ( , ) x y
i i
, i 1 2 3 , , , etc.
EXAMPLE 1. Show that the trian gle, the co-ordi nates of whose verti ces are given by inte -
gers, can never be an equi lat eral trian gle.
Solution : Let A ( , ) 0 0 , B a ( , ) 0 and C b c ( , ) be the vertices of equilateral triangle
ABC where a b c , , are integers then,
| | | | | | AB BC CA
( ) ( ) ( ) AB BC CA
2 2 2

a a b c b c
2 2 2 2 2
+ + ( )
From first two members we get
b c ab
2 2
2 + (1)
and taking first and third members then
b c a
2 2 2
+ (2)
From (1) and (2), we get a b 2 ( ) Q a 0
From (2), b c b
2 2 2
2 + ( )
or c b
2 2
3
or c b 3
which is impossible, since b and c are integers.
EXAMPLE 2. In any trian gle ABC, show that
AB AC AD BD
2 2 2 2
2 + + ( )
where D is the middle point of BC.
Solution : Let D as the origin and DC and DY
as the x and y axes respectively. Let BC a 2 , then
B a ( , ) 0 , C a ( , ) 0 and let A b c ( , )
Now,
LHS + AB AC
2 2
+ + + + ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) b a c b a c
2 2 2 2
0 0
+ + 2
2 2 2
( ) a b c (1)
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 13
CHOICE OF AXES
1.7
Y
Y'
X' X
D (0, 0) C a ( , 0) B a ( , 0)
A b c ( , )
and RHS + 2
2 2
( ) AD BD
+ + 2 0 0
2 2 2
{( ) ( ) } b c a
+ + 2
2 2 2
( ) a b c (2)
From (1) and (2), we get
AB AC AD BD
2 2 2 2
2 + + ( )
EXAMPLE 3. Let ABCD be a rect an gle and P be any point in its plane. Show that
PA PC PB PD
2 2 2 2
+ +
Solution : Let A as the origin and AB and AD as the x
and y axes respectively. Let AB a and AD b then
B a ( , ) 0 , D b ( , ) 0 and C a b ( , )
Let P ( , )
Now, LHS + PA PC
2 2
+ + + ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 0 0
2 2 2 2
a b
+ + + 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
a b a b (1)
and RHS + PB PD
2 2
+ + + ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) a b
2 2 2 2
0 0
+ + + 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
a b a b (2)
From (1) and (2), we get
PA PC PB PD
2 2 2 2
+ +
Let O be the pole and OX be the initial line.
Let P and Q be two given points whose polar
co-ordinates are ( , ) r
1 1
and ( , ) r
2 2

respectively.
Then OP r
1
, OQ r
2
and POX
1
, QOX
2
POQ
1 2

By using Cosine formula in POQ,
cos( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( )( )

+
POQ
OP OQ PQ
OP OQ
2 2 2
2
or cos( )
( )

1 2
1
2
2
2 2
1 2
2

+ r r PQ
r r

| | ( cos( )) PQ r r r r +
1
2
2
2
1 2 1 2
2
Always taking
1
and
2
in radians.
14 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO POINTS IN POLAR CO-ORDINATES
1.8
Y'
X' X
Y'
(0, b)D C(a, b)
P(, )
B(a, 0)
A(0, 0)
NOTE
P r ( , )
1 1

Q r ( , )
2 2

r
1
r
2
X
O
(

)
1
2

2
(Pole)
Initial line
EXAMPLE 1. Prove that the points ( , ) 0 0 , 3
2
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
and 3
6
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
are the verti ces of an equi lat -
eral trian gle.
Solution : Let A ( , ) 0 0 , B
j
(
,
\
,
(
3
2
,

and C
j
(
,
\
,
(
3
6
,

Here given co-ordinates are in polar form

| | ( cos AB +
j
(
,
\
,
(
0 3 2 0 3
2
0 3
2 2

units
| | cos BC +
j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(
3 3 2 3 3
2 6
2 2


j
(
,
\
,
(
18 18
6
18 9 3 sin ( )

units
and | | cos CA +
j
(
,
\
,
(
j
(
,
\
,
(
3 0 2 3 0
6
0 3
2 2

units
| | | | | | AB BC CA
Hence points A B C , , are the vertices of an equilateral triangle.
Alternative Method :
Q BAX

2
and CAX

6
BAC

2 6 3
Q In ABC, AB AC
ACB ABC ( ) say


+ +
3
or

3
Hence | | | | | | AB BC CA .
1. If the distance between the points ( , ) a 2 and ( , ) 3 4 be 8, then a
(a) 2 3 15 + (b) 2 3 15
(c) 2 3 15 (d) 3 2 15
2. The three points ( , ) 2 2 , ( , ) 8 2 and ( , ) 4 3 are the vertices of :
(a) an isosceles triangle (b) an equilateral triangle
(c) a right angled triangle (d) none of these
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 15
X
A(0, 0)
3
3
/3
/6
3,

