HKDSE Mathematics

Coordinates Geometry
Locus

Notes
Table of Contents
Section 1: Concept of Locus ....................................................................................................... 2
Section 2: Algebraic Description of a Locus................................................................................ 5
2.1 A Pair of Parallel lines .............................................................................................. 5
2.2 Perpendicular bisector ............................................................................................. 6
2.3 Circle ..................................................................................................................... 11
2.4 Angle bisectors ...................................................................................................... 19
2.5 A pair of parallel lines (Advanced) .......................................................................... 20
Section 3: Multiple Choice Questions ....................................................................................... 24

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

Section 1: Concept of Locus

Definition
A locus is a path traced by a moving point that satisfies certain specific condition(s).
Let’s look at the following examples

Example 1.1
The figure shows a point A. The distance between a moving point P and point A is always 4 units.
Describe and sketch the locus of P.
Solution
The locus of a point P is a circle with
centre at A with radius 4 units.
P
4

A A

Example 1.2
The figure shows points A and B. A moving point P is always equidistant from A and B. Describe
and sketch the locus of P.
Solution
The locus of a point P is the
P perpendicular bisector of AB.

A B A B

Example 1.3
The figure shows a line L. The distance between a moving point P and L is always 2 units.
Describe and sketch the locus of P.
Solution
The locus of a point P is a pair of
straight lines which are parallel to L
and at a distance of 2 units from L.
2
P

P
L L

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Example 1.4
The figure shows two parallel lines L1 and L2. Describe and sketch the locus of a moving point P
which is always equidistant from a pair of parallel lines.
Solution
The locus of a point P is the straight
line which is parallel to and midway
between L1 and L2.

L1 L2` L1 L2`

Example 1.5
The figure shows two straight lines L1 and L2 intersecting at M. Describe and sketch the locus of a
moving point P which is always equidistant from L1 and L2.
Solution
L1 L1 The locus of a point P is a pair of
angle bisectors.

M P M
L2 L2

L1

L2

Example 1.6
The figure shows a line segment AB. The distance between a moving point P and AB is always 2
units. Describe and sketch the locus of P.
Solution
The locus of a point P consists of
(1) two line segments parallel to AB,
A A each at a distance of 2 units from
AB.
P (2) two semicircles of radii 2 units
with centres at A and B
respectively.

B B

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Exercise 1
1. Sketch and describe the locus of a moving point P under each of the following conditions.

(a) A point P moves such that it maintains (b) P moves such that it maintains an equal
a fixed distance of 1 unit from a fixed distance from two parallel lines L1 and L2.
point.

L1 L2

(c) P moves such that it maintains an (d) A point P moves such that it maintains an
equal distance from two fixed points M equal distance from two line segments XY
and N. and YZ of equal length.
M X

Y Z

N
(e) P moves such that it maintains an (f) P moves such that it maintains an equal
equal distance of 4 units from the line distance from two intersecting line AB and
segment AB. CD.
A C

A B T
D B

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Section 2: Algebraic Description of a Locus

Suppose a point P(x, y) moves in a rectangular coordinate plane satisfying certain conditions.
The locus of P can be described by an algebraic equation which shows the relationship between x
and y. Such equation is called the equation of locus. The following steps are useful in finding such
equation.
Step 1: Let P(x, y) be a point on the locus.
Step 2: Set up an equation connecting x and y from the given condition(s).
Step 3: Simplify the equation.

2.1 A Pair of Parallel lines

Example 2.1
A moving point P moves such that it is always 2 units from the vertical line L: x  3 . Denote the
locus of P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and L.
(b) Find the equation of 
Solution
(a)  is a pair of straight lines which are parallel to L and y x=3
at a distance of 2 units from L.
x=1 x=5
(b) x  1 or x  5
O 3 x

Exercise 2.1
1. A moving point P is always 2 units from the vertical line L: x  1 in the rectangular coordinate
plane. Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and L.
(b) Find the equation of 

2. A moving point P is always 3 units from the vertical line L: y  2 in the rectangular coordinate
plane. Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and L.
(b) Find the equation of 
Answers
1. (a)  is a pair of straight lines which are parallel to and at a distance of 2 units from L.
(b) x  1 or x  3
2. (a)  is a pair of straight lines which are parallel to and at a distance of 3 units from L.
(b) y  5 or y  1

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2.2 Perpendicular bisector

Example 2.2a
The coordinates of the points A and B are (0,1) and (4,1) respectively. P is a moving point in the
rectangular coordinate plane such that PA  PB . Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and the line segment AB.
(b) Find the equation of .
Solution
(a)  is the perpendicular bisector of AB. y P

04
(b) x = A(0, 1) B(4, 1)
2
x = 2
O x

Exercise 2.2a

1. The coordinates of the points A and B are (2, 0) and (2, 6) respectively. P is a moving point
in the rectangular coordinate plane such that PA  PB . Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and the line segment AB.
(b) Find the equation of .

