Number and Algebra

2
Coordinate
geometry
Straight lines are an important part of our environment. We
play sport on courts using 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
for the A ustralian Curriculum 10

Shutterstock.com/Greg Epperson
n Chapter outline n Wordbank
Proficiency strands general form Any linear equation expressed as
2-01 Length, midpoint and ax þ by þ c ¼ 0, where a, b and c are integers and a is
gradient of an interval U F R C positive
2-02 Parallel and perpendicular gradient The steepness of a line or interval, measured by
lines U F R C
2-03 Graphing linear equations U F R C the fraction rise
run
2-04 The gradientintercept gradient–intercept form Any linear equation expressed as
equation y ¼ mx þ b* U F R C y ¼ mx þ b, where m is the gradient and b is the
2-05 The general form of a linear y-intercept
equation ax þ by þ c ¼ 0* U F R C
2-06 Finding the equation of linear equation An equation whose graph is a straight line
a line* U F R C parallel lines Lines that point in the same direction and
2-07 Equations of parallel and have the same gradient
perpendicular lines* U F R C
perpendicular lines Lines that cross at right angles (90°)
*STAGE 5.2 and have gradients whose product is 1
y-intercept The y-value at which a graph cuts the y-axis

9780170194655
 Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
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
• test whether a point lies on a line
• (STAGE 5.2) use the gradient-intercept equation of a straight line y ¼ mx þ b
• (STAGE 5.2) find the equation of a line from its graph
• (STAGE 5.2) recognise the general form of the equation of a straight line and convert it to the
gradient-intercept equation
• (STAGE 5.2) find the equation of a line that is parallel or perpendicular to a given line

SkillCheck
Worksheet
y
StartUp assignment 2 8
MAT10NAWK10008

6
Skillsheet F
Pythagoras’ theorem A
4
MAT10MGSS10004

B
2

G C
−8 −6 −4 −2 0 2 4 6 8 x
E
−2

−4

H D
−6

−8

1 For this number plane, find:

a the midpoint of interval BC
b the midpoint of interval HE
c the length of interval GC
d the length of interval GH
e the lengths of AC and BC, correct to one decimal place
f the type of triangle nABC is
g the gradient of GE
h the gradient of EH

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 N E W C E N T U R Y M AT H S
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2 For each linear equation, copy and complete the table of values and graph the equation.
a y¼x3
x 0 1 2 3
y
b y ¼ 3x þ 2
x 2 1 0 1
y
c y ¼ 1  2x
x 1 0 1 2
y
3 State whether each line’s gradient is positive, negative or neither.
a y b y c y

0 x 0 x

0 x

d y e y f y

0 x 0 x

0 x

Worksheet

Gradient, midpoint,
distance

MAT10NAWK00014

Length, midpoint and gradient of Puzzle sheet

2-01 an interval Intervals match-up

MAT10NAPS10009

y Technology worksheet
The length of an interval AB (or the distance
Excel worksheet:
between A and B) can be calculated using A Midpoint and distance
Pythagoras’ theorem if we know the coordinates of between two points
A and B. M MAT10NACT00008

Technology worksheet
The midpoint M B Excel spreadsheet:
of interval AB Midpoint and distance

O x MAT10NACT00038

9780170194655 39
Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Coordinate geometry

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.
The gradient of an interval measures its steepness. It is given by the formula:
vertical rise rise
m¼ ¼
horizontal run run
sloping upwards
(positive gradient) sloping
vertical
downwards
rise ‘negative’ (negative
vertical gradient)
horizontal run
rise

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.

Example 1
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(1, 3) and B(4, 9) b P(5, 8) and Q(3, 6)

Solution
a i Draw a right-angled triangle on the y
B
9
number plane, with AB as the hypotenuse.
8
7
6 6
5
4
3 A
3
2
1

0
–1 1 2 3 4 5 6 x
–1

Height ¼ 9  3 ¼ 6 Difference between y-coordinates

Base ¼ 4  1 ¼ 3 Difference between x-coordinates

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AB2 ¼ 62 þ 32 by Pythagoras’ theorem
¼ 45
pffiffiffiffiffi
AB ¼ 45
¼ 6:7082 . . .
 6:7 units
ii For A(1, 3) and B(4, 9), the average of the
1þ4 1
x-coordinates is ¼2 .
2 2
The average of the y-coordinates is 3 þ 9 ¼ 6.
2
[ The midpoint of AB is (2 12, 6).
From the diagram above, a
midpoint at (2 12, 6) looks
iii The rise is 6 units.
reasonable.
The run is 3 units.
rise
m¼
run
6
¼
3
¼2
b i Draw a right-angled triangle on the y
P
number plane with PQ as the 8
hypotenuse. 2 7
The height of the triangle is 2 units. 6 Q
8
The base of the triangle is 8 units. 5
4
3
2
1

0
–5 –4 –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 5 x
–1

AB2 ¼ 22 þ 82 by Pythagoras’ theorem

¼ 68
pffiffiffiffiffi
AB ¼ 68
¼ 8:2462 . . .
 8:2 units
ii For P(5, 8) and Q(3, 6), the average of the x-
5 þ 3 ¼ 1.
coordinates is
2
The average of the y-coordinates is 8 þ 6 ¼ 7.
2
[ The midpoint of PQ is (1, 7).
From the diagram above, a
midpoint at (1, 7) looks
reasonable.