6
C
3,

2
B
A. Objective

3. The distance between the points 3
4
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
and 7
5
4
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
is :
(a) 8 (b) 10
(c) 12 (d) 14
4. Let A( , ) 6 1 , B( , ) 1 3 and C x ( , ) 8 be three points such that AB BC then the value of x are :
(a) 3 5 , (b) 3 5 ,
(c) 3 5 , (d) 3 5 ,
5. The points ( , ) a + 1 1 , ( , ) 2 1 3 a + and ( , ) 2 2 2 a a + are collinear, if :
(a) a 1 2 , (b) a
1
2
2 ,
(c) a 2 1 , (d) a
1
2
2 ,
6. If A ( , ) 3 4 and B is a variable point on the lines | | x 6. If AB 4 then the number of
positions of B with integral co-ordinates is :
(a) 5 (b) 6
(c) 10 (d) 12
7. The number of points on x-axis which are at a distance c units ( ) c < 3 from ( , ) 2 3 is :
(a) 1 (b) 2
(c) 0 (d) 3
8. The point on the axis of y which its equidistant from ( , ) 1 2 and ( , ) 3 4 , is :
(a) ( , ) 0 3 (b) ( , ) 0 4
(c) ( , ) 0 5 (d) ( , ) 0 6
1. Find the distance between the points ( , ) at at
1
2
1
2 and ( , ) at at
2
2
2
2 , where t
1
and t
2
are the roots of the equation x x
2
2 3 2 0 + and a > 0.

2. If P at at ( , )
2
2 , Q
a
t
a
t
2
2
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
and S a ( , ) 0 be any three points, show that
1 1
SP SQ
+ is
independent of t.
3. Prove that the points ( , ) 3 4 , ( , ) 8 6 and ( , ) 13 9 are the vertices of a right angled
triangle.
4. Show that the points ( , ) 0 1 , ( , ) 6 7 , ( , ) 2 3 and ( , ) 8 3 are the vertices of a rectangle.
5. Find the circumcentre and circumradius of the triangle whose vertices are ( , ) 2 3 ,
( , ) 2 1 and ( , ) 4 0 .
6. The vertices of a triangle are A( , ) 1 1 , B( , ) 4 5 and C( , ) 6 13 . Find cos A.
7. Two opposite vertices of a square are ( , ) 2 6 and ( , ) 0 2 . Find the co-ordinates of the
other vertices.
8. If the point ( , ) x y is equidistant from the points ( , ) a b b a + and ( , ) a b a b + , prove
that bx ay .
9. If a and b are real numbers between 0 and 1 such that the points ( , ) a 1 , ( , ) 1 b and
( , ) 0 0 form an equilateral triangle, find a and b.
10. An equilateral triangle has one vertex at ( , ) 3 4 and another at ( , ) 2 3 . Find the
co-ordinates of the third vertex.
11. If P be any point in the plane of square ABCD, prove that
PA PC PB PD
2 2 2 2
+ +
16 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
B. Subjective
Definition : If P be any point on the line AB
between A and B then we say that P divides segment AB
AB internally in the ratio AP PB : .
Also, if P be any point on the line AB but not
between A and B ( P may be to the right or the left of
the points A B , ) then P divides AB externally in the ratio
AP PB :

AP
PB

Positive, in internally division

Negative, in externally division

(1) Formula for Inter nal Divi sion
Theorem : If the point P x y ( , ) divides the line segment joining the points
A x y ( , )
1 1
and B x y ( , )
2 2
internally in the ratio m n : , then prove that
x
mx nx
m n
y
my ny
m n

+
+

+
+
2 1 2 1
,
Proof : The given points are A x y ( , )
1 1
and
B x y ( , )
2 2
. Let us assume that the points A and B
are both in 1st quadrant (for the sake of
exactness). Since P x y ( , ) divides AB internally in
the ratio m n : i e . . , AP PB m n : : . From A B ,
and P draw AL, BM and PN perpendiculars to
x-axis. From A and P draw AH and PJ
perpendiculars to PN and BM respectively then
OL x ON x OM x AL y
1 2 1
, , , , PN y
and BM y
2
AH LN ON OL x x
1

PJ NM OM ON x x
2
PH PN HN PN AL y y
1
and BJ BM JM BM PN y y
2
Clearly, the s AHP and PJB are similar and therefore, their sides are
proportional