2. The coordinates of the points A and B are (0, 3) and (8, 3) respectively. P is a moving point
in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistant from Aand B. Denote the locus
of P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and the line segment AB.
(b) Find the equation of .

Answers
1. (a)  is the perpendicular bisector of AB. (b) y  3
2. (a)  is the perpendicular bisector of AB. (b) x  4

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Example 2.2b
The coordinates of the points A and B are ( 4, 0) and (2, 4) respectively. P is a moving point in
the rectangular coordinate plane such that PA  PB . Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and the line segment AB.
(b) Find the equation of .
Solution
(a)  is the perpendicular bisector of AB. y B(2, 4)
(b) The coordinates of midpoint of AB are ( 1, 2) .
 y  2  4  0 
   = 1
 x 1 2  4  O
3x  2y  1 = 0
A(4, 0) x
P

Exercise 2.2b
1. The coordinates of the points A and B are (5, 0) and ( 1, 8) respectively. P is a moving point
in the rectangular coordinate plane such that PA  PB . Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and the line segment AB.
(b) Find the equation of .

2. The coordinates of the point C are (2,  4 ) . A point P moves in a rectangular coordinate plane
such that it maintains an equal distance from the origin and C. Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and the line segment OC.
(b) Find the equation of .
Answers
1. (a)  is the perpendicular bisector of AB. (b) 3x  4y  10  0
2. (a)  is the perpendicular bisector of OC. (b) x  2y  5  0

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Example 2.2c
The coordinates of the point A and B are (5,  2) and (4, 3) respectively. A' is the reflection
image of A with respect to the xaxis. B is rotated anticlockwise about the origin O through 90 to
B'.
(a) Write down the coordinates of A' and B'.
(b) Let P be a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistance from A'
and B'. Find the equation of the locus of P.
Solution
(a) The coordinates of A’ are (5, 2) y
The coordinates of B’ are ( 3, 4)
B’(3, 4) P
(b) The coordinates of the midpoint of A’B’ are (1, 3) .
 y  3  2  4  A’(5, 2)
   = 1
 x 1 5  3 
4x  y  1 = 0 O x

Exercise 2.2c
1. 2012 DSE Practice Paper 1 Q.8
The coordinates of the point A and B are ( 3, 4) and ( 2,  5) respectively. A' is the
reflection image of A with respect to the yaxis. B is rotated anticlockwise about the origin O
through 90 to B'.
(a) Write down the coordinates of A' and B'.
(b) Let P be a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistance from
A' and B'. Find the equation of the locus of P.
(5 marks)
2. The coordinates of the point A and B are ( 3,  2) and ( 6, 1) respectively. A' is the reflection
image of A with respect to the xaxis. B is rotated clockwise about the origin O through 90 to
B'.
(a) Write down the coordinates of A' and B'.
(b) Let P be a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistance from
A' and B'. Find the equation of the locus of P.

3. The coordinates of the point A are ( 6, 14) . A is rotated clockwise about the origin O through
90 to A'. A is translated rightwards by 10 units to B’.
(a) Write down the coordinates of A' and B'.
(b) Let P be a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistance from
A' and B'. Find the equation of the locus of P.

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4. 2009 DSE Sample Paper 1 Q.13

In the figure, the straight line L1: 4x  3y  12  0 and the straight line L2 are perpendicular to
each other and intersect at A. It is given that L1 cuts the y-axis at B and L2 passes through the
point (4, 9) .

L2
L1

O x

(a) Find the equation of L2.

(3 marks)
(b) Q is a moving point in the coordinate plane such that AQ  BQ . Denote the locus of Q
by .
(i) Describe the geometric relationship between  and L2. Explain your answer.
(ii) Find the equation of .
(6 marks)

5. The straight line L1: 3x  2y  12  0 and the straight line L2 are perpendicular to each other
and intersect at A. It is given that L2 cuts the x-axis at B and passes through the point (11, 2).
(a) Find the equation of L2.
(b) Q is a moving point in the coordinate plane such that AQ  BQ . Denote the locus of Q
by .
(i) Describe the geometric relationship between  and L1. Explain your answer.
(ii) Find the equation of .