9780170194655 41
Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Coordinate geometry

iii The rise is 2 units. Line slopes downwards.

The run is 8 units.
rise
m¼
run
2
¼
8
1
¼
4

Optional: The distance, midpoint and gradient formulas

The methods for finding the length, midpoint and gradient of an interval can each be summarised
by a formula.
The distance formula is used to calculate the y
Q(x2, y2)
distance (d) between any two points P(x1, y1) and d
Q(x2, y2), in other words, the length of the (y2 − y1)
interval PQ.
P(x , y )
d 2 ¼ ðx2  x1 Þ2 þ ðy2  y1 Þ2 1 1
(x2 − x1) T(x2, y1)
qffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
x
) d ¼ ðx2  x1 Þ2 þ ðy2  y1 Þ2 0
by Pythagoras’ theorem
The midpoint formula gives the coordinates y
of the point M, the midpoint of the interval (x2, y2)
joining P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2):
x þ x y þ y  M(x, y)
1 2 1 2
M ðx, yÞ ¼ ,
2 2
(x1, y1)

0 x

The gradient formula gives the gradient of the interval or line joining P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2).
Vertical rise ¼ difference in y-coordinates ¼ y2  y1
Horizontal run ¼ difference in x-coordinates ¼ x2  x1
difference in y y2  y1
Gradient, m ¼ ¼
difference in x x2  x1

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Example 2
Video tutorial
For the interval joining P(5, 8) and Q(3, 6) from Example 1b, use a formula to find:
Distance, midpoint and
a the length of the interval, correct to one decimal place gradient formulas

b the midpoint of the interval MAT10NAVT10010

c the gradient of the interval.

Solution
For P(–5, 8) and Q(3, 6): x1 = –5, y1 = 8, x2 = 3, y2 = 6.

(x1, y1) (x2, y2)

qffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
a d ¼ ðx2  x1 Þ2 þ ðy2  y1 Þ2 Apply the distance formula.
qffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
¼ ð3  ð5ÞÞ2 þ ð6  8Þ2
pffiffiffiffiffi
¼ 68
¼ 8:2462 . . .
 8:2 units
x þ x y þ y 
1 2 1 2
b M ðx, yÞ ¼ , Apply the midpoint formula.
 2 2 
5 þ 3 8 þ 6
¼ ,
2 2
¼ ð1, 7Þ
difference in y
c m¼ Apply the gradient formula.
difference in x
y2  y1
¼
x2  x1
68
¼
3  ð5Þ
2
¼
8
1
¼
4

Example 3

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.

9780170194655 43
 Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Coordinate geometry

Solution
a y Join the points in the correct order.
8
7
A B
6
5
4
3
2
D C
1
x
−6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1
0
−1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
−2

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

c AD2 ¼ 42 þ 42
¼ 32
pffiffiffiffiffi
AD ¼ 32 units In exact surd form.
d By counting grid squares, AB ¼ 5, BC ¼ 4, CD ¼ 9.
pffiffiffiffiffi
Perimeter of ABCD ¼ 5 þ 4 þ 9 þ 32
¼ 25:211 . . .
 25:21 units

Exercise 2-01 Length, midpoint and gradient of an

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

1
C(–3, 0)
0 x
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3

−1

See Examples 1, 2 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.
A 3 B 3 C 5 D 2
5 3

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4 Calculate the gradient of each line.

a b c

6
8 7

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) b J(1, 0) and K(8, 6) c M(0, 3) and N(5, 2)
d R(3, 6) and S(4, 9) e A (7, 2) and B(5, 8) 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 k
6

0 x
–6 –4 –2 2 4 6 8

–2

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 þ 5 B 8þ5 C 85 D 58
2 2 2 2
9 The vertices of triangle ABC are A(1, 1), B(1, 3) and C(3, 1). See Example 3
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 nABC, correct to one decimal place.

9780170194655 45
Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Coordinate geometry

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 y
vertices A(2, 1), B(2, 3) and C(4, 3). 5
a Copy the diagram and find the coordinates 4
B 3 C
of P and Q, the midpoints of BA and BC
respectively. Mark P and Q on your 2
diagram. 1
b Calculate, correct to one decimal place, the
lengths of PQ and AC. What do you notice –5 –4 –3 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 x
A –1
about your answers? –2
c Find the gradients of PQ and AC. What do –3
you notice about your answers? –4
–5

Investigation: Parallel and perpendicular lines

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

A
2

0 x
–4 –2 2 4 6 8
Q
–2
V
P Z
–4

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

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

S
6
Q

4
D P

2
C

0 x
–8 –6 –4 –2 2 4 6 8 10
T
–2
A

–4
B

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
2-02 Parallel and perpendicular lines Gradients of parallel
and perpendicular lines

MAT10NAPS00012
Parallel lines
Technology

Summary GeoGebra:
Perpendicular lines

Parallel lines have the same gradient. MAT10NATC00005

If two lines with gradients m1 and m2 are parallel, then m1 ¼ m2

y

gradient = m1

0 x

gradient = m2

9780170194655 47
Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Coordinate geometry

Stage 5.2 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 ¼ 1 or m2 ¼  1 .
m1
y gradient = m2

0 x
gradient = m1

Note that m2 is the negative reciprocal of m1.

