Coordinate geometry, also known as analytic geometry, is a branch of mathematics that combines algebra and geometry. It uses a coordinate system to geometrically represent and solve algebraic equations. This system allows us to describe geometric shapes and their properties using numerical coordinates and algebraic equations.
The foundation of coordinate geometry lies in the Cartesian coordinate system, developed by Ren Descartes in the 17th century. This system uses a horizontal line (x-axis) and a vertical line (y-axis) that intersect at a point called the origin (0,0).
Before diving into formulas, it's essential to understand some basic concepts:
The distance formula calculates the length of the line segment between two points in a coordinate plane.
The section formula helps find the coordinates of a point that divides a line segment internally in a given ratio.
A special case of the section formula where the point divides the line segment in a 1:1 ratio.
The slope (gradient) of a line indicates its steepness and direction.
Various forms to represent the equation of a straight line:
| Form | Formula | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Slope-Intercept Form | y = mx + c | m = slope, c = y-intercept |
| Point-Slope Form | y - y = m(x - x) | Line passing through (x,y) with slope m |
| Two-Point Form | (y - y) = [(y - y)/(x - x)](x - x) | Line passing through (x,y) and (x,y) |
| Intercept Form | x/a + y/b = 1 | a = x-intercept, b = y-intercept |
| Standard Form | Ax + By + C = 0 | Where A, B, C are constants |
| Normal Form | x cos + y sin = p | p = length of perpendicular from origin, = angle |
Formula to find the perpendicular distance from a point to a line.
A circle is set of all points in a plane at a fixed distance (radius) from a fixed point (center).
| Form | Formula | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Form | (x - h) + (y - k) = r | Center at (h,k), radius = r |
| General Form | x + y + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 | Center at (-g,-f), radius = (g + f - c) |
| Circle at Origin | x + y = r | Center at (0,0), radius = r |
A parabola is the locus of points equidistant from a fixed point (focus) and a fixed line (directrix).
| Type | Formula | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Parabola | (x - h) = 4p(y - k) | Center at (h,k), focus (h,k+p) |
| Horizontal Parabola | (y - k) = 4p(x - h) | Center at (h,k), focus (h+p,k) |
| Open Upward | x = 4ay | Focus (0,a), vertex at origin |
| Open Downward | x = -4ay | Focus (0,-a), vertex at origin |
| Open Rightward | y = 4ax | Focus (a,0), vertex at origin |
| Open Leftward | y = -4ax | Focus (-a,0), vertex at origin |
An ellipse is the set of all points where the sum of the distances from two fixed points (foci) is constant.
| Type | Formula | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Ellipse | (x-h)/a + (y-k)/b = 1 | Center (h,k), major axis horizontal |
| Vertical Ellipse | (x-h)/b + (y-k)/a = 1 | Center (h,k), major axis vertical |
| Standard Horizontal | x/a + y/b = 1 | Center at origin, a > b |
| Standard Vertical | x/b + y/a = 1 | Center at origin, a > b |
A hyperbola is the set of all points where the difference of distances from two fixed points (foci) is constant.
| Type | Formula | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Hyperbola | (x-h)/a - (y-k)/b = 1 | Center (h,k), transverse axis horizontal |
| Vertical Hyperbola | (y-k)/a - (x-h)/b = 1 | Center (h,k), transverse axis vertical |
| Standard Horizontal | x/a - y/b = 1 | Center at origin |
| Standard Vertical | y/a - x/b = 1 | Center at origin |
| Rectangular Hyperbola | xy = c | Asymptotes are x-axis and y-axis |
Extending coordinate geometry to three dimensions using x, y, and z axes.
| Formula Type | Formula |
|---|---|
| Distance between Points | d = [(x-x) + (y-y) + (z-z)] |
| Section Formula (Internal) | x = (mx+nx)/(m+n), y = (my+ny)/(m+n), z = (mz+nz)/(m+n) |
| Direction Cosines | cos + cos + cos = 1 |
| Plane Equation | A(x-x) + B(y-y) + C(z-z) = 0 |
| Sphere Equation | (x-a) + (y-b) + (z-c) = r |
Coordinate geometry has numerous applications in various fields:
| Relationship | Formula |
|---|---|
| Distance between Parallel Lines (Ax + By + C = 0 and Ax + By + C = 0) | d = |C - C|/(A + B) |
| Condition for Lines to be Perpendicular (m, m) | m m = -1 |
| Condition for Lines to be Parallel (m, m) | m = m |
| Angle between Lines (m, m) | tan() = |(m - m)/(1 + mm)| |
| Area of Triangle with vertices (x,y), (x,y), (x,y) | Area = |[x(y-y) + x(y-y) + x(y-y)]/2| |
| Condition of Collinearity | Area of triangle = 0 |