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6.. 2023 DSE Math Paper 1 Q.10

It is given that A and B are two distinct points in a rectangular coordinate plane. Let P be a
moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistant from A and B.
Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and AB. (1 mark)
(b) Suppose that the coordinates of A are (2,  4) and the equation of  is 3x  y  12  0 .
Find
(i) the equation of the straight line which passes through A and B.
(ii) the equation of the circle with AB as a diameter. (5 marks)

Answers
1. (a) The coordinates of A’ = (3, 4) , The coordinates of B = (5,  2) (b) x  3y  1  0
2. (a) The coordinates of A’ = ( 3, 2) , The coordinates of B’ = (1, 6) (b) x  y  3  0
3. (a) The coordinates of A’ = (14, 6) , The coordinates of B’ = (4, 14) (b) 5x  4y  5  0 ]
4. (a) 3x  4y  48  0 (b) (ii) 3x  4y  32  0
5. (a) 2x  3y  16  0 (b) (ii) 3x  2y  6  0
6. (a)  is the perpendicular bisector of AB.
(b) (i) x  3y  14  0
(ii) (x  5)2  (y  3)2  10 .

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2.3 Circle
Example 2.3.1a Solution
In the figure, AB is a line segment. A moving
point P passing through A and B and moves in
a way such that APB  90 o . Describe and
A B
sketch the locus of P.
A B

P
The locus of P is a circle with diameter AB.
P

Example 2.3.1b
The coordinates of the points A and B are (5,  7) and (1,  3) respectively. Let C be the circle
whose diameter is AB. Find the equation of C.
Solution
 y  7  y  3 
   = 1 P B(1, 3)
 x  5  x 1
y 2  10y  21
= 1
x 2  6x  5
x 2  y 2  6x  10y  26 = 0
A(5, 7)

Example 2.3.1c
The coordinates of S and T are (7, 11) and (17, 1) respectively. Let P be a moving point in the
rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistant from S and T. Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Find the equation of .
(b)  intersects the xaxis and yaxis at points A and B respectively. Denote the origin by O. Let
C be the circle which passes through O, A and B. Find the equation of C.
Solution
(a) midpoint of S and T = (12, 5) y 
 y  5   12 
:    = 1 O A
 x  12   10 
5x  6y  30 = 0 x

(b) The coordinates of A are (6, 0) .

The coordinates of B are (0,  5) . B
Equation of C:
 y  5  y  0 
   = 1
 x  0  x  6 
x 2  y 2  6x  5y = 0

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Exercise 2.3.1
1. The coordinates of the points A and B are (1, 3) and (7, 3) respectively. Let C be the circle
whose diameter is AB. Find the equation of C.

2. The coordinates of the point A are (8, 6) . Denote the origin by O. Let C be the circle whose
diameter is OA. Find the equation of C.

3. The coordinates of the point A are ( 5, 7) . B is the reflection image of A with respect to the
yaxis. A is rotated anticlockwise about the origin O through 90 to C.
(a) Write down the coordinates of B and C.
(b) Let E be the circle whose diameter is BC. Find the equation of E.

4. The coordinates of the point A are ( 3, 5) . B is the reflection image of A with respect to the
yaxis. A is rotated anticlockwise about the origin O through 90 to C.
(a) Write down the coordinates of B and C.
(b) Let E be the circle whose diameter is BC. Find the equation of E.

5. The coordinates of the points S and T are ( 7, 2) and ( 1, 10) respectively. Let P be a
moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistant from S and T.
Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Find the equation of .
(b)  intersects the xaxis and yaxis at points A and B respectively. Denote the origin by O.
Let C be the circle which passes through A, B and O. Find the equation of C.

6. The coordinates of the points S and T are (4, 28) and (20, 4) respectively. Let P be a
moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistant from S and T.
Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Find the equation of .
(b)  intersects the xaxis and yaxis at points A and B respectively. Denote the origin by O.
Let C be the circle which passes through A, B and O. Find the equation of C.
Answers
1. x 2  y 2  8x  6y  16  0
2. x 2  y 2  8x  6y  0
3. (a) Coordinates of B = (5, 7) , Coordinates of C = ( 7,  5) (b) x 2  y 2  2x  2y  70  0
4. (a) Coordinates of B = (3, 5) , Coordinates of C = ( 5,  3) (b) x 2  y 2  2x  2y  30  0
5. (a) 3x  4y  12  0 (b) x 2  y 2  4x  3y  0
6. (a) 2x  3y  24  0 (b) x 2  y 2  12x  8y  0

