Number and Algebra

Coordinate
geometry
Straight lines are an important part of our environment. We
play sport on courts with parallel and perpendicular lines,
and skyscrapers would not be standing without straight
lines. We can also use straight lines to model different types
of data and predict future outcomes.

N E W C E N T U R Y M AT H S A D V A N C E D

ustralian Curriculum

10 10A

Shutterstock.com/Greg Epperson

for the A

n Chapter outline

n Wordbank
Proficiency strands

3-01 Length, midpoint and

gradient of an interval
3-02 Parallel and perpendicular
lines
3-03 Graphing linear equations
3-04 The gradientintercept
equation y mx b
3-05 The general form of
a linear equation
ax by c 0
3-06 The pointgradient form
of a linear equation*
3-07 Finding the equation of
a line
3-08 Equations of parallel and
perpendicular lines
*STAGE 5.3

9780170194662

general form Any linear equation expressed as

ax by c 0, where a, b and c are integers and a is
positive

U
U

F
F

R
R

C
C

parallel lines Lines that point in the same direction and

have the same gradient

perpendicular lines Lines that cross at right angles (90)

and have gradients whose product is 1

x-intercept The x-value at which a graph cuts the x-axis

gradient The steepness of a line or interval, measured by

the fraction rise
run
gradientintercept form Any linear equation expressed as
y mx b, where m is the gradient and b is the
y-intercept
linear equation An equation whose graph is a straight line

y-intercept The y-value at which a graph cuts the y-axis

Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

n In this chapter you will:

find the distance between two points located on the Cartesian plane using a range of strategies,
including graphing software
find the midpoint and gradient of a line segment (interval) on the Cartesian plane using a range
of strategies, including graphing software
sketch linear graphs using the coordinates of two points and solve linear equations
solve problems involving parallel and perpendicular lines
(STAGE 5.3) use coordinate geometry formulas to calculate the length, midpoint and gradient
of an interval
(STAGE 5.3) find the angle of inclination of a line using the formula m tan y
(STAGE 5.3) graph a line by finding its x- and y-intercepts
test whether a point lies on a line
use the gradientintercept equation of a straight line y mx b
find the equation of a line from its graph
recognise the general form of the equation of a straight line and convert it to the gradientintercept
equation
(STAGE 5.3) find the equation of a line given its gradient and a point on the line, or given two
points, by using the pointgradient formula
find the equation of a line that is parallel or perpendicular to a given line
(STAGE 5.3) use coordinate geometry methods to prove geometrical properties

SkillCheck
Worksheet
StartUp assignment 2
MAT10NAWK10008
Skillsheet
Pythagoras theorem
MAT10MGSS10004

For this number plane, find:

a the midpoint of interval BC
c the length of interval GC
e the lengths of AC and BC,
correct to one decimal place
g the gradient of GE

b
d
f
h

the midpoint of interval HE

the length of interval GH
the type of triangle n ABC is
the gradient of EH

y
8
6

2
8
E

G
2

C
4

8x

2
4
H

56

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10 10A

For each linear equation, copy and complete the table of values and graph the equation.
a yx3
b y 3x 2
x
y

x
y

2

1

c y 1  2x
x
y
3

1

If x1 3, y1 4, x2 5 and y2 6, then evaluate each expression.

y y2
a x1 x2
b x2  x1
c 1
2
q
y2  y1
2
x1  x2 2 y1  y2 2
d (y2  y1)
e
f
x2  x1

Worksheet

Length, midpoint and gradient of

3-01 an interval

Gradient, midpoint,
distance
MAT10NAWK00014

The length of an interval AB (or the distance between A and B)

can be calculated using Pythagoras theorem if we know the
coordinates of A and B.

Puzzle sheet
Intervals match-up

MAT10NAPS10009

M
Technology worksheet

The midpoint M
of interval AB
O

The midpoint of an interval AB is the point in the middle of AB or halfway between A and B.

Its x-coordinate is the average of the x-coordinates of A and B.

Its y-coordinate is the average of the y-coordinates of A and B.

Excel worksheet:
Midpoint and distance
between two points

B
x

MAT10NACT00008
Technology worksheet
Excel spreadsheet:
Midpoint and distance
MAT10NACT00038

The gradient of an interval measures its steepness. It is given by the formula:

vertical rise
rise

m
horizontal run run
sloping upwards
(positive gradient)

horizontal run

vertical
rise

negative
vertical
rise

sloping
downwards
(negative
gradient)

horizontal run

A line sloping upwards has a positive rise and a positive gradient.

A line sloping downwards has a negative rise and a negative gradient.
The run is always positive.

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Example

For the interval joining the pair of points P(5, 8) and Q(3, 6), find:
a the length of the interval, correct to one decimal place
b the midpoint of the interval
c the gradient of the interval

Solution
a Draw a right-angled triangle on the
number plane with PQ as the
hypotenuse.
The height of the triangle is 2 units.
The base of the triangle is 8 units.

7
8

6
5
4
3
2
1

5 4 3 2 1
1

PQ2 22 82

5 x

by Pythagoras theorem

68
p
PQ 68
8:2462 . . .
 8:2 units
b For P(5, 8) and Q(3, 6), the average of the x-coordinates is 5 3 1.
2
The average of the y-coordinates is 8 6 7.
From the diagram above, a
2
midpoint at (1, 7) looks
[ The midpoint of PQ is (1, 7).
reasonable.

c The rise is 2 units.

The run is 8 units.
rise
m
run
2

8
1

4

58

Line slopes downwards.

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10 10A

The distance, midpoint and gradient formulas

Stage 5.3

The methods for finding the length, midpoint and gradient of an interval can each be summarised
by a formula.
y
The distance formula is used to calculate the distance
Q(x2, y2)
(d) between any two points P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2), in
d
other words, the length of the interval PQ.
(y y )
d 2 x2  x1 2 y2  y1 2
q
) d x2  x1 2 y2  y1 2

P(x1, y1)

(x2 x1)

Coordinate geometry
MAT10NAVT00005

T(x2, y1)
x

by Pythagoras theorem

Video tutorial

The midpoint formula gives the coordinates

of the point M, the midpoint of the interval
joining P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2):
x x y y 
1
2
1
2
,
M x, y
2
2

(x2, y2)
M(x, y)
(x1, y1)
0

The gradient formula gives the gradient of the interval or line joining P and Q.
difference in y y2  y1
Gradient, m rise

run difference in x x2  x1

Summary
For an interval PQ with endpoints P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2), the formulas for distance (length),
midpoint and gradient are:
q
Distance
d x2  x1 2 y2  y1 2


x x2 y1 y2
,
Midpoint
M x, y  1
2
2
y2  y1
Gradient
m
x2  x1
Video tutorial

Example

For the interval joining P(5, 8) and Q(3, 6) from Example 1b, use a formula to find:
a the length of the interval, correct to one decimal place
b the midpoint of the interval
c the gradient of the interval.

Distance, midpoint
and gradient
formulas
MAT10NAVT10010
Puzzle sheet
Finding coordinates for
given segment lengths
MAT10NAPS00048

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Stage 5.3

Solution
For P(5, 8) and Q(3, 6):

x1 5, y1 8, x2 3, y2 6

(x1, y1)
(x2, y2)
q
a d x2  x1 2 y2  y1 2
q
3  52 6  82
p
68 8:2462 . . .  8:2 units
x x y y 
1
2
1
2
,
b M x, y
2
2


5 3 8 6
,

2
2

Apply the distance formula.