AH
PJ
PH
BJ
AP
PB

or
x x
x x
y y
y y
m
n

1
2
1
2
(i) (ii) (iii)
From (i) and (iii), we have
x x
x x
m
n

1
2

nx nx mx mx
1 2
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 17
SECTION FORMULAE
1.9
NOTE
O
Y'
X' X
Y
P
B(x , y )
2 2
A
(x ,y )
1 1
J
H
L N M
(
x
,

y
)
m
n
A
P
B
A
B
P
B
A
P
( ) m n x mx nx + +
2 1
x
mx nx
m n

+
+
2 1
and from (ii) and (iii), we have
y y
y y
m
n

1
2
ny ny my my
1 2
( ) m n y my ny + +
2 1
y
my ny
m n

+
+
2 1
Thus, the co-ordinates of P are
mx nx
m n
my ny
m n
2 1 2 1
+
+
+
+
j
(
,
\
,
(
, .
Corollary 1 : The above section formula is true for all positions of the points
( . . , i e either point or both points are not in the 1st quadrant), keeping in mind, the
proper signs of their co-ordinates.
Corollary 2 : If P is the mid point of AB then m n , the co-ordinates of the
middle point of AB are
x x y y
1 2 1 2
2 2
+ +
j
(
,
\
,
(
,
1. If P ( , ) be the mid point of AB and if co-ordinates of A are ( , ) then the
co-ordinates of B are ( , ) 2 2 , i e . . , (Double the x-co-ordinate of mid
point x-co-ordinate of given point, Double the y-co-ordinate of mid point
y-co-ordinate of given point).
2. The following diagram will help to remember the section formula.
3. For finding ratio, use ratio : 1 then co-ordinates of P are
x x y y
1 2 1 2
1 1
+
+
+
+
j
(
,
\
,
( , .
If is positive then divides internally and if is negative then divides externally.
4. The straight line ax by c + + 0 divides the
joint of points A x y ( , )
1 1
and B x y ( , )
2 2
in
the ratio

AP
PB

1

+ +
+ +
( )
( )
ax by c
ax by c
1 1
2 2
If ratio is positive then divides internally
and if ratio is negative then divides
externally.
18 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
NOTE
A
(x , y )
1 1
P (x, y)
B
(x , y )
2 2
m n
A
(x , y )
1 1
B
(x , y )
2 2
P
a
x
+
b
y
+
c
=
0
1
Proof : Co-ordinates of P are
x x y y
1 2 1 2
1 1
+
+
+
+
j
(
,
\
,
( ,
Q P lies on the line ax by c + + 0, then
a
x x
b
y y
c
1 2 1 2
1 1
0
+
+
j
(
,
\
,
( +
+
+
j
(
,
\
,
( +
or ( ) ( ) ax by c ax by c
1 1 2 2
0 + + + + +
or

+ +
+ + 1
1 1
2 2
( )
( )
ax by c
ax by c
5. The line joining the points ( , ) x y
1 1
and ( , ) x y
2 2
is divided by the x-axis in the
ratio
y
y
1
2
and by y-axis in the ratio
x
x
1
2
.
6. In square, rhombus, rectangle and parallelogram diagonals bisect to each other.
EXAMPLE 1. Find the co-ordi nates of the point which divides the line segment join ing the
points ( , ) 5 2 and ( , ) 9 6 in the ratio 3 : 1.
Solution : Let the required point be (x y , ), then
x
+
+
j
(
,
\
,
(
3 9 1 5
3 1
8 and y
+
+
j
(
,
\
,
(
3 6 1 2
3 1
4
( )
Thus the co-ordinates of the required point are ( , ) 8 4 .
EXAMPLE 2. Find the length of median through A of a trian gle whose verti ces are
A B ( , ), ( , ) 1 3 1 1 and C ( , ) 5 1 .
Solution : Let D be the mid point of BC, then
co-ordinates of D are
1 5
2
1 1
2
+ + j
(
,
\
,
(
, i e . . , ( , ) 3 0
Median AD + + ( ) ( ) 3 1 0 3
2 2
+ 16 9 25
5 units
EXAMPLE 3. Deter mine the ratio in which y x + 2 0 divides the line join ing ( , ) 3 1 and
( , ) 8 9 .
Solution : Suppose the line y x + 2 0 divides the line segment joining A ( , ) 3 1 and
B ( , ) 8 9 in the ratio : 1 at point P, then the co-ordinates of the point P are
8 3
1
9 1
1
+
+