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Example 2.3.2
The coordinates of the points A and B are (8, 8) and (2,  2) respectively. Let P be a moving
point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistant from A and B. Denote the locus
of P by .
(a) Find the equation of .
(b)  intersects the xaxis and yaxis at H and K respectively. Denote the origin by O. Let C be
the circle which passes through O, H and K. Someone claims that the circumference of C
exceeds 40. Is the claim correct? Explain your answer.
Solution
(a) The coordinates of midpoint are (5, 3) . y
 y  3   10 
:    = 1 K
 x  5  6 
3x  5y  30 = 0
(b) The coordinates of H are (10, 0) .
The coordinates of K are (0, 6) .
HK = 102  62 O H x
= 136 
Circumference =  136
 36.63695127
< 40
The claim is incorrect.
Exercise 2.3.2
1. 2016 DSE Math Paper 1 Q.10
The coordinates of the planes A and B are (5, 7) and (13, 1) respectively. Let P be a moving
point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistant from A and B. Denote the
locus of P by .
(a) Find the equation of . (2 marks)
(b)  intersects the xaxis and yaxis at H and K respectively. Denote the origin by O. Let
C be the circle which passes through O, H and K. Someone claims that the circumference
of C exceeds 30. Is the claim correct? Explain your answer. (3 marks)

2. The coordinates of the points C and D are ( 5,  4) and (1,  2) respectively. Let P be a
moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that P is equidistance from C and D.
Denote the locus of P by .
(a) Find the equation of .
(b)  intersects the xaxis and yaxis at H and K respectively. Denote the origin by O. Let
C be the circle which passes through O, H and K. Someone claims that the area of C
exceeds 70. Is the claim correct? Explain your answer.

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3. 2023 DSE Math Paper 1 Q.12

It is given that f(x) is partly constant and partly varies as x 2 . Suppose that f(10)  62 and
f(15)  122 .
(a) Find f(5) . (3 marks)
(b) Suppose that U(0, u) and V(5, v) are points lying on the graph of y  f(x) . The
horizontal line passing through V cuts yaxis at the point W. Denote the circle which
passes through U, V and W by C. Express the circumference of C in terms of .(4 marks)

Answers
1. (a) 4x  3y  24  0 (b) The claim is correct.
2. (a) 3x  y  9  0 (b) The claim is correct.
3. (a) 26 (b) 13

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Example 2.3.3
The coordinates of the points A and G are (1, 14) and (7, 6) respectively. The circle C passes
through the point A and the centre of C is the point G.
(a) Find the equation of C.
(b) P is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that AP  GP . Denote the locus
of P by .
(i) Find the equation of .
(ii) Describe the geometric relationship between  and the line segment AG.
(iii) If  cuts C at Q and R, find the perimeter and the area of the quadrilateral AQGR.
Solution
(a) (x  7)2  (y  6)2 = (1  7)2  (14  6)2
Q
(x  7)2  (y  6)2 = 102 A 

(b) (i) The coordinates of midpoint of AG = (4, 10)

 y  10   8  R
:    = 1
 x  4   6  G
3x  4y  28 = 0
(ii)  is the perpendicular bisector of the line
segment AG
(iii) Required perimeter = (10)(4)
= 40
2
 AG 
RQ = 2 QG2   
 2 
= 2 102  52
= 2 75
1
Required area = (2 75 )(10)
2
= 50 3
Exercise 2.3.3
1. 2014 DSE Math Paper 1 Q.12
The circle C passes through the point A(6, 11) and the centre of C is the point G(0, 3) .
(a) Find the equation of C. (2 marks)
(b) P is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that AP  GP . Denote the
locus of P by .
(i) Find the equation of .
(ii) Describe the geometric relationship between  and the line segment AG.
(iii) If  cuts C at Q and R, find the perimeter of the quadrilateral AQGR. (5 marks)

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2. The circle C passes through the point A( 1, 3) and the centre of C is the point G(5,1) .
(a) Find the equation of C.
(b) P is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that AP  GP . Denote the
locus of P by .
(i) Find the equation of .
(ii) Describe the geometric relationship between  and the line segment AG.
(iii) If  cuts C at Q and R, find the perimeter and the area of the quadrilateral AQGR.

3. The circle C passes through the point A( 5, 2) and the centre of C is the point G(1,  10) .
(a) Find the equation of C.
(b) P is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that AP  GP . Denote the
locus of P by .
(i) Find the equation of .
(ii) Describe the geometric relationship between  and the line segment AG.
(iii) If  cuts C at Q and R, find the perimeter and the area of the quadrilateral AQGR.