Apply the midpoint formula.

1, 7
difference in y
difference in x
y2  y1

x2  x1
68
2
1

3  5
8
4

c m

Example

Apply the gradient formula.

a Plot the points A(0, 6), B(5, 6), C(5, 2) and D(4, 2) on a number plane and join them to
make the quadrilateral ABCD.
b What type of quadrilateral is ABCD?
c Find the exact length of AD.
d Hence find the perimeter of ABCD correct to two decimal places.

Solution
a

y
8
7
A
6
5
4
3
2
1

0
6 5 4 3 2 1
1
2

60

Join the points in the correct order.

B

C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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10 10A

b Since AB || CD, the quadrilateral is a trapezium.

c AD 2 42 42 32
p
In exact surd form.
AD 32 units
d By counting grid squares, AB 5, BC 4, CD 9.
p
Perimeter of ABCD 5 4 9 32 23:656 . . .  23:66 units

Stage 5.3

The angle of inclination of a line

The angle of inclination, y, of a line is the angle it makes with the x-axis in the positive direction.
acute angle = positive gradient

obtuse angle = negative gradient

Note from the above diagrams that y is acute when the line has a positive gradient, and obtuse
when the line has a negative gradient.
We can use trigonometry to calculate the angle of inclination of a line using its gradient, m.
opposite rise
rise
, but in trigonometry, tan u
.

The diagram below shows that m

adjacent run
run
[ m tan y.
y

rise = opposite

run = adjacent

Summary
The angle of inclination, y, of a line is related to the gradient, m, of the line by the formula:
m tan y

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Stage 5.3

Example

Find, correct to the nearest degree, the angle of inclination of a line with gradient:
a 1
b 4
3

Solution
a

m tan u
1
tan u
3
1
tan u
3
u 18:4349 . . .
 18

On a calculator:

1 a b/c 3

The positive gradient means

that it is an acute angle

tan

SHIFT

18
3

m tan u
4 tan u
tan u 4
u 75:9637 . . .
 76

On a calculator:

SHIFT

tan

() 4

But this negative angle is the angle below

the x-axis.
To find the angle of inclination,
u  180  76
 104
The negative gradient means

4
1

104
76

that it is an obtuse angle

Exercise 3-01 Length, midpoint and gradient of an

interval
Questions 1, 2 and 3 refer to this diagram of interval CD.
y
3

D(2, 3)

2
1
C(3, 0)
3

3 x

62

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10 10A

1 What is the length of interval CD? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.

A 2 units

B 5.8 units

C 3.2 units

D 8 units

2 What is the midpoint of CD? Select A, B, C or D.

A (1, 3)
B (5, 3)
C (0.5, 1.5)

D (2.5, 1.5)

3 What is the gradient of CD? Select A, B, C or D.

B 3
C 5
A 3
5
3
4 Calculate the gradient of each line.

See Examples 1, 2

D 2

2
6

4
3

5 For the interval joining each pair of points given, find:

i the length of the interval correct to one decimal place
ii the midpoint of the interval
iii the gradient of the interval.
a A(5, 3) and B(7, 2)
d R(3, 6) and S(4, 9)

b J(1, 0) and K(8, 6)

e A (7, 2) and B(5, 8)

c M(0, 3) and N(5, 2)

f U(3, 2) and V(7, 2)

6 Calculate, in exact (surd) form, the distance between each pair of points.
a (8, 1) and (0, 4)

b (12, 6) and (1, 1)

c (7, 2) and (2, 3)

7 Find the gradient of the lines labelled k and l.

y
6

4
2

2
l

8 Which expression gives the y-coordinate of the midpoint of the interval joining points (3, 8)
and (1, 5)? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A 1 5
B 85
C 85
D 58
2
2
2
2

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Stage 5.3
See Example 3

9 The vertices of triangle ABC are A(1, 1), B(1, 3) and C(3, 1).
a Draw nABC on a number plane.
b Find the exact length of each side of the triangle.
c Are any sides of the triangle equal in length?
d What type of triangle is ABC?
e Find the perimeter of n ABC, correct to one decimal place.
10 The vertices of quadrilateral KLMP are K(1, 6), L(7, 2), M(3, 4) and P(3, 0).
a Draw the quadrilateral on a number plane.
b What type of quadrilateral is KLMP?
c Find the gradients of sides KL and PM.
d Find the gradients of sides KP and LM.
e What do you notice about the gradients of opposite sides of this quadrilateral? What does
that mean about those sides?
f Find the exact length of each side of KLMP.
g Find the perimeter of KLMP, correct to one decimal place.
h Find the area of KLMP.
11 This diagram shows a right-angled triangle with
vertices A(2, 1), B(2, 3) and C(4, 3).
a Copy the diagram and find the coordinates
of P and Q, the midpoints of BA and BC
respectively. Mark P and Q on your
diagram.
b Calculate, correct to one decimal place, the
lengths of PQ and AC. What do you notice
about your answers?
c Find the gradients of PQ and AC. What do
you notice about your answers?

y
5
4
B

3
2
1

5 4 3 2 1 0
1
A
2

5 x

3
4
5

See Example 4

12 Find, correct to the nearest degree, the angle of inclination of a line with gradient:
c 1
d 2.5
a 3
b 1
2
e 2
f 3
g  1
h 2
4
10
3
13 Find, correct to two decimal places, the gradient of a line with angle of inclination:
a 60
b 158
c 42
d 94
e 8
f 135
g 177
h 0

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Technology The angle of inclination

In this activity we will use GeoGebra to calculate the angle of inclination of a line.
1 Close the Algebra View so that only the graphics window is showing and select the grid
option at the top left-hand corner. Click on the input bar at the bottom of the screen and
enter: y 2x 1

2 Click New Point. Click on the x-intercept of the

line y 2x 1 (where it meets the x-axis). Also
place New Points on the straight line (shown
below as B) and the x-axis (shown below as C).

3
2
1
A
3 2 1 0 1
1

C
4

3 Click Angle and select in a clockwise direction the points C, A and B in order.
4 What is the angle of inclination of the line? Answer to the nearest degree.
5 Use GeoGebra to measure the angle of inclination of the line with equation:
a y 3x  5

b yx2

c yx6

e y 5x  7

f y 8x 1

g y 3x  12

d y 2x 3
h y 2x 4
3

Investigation: Parallel and perpendicular lines

1 These three lines are parallel. Calculate the gradient of:
a AB
b PQ
c ZV
y
4
A

Q
2
P

V
Z

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

2 What can you conclude about the gradients of parallel lines?

3 This diagram shows two pairs of perpendicular lines. AB CD and PQ ST.
y
8
S

Q
4

D
2
C

10

T
2

Calculate the gradient of:

a AB
b CD
c PQ
d ST
4 Is there a relationship between:
a the gradients of AB and CD?
b the gradients of PQ and ST?
5 Calculate the product of (multiply):
a the gradients of AB and CD
b the gradients of PQ and ST
6 What can you conclude about the gradients of perpendicular lines?