+
j
(
,
\
,
( , .
But P lies on y x + 2 0 therefore
9 1
1
8 3
1
2 0

+
j
(
,
\
,
(
+
+
j
(
,
\
,
( +
9 1 8 3 2 2 0 + +
3 2 0 or
2
3
So, the required ratio is
2
3
1 : , i e . . , 2 : 3 (internally) since here is positive.
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 19
A
(1, 3)
B(1, 1)
D(3, 0)
C(5, 1)
Short Cut Method : According to Note 4 :

+
+
j
(
,
\
,
(
1 3 2
9 8 2

2
3
or : : 1 2 3
EXAMPLE 4. The co-ordi nates of three consec u tive verti ces of a paral lel o gram are
( , ), ( , ) 1 3 1 2 and ( , ). 2 5 Then find the co-ordi nates of the fourth vertex.
Solution : Let the fourth vertex be D ( , ) . Since ABCD is a parallelogram, the diagonals
bisect to each other.
i e . . , mid point of BD = mid point of AC

+ j
(
,
\
,
(

+ + j
(
,
\
,
(
1
2
2
2
2 1
2
5 3
2
, ,
or
+ \
,
(
j
(
,

j
(
,
\
,
(
1
2
2
2
3
2
4 , ,
On equating abscissaes and ordinates, we get

1
2
3
2
or 1 3 or 4
and
+

2
2
4 or + 2 8 or 6
Hence the co-ordinates of the fourth vertex D ( , ) is ( , ) 4 6 .
EXAMPLE 5. In what ratio does x-axis divide the line segment join ing ( , ) 2 3 and ( , ) 5 6 ?
Solution : Let the given points be A ( , ) 2 3 and B ( , ) 5 6 . Let AB be divided by the
x-axis at P x ( , ) 0 in the ratio : 1 internally. Considering the ordinate of P, then
0
6 1 3
1

+
+
( )
or
1
2
The ratio is
1
2
1 : i e . . , 1 : 2 (Internally)
Short Cut Method :
According to Note 5 :

1
3
6
1
2
1
2
y
y
( )
The ratio is
1
2
1 : i e . . , 1 : 2 (internally)
EXAMPLE 6. The mid points of the sides of a trian gle are ( , ), ( , ) 1 2 0 1 and ( , ). 2 1 Find
the co-ordi nates of the verti ces of a trian gle with the help of two unknowns.
Solution : Let D E ( , ), ( , ) 1 2 0 1 and F ( , ) 2 1 be the mid points of BC CA , and AB
respectively.
Let the co-ordinates of A be ( , ) then co-ordinates of B and C are ( , ) 4 2 and
( , ) 2 respectively (see note 1)
20 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
O
X
B(5, 6)
A(2, 3)
P(x, 0)
1

A(1, 3)
C
(
2
, 5
)
B(1, 2)
D(1, 2)
E
(0, 1)
F
(2, 1)
Q D is the mid point of B and C
then 1
4
2

1 2 or 1
and 2
2 2
2

2 2 or 4
Hence co-ordinates of A B , and C are
( , ), ( , ) 1 4 3 2 and ( , ) 1 2 respectively.
EXAMPLE 7. Prove that in a right angled trian gle the mid point of the hypot e nuse is
equi dis tant from its verti ces.
Solution : Let the given right angled triangle be ABC,
with right angled at B. We take B as the origin and BA
and BC as the x and y axes respectively.
Let BA a and BC b
then A a ( , ) 0 and C b ( , ) 0
Let M to be the mid point of the hypotenuse AC,
then co-ordinates of M are
a b
2 2
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
| |
( )
AM a
a b a b

j
(
,
\
,
(
+
j
(
,
\
,
(

+
2
0
2 2
2 2 2 2
... (1)
| |
( )
BM
a b a b

j
(
,
\
,
(
+
j
(
,
\
,
(

+
0
2
0
2 2
2 2 2 2
(2)
and | | CM
a
b
b

j
(
,
\
,
(
+
j
(
,
\
,
(
0
2 2
2 2

+ ( ) a b
2 2
2
(3)
From (1), (2) and (3), we get
| | | | | | AM BM CM
EXAMPLE 8 Show that the line join ing the mid points of any two sides of a trian gle is half
the third side.
Solution : We take O as the origin and OC and
OY as the x and y axes respectively.
Let BC a 2 then B a C a ( , ), ( , ) 0 0
Let A b c ( , ), if E and F are the mid points of
sides AC and AB respectively.
Then E
a b c