4. The coordinates of the points A and B are ( 2, 9) and (6,  3) respectively. P is a moving
point in the regular coordinate plane such that PA  PB . Denote the locus of P by .
(a) (i) Describe the geometric relationship between  and AB.
(ii) Find the equation of .
(b) The equation of the circle C is x 2  y 2  2x  2y  2  0 . Denote the centre of C by Q.
(i) Does  pass through Q? Explain your answer.
(ii) If  cuts C at H and K, find the ratio of the area of AHQ to the area of BHK.

Answers
1. (a) x 2  (y  3)2  102
(b) (i) 3x  4y  37  0 (ii)  is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment AG
(iii) 40
2. (a) (x  5)2  (y  1)2  40
(b) (i) 3x  y  4  0 (ii)  is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment AG
(iii) 8 10 , 20 3
3. (a) (x  1)2  (y  10)2  180
(b) (i) x  2y  6  0 (ii)  is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment AG
(iii) 24 5 , 24300
4. (a) (i) perpendicular bisector of AB (ii) 2x  3y  5  0
(b) (i) Yes (ii) 1: 2

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

Example 2.3.4
The equation of the circle C is x 2  y 2  48x  20y  6549  0 . Let G be the centre of C. Denote
the origin by O.
(a) Find OG.
(b) Does O lie inside C? Explain your answer.
(c) Let P be a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that OP  GP . Denote the
locus of P by . Suppose that  cuts C at the points M and N. Find the area of the
quadrilateral OMGN.
Solution
(a) The coordinates of G are (24, 10) . 
OG = 24  10
2 2
M
= 26

(b) 02  02  48(0)  20(0)  6549  6549  0

G
O lies inside C. O
(c)  is the perpendicular bisector and
GM  GN  radius
OMGN is a rhombus.
N
GM = 242  102  6549
= 85
2
 OG 
MN = 2 GM2   
 2 
= 2 852  132
= 168
1
Area = (MN)(OG)
2
1
= (168)(26)
2
= 2184

Exercise 2.3.4
1. 2021 DSE Math Paper 1 Q.13
The equation of the circle C is x 2  y 2  12x  16y  69  0 . Let G be the centre of C. Denote
the origin by O.
(a) Find OG. (2 marks)
(b) Does O lie inside C? Explain your answer. (1 mark)
(c) Let P be a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that OP  GP . Denote
the locus of P by . Suppose that  cuts C at the points M and N. Find the area of the
quadrilateral OMGN. (4 marks)

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

2. The equation of the circle C is x 2  y 2  48x  36y  11869  0 . Let G be the centre of C.
Denote the origin by O.
(a) Find OG.
(b) Does O lie inside C? Explain your answer.
(c) Let P be a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that OP  GP . Denote
the locus of P by . Suppose that  cuts C at the points M and N. Find the area of the
quadrilateral OMGN.

3. The equation of the circle C is x 2  y 2  96x  128y  825  0 . Let G be the centre of C.
Denote the origin by O.
(a) Find OG.
(b) Does O lie inside C? Explain your answer.
(c) Let P be a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that OP  GP . Denote
the locus of P by . Suppose that  cuts C at the points M and N. Find the area of the
quadrilateral OMGN.

Answers
1. (a) 10 (b) Yes (c) 120
2. (a) 30 (b) Yes (c) 3360
3. (a) 30 (b) Yes (c) 6000

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

2.4 Angle bisectors

Example 2.4a
Q is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that it is equidistant from the two
intersecting lines L1: x  3 and L2: y  1 . Denote the locus of Q by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship among , L1 and L2.
(b) Find the equations of .
Solution
(a)  is the pair of angle bisectors of the angles formed by y L2: x = 3 L3
L1 and L2.

(b) The angle bisectors are L3 and L4.

slope of L3 = 1 and slope of L4 = 1
O x
Equation of L3: y  ( 1) = (1)(x  3) L1:y = 1
xy4 = 0
Equation of L4: y  ( 1) = ( 1)(x  3) L4
x  y  2= 0
Example 2.4b
Q is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that it is equidistant from the two
intersecting lines L1: x  y  4  0 and L2: x  y  2  0 . Denote the locus of Q by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship among , L1 and L2.
(b) Find the equations of .
(a)  is the pair of angle bisectors of the angles formed by y L1: x  y = 4
L1 and L2.