Puzzle sheet
Gradients of parallel
and perpendicular lines
MAT10NAPS00012

3-02 Parallel and perpendicular lines

Parallel lines

Technology
GeoGebra:
Perpendicular lines

Summary

MAT10NATC00005

Parallel lines have the same gradient.

If two lines with gradients m1 and m2 are parallel, then m1 m2
y

gradient = m1
0

gradient = m2

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Perpendicular lines
Summary
Perpendicular lines have gradients whose product is 1.
If two lines with gradients m1 and m2 are perpendicular, then m1 3 m2 1 or m2  1 .
m1
y

gradient = m2

x
gradient = m1

Note that m2 is the negative reciprocal of m1.

Example

State whether each pair of gradients represent parallel lines, perpendicular lines or neither.
a m1 1 , m2 2
b m1 0:4, m2 2
c m1 1 3 , m2  5
2
5
5
8

Solution
a m1 6 m2 so the lines are not parallel.
1
m1 3 m2 3 2
2
1
6 1
so the lines are not perpendicular.
[ The lines are neither parallel nor perpendicular.

b m2 2 0:4
5
m1 m2
[ The lines are parallel.

c m1 1 3 8
5 5
 
8
5
m1 3 m2 3 
5
8
1
[ The lines are perpendicular.

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Example

Find the gradient of a line that is perpendicular to a line with gradient:

a 2
b 3
c 3
d 0.6
4

Solution
a m1 2
1
for perpendicular lines
m2
m1
1

2
1

2
The gradient is  1.
2
3
c m1
4
1
m2
m1
1
3 
4

4
3
The gradient is  4.
3


Example

b m1 3
1
m2
m1
1

3
1

The negative reciprocal of m1.

The gradient is 1.
3
d m1 0:6  3
5
1
m 2  3
5
5

3
The gradient is 5.
3

A line passes through the points A(2, 5) and B(4, 1). What is the gradient of a line:
a parallel to AB?

b perpendicular to AB?

Solution
y

Find the gradient of AB by calculating the rise

and run.

5
4

3
2

1
2 1
1

68

6
0

5 x

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10 10A

Rise 1  5 4

Difference between y-coordinates.

Run 4  (2) 6
4
2

Gradient AB
6
3

Difference between x-coordinates.

rise
run

a Any line parallel to AB will have the same

gradient as AB.
)m 2
3
b The gradient of a line perpendicular to AB
will be given by:
1
3
m  2
2
3

Exercise 3-02

Parallel and perpendicular lines

State whether each pair of gradients represent parallel lines, perpendicular lines or neither.
b m1 3, m2  1
c m1 0.5, m2 1
a m1 1 , m2 4
4
3
2
2
7
3
1
d m1 , m2
e m1 , m2 0.3
f m1 1 , m2  6
7
2
10
5
5

Find the gradient of a line that is parallel to a line with gradient:

d 0.2
a 4
b 2
c 1
3
Find the gradient of a line that is perpendicular to a line with gradient:
a 1
b 6
c 1.5
d 5
2
What is the gradient of a line that is perpendicular to a line with a gradient of 0.8? Select the
correct answer A, B, C or D.
A 0.2
B 0.2
C 1.25
D 1.25

3
4

What is the gradient of a line that is parallel to a line that goes through P(0, 3) and Q(5, 2)?
Select A, B, C or D.
A 1
B 1
C 1
D 1
5
5
What is the gradient of a line perpendicular to
y
5
line XY shown on the right? Select A, B, C or D.
4
A 5
B 5
C 3
D 1
3
3
5
5
X

See Example 6

See Example 7

2
1

5 4 3 2 1 0
1
2

9780170194662

See Example 5

1 2 3 4 5 x
Y

69

Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Calculate the gradient of each line shown below and test whether:
a AB || CD

b PQ CD.
y
C (2, 7)

Q (3, 6)

A (0, 4)
P (7, 3)

D (5, 3)

B (3, 0)
x

A line passes through the points R(5, 2) and S(1, 4). What is the gradient of a line:
a parallel to RS?

Skillsheet
Starting GeoGebra

b perpendicular to RS?

Technology Parallel and perpendicular lines

MAT10MGSS10006

This activity uses GeoGebra to find out if sets of linear equations are parallel or perpendicular.
Parallel lines
1 Show the Axes and Grid.
2 Use the Input bar to enter the pair of linear equations y 2x 5 and y 2x.
3 Use Move Graphics View

and Zoom In

to enlarge the axes if required.

4 Find the Slope (gradient) of each line.

5 Check if the two lines are parallel, using m1 m2

Since m1 m2 2, this pair of lines is parallel.

6 Repeat steps 1 to 5 for the pairs of equations below. Decide if the lines are parallel or not.
a 5x  3y 0 and y 5x
b x y 4 0 and x y  6 0
3
c x  2y 0 and y 0.5x
d y 5x  9 and 5x  y  1 0

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Perpendicular lines
1 Show the Axes and Grid.
2 Use the Input bar to enter the pair of linear equations y 2x 1 and y 0.5x  3.
3 Use Move Graphics View and Zoom In to enlarge the axes if required.
4 Find the Slope (gradient) of each line.
5 Check if the two lines are perpendicular, using m1 3 m2 1

Since 2 3 (0.5) 1, the two lines are perpendicular.

6 Repeat steps 1 to 5 for the pairs of equations below. Decide if the lines are perpendicular or
not.
b x  4y 1 0 and y 4x  3
a y 0.6x 2 and y 5 x
3
d y 2x 4 and x  2y  1 0
c 3x  2y 0 and y  2x
3

Worksheet

3-03 Graphing linear equations

Graphing linear
equations

A relationship between two variables, x and y, whose graph is a straight line is called a linear
relationship. The expression of that relationship as an algebraic formula, such as y 3x 2, is
called a linear equation.

Example

Complete a table of values. Choose x-values

close to 0 for easy calculation and graphing.

1

1
5

Graph (1, 1), (0, 2) and (1, 5) on a

number plane. Rule a straight line
through the points, place arrows at each
end, and label the line with its equation.
9780170194662

y = 3x + 2

Graphing linear
equations (Advanced)

Skillsheet

y
6

Solution

1

Worksheet

MAT10NAWK10203

Graph y 3x 2 on a number plane.

MAT10NAWK10010

Graphing linear
equations
MAT10NASS10005

4
3
x-intercept

2
1

4 3 2 1 0
1
2

y-intercept
1

4 x

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Note:
the x-intercept of the line is  2 : this is the x value where the line cuts the x-axis
3
the y-intercept of the line is 2: this is the y value where the line cuts the y-axis
every point on the line follows the linear equation y 3x 2. For example, (1, 1),
(0, 2) and (1, 5) lie on the line and follow the rule y 3x 2
there are an infinite number of points that follow the rule. Arrows on both ends of
the line indicate that it has infinite length.

Stage 5.3

Using x- and y-intercepts to graph lines

We can also graph a linear equation by finding its x- and y-intercepts first.
Since any point on the x-axis has a y-coordinate of 0, we can substitute y 0 into the equation to
find the x-intercept.
Similarly, any point on the y-axis has an x-coordinate of 0, so we can substitute x 0 into the
equation to find the y-intercept.

Summary

To find the x-intercept, substitute y 0 and solve the equation.

To find the y-intercept, substitute x 0 and solve the equation.

Example

Find the x- and y-intercepts of the line 2x  3y 6 and draw its graph.