+ j
(
,
\
,
(
2 2
, and F
b a c

j
(
,
\
,
(
2 2
,
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 21
Y'
X'
X
Y
B(0, 0) A(a, 0)
C(0, b)
M
a
2
b
2
Y
Y'
X'
X
O C a ( , 0)
B a ( , 0)
A b c ( , )
F E
a b +
2
c
2
b a
2
c
2
Now FE
a b b a c c
a
+

j
(
,
\
,
(
+
j
(
,
\
,
(

2 2 2 2
2 2

1
2
2
1
2
( ) ( ) a BG
Hence the line joining the mid points of any two sides of a triangle is half the third
side.
(2) Formula for Exter nal Divi sion
Theorem : If the point P x y ( , ) divides the line joining the points A x y ( , )
1 1
and B x y ( , )
2 2
externally in the ratio m n : then prove that
x
mx nx
m n
y
my ny
m n

2 1 2 1
,
Proof : The given points are A x y ( , )
1 1
and
B x y ( , )
2 2
. Let us assume that the points A and B
are both in the 1st quadrant (for the sake of
exactness). Let P x y ( , ) be the point which
divides AB externally in the ratio m n : , so that
AP
BP
m
n
.
From A B , and P draw AL BM , and PN
perpendiculars on x-axis. Also from A and B draw
AR and BS perpendiculars on PN,
then AR LN ON OL x x
1
BS MN ON OM x x
2
PR PN RN PN AL y y
1
and PS PN SN PN BM y y
2
Clearly, the s APR and BPS are similar and therefore their sides are
proportional.

AP
PB
AR
BS
PR
PS

or
m
n
x x
x x
y y
y y

1
2
1
2
(i) (ii) (iii)
From (i) and (ii), we have

m
n
x x
x x

1
2
mx mx nx nx
2 1

( ) m n x mx nx
2 1
or x
mx nx
m n

2 1

Also from (i) and (iii), we have

m
n
y y
y y

1
2
22 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
O
Y'
X' X
Y
B
P(x, y)
A
(x ,y )
1 1
S
R
L N M
(
x
,

y
)
2
2
my my ny ny
2 1
( ) m n y my ny
2 1

or y
my ny
m n

2 1
Thus the co-ordinates of P are
mx nx
m n
my ny
m n
2 1 2 1

j
(
,
\
,
(
, . (Here m n )
Corollary 1 : The above formula is true for all positions of the points,
keeping in mind, the proper signs of their co-ordinates.
Corollary 2 : The above co-ordinates can also be expressed as
mx n x
m n
my n y
m n
2 1 2 1
+
+
+
+
j
(
,
\
,
(
( )
( )
,
( )
( )
and this can be thought of as the co-ordi nates of the point divid ing AB inter nally
in the ratio m n :
Corollary 3 : Q
AP
PB
m
n

or
AP
PB
m
n
1 1
or
AP PB
PB
m n
n

or
AB
PB
m n
n

Now we can say that B divides AP in the ratio m n n : internally.
i e . . , x
m n x nx
m n n
2
1

+
+
( )
( )
x
mx nx
m n

2 1
and y
m n y ny
m n n
2
1

+
+
( )
( )
y
my ny
m n

2 1

Corollary 4 : (for proving A, B and C are collinear)
If A B C , , three points are collinear then let C divides AB in the ratio : 1
internally.
If + ve rational then divide internally
and if ve rational then divide externally.
1. The following diagram will help to remember the section formula
2. Let
m
n
then
mx nx
m n
my ny
m n
2 1 2 1

j
(
,
\
,
( ,
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 23
A
x y ( , )
1 1
B
x y ( , )
2 2
P
( ) x, y
NOTE
A x y ( , )
1 1
B x y ( , )
2 2
m
n

+
or
m
n
x x
m
n
m
n
y y
m
n
2 1 2 1
1 1

j
(
,
,
,
\
,
(
(
(
, or




j
(
,
\
,
(
x x y y
2 1 2 1
1 1
,
EXAMPLE 1. Find the co-ordi nates of a point which divides exter nally the line join ing
( , ) 1 3 and ( , ) 3 9 in the ratio 1 : 3.
Solution : Let the co-ordinates of the required point be P x y ( , ).
Then x

j
(
,
\
,
(
1 3 3 1
1 3
( )
and y

j
(
,
\
,
(
1 9 3 3
1 3
( )
i e . . , x 3 and y 9
Hence the required point is ( , ) 3 9 .
EXAMPLE 2. The line segment join ing A( , ) 6 3 to B ( , ) 1 4 is doubled in length by having
its length added to each end. Find the co-ordi nates of the new ends.
Solution : Let P and Q be the required new ends
Let the co-ordinates of P be ( , ) x y
1 1
Given AB AP 2