Example 4
State whether each pair of gradients represent parallel lines, perpendicular lines or neither.
a m1 ¼ 1 , m2 ¼ 2 b m1 ¼ 0:4, m2 ¼ 2 c m1 ¼ 1 3 , m2 ¼  5
2 5 5 8
Solution
a m1 6¼ m2 so the lines are not parallel.
1
m 1 3 m2 ¼ 3 2
2
¼1
6¼ 1
so the lines are not perpendicular.
[ The lines are neither parallel nor perpendicular.
b m2 ¼ 2 ¼ 0:4
5
m1 ¼ m2
[ The lines are parallel.
c m1 ¼ 1 3 ¼ 8
5 5
 
8 5
m 1 3 m2 ¼ 3 
5 8
¼ 1
[ The lines are perpendicular.

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Stage 5.2
Example 5
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 ¼ 2
1
m2 ¼ for perpendicular lines
m1
1
¼
2
1
¼ The negative reciprocal of m1.
2
1
The gradient is  .
2
b m1 ¼ 3
1
m2 ¼
m1
1
¼
3
1
¼
3
The gradient is 1.
3
c m1 ¼ 3
4
1
m2 ¼
m1
1
¼ 3 
4
4
¼
3
The gradient is  4.
3
d m1 ¼ 0:6 ¼  3
1 5
m 2 ¼  3
5
5
¼
3
The gradient is 5.
3

9780170194655 49
Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Coordinate geometry

Example 6
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
Find the gradient of AB by calculating the rise y
and run. 6
A
Sometimes drawing a diagram helps you to 5
understand the problem. 4
4 3
2
1 B
6
0
–2 –1 1 2 3 4 5 x
–1

Rise ¼ 1  5 ¼ 4 Difference between y-coordinates.

Run ¼ 4  (2) ¼ 6 Difference between x-coordinates.
4 rise
Gradient AB ¼ run
6
2
¼
3
a Any line parallel to AB will have the same
gradient as AB.
) m ¼ 2
3
Stage 5.2 b The gradient of a line perpendicular to AB
will be given by:
1
m ¼  2
3
3
¼
2

Exercise 2-02 Parallel and perpendicular lines

See Example 4 1 State whether each pair of gradients represent parallel lines, perpendicular lines or neither.
a m1 ¼ 1, m2 ¼ 4 b m1 ¼ 3, m2 ¼  1 c m1 ¼ 0.5, m2 ¼ 1
4 3 2
2
d m1 ¼ , m2 ¼ 7 3
e m1 ¼ , m2 ¼ 0.3 f m1 ¼ 1 , m2 ¼  6
1
7 2 10 5 5
2 Find the gradient of a line that is parallel to a line with gradient:
a 4 b 2 c 1 d 0.2
3

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 N E W C E N T U R Y M AT H S
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3 Find the gradient of a line that is perpendicular to a line with gradient: Stage 5.2
5
a 1 b 6 c 1.5 d
2 See Example 5
4 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
5 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
6 What is the gradient of a line perpendicular to the line shown below? Select A, B, C or D. Stage 5.2
y
See Example 6
5
4
3
2
1

–5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 x
–1
–2
–3
–4
–5

A 5 B 5 C 3 D 1
3 5 5
7 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)
D (5, 3)
P (–7, 3)

B (3, 0)
0 x

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

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

Skillsheet

Starting GeoGebra 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 ¼ 2x þ 5 and y ¼ 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 ¼ m2

Since m1 ¼ m2 ¼ 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 ¼ 0 and y ¼ 5x b x þ y þ 4 ¼ 0 and x þ y  6 ¼ 0
3
c x  2y ¼ 0 and y ¼ 0.5x d y ¼ 5x  9 and 5x  y  1 ¼ 0

Perpendicular Lines
1 Show the Axes and Grid.
2 Use the Input bar to enter the pair of linear equations y ¼ 2x þ 1 and y ¼ 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.

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5 Check if the two lines are perpendicular, using m1 3 m2 ¼ 1

Since 2 3 (0.5) ¼ 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.
a y ¼ 0.6x þ 2 and y ¼ 5 x b x  4y þ 1 ¼ 0 and y ¼ 4x  3
3
c 3x  2y ¼ 0 and y ¼  2x d y ¼ 2x þ 4 and x  2y  1 ¼ 0
3

Worksheet
2-03 Graphing linear equations Graphing linear
equations

A relationship between two variables, x and y, whose graph is a straight line is called a linear MAT10NAWK10010

relationship. The expression of that relationship as an algebraic formula, such as y ¼ 3x þ 2, is

Skillsheet
called a linear equation.
Graphing linear
equations
Example 7 MAT10NASS10005

Graph y ¼ 3x þ 2 on a number plane. y

y = 3x + 2
6
Solution 5
Complete a table of values. Choose x-values 4
close to 0 for easy calculation and graphing. 3

x 1 0 1 2
x-intercept y-intercept
1
y 1 2 5
Graph (1, 1), (0, 2) and (1, 5) on a –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 x
–1
number plane. Rule a straight line –2
through the points, place arrows at each –3
end, and label the line with its equation. –4
–5
–6

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
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 ¼ 3x þ 2. For example, (1, 1),
(0, 2) and (1, 5) lie on the line and follow the rule y ¼ 3x þ 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.