Solution
For the x-intercept, y 0.

For the y-intercept, x 0.

2x  3 3 0 6

2 3 0  3y 6

2x 6
x3
The x-intercept is 3.

3y 6
y 2
The y-intercept is 2.

Plot both intercepts on the axes, draw a line through

the two points and label the line with its equation.

y
4
3
2

x-intercept

1
4 3 2 1 0
1
2x 3y = 6

2
3

4 x

y-intercept

72

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ustralian Curriculum

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Testing if a point lies on a line

Summary
A point lies on a line if its (x, y) coordinates satisfy the equation of the line.

Example

10

Which of the following points lie on the line x  2y 5?

a (17, 6)

b (8, 4)

Solution

Separate the equation into its left-hand side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS)
Substitute the coordinates of the point into both sides
If LHS RHS, the point satisfies the equation and so lies on the line
If LHS 6 RHS, the point does not lie on the line.

a Substitute x 17, y 6 into x  2y 5.

LHS x  2y

RHS 5

17  2 3 6
5
LHS RHS, so (17, 6) lies on the line.
b Substitute x 8, y 4 into x  2y 5.
LHS x  2y

RHS 5

8  2 3 4
16
LHS 6 RHS, so (8, 4) does not lie on the line.

Horizontal and vertical lines

Technology worksheet
Horizontal and vertical
lines

Summary

MAT10NACT10001

The equation of a horizontal line is of the form y c (where c is a constant number).

The equation of a vertical line is of the form x c (where c is a constant number).
y

y
y=c

x=c

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Example

11

For the graph on the right, find the equation of:

a the vertical line
b the horizontal line

0
A (6, 3)

Solution

a The vertical line has an x-intercept

4
of 6 and passes through A(6, 3),
3
so its equation is x 6.
2
b The horizontal line has a
1
y-intercept of 3 and passes
through A(6, 3), so its
equation is y 3.
3 2 1
1

Passes
through x = 6
on x-axis

2
3
Passes
4
through y = 3
on y-axis

Exercise 3-03
See Example 7

Stage 5.3
See Example 9

See Example 10

74

Graphing linear equations

1 Graph each linear equation on a number plane, and write:

i its x-intercept

ii its y-intercept.

a y 3x  1

b y 2x 5

c y x 4
d y 2x  2
e y 4x
f y x3
2
2 Graph each linear equation after finding its x- and y-intercepts.
a y 4  2x
b 2x 4y  8
c yx6
d 3x  2y 12
e 2x 2y 5
f 6  x 2y
g y 4 2x
h 5x 3y  15 0
i 3x  y 6
j 2x  5y  20 0
k 4x 2y  8 0
l x  4y  2 0
3 Test whether the point (3, 1) lies on each line.
a y 2x  5
b xy4
d yx4
e xy5

c y 2x 5
f 3x y 8 0
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4 Which of these points lies on the line y 6x  5? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A (1, 11)

B (3, 13)

C (2, 17)

D (5, 25)

5 Find the equation of each line shown below.

See Example 11

6
5

4
3
2
1
6 5 4 3 2 1
1

2
3

4
5
6

6 Graph each set of lines on a number plane.

a x 2 12 , y 3, y 1

b x 6, y 2, x 

7 Find the equation of the line that is:

a horizontal and passes through the y-axis at 2

1
2

b vertical with an x-intercept of 4

c parallel to the y-axis and passes through the point (1, 4)
d parallel to the x-axis and passes through the point (0, 2)
e 3 units above the x-axis
f 1 unit to the left of the y-axis
g drawn through the points (1, 6) and (2, 6)
h drawn through the points (1, 8) and (1, 2).
8 Which of these points lies on the line 4x y 1? Select A, B, C or D.
D  1, 1
2
9 Which equation represents a line that is horizontal and passes through the point (8, 2)?
Select A, B, C or D.
A (1, 5)

B (2, 7)

C (6, 9)

A y8

B x8

C y 2

D x 2

10 a What is another name for the line y 0?

b What is another name for the line x 0?

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Technology Graphing y mx b
1 Show the Axes and Grid.
2 Enter the four lines y 3x 2, y 5x 2, y 2x 2, y 0.1x 2, using Input at
the bottom of the screen.
3 Each straight line can be a different colour. Right-click
on a line and choose a colour.
4 Find the Slope of each line.
5 Find the y-intercept of each line. Click on the
right drop-down menu and use the mouse to
zoom in on the y-intercept. Read off the value.

6 Save your GeoGebra file.

7 Record your results in a table as shown.
Equation

Gradient

y-intercept

a
b
c
d
8 What do you notice about your results?
9 Repeat the steps above for each set of equations.
a y 4x
4x y 1 0
y 4x  10

b y 2x 3
7x y  3 0
0.2x  y 3 0

c xy10
y x  1
xy1

10 For each set of lines drawn in question 9, complete a table as shown in Step 7 above.
11 What do you notice about each set of lines? Identify any key features of each set of graphs,
such as gradients and y-intercepts.

NSW
Puzzle sheet
Equations in gradient
form

The gradientintercept equation

3-04 y mx b

MAT10NAPS00011
Technology worksheet
Excel spreadsheet:
Drawing linear graphs:
gradient and
y-intercept

Summary
The equation of a straight line is y mx b, where m is the gradient and b is the
y-intercept.
For this reason, y mx b is also called the gradientintercept form of a linear equation.

MAT10NACT00039

76

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Example

ustralian Curriculum

10 10A

12
Video tutorial

Find the gradient and y-intercept of the line with equation:

a y 4x 9
b y 10  6x
c y 5x 4
2

The gradientintercept
formula

d 3x 2y  6 0

MAT10NAVT10011

Solution
a y 4x 9 is in the form y mx b.
[ Gradient m 4 and y-intercept b 9.
b y 10  6x can be rewritten as y 6x 10.
[ Gradient m 6 and y-intercept b 10.
c For y 5x 4 5x 4 5x 2, gradient m 5 and y-intercept b 2
2
2 2
2
2
d 3x 2y  6 0 can be rearranged in the form y mx b.
3x 2y  6  3x 0  3x
2y  6 3x
2y  6 6 3x 6
2y 3x 6
3x 6
y
2
3x
3
y
2
[ 3x 2y  6 0 has gradient m  3 and y-intercept b 3.
2

Example

13

Graph each linear equation by finding the gradient and y-intercept first.
a y 2x 5
b y 3x  2
4

Solution
a y 2x 5 has a gradient of 2 and a
y-intercept of 5.
Plot the y-intercept 5 on the y-axis.
Make a gradient of 2 by moving across 1 unit
(run) and down 2 units (negative rise) and
marking the point at (1, 3).
Rule a line through this point and the y-intercept.
Dont forget to label the line
with its equation y 2x 5

y
6

2 y = 2x + 5

4
3
2
1
1 0
1

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Coordinate geometry
b y 3 x  2 has a gradient of 3 and a
4
4
y-intercept of 2.

Plot the y-intercept 2 on the y-axis.

Make a gradient of 3 by moving across
4
4 units (run) and up 3 units (rise) and marking
the point at (4, 1).
Rule a line through this point and the y-intercept.

Example

y = 34 x 2

2
1

0
1
1

2
3

14

Which of the following lines is parallel to y 2x 3?