AB
AP

2
1

i e . . , A divides BP internally in the ratio 2 : 1.
Then 6
2 1 1
2 1
1

+
+
x ( )
19 2
1
x or x
1
19
2

and 3
2 1 4
2 1
1

+
+
y ( )
13 2
1
y or y
1
13
2

Co-ordinates of P are
19
2
13
2
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
.
Also let co-ordinates of Q be ( , ) x y
2 2
Given AB BQ 2

AB
BQ

2
1
i e . . , B divides AQ internally in the ratio 2 : 1
Then
+
+
1
2 1 6
2 1
2
x
9 2
2
x or x
2
9
2

and
+
+
4
2 1 3
2 1
2
y
15 2
2
y or y
2
15
2

Co-ordinates of Q are
j
(
,
\
,
(
9
2
15
2
,
Alternative Method :
Q AB AP 2

AB
AP

2
1

AB
AP
+ + 1
2
1
1
24 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
Q x y ( , )
2 2
P x y ( , )
1 1
A(6, 3)
B(1, 4)

AB AP
AP
+

3
1

BP
AP

3
1
P divides AB externally in the ratio 1 : 3
Then x
1
1 1 3 6
1 3
19
2

( )
and y
1
1 4 3 3
1 3
13
2

( )
Co-ordinates of P are
19
2
13
2
,
j
(
,
\
,
(
Also AB BQ 2

AB
BQ

2
1

AB
BQ
+ + 1
2
1
1

AB BQ
BQ
+

3
1


AQ
BQ

3
1
Q divides AB externally in the ratio 3 : 1
then x
2
3 1 1 6
3 1
9
2

( )
and y
2
3 4 1 3
3 1
15
2

( )
Co-ordinates of Q are
j
(
,
\
,
(
9
2
15
2
, .
EXAMPLE 3. Using section formula show that the points ( , ), ( , ) 1 1 2 1 and ( , ) 4 5 are
collin ear.
Solution : Let A B ( , ), ( , ) 1 1 2 1 and C ( , ) 4 5
Suppose C divides AB in the ratio : 1 internally then
4
2 1 1
1

+
+
4 4 2 1 + +
or
3
2
i e . . , C divides AB in the ratio 3 : 2 (externally).
Hence A B C , , are collinear.
EXAMPLE 4. Find the ratio in which the point ( , ) 2 y divides the line segment join ing (4, 3)
and ( , ) 6 3 and hence find the value of y.
Solution : Let A B ( , ), ( , ) 4 3 6 3 and P y ( , ) 2
Let P divides AB internally in the ratio : 1
then 2
6 4
1

+
+
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 25
A(1, 1)
C(4, 5)
B(2, 1)
2 2 6 4 + +
4 2
or
1
2

P divides AB externally in the ratio 1 : 2 (Q is negative)
Now y

1 3 2 3
1 2
3
(3) Harmonic Conju gates :
If four points in a line, then the system is said to form a range. Let four points
say P Q R S , , , .
If the range ( , ) PQ RS has a cross ratio equal to 1, then it is called harmonic.
i e . . ,
PR
RQ
SQ
SP
. 1

PR
RQ
SP
SQ
(say)

PR
RQ

1
PR RQ : : 1 (internally)
and
SP
SQ


1
PS SQ : : 1 (externally)
Hence R and S are called the harmonic conjugates to each other with
respect to the points P and Q.
EXAMPLE 1 Find the harmonic conju gates of the point R ( , ) 5 1 with respect to the points
P ( , ) 2 10 and Q ( , ). 6 2
Solution : Let S ( , ) be the harmonic conjugates of the point R( , ) 5 1 . Suppose R
divides PQ in the ratio : 1 internally then S divides PQ in the ratio : 1
externally then
5
6 2
1

+
+

5 5 6 2 + +
3
Also, 1
2 10
1

+
+
+ + 1 2 10
3 9
3
Now,

3 6 1 2
3 1
8
and

3 2 1 10
3 1
8
( )
Hence harmonic conjugates of R( , ) 5 1 is S( , ). 8 8
26 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
P
S
Q
R
S(, )
P(2, 10)
R(5, 1)
Q(6, 2)
A(2, 3) B(4, 3) C(6, 3)
Definition : The point of intersection of the medians of a triangle is called
the centroid of the triangle and it divides the median internally in the ratio 2 : 1.
Theorem : Prove that the co-ordinates of the centroid of the triangle whose
vertices are ( , ), ( , ) x y x y
1 1 2 2
and ( , ) x y
3 3
are
x x x y y y
1 2 3 1 2 3
3 3
+ + + +
j
(
,
\
,
(
,
Also deduce that the medians of a triangle are concurrent.
Proof : Let A x y B x y ( , ), ( , )
1 1 2 2
and C x y ( , )
3 3
be the vertices of the
triangle ABC. Let us assume that the points A B , and C are in the 1st quadrant (for
the sake of exactness) whose
medians are AD BE , and CF
respectively so D E , and F are
respectively the mid points of
BC CA , and AB then the
co-ordinates of D E F , , are
D
x x y y