(b) The angle bisectors are L3 and L4.

x  y  4 O x
Solve  .
x  y  2 L4
(x, y) = (3,  1)
L3
Equation of  are x  3 and y  1 . L2: x + y = 2
Exercise 2.4
1. Q is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that it is equidistant from the two
intersecting lines L1: 2x  1  0 and L2: y  3 . Denote the locus of Q by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship among , L1 and L2.
(b) Find the equations of .
2. Q is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that it is equidistant from the two
intersecting lines L1: x  y  1  0 and L2: x  y  5  0 . Denote the locus of Q by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship among , L1 and L2.
(b) Find the equations of .
Answers
1. (a)  is the pair of angle bisectors of the angles formed by L1 and L2.
(b) 2x  2y  7  0 and 2x  2y  5  0 ]
2. (a)  is the pair of angle bisectors of the angles formed by L1 and L2.
(b) x  3 and y  2

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

2.5 A pair of parallel lines (Advanced)

Example 2.5
Q is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that it maintains an equal distance from
two parallel lines L1: 2x  3y  6  0 and L2: 2x  3y  8  0 . Denote the locus of Q by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship among , L1 and L2.
(b) Find the equation of .
Solution
(a)  is a straight line parallel to and midway between L1  y
and L2.
A
(b) Method 1(Just for understanding) O
L1, L2 and  cut the yaxis at A, B and M respectively
L1 x
and M is midpoint of AB. M
2 L2
L1: y = x2
3 B
2 8
L2: y = x
3 3
 1 8 
Coordinates of M =  0,  2   
 2 3 
 1 
=  0, 
 3
2 1
Equation of : y  x
3 3

Method 2 (Must be used)

6  8
Equation of : 2x  3y  = 0
2
i.e. 2x  3y  1 = 0

Exercise 2.5
1. Q is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that it maintains an equal distance
from two parallel lines L1: 5x  2y  20  0 and L2: 5x  2y  35  0 . Denote the locus of Q
by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship among , L1 and L2.
(b) Find the equation of .

2. Q is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that it maintains an equal distance
from two parallel lines L1: x  3y  1  0 and L2: 2x  6y  3  0 . Denote the locus of Q by .
Find the equation of .

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

3. The yintercepts of two parallel lines L1 and L2 are 7 and 1 respectively and the xintercept of
7
L1 is . P is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that the perpendicular
2
distance from P to L1 is equal to the perpendicular distance from P to L2. Denote the locus of
P by .
(a) Describe the geometric relationship between  and L1.
(b) Find the equation of .
(c)  intersects the xaxis and the yaxis at points H and K respectively. Denote the origin
by O. Let C be the circle which passes through O, H and K. Someone claims that the
area of C exceeds 8. Is the claim correct? Explain your answer.

4. 2012 DSE Math Paper 1 Q.14

The yintercepts of two parallel lines L and  are 1 and 3 respectively and the xintercept
of L is 3. P is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that the perpendicular
distance from P to L is equal to the perpendicular distance from P to  . Denote the locus of
P by .
(a) (i) Describe the geometric relationship between  and L.
(ii) Find the equation of . (5 marks)
(b) The equation of the circle C is (x  6)  y  4 .2 2
Denote the centre of C by Q.
(i) Does  passes through Q? Explain your answer.
(ii) If L cuts C at A and B while  cuts C at H and K, find the ratio of the area of AQH to
the area of BQK. (4 marks)

5. The coordinates of the points A and B are (0, 8) and ( 4,0) . P is a moving point in the
coordinate plane such that AP  BP . Denote the locus of P by .
(a) (i) Write down the geometric relationship between the locus of P and AB.
(ii) Find the equation of .
(b) L is a straight line which passes through B and is parallel to .
(i) Find the equation of L.
(ii) Q is a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that it maintains an equal
distance from L and . Find the equation of the locus of Q.
Answers
1. (a)  is a straight line parallel to and midway between L1 and L2. (b) 10x  4y  15  0 ]
2. 4x  12y  5  0
3. (a)  and L1 are parallel. (b) y  2x  3 (c) The claim is correct.
1
4. (a) (i)  is a straight line which is parallel to L. (ii) y x2 (b) (i) Yes (ii) 1:1
3
5. (a) (i) a perpendicular bisector of AB (ii) x  2y  6  0
(b) (i) x  2y  4  0 (ii) x  2y  1  0