A y 2x 3

B y 2x 1

C y 2x

D y 5x 3

Solution
Parallel lines have the same gradient. The line y 2x 3 has the gradient m 2.

A
B
C
D

y 2x 3 has gradient 2.
y 2x 1 has gradient 2.
y 2x has gradient 2
y 5x 3 has gradient 5.

[ The lines B (y 2x 1) and C (y 2x) are parallel to y 2x 3.

Exercise 3-04
See Example 12

Find the gradient and y-intercept of each line below.

a y 3x  2

The gradientintercept formula

y mx b

b y 2x 7

f yx
e y 3x 6
4
i y 24  x
j y 2(x  3)
3
Find the equation of a line with:
a a gradient of 2 and a y-intercept of 1
c a gradient of 7 and a y-intercept of 5
e m 2, b 3

See Example 13

78

c yx4

d y9x

g y x  11
2

h y 2x 18
3
l 2x  7 y
2

k 11  3x y

b a gradient of 3 and a y-intercept of 2

4
d a gradient of  2 and a y-intercept of 3
5
1
f m 3, b
2

Graph each linear equation by finding the gradient and y-intercept first.
a y 2x 1
b y 3x  2
c y 2x
d y x1
2
3x
5x

2
3x
e y 2x 3
f y
g y
h y  20
4
2
5

Write the equation of a line with a gradient of 2 and a y-intercept of 0.

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10 10A

Select the lines that are parallel to the given line each time. There may be more than one
answer.
a yx6
A y 6x

B y6x

C yx1

D y 2x

B y 3x  1

C y 1  3x

D y 4 3x

See Example 14

b y 3x 10
A y 10x 3
c y x5
2
A y 2x  1

B y

d y6
A y 2x 6

x6
2

C y1

x
2

D yx2

B y 6x

C y 1

D y 10

B y 4x 3

C y4

D y 1  4x

B y 10x

C x 2y

D x 6

e y 4x
A y 4x  2
f x 10
A y 10
6

For each set of linear equations, find a pair of equations whose graphs are parallel lines.
a y 4x 3
b y 5x 1

yx2
3x  y 7 0

Mental skills 3

y 4x  6
y 3x  2

y 2x
y 5x 2

Maths without calculators

Time differences
1

Study each example.

a What is the time difference between 11:40 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.?
From 11:40 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. 6 hours
Count: 11:40, 12:40, 1:40, 2:40, 3:40, 4:40, 5:40
From 5:40 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 20 min
From 6:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. 15 min
5 hours 20 min 15 min 6 hours 35 min
OR:
20 minutes
11:40 a.m. 12:00 noon

6 hours
12:00 noon

15 minutes
6:00 p.m.

= 6 hours 35 minutes

6:15 p.m.

b What is the time difference between 2030 and 0120?

From 2030 to 0030 4 hours (24  20 4)
From 0030 to 0100 30 min
From 0100 to 0120 20 min
4 hours 30 minutes 20 minutes 5 hours 50 minutes
OR:
30 minutes
2030
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2100

4 hours

20 minutes
0100

= 5 hours 50 minutes

0120

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Now find the time difference between:

a
c
e
g
i

NSW

Puzzle sheet
Linear equations code
puzzle
MAT10NAPS10011
Worksheet
Parallel and
perpendicular lines

11:10 a.m. and 7:40 p.m.

4:45 p.m. and 8:10 p.m.
1:05 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
0425 and 0935
7:55 a.m. and 3:50 p.m.

b
d
f
h
j

6:20 pm. and 12:00 midnight

2:35 a.m and 10:50 a.m.
9:35 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
1440 and 2025
2:40 p.m. and 10:20 p.m.

The general form of a linear equation

3-05 ax by c 0
A linear equation written in gradientintercept form, such as y  3 x 2, can also be written in
4
general form 3x 4y  8 0. Note that, for the general form ax + by + c = 0, all of the terms on
the left-hand side of the equation are written with no fractions, and only 0 is on the right-hand
side. Sometimes the general form is neater and more convenient.

Example

15

MAT10NAWK00015

Write each linear equation in general form.

2
a y 6x 2
b y x2
3

c y 2x 

3
5

Solution
a

y 6x 2
0 6x  y 2
6x  y 2 0

2
b y x2
3


2
3y 3  x 2
3

Subtracting y from both sides.

Swapping sides so that zero appears on the RHS.

Multiplying both sides by 3 to remove the fraction.

2x 6

2x 3y 6
2x 3y  6 0
3
y 2x 
 5 
3
5y 5 2x 
5

Adding 2x to both sides.

Subtracting 6 from both sides.

Multiplying both sides by 5 to remove the fraction.

10x  3
0 10x  5y  3
10x  5y  3 0

80

Subtracting 5y from both sides.

Swapping sides so that zero appears on the RHS.

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Summary
The general form of a linear equation is written as ax by c 0, where a, b and c are
integers and a is positive.

Example

16

Find the gradient and y-intercept of the line whose equation is 5x 2y  10 0.

Solution
Rewrite 5x 2y  10 in the form y mx b.
5x 2y  10 0
2y  10 5x
2y 5x 10
2y 5x 10

2
2
5x
y
5
2

Aim to have y on its own on

the LHS of the equation.

Subtracting 5x from both sides.

Adding 10 to both sides.
Dividing both sides by 2.

5
[ Gradient: m  , y-intercept: b 5
2

Exercise 3-05
1

Write each linear equation in general form.

a yx2
b y 3x  1
d x 2y 3

The general form of a linear equation

ax by c 0
See Example 15

c y 8 5x

e x  2y 6

f y 8x 2
3
g y 3 6x
h 2y x  6
i y x2
5
Find the gradient and y-intercept of the line with each equation.
a 2x y 6
b 8x  2y 10
c 3x  2y 4 0
d y 2x  1 0
e 2x y 5 0
f 4x 3y  12 0

Find the gradient, m, and the y-intercept, b, of the line with equation x  3y 5 0.
Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
C m 1, b 5
D m 1, b 5
A m 1, b 5
B m 1, b 5
3
3
3
3

Which statement is false about the line whose equation is 3x y  6 0? Select A, B, C or D.

A The gradient is 3.
C The x-intercept is 2.

9780170194662

See Example 16

B The y-intercept is 6.

D It is parallel to the line y 3x.

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Stage 5.3

Investigation: The equation of a line given its gradient

and a point
1 The graph shows the line y 3x  2.
a What is its gradient?
y1
.
b If (x, y) is any other point on the line, show that m
x1
y1
3
c Explain why
x1
d Hence show that y  1 3(x  1) and simplify this equation
to obtain y 3x  2.

y
3
(x, y)

2
1

(1, 1)

1
1
2

x
1 2
y = 3x 2

2 The graph shows the line y  5 x 3.

2
a What is its gradient?
y2
.
b If (x, y) is any other point on the line, show that m
x2
y2
5

c Explain why
x2
2
5
d Hence show that y 2  x  2 and simplify this
2
5
expression to obtain y  x 3.
2

y
3
2

y = _52 x + 3
(x, y)

1
0
11

(2, 2)

2
3

y2 3
.
x7 4
a What is the gradient of the line?
b Can you give the coordinates of a point on this line by looking at its equation? Why?