+ +
j
(
,
\
,
(
2 3 2 3
2 2
,
E
x x y y

+ +
j
(
,
\
,
(
3 1 3 1
2 2
,
and F
x x y y

+ +
j
(
,
\
,
(
1 2 1 2
2 2
,
The co-ordinates of a point dividing AD in the ratio 2 1 : are
2
2
1
2 1
2
2
1
2 1
2 3
1
2 3
1

+
j
(
,
\
,
(
+
+

+
j
(
,
\
,
(
+
+
j
(
,
,
,
x x
x
y y
y
,
,
\
,
(
(
(
(
or
x x x y y y
1 2 3 1 2 3
3 3
+ + + +
j
(
,
\
,
(
,
and the co-ordinates of a point dividing BE in the ratio 2 : 1 are
2
2
1
2 1
2
2
1
2 1
3 1
2
3 1
2

+
j
(
,
\
,
(
+
+

+
j
(
,
\
,
(
+
+
j
(
,
,
,
x x
x
y y
y
,
,
\
,
(
(
(
(
or
x x x y y y
1 2 3 1 2 3
3 3
+ + + +
j
(
,
\
,
(
,
Similarly the co-ordinates of a point dividing CF in the ratio 2 1 : are
x x x y y y
1 2 3 1 2 3
3 3
+ + + +
j
(
,
\
,
(
,
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 27
CENTROID OF A TRIANGLE
1.10
O
Y'
X'
X
Y
A(x , y )
1 1
E
D
C(x , y )
3 3
x +x
3 1
2
y +y
3 1
2
x +x
2 3
2
y +y
2 3
2
x +x
1 2
2
y +y
1 2
2
F
B(x , y )
2 2
G
The common point which divides AD BE , and CF in the ratio 2 1 : is
x x x y y y
1 2 3 1 2 3
3 3
+ + + +
j
(
,
\
,
(
,
Hence medians of a triangle are concurrent and the co-ordinates of the
centroid are
x x x y y y
1 2 3 1 2 3
3 3
+ + + +
j
(
,
\
,
(
,
Important theorem : Centroid of the triangle obtained by joining the
middle points of the sides of a triangle is the same as the centroid of the original
triangle.
Or
If ( , ), ( , ) a b a b
1 1 2 2
and ( , ) a b
3 3
are the mid points of the sides of a triangle,
then its centroid is given by
a a a b b b
1 2 3 1 2 3
3 3
+ + + +
j
(
,
\
,
(
,
Proof : Let D E F , , are the mid points of BC CA , and AB respectively now let
co-ordinates of A are ( , ) then co-ordinates of B and C are ( , ) 2 2
3 3
a b
and ( , ) 2 2
2 2
a b are respectively.
Q D a b ( , )
1 1
is the mid point of B and C, then
2 2 2
1 3 2
a a a + + a a a
2 3 1
and 2 2 2
1 3 2
b b b +
+ b b b
2 3 1
Now, co-ordinates of B are ( , ) 2 2
3 3
a b
or ( , ) a a a b b b
3 1 2 3 1 2
+ +
and co-ordinates of C are ( , ) 2 2
2 2
a b
or ( , ) a a a b b b
2 1 3 2 1 3
+ +
Hence co-ordinates of A B C , and are
A a a a b b b + + ( , )
2 3 1 2 3 1
,
B a a a b b b + + ( , )
3 1 2 3 1 2
and C a a a b b b + + ( , )
2 1 3 2 1 3
Co-ordinates of centroid of triangle ABC are
a a a b b b
1 2 3 1 2 3
3 3
+ + + +
j
(
,
\
,
(
,
which is same as the centroid of triangle DEF.
Corollary 1 : If mid points of the sides of a triangle are ( , ) x y
1 1
, ( , ) x y
2 2
and ( , ) x y
3 3
then co-ordinates of the original triangle are
( , ) x x x y y y
2 3 1 2 3 1
+ + , ( , ) x x x y y y
3 1 2 3 1 2
+ +
and ( , ). x x x y y y
1 2 3 1 2 3
+ +
28 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
A(, )
E(a , b )
2 2
D(a , b )
1 1
(a , b )F
3 3
B C
Corollary 2 : If two vertices of a triangle are ( , ) x y
1 1
and ( , ) x y
2 2
and the
co-ordinates of centroid are ( , ) then co-ordinates of the third vertex are
( , ) 3 3
1 2 1 2
x x y y
Corol lary 3 : Accord ing to impor tant theo rem s ABC and DEF are simi lar