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 8
Which of the following points lie on the line x  2y ¼ 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 ¼ RHS, the point satisfies the equation and so lies on the line
• If LHS 6¼ RHS, the point does not lie on the line.
a Substitute x ¼ 17, y ¼ 6 into x  2y ¼ 5.
LHS ¼ x  2y RHS ¼ 5
¼ 17  2 3 6
¼5

LHS ¼ RHS, so (17, 6) lies on the line.

b Substitute x ¼ 8, y ¼ 4 into x  2y ¼ 5.
LHS ¼ x  2y RHS ¼ 5
¼ 8  2 3 ð4Þ
¼ 16

LHS 6¼ RHS, so (8, 4) does not lie on the line.

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Horizontal and vertical lines Technology worksheet

Horizontal and vertical

lines
Summary MAT10NACT10001

The equation of a horizontal line is of the form y ¼ c (where c is a constant number).

The equation of a vertical line is of the form x ¼ c (where c is a constant number).
y y

y=c x=c
c

0 x 0 c x

Example 9
For the graph below, find the equation of: y
a the vertical line
b the horizontal line

0 x

A (6, –3)

Solution
y
a The vertical line has an x-intercept 4
of 6 and passes though A(6, 3),
3
so its equation is x ¼ 6. Passes
b The horizontal line has a 2 through x = 6
on x-axis
y-intercept of 3 and passes 1
though A(6, 3), so its
x
equation is y ¼ 3. –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
–1
–2
–3
A
Passes –4
through y = –3
on y-axis

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

Example 10
Find the equation of the line that is:
a parallel to the x-axis and passes through the point (1, 6)
b always 3 units to the left of the y-axis.

Solution
a The equation of the line is y ¼ 6. y
1

x
–3 –2 –1 1 2 3
–1
–2
–3
–4
–5
–6 y = –6
(1, –6)
–7
–8
–9
–10

b The equation of the line is x ¼ 3. x = –3

y
3
2
1

x
–5 –4 –3 –2 –1 1
–1
–2
–3

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Exercise 2-03 Graphing linear equations
1 Graph each linear equation on a number plane, and write: See Example 7
i its x-intercept ii its y-intercept.
a y ¼ 3x  1 b y ¼ 2x þ 5 c y ¼ x þ 4
d y ¼ 2x  2 e y ¼ 4x f y¼ xþ3
2
2 Test whether the point (3, 1) lies on each line. See Example 8
a y ¼ 2x  5 b xy¼4 c y þ 2x ¼ 5
d y¼x4 e xþy¼5 f 3x þ y þ 8 ¼ 0
3 Which of these points lies on the line y ¼ 6x  5? Select the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A (1, 11) B (3, 13) C (2, 17) D (5, 25)
4 Find the equation of each line shown below. See Example 9

a y b
6
5
c
4
3
2
1

x
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –6 1 2 3 4 5 6
–1
–2
–3
d
–4
–5
–6

5 Graph each set of lines on a number plane.

a x ¼ 2 12 , y ¼ 3, y ¼ 1 b x ¼ 6, y ¼ 2, x ¼  12
6 Find the equation the line that is: See Example 10
a horizontal and passes through the y-axis at 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).

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

7 Which of these points lies on the line 4x þ y ¼ 1? Select A, B, C or D.

A (1, 5) B (2, 7) C (6, 9) D ð 1, 1Þ
2
8 Which equation represents a line that is horizontal and passes through the point (8, 2)?
Select A, B, C or D.
A y¼8 B x¼8 C y ¼ 2 D x ¼ 2
9 a What is another name for the line y ¼ 0?
b What is another name for the line x ¼ 0?

Technology Graphing y ¼ mx þ b
1 Show the Axes and Grid.
2 Enter the four lines y ¼ 3x þ 2, y ¼ 5x þ 2, y ¼ 2x þ 2, y ¼ 0.1x þ 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 on the y-intercept (you may need to use
Move Graphics View to locate it).

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?

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9 Repeat the steps above for each set of equations.
a y ¼ 4x b y ¼ 2x þ 3 c xþyþ1¼0
4x þ y þ 1¼ 0 7x þ y  3 ¼ 0 y ¼ x  1
y ¼4x  10 0.2x  y þ 3 ¼ 0 xþy¼1
10 For each set of lines drawn in question 9, complete a table as shown in Step 7.
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.

Stage 5.2
The gradientintercept equation
2-04 y ¼ mx þ b NSW

Puzzle sheet

Summary Equations in gradient

form

MAT10NAPS00011
The equation of a straight line is y ¼ mx þ b, where m is the gradient and b is the
y-intercept. Technology worksheet
For this reason, y ¼ mx þ b is also called the gradient–intercept form of a linear equation.
Excel spreadsheet:
Drawing linear graphs:
gradient and
y-intercept
Example 11
MAT10NACT00039

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

Video tutorial
5x þ 4
a y ¼ 4x þ 9 b y ¼ 10  6x c y¼ d 3x þ 2y  6 ¼ 0 The gradient–intercept
2 formula
Solution MAT10NAVT10011

a y ¼ 4x þ 9 is in the form y ¼ mx þ b.