3 The equation of a line is given by

4 Write the equation of a line which passes through the point (3, 5) and has a gradient
equal to 2. Compare your result with other groups.
5 A line with gradient m passes through the point (x1, y1).
y  y1
, where (x, y) is any other point on the line.
a Show that m
x  x1
b Explain why y  y1 m(x  x1).

NSW

The pointgradient form of a linear

3-06 equation
There is a formula for finding the equation of a line if we know
its gradient m and a point on the line (x1, y1). Let (x, y) be any
other point on the line.
y  y1
Then m
or y  y1 m(x  x1).
x  x1

82

y
(x1, y1)
0

gradient = m

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for the A

ustralian Curriculum

10 10A
Stage 5.3

Summary
The equation of a line with gradient m and which passes through the point (x1, y1) is:
y  y1 m(x  x1)
It is called the pointgradient form of a linear equation.

Example

17

Find the equation of the line with a gradient of 2 that passes through the point (2, 1).
3

Solution

Video tutorial
The pointgradient
formula
MAT10NAVT10012

m 2, x1 2, y1 1.
3
y  y1 mx  x1
2
y  1 x  2
3
3y  1 2x 2
3y  3 2x 4
0 2x  3y 7
2x  3y 7 0

Example

In general form

18

Find the equation of the line passing through the points (1, 3) and (4, 3).

Solution

Video tutorial
The pointgradient
formula
MAT10NAVT10012

First find the gradient of the line by using the points (1, 3) and (4, 3).
3  3
41
6

3
2

Now use y  y1 m(x  x1) with m 2 and (1, 3).

y  3 2x  1
2x 2
y 2x 5

or

Either of the points (1, 3) or

(4, 3) can be used to find the
equation of the line.

2x y  5 0 in general form

OR: Using the other point (4, 3) instead:

y  3 2x  4
y 3 2x 8
y 2x 5

9780170194662

or

2x y  5 0 in general form

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Stage 5.3

See Example 17

Exercise 3-06

The pointgradient form of a linear

equation

In this exercise, express all equations of lines in general form.

1 Find the equation of each line, given a point on the line and the gradient.
a (2, 5), gradient 2

b (6, 4), gradient 1

c (3, 8), gradient 4

d (1, 2), gradient 2

3


g 1 ; 3 gradient 4
2

e (2, 8), gradient  1

5


h 4;  1 , gradient 3
2
4

f (1, 7), gradient 3

i (2, 6), gradient 2

2 Four lines a, b, c and d intersect at P(3, 2). The gradients of a, b, c and d are 1,  1, 4
3
and 1 respectively.
5
y

0
P
(3, 2)

a Copy the diagram and correctly label the lines a, b, c and d.

b Find the equation of each line.
See Example 18

3 Find the equation of the line passing through each pair of points.
a (7, 3) and (10, 6)
d (2, 2) and (1, 6)
g (10, 2) and (1, 4)

b (8, 10) and (2, 2)

e (4, 3) and (6, 6)
h (3, 6) and (1, 2)

c (1, 3) and (5, 8)

f (1, 2) and (2, 3)
i (4, 9) and (1, 5)
4 Two lines, k and l, intersect at (1, 4). Line k has a gradient of  1, while line l has a gradient
2
of 3. Find the equations of lines k and l.
5 Find the equation of a line with a gradient of 4 and an x-intercept of 5.
5
6 A line passes through the y-axis at (0, 6) and has a gradient of . What is its equation?
7
7 A line with a gradient of 2 passes through the midpoint of (5, 6) and (1, 10). Find the equation
3
of the line.
3
8 A line with a gradient of  passes through the midpoint of (8, 2) and (2, 20). Find its
5
equation.

84

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10 10A

9 a The gradientintercept form of a line, y mx b, can also be used to find the equation of
a line given its gradient and a point on the line. Use y mx b to find the equation of the
line with gradient 2 that passes through the point (2, 5).
b Compare your equation with your answer to question 1a.

Stage 5.3

10 a The pointgradient formula can be converted to a formula for finding the equation of a
line passing through two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2). Prove that the two-point formula is
y  y1 y2  y1

.
x  x1 x2  x1
b Use the two-point form to find the equation of a line passing through the points (7, 3) and
(10, 6).
c Compare your equation with your answer to question 3a.

3-07 Finding the equation of a line

Example

NSW

19

Find the equation of the line.

y
2
1
0

1
1
2

4 x

3
4

4 x

3
4

Solution
Select two points on the line to find the gradient,
say (0, 3) and (2, 1).
Gradient m rise 4 2
run 2

y
2
1
0

1
1
2
3
4

y-intercept: b 3

from the graph

[ The equation of the line is y 2x  3.

We can check that this equation is correct
for any point on the line, say (3, 3).
When x 3, y 2 3 3  3 3.

y mx b

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Exercise 3-07
See Example 19

Finding the equation of a line

Find the equation of each line.

y

b
0

d
0

6 x

Find the equation of each line.

a
b
y

y
(9, 9)

(4, 3)

(2, 4)

1
4

(4, 2)

(5, 5)

10

86

1.5

x
3

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for the A

ustralian Curriculum

10 10A

Investigation: Sausage sizzle

Fairfax Syndication/Craig Abraham

A local football club is organising a

sausage sizzle on Saturday to raise
money to buy new equipment. It
costs $25 to hire a gas bottle to run
the barbecue and each sandwich
costs $0.90 to make.

1 Copy and complete this table below to show the cost of making sausage sandwiches.
Include the cost of hiring the gas bottle.
No. of sandwiches (x)
Cost ($y)

0
25

10
34

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2 Find the linear equation (formula) for y that represents the cost of making x sausage sandwiches.
3 Use an appropriate scale to construct a graph that shows the cost of making from x 0 to
x 100 sandwiches. Label your axes and give your graph an appropriate title.
4 How much will it cost to make 35 sausage sandwiches?
5 How many sandwiches can be made for $98.80?
6 How much would it cost to make 120 sausage sandwiches?
7 a If the club sold 75 sausage sandwiches for $3 each, how much money would they take?
b How much profit would the club make?
Puzzle sheet
Linear equations
match-up

Equations of parallel and

3-08 perpendicular lines

MAT10NAPS10012
Worksheet
Writing equations
of lines
MAT10NAWK10013

Equations of
parallel lines
Shutterstock.com/topora

Shutterstock.com/Pi-Lens

Puzzle sheet

MAT10NAPS00013
Technology
GeoGebra:
Perpendicular lines
MAT10NATC00005

Summary
If two lines with gradients m1 and m2 are parallel, then m1 m2.
If two lines with gradients m1 and m2 are perpendicular, then m1 3 m2 1 or m2  1 .
m1
9780170194662

Video tutorial
Coordinate geometry
MAT10NAVT00005

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Example

20

Find the equation of the line parallel to y 8  3x that passes through the point (1, 6).

Solution

Stage 5.3

For y 8  3x (or y 3x 8), the gradient is m 3.

A line parallel to y 8  3x, will also have m 3.
Using the pointgradient formula y  y1 m(x  x1) with m 3 and point (1, 6):
y  6 3x  1
3x 1
3x  3
y 3x 3
OR: Using the gradientintercept equation y mx b:
y 3x b
To find the value of b, substitute the point (1, 6)
into the equation:
y 3x b
x 1, y 6
6 3 3 1 b
63b
b3
[ The equation is y 3x 3.