Area of
Area of

ABC
DEF
BC
EF

( )
( )
2
2

+
+

4
4
2 3
2
2 3
2
2 3
2
2 3
2
{ ( ) ( ) }
{( ) ( ) }
a a b b
a a b b
Area of ABC 4 Area of DEF
i e . . , Area of a triangle is four times the area of the triangle formed by joining
the mid points of its sides.
EXAMPLE 1. Two verti ces of a trian gle are ( , ) 1 4 and ( , ) 5 2 . If its centroid is ( , ) 0 3 , find
the third vertex.
Solution : Let the third vertex be ( , ) x y then the co-ordinates of the centroid of triangle
are
+ + + + j
(
,
\
,
(
1 5
3
4 2
3
x y
, i e . . ,
4
3
6
3
+ + j
(
,
\
,
(
x y
,
Now,
4
3
6
3
0 3
+ + j
(
,
\
,
(

x y
, ( , )

4
3
0
+

x
and
6
3
+ y
3
4 0 + x and y + 6 9
or x 4 and y 15
Hence the third vertex is ( , ). 4 15
Short Cut Method : According to corollary 2 :
( , ) ( ( ) , ( ) ) x y 3 0 1 5 3 3 4 2 ( , ) 4 15
EXAMPLE 2. The verti ces of a trian gle are ( , ), ( , ) ( , ). 1 2 3 4 h k and Find the value of
{( ) ( ) } h k h k + + +
2 2
3 . If the centroid of the trian gle be at the point ( , ) 5 1 .
Solution : Here
1 4
3
5
+

h
and
2 3
3
1
+

k
then we get h k 18 2 ,
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) h k h k + + + +
2 2 2 2
3 18 2 18 6
+ ( ) 16 12 20
2 2
EXAMPLE 3. If D E ( , ), ( , ) 2 3 4 3 and F ( , ) 4 5 are the mid points of the sides BC CA , and
AB of trian gle ABC, then find (| | | | | | ) AG BG CG
2 2 2
+ where G is the centroid of ABC.
Solution : Let the co-ordinates of A be ( , )
then co-ordinates of B are ( , ) 8 10
and co-ordinates of C are ( , ) 8 6
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS AND CO-ORDINATES 29
Q D is the mid point of BC then

8 8
2
2
+


and
10 6
2
3

i e . . , 10 and 1
Co-ordinates of A B C , , are ( , ), ( , ) 10 1 2 11 and
( , ) 2 5 respectively.
Now co-ordinates of centroid
G
+ j
(
,
\
,
(
10 2 2
3
1 11 5
3
,
i e . . , G
j
(
,
\
,
(
2
5
3
,
AG +
j
(
,
\
,
(
( ) 10 2 1
5
3
2
2

+
j
(
,
\
,
(
64
64
9
8
3
10 ( )
BG +
j
(
,
\
,
(
( ) 2 2 11
5
3
2
2

+ 16
28
9
4
3
58
2
( )
( )
and CG +
j
(
,
\
,
(
( ) 2 2 5
5
3
2
2
+
j
(
,
\
,
(
16
400
9
4
3
34 ( )
Hence (| | | | | | ) AG BG CG
2 2 2
+ +
j
(
,
\
,
(
64
9
10
16
9
58
16
9
34
+
32
9
20 29 17 ( )

j
(
,
\
,
(

32
9
32
32
3
EXAMPLE 4. If G be the centroid of the ABC and O be any other point in the plane of the
trian gle ABC, then show that
OA OB OC GA GB GC GO
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 + + + + + .
Solution : Let G be the origin and GO be x-axis.
O a A x y B x y ( , ), ( , ), ( , ) 0
1 1 2 2
and C x y ( , )
3 3
Now, LHS + + OA OB OC
2 2 2

+ + ( ) x a y
1
2
1
2
( ) ( ) x a y x a y
2
2
2
2
3
2
3
2
+ + +
+ + + + + ( ) ( ) x x x y y y
1
2
2
2
3
2
1
2
2
2
3
2
+ + + 2 3
1 2 3
2
a x x x a ( )
+ +

x y a
1
2
1
2 2
0 3
Q
x x x
i e x x x
1 2 3
1 2 3
3
0
0
+ +

+ +
j
(
,
,
\
,
(
(
. . ,
+ +

x y a
1
2
1
2 2
3 ...(1)
30 CO-ORDINATE GEOMETRY
B(2, 11)
A(10, 1)
C(2, 5)
F(4, 5)
(2, 3)D
E(4, 3)