[ Gradient m ¼ 4 and y-intercept b ¼ 9.
b y ¼ 10  6x can be rewritten as y ¼ 6x þ 10.
[ Gradient m ¼ 6 and y-intercept b ¼ 10.
5x þ 4 5x 4 5x 5
c For y ¼ ¼ þ ¼ þ 2, gradient m ¼ and y-intercept b ¼ 2
2 2 2 2 2
d 3x þ 2y  6 ¼ 0 can be rearranged in the form y ¼ mx þ b.
3x þ 2y  6 ¼ 0
3x þ 2y  6  3x ¼ 0  3x
2y  6 ¼ 3x
2y  6 þ 6 ¼ 3x þ 6
2y ¼ 3x þ 6
3x þ 6
y¼
2
3x
y¼ þ3
2
[ 3x þ 2y  6 = 0 has gradient m ¼  3 and y-intercept b ¼ 3.
2

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

Stage 5.2 Example 12

Write the equation of a line with a gradient of 4 and a y-intercept of 6.

Solution
m ¼ 4, b ¼ 6
[ The equation of the line is y ¼ 4x  6.

Example 13
Graph each linear equation by finding the gradient and y-intercept first.
a y ¼ 2x þ 5 b y ¼ 3x  2
4
Solution
a y ¼ 2x þ 5 has a gradient of 2 and a y
y-intercept of 5. 6
1
• Plot the y-intercept 5 on the y-axis. 5
• Make a gradient of 2 by moving across 2
4
1 unit (run) and down 2 units (‘negative’ 3
rise) and marking the point at (1, 3).
2
• Rule a line through this point and
1
the y-intercept.
–1 0 x
1 2 3 4 5 6
–1
Don’t forget to label the line –2
with its equation ‘y ¼ 2x þ 5’
–3
–4
–5
y = –2x + 5
–6

b y ¼ 3 x  2 has a gradient of 3 and a y

y = 3–4 x – 2
4 4 2
y-intercept of 2.
1
• Plot the y-intercept 2 on the y-axis. 3
0 x
• Make a gradient of 3 by moving across –1
–1
1 2 3 4 5 6
4
4 units (run) and up 3 units (rise) and –2
4
marking the point at (4, 1). –3
• Rule a line through this point and
the y-intercept.

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Stage 5.2
Example 14
Which lines are parallel to y ¼ 2x þ 3?
A y ¼ 2x þ 3 B y ¼ 2x þ 1 C y ¼ 2x D y ¼ 5x þ 3

Solution
Parallel lines have the same gradient. The line y ¼ 2x þ 3 has the gradient m ¼ 2.
• A y ¼ 2x þ 3 has gradient 2.
• B y ¼ 2x þ 1 has gradient 2.
• C y ¼ 2x has gradient 2
• D y ¼ 5x þ 3 has gradient 5.
[ The lines B (y ¼ 2x þ 1) and C (y ¼ 2x) are parallel to y ¼ 2x þ 3.

Exercise 2-04 The gradient–intercept formula

y ¼ mx þ b
1 Find the gradient and y-intercept of each line below. See Example 11
a y ¼ 3x  2 b y ¼ 2x þ 7 c y¼xþ4 d y¼9x

e y ¼ 3x þ 6 f y¼x g y ¼ x  11 h y ¼ 2x þ 18
4 2 3
i y ¼ 24  x j y ¼ 2(x  3) k 11  3x ¼ y l 2x  7 ¼ y
3 2
2 Find the equation of a line with: See Example 12
a a gradient of 2 and a y-intercept of 1 b a gradient of 3 and a y-intercept of 2
4
c a gradient of 7 and a y-intercept of 5 d a gradient of  2 and a y-intercept of 3
5
e m ¼ 2, b ¼ 3 f m ¼ 3, b ¼ 1
2
3 Graph each linear equation by finding the gradient and y-intercept first. See Example 13
a y ¼ 2x þ 1 b y ¼ 3x  2 c y ¼ 2x d y¼ x1
2
e y ¼ 2x þ 3 f y ¼  3x g y ¼ 5x þ 2 h y ¼ 3x  20
4 2 5
4 Write the equation of a line with a gradient of 2 that passes through the origin.
5 Select the lines that are parallel to the given line each time. There may be more than one See Example 14
answer.
a y¼xþ6
A y ¼ 6x B y¼6x C y¼xþ1 D y ¼ 2x
b y ¼ 3x þ 10
A y ¼ 10x þ 3 B y ¼ 3x  1 C y ¼ 1  3x D y ¼ 4 þ 3x
x
c y¼ þ5
2
xþ6 x
A y ¼ 2x  1 B y¼ C y¼1 D y¼xþ2
2 2

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

Stage 5.2 d y¼6

A y ¼ 2x þ 6 B y ¼ 6x C y ¼ 1 D y ¼ 10
e y ¼ 4x
A y ¼ 4x  2 B y ¼ 4x þ 3 C y¼4 D y ¼ 1  4x
f x ¼ 10
A y ¼ 10 B y ¼ 10x C x ¼ 2y D x ¼ 6
6 For each set of linear equations, find a pair of equations whose graphs are parallel lines.
a y ¼ 4x þ 3 y¼xþ2 y ¼ 4x  6 y ¼ 2x
b y ¼ 5x þ 1 3x  y þ 7 ¼ 0 y ¼ 3x  2 y ¼ 5x þ 2