Example

21

Find the equation of the line perpendicular to 3x  4y 6 0, which passes through the
point (5, 4).

Solution
To find the gradient of 3x  4y 6 0, first
convert it to the form y mx b:
3x  4y 6 0
3x 6 4y
4y 3x 6
3x 6
y
4
3
3
y x
4
2
3
) Gradient
4

y mx b

1
) Gradient of perpendicular line 3

3
The negative reciprocal of .
4

88

4
3
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ustralian Curriculum

Using the pointgradient formula y  y1 m(x  x1)

with m  4 and point (5, 4):
3
4
In general form
y  4  x  5
3
3y  4 4x  5

10 10A
Stage 5.3

3y  12 4x 20
4x 3y  32 0
OR: Using the gradientintercept equation y mx b:
y  4x b
3
To find the value of b, substitute the point (5, 4)
into the equation.
x 5, y 4
 
4
35 b
4 
3
20
 b
3
20
b
4
3
32
b
3
) The equation is y  4x 32 or y 4x 32
3
3
3
or, converting to the neater general form:
3y 4x 32
4x 3y  32 0

Exercise 3-08
1

Equations of parallel and

perpendicular lines

Find the equation of the line that is parallel to:

a y 2x 9 and has a y-intercept of 4

See Example 20

b y 3x and has a x-intercept of 2

c y 5  x and passes through (1, 6)
2
d 2x  y 6 and passes through (5, 2)
e y 5x  8 and passes through the midpoint of (3, 10) and (5, 6)
f 2y x  3 and passes through (6, 7)
2

Find the equation of a line that is perpendicular to:

a y x and has a y-intercept of 2
2
b y 5x and has a x-intercept of 1

See Example 21

c y 3x  1 and passes through the x-axis at 4

x6
and passes through (1, 6)
d y
3
e x y  6 0 and passes through (4, 2)
f 3x  y  9 0 and passes through (10, 7)
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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

a Find the gradient of interval ST in the diagram on the right.

T (2, 6)

b Find the midpoint of ST.

c The dotted line is perpendicular to ST and passes through its
midpoint. What is its gradient?
d Find the equation of the dotted line, in the form y mx b.

x
S (2, 2)

a Find the equation of line h in the diagram.

m = 13_

b Find the gradient of line j (which is perpendicular to line h).

(3, 2)

c Find the equation of line j.

a Find the equation of line k.

b Find the coordinates of point A.

c Find the gradient of line w.
d Find the equation of line w.
e Find the coordinates of point B.

A
m = 45_

Stage 5.3
NSW
Worksheet
Geometry problems
using coordinates
MAT10NAWK10204

NOT TO SCALE

3-09 Coordinate geometry problems

A variety of problems can be solved by applying coordinate geometry methods, including proving
geometric properties of triangles and quadrilaterals.

Example

22

Lines k and l are shown in the diagram. Find:

a the equation of line k
b the equation of line l
c the coordinates of point A
d the coordinates of point C
e the area of the triangle ABC

y
A

(1, 4)
B

k
(5, 2)

90

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for the A

ustralian Curriculum

10 10A

Solution

Stage 5.3

a Line k passes through (3, 0) and (5, 2).

20 2
m
1
53 2
Using the pointgradient formula y  y1 m(x  x1):
y  2 1x  5
x5

using the point (5, 2)

yx3
(or x  y  3 0 in general form)
b Line l passes through (1, 4) and (5, 2).
2  4 2
1
)m


51
4
2
1
y  4  x  1
2
2y  4 1x  1
2y  8 x 1

using the point (1, 4)

x 2y  9 0
c A is the y-intercept of line l.
Substitute x 0 into x 2y  9 0.
0 2y  9 0
2y 9
9
y
2
4:5
[ A is (0, 4.5)
d C is the y-intercept of line k.
The y-intercept of y x  3 is 3.
[ C is (0, 3)
1
e Area of 4ABC 3 base 3 height
2
1
3 AC 3 BD
2
1
3 7:5 3 5
2
18:75 units2

y
A (0, 4.5)

4.5

5 units

B (5, 2)

7.5 units
x

0
3
C (0, 3)

AC 4.5 3 7.5

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Stage 5.3

Example

23

A(3, 0), B(1, 6), C(4, 4) and D(0, 2) are the
vertices of a rectangle.

a By finding the lengths of AC and BD,

show that the diagonals of the rectangle
are equal.
b Find the midpoints of the diagonals
AC and BD.
c Show that the diagonals of the rectangle
bisect each other.

6
5

4
3
2
1
A
0

4 3 2 1
1

Solution
a A(3, q
0),
C(4, 4)

AC x2  x1 2 y2  y1 2
q
4  32 4  02
p
65
B(1, 6), D(0, 2)
q
BD x2  x1 2 y2  y1 2
q
0  12 2  62
p
65
[ AC BD
[ The diagonals are equal.


3 4 0 4
,
b Midpoint of AC 
2
2


1
,2

2

1 0 6 2
,
Midpoint of BD 
2
2


1

,2
2

c The midpoints of both diagonals are the same, so the diagonals bisect each other.

92

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for the A

Exercise 3-09

10 10A
Stage 5.3

Coordinate geometry problems

1 For each graph, find:

i the equation of line k
iv the coordinates of point C
a

ustralian Curriculum

See Example 22

ii the equation of line l

v the area of nABC

iii the coordinates of point B

y
B

(5, 3)

A (10, 2)

0
C

(8, 2)
0

l
x

A (4, 1)
C

(6, 6)
k

y
k
(18, 8)
l

B
0

(3, 3)
A (12, 10)

2 For this graph, find:

a the equation of line l
b the equation of line k
c w if the point (7, w) lies on l

(2, 5)
l

d t if the point (t, 11) lies on k

0

x
k

(3, 5)

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Stage 5.3
See Example 23

y
3 The vertices of a rhombus are D(4, 2), E(1, 2), F(4, 2)
and G(1, 2).
D
a Show that all sides of the rhombus are equal.
0
b By finding their gradients, show that the
G
opposite sides of the rhombus are parallel.
c Show that the diagonals DF and GE of
Show that means all working
out must be provided to fully
the rhombus cross at right angles.
explain your answer
d Find the midpoints of the diagonals DF and
GE. Do the diagonals bisect each other? Give reasons.
e List the properties of a rhombus that have been demonstrated in this question.

E
x
F

4 A quadrilateral has vertices P(7, 2), Q(2, 7), R(5, 4) and S(4, 5).
a Draw a diagram showing the given information.
b Find the lengths of PR and QS in surd form.
c Find the midpoints of PR and QS.
d Is PR perpendicular to QS? Why?
e What type of quadrilateral is PQRS? Explain.
5 A quadrilateral has vertices C(2, 6), D(5, 2), E(1, 5) and F(6, 1).
a Draw a diagram showing the given information.
b Find the length of each diagonal.
c Find the midpoint of each diagonal.
d Show that the diagonals are perpendicular.
e What type of quadrilateral is CDEF? Explain.
6 A quadrilateral has vertices B(1, 7), C(5, 2), D(2, 2) and E(8, 3).
a Find the length of each side.
b Find the gradient of each side.
c Find the midpoint of each diagonal.
d What type of quadrilateral is BCDE?
7 A square has vertices A(2, 3), B(6, 3), C(0, 7) and D(4, 1).
a Show that its diagonals are equal.

b Show that its diagonals bisect each other at right angles.

c Hence explain why ABCD is a square.