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

Example 2.6
The coordinates of the points A and B are ( 1, 0) and (11, 0) respectively. The circle C passes
through A and B. Denote the centre of C by G. It is given that the ycoordinates of G is 4.
(a) Find the equation of C.
(b) The straight line L passes through B and G. Another straight line  is parallel to L. Let P be
a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that the perpendicular distance from P
to L is equal to the perpendicular distance from P to  . Denote the locus of P by . It is given
that  passes through A.
(i) Describe the geometric relationship between  and L.
(ii) Find the equation of .
(iii) Suppose that  cuts C at another point H. Somebody claims that GAH  60o . Do you
agree? Explain your answer.
Solution
1  11
(a) xcoordinates of G =
2
= 5
Equation of C
(x  5)2  (y  4)2 = ( 1  5)2  (0  4)2
(x  5)2  (y  4)2 = 52

(b) (i)  is parallel to L.

y0 4  0
(ii) Equation of : =
x 1 5  11
3y = 2x  2
2x  3y  2 = 0
2
(iii) tan ABG =
3
 ABG  33.69006753°
Note that BAH  ABG and BAG  ABG
GAH
= BAH   BAG
= 2ABG
 67.38013505
> 60°
The claim is agreed.

H
A B
x

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

Exercise 2.6

1. 2020 DSE Math Paper 1 Q.14

The coordinates of the points A and B are ( 10, 0) and (30, 0) respectively. The circle C
passes through A and B. Denote the centre of C by G. It is given that the ycoordinates of G
is 15.
(a) Find the equation of C.
(3 marks)
(b) The straight line L passes through B and G. Another straight line  is parallel to L. Let
P be a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that the perpendicular
distance from P to L is equal to the perpendicular distance from P to  . Denote the locus
of P by . It is given that  passes through A.
(i) Describe the geometric relationship between  and L.
(ii) Find the equation of .
(iii) Suppose that  cuts C at another point H. Somebody claims that GAH  70o . Do
you agree? Explain your answer.
(6 marks)

2. The coordinates of the points A and B are (1, 0) and (13, 0) respectively. The circle C passes
through A and B. Denote the centre of C by G. It is given that the ycoordinates of G is 3.
(a) Find the equation of C.
(b) The straight line L passes through B and G. Another straight line  is parallel to L. Let
P be a moving point in the rectangular coordinate plane such that the perpendicular
distance from P to L is equal to the perpendicular distance from P to  . Denote the locus
of P by . It is given that  passes through A.
(i) Describe the geometric relationship between  and L.
(ii) Find the equation of .
(iii) Suppose that  cuts C at another point H. Somebody claims that GAH  50o . Do
you agree? Explain your answer.
Answers
1. (a) (x  10)2  (y  15)2  252
(b) (i)  is parallel to L (ii) 3x  4y  30  0 (ii) The claim is disagreed.
2. (a) (x  7)2  (y  3)2  45
(b) (i)  is parallel to L (ii) x  2y  1  0 (ii) The claim is agreed.

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

Section 3: Multiple Choice Questions

Exercise 3a
1. A point P moves on a plane such that it 5. 2015 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.24
maintains an equal distance from a pair of The coordinates of the points A and B are
parallel lines. The locus of P is (2, 0) and (1, 5) respectively. If P is a
A. a straight line. moving point in the rectangular coordinate
B. a pair of parallel lines. plane such that P is equidistant from A and
C. a circle. B, then the locus of P is
D. two perpendicular lines. A. the perpendicular bisector of AB.
B. the circle with AB as a diameter.
2. A moving point P maintains an equal C. the straight line which passes
distance from two fixed points. The locus through A and B.
of P is D. the angle bisector of AOB,
A. a circle. where O is the origin.
B. a straight line.
C. a pair of straight lines. 6. 2019 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.26
D. a parabola. The equation of the straight line L is
5x  7y  14  0 . If P is a moving point in
3. 2012 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.24 the rectangular coordinate plane such that
If P is a moving point in the rectangular the perpendicular distance from P to L is
coordinate plane such that the distance equal to 3, then the locus of P is
between P and the point (20, 12) is equal A. a sector.
to 5, then the locus of P is a B. a square.
A. circle. C. a parabola.
B. square. D. a pair of straight lines.
C. parabola.
D. triangle. 7. 2020 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.25
Let A be a point of intersection of the
4. 2014 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.24 straight lines 9x  4y  7  0 and
The equations of the straight lines L1 and L2 9x  4y  7  0 . If P is a moving point in
are 2x  3y  5 and 4x  6y  7 the rectangular coordinate plane such that
respectively. If P is a moving point in the the distance between P and A is 8, then the
rectangular coordinate plane such that the locus of P is a
perpendicular distance from P to L1 is equal A. circle.
to the perpendicular distance from P to L2, B. triangle.
then the locus of P is a C. quadrilateral.
A. circle. D. regular hexagon.
B. square.
C. parabola.
D. straight line.
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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