Mental skills 2 Maths without calculators

Finding 15%, 2 12 %, 25% and 12 12 %

• To find 10% or 1 of a number, divide by 10
10
• To find 5% of a number, find 10% first, then halve it (since 5% is half of 10%).
• So to find 15% of a number, find 10% and 5% of the number separately, then add the
answers together.
1 Study each example.
a 15% 3 80 ¼ (10% 3 80) þ (5% 3 80) ¼ 8 þ 4 ¼ 12
b 15% 3 $170 ¼ (10% 3 $170) þ (5% 3 $170) ¼ $17 þ $8.50 ¼ $25.50
c 15% 3 3600 ¼ (10% 3 3600) þ (5% 3 3600) ¼ 360 þ 180 ¼ 540
d 15% 3 $28 ¼ (10% 3 $28) þ (5% 3 $28) ¼ $2.80 þ $1.40 ¼ $4.20
2 Now find 15% of each amount.
a 120 b $840 c 260 d $202
e $50 f 72 g $180 h 400
i $1600 j $22 k 6000 l $350
To find 2 12 % of a number, first find 5%, then halve it.
3 Study each example.
a 2 1 % 3 600 b 2 1 % 3 $820
2 2
10% 3 600 ¼ 60 10% 3 $820 ¼ $82
1 1
5% 3 600 ¼ 3 60 ¼ 30 5% 3 $820 ¼ 3 82 ¼ $41
2 2
1 1 1 1
2 % 3 600 ¼ 3 30 ¼ 15 2 % 3 $820 ¼ 3 $41 ¼ $20:50
2 2 2 2

4 Now find 2 12 % of each amount

a 400 b 6640 c $2000 d $880
e 1500 f $232 g 5400 h $904
To find 25% of a number, halve the number twice as 25% ¼ 1.
4

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5 Study each example.
a 25% 3 700 b 25% 3 $86
1 1
50% 3 700 ¼ 3 700 ¼ 350 50% 3 $86 ¼ 3 $86 ¼ $43
2 2
1 1
25% 3 700 ¼ 3 350 ¼ 175 ) 25% 3 $86 ¼ 3 $43 ¼ $21:50
2 2

6 Now find 25% of each amount.

a 2000 b $80 c 18 d $25
e $324 f $140 g 66 h 298
i $780 j $1700 k $126 l 1160
To find 12 1 % of a number, find 25% first, then halve it. In other words, halve three
2
1 1
times because 12 % ¼ .
2 8
7 Study each example.
a 12 1 % 3 400 b 12 1 % 3 $144
2 2
1 1
50% 3 400 ¼ 3 400 ¼ 200 50% 3 $144 ¼ 3 $144 ¼ $72
2 2
1 1
25% 3 400 ¼ 3 200 ¼ 100 25% 3 $144 ¼ 3 $72 ¼ $36
2 2
1 1 1 1
12 % 3 400 ¼ 3 100 ¼ 50 12 % 3 $144 ¼ 3 $36 ¼ $18
2 2 2 2

8 Now find 12 1 % of each amount.

2
a 1280 b $12 c 60 d $260
e $540 f $250 g 304 h 1360

Stage 5.2
The general form of a linear equation
2-05 ax þ by þ c ¼ 0 NSW

Puzzle sheet
A linear equation written in gradientintercept form, such as y ¼  3 x þ 2, can also be written in Linear equations code
4
puzzle
general form (3x þ 4y  8 ¼ 0). Note that, for the general form, 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 MAT10NAPS10011

the general form is neater and more convenient. Worksheet

Parallel and
perpendicular lines
Summary
MAT10NAWK00015

The general form of a linear equation is written as ax þ by þ c ¼ 0, where a, b and c are

integers and a is positive.

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

Stage 5.2
Example 15
Write each linear equation in general form.
a y ¼ 6x þ 2 b y ¼ 2x þ 2 c y ¼ 2x  3
3 5
Solution
a y ¼ 6x þ 2
0 ¼ 6x  y þ 2 Subtracting y from both sides.
6x  y þ 2 ¼ 0 Swapping sides so that zero appears on
the RHS.

2
b y¼ xþ2
3 
2
3y ¼ 3  x þ 2
3 Multiplying both sides by 3 to remove
¼ 2x þ 6 the fraction.
2x þ 3y ¼ 6 Adding 2x to both sides.
2x þ 3y  6 ¼ 0 Subtracting 6 from both sides.
3
c y ¼ 2x 
 5 
3
5y ¼ 5 2x  Multiplying both sides by 5 to remove
5
the fraction.
5y ¼ 10x  3
0 ¼ 10x  5y  3 Subtracting 5y from both sides.
10x  5y  3 ¼ 0 Swapping sides so that zero appears on
the RHS.

Example 16
Find the gradient and y-intercept of the line whose equation is 5x þ 2y  10 ¼ 0.

Solution
Rewrite 5x þ 2y  10 in the form y ¼ mx þ b.
5x þ 2y  10 ¼ 0
2y  10 ¼ 5x Subtracting 5x from both sides.
Aim to have y on its own on
2y ¼ 5x þ 10 the LHS of the equation. Adding 10 to both sides.
2y 5x þ 10 Dividing both sides by 2.
¼
2 2
5x
y¼ þ5
2
[ Gradient: m ¼  5
2
y-intercept: b ¼ 5