D
x

0
A

8 Show that the diagonals of the rhombus with vertices K(4, 2), L(1, 4), M(1, 1) and N(6, 3)
bisect each other at right angles.
9 Show that W(5, 4), X(4, 1), Y(6, 6) and Z(3, 3) are the vertices of a parallelogram by
finding the gradients of each side and showing that the opposite sides are parallel.

94

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ustralian Curriculum

10 10A

10 J(3, 0), K(3, 2), L(1, 3) and M(5, 5) are the vertices of a quadrilateral.
a Find the gradient of each side.

Stage 5.3

b What type of quadrilateral is JKLM? Explain.

y

11 A(2, 4), B(4, 3) and C(5, 3) are the vertices of a triangle.
a X and Y are the midpoints of AB and AC respectively.
Find the coordinates of X and Y.
b Find the gradients of XY and CB. Is it true that XY || CB?

A
C

c Find the lengths of XY and CB and, hence, show that CB 2XY.

0
B

12 C(7, 6), N(1, 3), T(4, 5) and W(4, 2) are the vertices of a quadrilateral.
a Show that its diagonals bisect each other at right angles.
b Hence, what type of quadrilateral is CNTW?
13 What type of a quadrilateral is formed by the points H(6, 2), I(6, 4), J(4, 2) and K(2, 5)?
14 Show that the points S(5, 6), T(6, 0), W(6, 2) and X(7, 4) are the vertices of a rectangle.
15 The points T(5, 6), U(3, 4), V(3, 2) and S(7, 4) are the vertices of a quadrilateral.
y
V

C
S

a Find the coordinates of the midpoint of each side.

b What type of quadrilateral is formed when the midpoints of the sides are joined? Explain.
16 For the points L(8, 1), M(1, 2) and N(10, 5):
a Find the gradients of LM, LN and MN.
b What can you say about the three points L, M and N?

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Coordinate geometry

Power plus
1

A line is drawn through the points A(0, 2) and B(3, 0). The x-coordinate of a point
C on AB is 9. Find:
a the gradient of AB

b the equation of AB

c the y-coordinate of C.

The point (1, 6) lies on the line kx 3y  13 0, where k is a constant number.

Find k.

Z(1, 3) is the midpoint of the interval joining A(4, 7) and B. Find the coordinates
of B.

The circle has XY as a diameter and centre Z. What are the coordinates of X?
y
X
Z (1, 1)
0

96

x
Y (4, 1)

a Find the gradient of any line parallel to 3x 2y 4.

b Find the equation of the line that passes through the point (0, 1) and is parallel
to 3x 2y 4.

A(1, 4), B(4, 6), C(2, 7) and D are the vertices of a parallelogram. Find the coordinates
of D.

9780170194662

Chapter 3 review

n Language of maths

Puzzle sheet

axes

distance

exact answer

general form

gradient

gradientintercept form

horizontal

interval

length

linear equation

midpoint

parallel

perpendicular

pointgradient form

reciprocal

rise

run

surd

vertical

x-axis

x-intercept

y-axis

y-intercept

Coordinate geometry
crossword
MAT10NAPS10014

1 What is the difference between the y-axis and the y-intercept?

2 When finding the length of an interval on a number plane, what is meant by an exact
answer?
3 What measurement is the fraction given by the vertical rise of a line divided by the horizontal
run?
4 What is the everyday meaning of the word intercept? Look it up in a dictionary.
5 What is the property of the gradients of perpendicular lines?
6 What form of a linear equation is ax by c 0?

n Topic overview

Quiz
Coordinate geometry

How can you find the gradient of a line?

When do you use the formula y  y1 m(x  x1)?
How can you test whether a pair of lines are perpendicular?
What parts of this topic did you find difficult?

MAT10NAQZ00005

Copy and complete this mind map of the topic, adding detail to its branches and using pictures,
symbols and colour where needed. Ask your teacher to check your work.
Length, midpoint and
gradient of an interval

Coordinate
geometry
problems

Parallel and
perpendicular lines

Coordinate
geometry

Equations of
parallel and
perpendicular lines

Finding the
equation of a line

9780170194662

Graphing linear
equations

The gradientintercept
equation
y = mx + b

The general form of a

linear equation
ax + by + c = 0

The pointgradient form

of a linear equation
y y1 = m(x x1)

97

Chapter 3 revision
See Exercise 3-01

1 An interval is formed by joining the points K(5, 6) and L(7, 2).

a Find, correct to one decimal place, the length of interval KL.
b Find the midpoint of KL.
c Find the gradient of KL.

See Exercise 3-01

2 The vertices of a quadrilateral HJKL are H(8, 5) J(1, 2) K(2, 5) L(5, 2).
a Find the exact length of the sides of the quadrilateral.
b Find the gradient of each side of HJKL.
c Find the exact length of the diagonals HK and JL.
d What type of quadrilateral is HJKL?

Stage 5.3
See Exercise 3-01
See Exercise 3-02

3 Find, correct to the nearest degree, the angle of inclination of a line with gradient:
c 1
d 2
a 3
b 5
4
3
4 A line passes through the points V(8, 1) and W(10, 2). What is the gradient of a line:
a parallel to VW?

See Exercise 3-03

b perpendicular to VW?

5 Graph each linear equation on a number plane.

a y 5x  1
b x 2y 16

c 3x 4y  12 0

See Exercise 3-03

6 Test which of the following points lie on the line of 3x y 2. Select the correct answer
A, B, C or D.
A (1, 0)
B (2, 4)
C (1, 5)
D (1, 5)

See Exercise 3-03

7 What is the equation of the line through (2, 3) and parallel to the x-axis? Select the correct
answer A, B, C or D.
A x 2
B x3
C y 2
D y3

See Exercise 3-04

8 Write the gradient, m, and y-intercept, b, for each linear equation.

a y 2x  10
b y 4x 3
c y 4  3x
8
9 Convert each equation to general form ax by c 0.
c x 3y 6
a y 3x 5
b y 2x  10
5
10 Rewrite each equation in the form y mx b, then state the value of the gradient, m, and the
y-intercept, b.

See Exercise 3-05

See Exercise 3-05

a xy20
Stage 5.3
See Exercise 3-06

See Exercise 3-06

98

b 2x  8y 8 0

c 3x y  9 0

11 Find, in general form, the equation of a line which passes through the point:
a (5, 5) and has a gradient of 3

b (1, 8) and has a gradient of 23

12 Find, in general form, the equation of a line which passes through the points:
a (10, 2) and (5, 1)
b (6, 3) and (2, 1)

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Chapter 3 revision
13 Find the equation of each line.

See Exercise 3-07

y
10

b
10

10

10
See Exercise 3-08

14 Find the equation of a line that is:

a parallel to y 3x 1 and passes through the x-axis at 2
b perpendicular to y x and passes through the origin.
2
15 The line 3x  8y 10 0 and another line intersect at right angles at the point (10, 5). Find
the equation of the other line.

Stage 5.3
See Exercise 3-08
See Exercise 3-09

16 L(1, 2), M(4, 5), N(1, 10) and P(4, 7) are the vertices of a quadrilateral. Show that LMNP is
a square.

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