We know that coordinate geometry is an important topic for you. In this article, we will explore two-dimensional coordinate geometry, an essential tool for describing the position of points in a plane.
Coordinate geometry in two dimensional plane
In coordinate geometry, we use a pair of numbers called coordinates to represent the position of a point in a plane. The two numbers are usually denoted by (x,y), where x is the horizontal coordinate and y is the vertical coordinate. The point where the two axes intersect is called the origin, and it has coordinates (0,0).
Distance between two points
The distance between two points in a plane can be found using the distance formula:
d = sqrt[(x2 - x1)² + (y2 - y1)²]
where (x1,y1) and (x2,y2) are the coordinates of the two points.
Reflection of a point across the x-axis
To reflect a point across the x-axis, we simply change the sign of the y-coordinate. For example, if we have a point (x,y), its reflection across the x-axis is (x,-y).
Reflection of a point across the y-axis
To reflect a point across the y-axis, we simply change the sign of the x-coordinate. For example, if we have a point (x,y), its reflection across the Y-axis is (-x,y).
Section formula
The section formula is used to find the coordinates of a point that lies on a line segment joining two given points. If we have two points A(x1,y1) and B(x2,y2), and we want to find the coordinates of a point P that divides the line segment AB in the ratio m:n, then the coordinates of P are given by:
P = ((mx2 + nx1) / (m + n),(my2 + ny1) / (m + n))
Solved examples
Example 1:
Find the distance between the points A(2,3) and B(5,7).
✅ Solution: d = sqrt[(5 - 2)² + (7 - 3)²] = sqrt(3² + 4²) = sqrt(9 + 16) = sqrt(25) = 5.
Example 2:
Find the point P that divides the line segment joining A(-3,2) and B(7,8) in the ratio 2:3.
✅ Solution:
1. Let the coordinates of P be (x,y).
2. Then x = [2 * 7 + 3 * (-3)] / (2 + 3) = 1.
3. Similarly, y = (2 * 8 + 3 * 2) / (2 + 3) = 4.4
4. Therefore, the coordinates of P are (1,4.4).
FAQs
1. What is coordinate geometry used for?
Coordinate geometry is used to describe the positions of points in a plane, and it is an essential tool in many fields, including mathematics, physics, and engineering.
2. What is the distance formula in coordinate geometry?
The distance formula in coordinate geometry is:
d = sqrt[(x2 - x1)² + (y2 - y1)²]
where (x1,y1) and (x2,y2) are the coordinates of the two points.
3. How do you reflect a point across the x-axis?
To reflect a point across the x-axis, you simply change the sign of the y-coordinate.
4. How is the section formula used in coordinate geometry?
The section formula is used to find the coordinates of a point that lies on a line segment joining two given points. It can be used to solve problems involving dividing a line segment in a given ratio.
Conclusion
Coordinate geometry is a fascinating and important topic that allows us to describe the positions of points in a plane. By understanding the concepts we have covered in this article, you will be well-equipped to tackle more advanced problems in coordinate geometry. For more resources on mathematics and other subjects, visit Aha AI.
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