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Stage 5.2
Exercise 2-05 The general form of a linear equation
ax þ by þ c ¼ 0
1 Write each linear equation in general form. See Example 15
a y¼xþ2 b y ¼ 3x  1 c y ¼ 8 þ 5x
d x þ 2y ¼ 3 e x  2y ¼ 6 f y ¼ 8x þ 2
g y þ 3 ¼ 6x h 2y ¼ x  6 i y ¼ 35 x þ 2
2 Find the gradient and y-intercept of the line with each equation. See Example 16
a 2x þ y ¼ 6 b 8x  2y ¼ 10 c 3x  2y þ 4 ¼ 0
d y þ 2x  1 ¼ 0 e 2x þ y þ 5 ¼ 0 f 4x þ 3y  12 ¼ 0
3 Find the gradient, m, and the y-intercept, b, of the line with equation x  3y þ 5 ¼ 0. Select
the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A m ¼ 1, b ¼ 5 B m ¼ 1, b ¼ 5 C m ¼ 1, b ¼ 5 D m ¼ 1, b ¼ 5
3 3 3 3
4 Which statement is false about the line whose equation is 3x þ y  6 ¼ 0? Select A, B, C or D.
A The gradient is 3. B The y-intercept is 6.
C The x-intercept is 2. D It is parallel to the line y ¼ 3x.

2-06 Finding the equation of a line NSW

Example 17
Find the equation of each line.
a y b y
4
3 2
2
1 x
0 2
–1
0 1 2 3 4 x
–1
–2
–3
y
–4
4
3
Solution 2
a Select two points on the line to find the 1
gradient, say (0, 3) and (2, 1). 0
–1 1 2 3 4 x
Gradient m ¼ rise ¼ 4 ¼ 2 –1 4
run 2 –2
–3
–4
2

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

Stage 5.2 y-intercept: b ¼ 3 from the graph

[ The equation of the line is y ¼ 2x  3. y ¼ mx þ b
We can check that this equation is correct for
any point on the line, say (3, 3).
When x ¼ 3, y ¼ 2 3 3  3 ¼ 3.
b Find the gradient of the line passing through y
(0, 2) and (2, 0).
y-intercept
rise 2
Gradient m ¼ ¼ ¼ 1 2
run 2
rise = –2
0 2 x
run = 2

y-intercept: b ¼ 2 from the graph

[ The equation of line is y ¼ x þ 2. y ¼ mx þ b

Exercise 2-06 Finding the equation of a line

See Example 17 1 Find the equation of each line.
y y

6 6

d e
4 4

a 2 2
b

0 x 0
–4 –2 2 4 –6 –4 –2 2 4 6 x

–2 –2

–4 –4
f
c

2 Find the equation of each line.

a y b y c y
(−8, 9)
(3, 3) 5
(4, 4)
2 0 x

0 x
0 x

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d y e y f y Stage 5.2

−1
3 0 (−4, 2)
x
6 −3
0 x
0 x −2

g y h y
i y

(5, 5)

1.5
0 x 2 0 x
−5 −3
−10
0 x

Investigation: Sausage sizzle

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.

Fairfax Syndication/Craig Abraham

1 Copy and complete this table to show the cost of making sausage sandwiches. Include the
cost of hiring the gas bottle.
No. of sandwiches (x) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Cost ($y) 25 34
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 ¼ 0 to
x ¼ 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?

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

Stage 5.2
Equations of parallel and
Puzzle sheet 2-07 perpendicular lines
Linear equations
match-up

MAT10NAPS10012

Worksheet

Writing equations of
lines

MAT10NAWK10013

Shutterstock.com/Pi-Lens

Shutterstock.com/topora
Puzzle sheet

Equations of parallel
lines

MAT10NAPS00013

Summary
If two lines with gradients m1 and m2 are parallel, then m1 ¼ m2.
If two lines with gradients m1 and m2 are perpendicular, then m1 3 m2 ¼ 1 or m2 ¼  1 .
m1

Example 18
Technology
Find the equation of the line parallel to y ¼ 8  3x that passes through the point (1, 6).
GeoGebra:
Perpendicular lines
Solution
MAT10NATC00005
For y ¼ 8  3x (or y ¼ 3x þ 8), the gradient is m ¼ 3.
A line parallel to y ¼ 8  3x, will also have m ¼ 3.
The equation of this line is
y ¼ mx þ b ¼ 3x þ b,
where b is a constant.
To find the value of b, substitute the point (1, 6) into the
equation:
y ¼ 3x þ b
6 ¼ 3 3 ð1Þ þ b x ¼ 1, y ¼ 6
6¼3þb
b¼3
[ The equation is y ¼ 3x þ 3.

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Stage 5.2
Example 19
Find the equation of the line perpendicular to 3x  4y þ 6 ¼ 0, which passes through the
point (5, 4).

Solution
To find the gradient of 3x  4y þ 6 ¼ 0, first
convert it to the form y ¼ mx þ b:
3x  4y þ 6 ¼ 0
3x þ 6 ¼ 4y
4y ¼ 3x þ 6
3x þ 6
y¼
4
3 3
y¼ xþ y ¼ mx þ b
4 2
) Gradient ¼ 3
4
1
) Gradient of perpendicular line ¼ 3 The negative reciprocal of 3.
4
4
4
¼
3
4x
) The equation of this line is y ¼  þ b
3
To find the value of b, substitute the point (5, 4)
into the equation.
  x ¼ 5, y ¼ 4
4
4¼  35 þ b
3
20
¼ þb
3
20
4þ ¼b
3
32
b¼
3
) The equation is y ¼  4x þ 32 or y ¼ 4x þ 32
3 3 3
or, converting to the neater general form:
3y ¼ 4x þ 32
4x þ 3y  32 ¼ 0