8. 2023 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.26 Exercise 3b

The equation of the straight line  and L 1. The coordinates of the points A and B are
are 9x  12y  37  0 and ( 1, 1) and ( 1, 5) . Let P be a moving
12x  16y  85  0 respectively.  cuts point in the rectangular coordinate plane
the xaxis at the point A while L cuts the such that PA  PB . Find the equation of
yaxis at the point B. Let P be a moving the locus of P.
point in the rectangular coordinate plane A. x  1
such that the perpendicular distance from P B. x3
to  is equal to the perpendicular distance C. y  1
from P to L. Denote the locus of P by . D. y3
Which of the following are true?
I.  is parallel to L.
II.  is perpendicular to AB.
III.  passes through the midpoint of AB.
A. I and II only 2. Find the equation of the locus of a point P
B. I and III only which maintains an equal distance from two
C. II and III only parallel lines L1: x  2 and L2: x  4 .
D. I, II and III A. x0
1
B. x
2
C. x 1
D. x2

3. If a moving point P always maintains a fixed

distance 4 units from the line y  1 , then
the equations of the locus of P are
A. x  1 and x  3 .
B. y  1 and y  3 .
C. x  3 and x  5 .
D. y  3 and y  5 .

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

4. The coordinates of the points C and D are 7. 2017 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.27
( 1, 3) and (4, 2) respectively. Let P be It is given that A and B are two distinct point
a moving point in the rectangular lying on the circle
coordinate plane such that PC  PD . x 2  y 2  6x  4y  87  0 . Let P be a
Find the equation of the locus of P. moving point in the rectangular coordinate
A. 5x  y  5  0 plane such that AP  BP . The equation
B. 3x  y  2  0 of the locus of P is x  2y  k  0 , where k
C. x  3y  9  0 is a constant. Find k.
D. x  5y  14  0 A. 8
B. 7
C. 7
D. 8

5. Find the equation of the locus of a point P

which is equidistant from two straight lines 8. 2018 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.25
L1: x  y  4  0 and L2: 2x  2y  5  0 . The equations of the straight lines L1 and L2
A. 2x  2y  1  0 are 3x  y  7  0 and 12x  4y  11  0
B. 2x  2y  3  0 respectively. Let P be a moving point in
C. 4x  4y  1  0 the rectangular coordinate plane such that
D. 4x  4y  3  0 the perpendicular distance from P to L1 is
equal to the perpendicular distance from P
to L2. Find the equation of the locus of P.
A. 8x  24y  17  0
B. 8x  24y  17  0
6. 2013 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.24 C. 24x  8y  17  0
The coordinates of the points A and B are D. 24x  8y  17  0
(2, 5) and (4,  1) respectively. Let P
be a moving point in the rectangular
coordinate plane such that AP  BP . 9. 2021 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.25
Find the equation of the locus of P. The coordinates of the points M and N are
A. x  3y  3  0 (5, 7) and (6, 8) respectively. Let P be a
B. x  3y  7  0 moving point in the rectangular coordinate
C. x  3y  13  0 plane such that PM  MN . Find the
D. 3x  y  11  0 equation of the locus of P.
A. x  y  2  0 .
B. x  y  13  0 .
C. x 2  y 2  10x  14y  72  0 .
D. x 2  y 2  12x  16y  98  0 .

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HKDSE Mathematics
Coordinates Geometry

10. 2022 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.26 Answers

The straight line 12x  5y  60 cuts the Exercise 3a
xaxis and the yaxis at the points A and B 1. A
respectively. Let P be a moving point in 2. B
the rectangular coordinate plane such that 3. 2012 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.24 A
AP  BP . Find the equation of the locus 4. 2014 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.24 D
of P. 5. 2015 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.24 A
A. 10x  24y  119  0 6. 2019 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.26 D
B. 15x  36y  179  0 7. 2020 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.25 A
C. x 2  y 2  5x  12y  0 8. 2023 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.26 B
D. x  y  12x  133  0
2 2

Exercise 3b
1. D
2. C
3. D
4. A
5. D
6. 2013 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.24 A
7. 2017 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.27 B
8. 2018 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.25 D
9. 2021 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.25 C
10. 2022 DSE Math Paper 2 Q.26 A

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