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

Stage 5.2
Exercise 2-07 Equations of parallel and
perpendicular lines
See Example 18 1 Find the equation of the line that is parallel to:
a y ¼ 2x þ 9 and has a y-intercept of 4
b y ¼ 3x and has a x-intercept of 2
c y ¼ 5  x and passes through (1, 6)
2
d 2x  y ¼ 6 and passes through (5, 2)
e y ¼ 5x  8 and passes through the midpoint of (3, 10) and (5, 6)
f 2y ¼ x  3 and passes through (6, 7)
See Example 19 2 Find the equation of a line that is perpendicular to:
a y ¼ x and has a y-intercept of 2
2
b y ¼ 5x and has a x-intercept of 1
c y ¼ 3x  1 and passes through the x-axis at 4
d y ¼ x  6 and passes through (1, 6)
3
e x þ y  6 ¼ 0 and passes through (4, 2)
f 3x  y  9 ¼ 0 and passes through (10, 7)
3 a Find the gradient of interval ST in the y
T (2, 6)
diagram on the right.
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 x
the form y ¼ mx þ b.
S (–2, –2)

4 a Find the equation of line h in the diagram. y

b Find the gradient of line j (which is perpendicular to line h). j
c Find the equation of line j. m = 13_

h (3, 2)

0 x

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5 a Find the equation of line k. k y Stage 5.2
b Find the coordinates of point A. w
8
c Find the gradient of line w.
d Find the equation of line w.
0 A x
e Find the coordinates of point B.
m = – 45_
B
NOT TO SCALE

Just for the record Constants

Expressions like ‘k is a constant’ are often used in mathematics, but constants are also used in
areas such as physics, chemistry, biology and astronomy. A constant may be:
• a numerical part of an algebraic expression. For example, in the expression 3x 2 þ 5,
the 3 and 5 are constants and 5 is usually called the constant term.
• a quantity that has a fixed value for an expression or calculation. For example, in the
equation of a line, ax þ by þ c ¼ 0, the a, b and c are constants (while x and y are
variables).
• a number or quantity that does not change in any circumstances. Examples are c (the
speed of light) in the formula E ¼ mc 2, and p.

Shutterstock.com/Pavel L Photo and Video

Other constants that do not change include Faraday’s constant, Planck’s constant,
Boltzmann’s constant, Avogadro’s number, 1 astronomical unit, and the gravitational
constant.
1 Find the symbol and value of each of the constants listed above.
2 Explain the meaning of the word ‘constants’ in this statement: ‘There are only two
constants in life—death and taxes’.

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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
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.
2 The point (1, 6) lies on the line kx þ 3y  13 ¼ 0, where k is a constant number.
Find k.
3 Z(1, 3) is the midpoint of the interval joining A(4, 7) and B. Find the coordinates
of B.
4 The circle has XY as a diameter and centre Z. What are the coordinates of X?
y

Z (1, 1)
0 x
Y (4, –1)

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n Language of maths Puzzle sheet

Coordinate geometry
axes distance exact answer general form crossword

gradient gradient–intercept form horizontal interval MAT10NAPS10014

length linear linear equation midpoint

parallel perpendicular reciprocal rise
run surd vertical x-axis
x-intercept y-axis y-intercept

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 the linear equation is ax þ by þ c ¼ 0?

n Topic overview Quiz

Coordinate geometry
• How can you find the gradient of a line?
MAT10NAQZ00005
• What is y ¼ mx þ b?
• How can you test whether a pair of lines are perpendicular?
• What parts of this topic did you find difficult?
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 Parallel and

and gradient of perpendicular lines
an interval

Graphing linear
equations
Equations of Coordinate
parallel and
perpendicular lines geometry
The gradient-intercept
equation
Finding the y = mx + b
equation of a line
The general form of a
linear equation
ax + by + c = 0

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 Chapter 2 revision

See Exercise 2-01 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 2-01 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?
See Exercise 2-02 3 A line passes through the points V(8, 1) and W(10, 2). What is the gradient of a line:
a parallel to VW? b perpendicular to VW?
See Exercise 2-03 4 Graph the linear equation y ¼ 5x  1 on a number plane.
See Exercise 2-03 5 Test which of the following points lie on the line of 3x þ y ¼ 2. Select the correct answer
A, B, C or D.
A (1, 0) B (2, 4) C (1, 5) D (1, 5)
See Exercise 2-03 6 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 ¼ 2 B x¼3 C y ¼ 2 D y¼3

Stage 5.2 7 Write the gradient, m, and y-intercept, b, for each linear equation.
a y ¼ 2x  10 b y ¼ 4x þ 3 c y ¼ 4  3x
See Exercise 2-04 8
See Exercise 2-05 8 Convert each equation to general form ax þ by þ c ¼ 0.
a y ¼ 3x þ 5 b y ¼ 2x  10 c x ¼ 3y þ 6
5
See Exercise 2-05 9 Rewrite each equation in the form y ¼ mx þ b, then state the value of the gradient, m, and the
y-intercept, b.
a xyþ2¼0 b 2x  8y þ 8 ¼ 0 c 3x þ y  9 ¼ 0

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 Chapter 2 revision

10 Find the equation of each line. Stage 5.2

y a See Exercise 2-06
10

0
–10 –5 5 10 x

–5

–10

11 Find the equation of a line that is: See Exercise 2-07

a parallel to y ¼ 3x þ 1 and passes through the x-axis at 2
x
b perpendicular to y ¼ and passes through the origin.
2

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