Coordinate Geometry

Cartesian Plane and Reading Location of Points Plotted on It

Need for Coordinate Geometry

Consider a situation wherein we have the students of a class sitting in different rows
and we need to locate the position of one particular student. Let us suppose that this
student is sitting in the second row. Using this information, can we ascertain the
student’s exact location?

No, we cannot. The given information is insufficient. For us to be able to locate this
student in the class, we also need to know the column in which he/she is sitting. So, we
require two variables to define the student’s position—one for the row and the other for
the column.

Such situations—wherein we require two attributes to locate points, objects, etc.—can

be dealt with by using coordinate geometry. It is the geometric system in which the
positions of points on a plane are described using ordered pairs of numbers.

Topics to be covered in this lesson:

•Terminology related to coordinate geometry

•Convention of signs in the different quadrants of the Cartesian plane

•Reading the positions of points plotted on the coordinate plane

Did You Know?

The Cartesian plane is named after the famous mathematician and philosopher René
Descartes to honour his contributions to the field of coordinate geometry.
Know Your Scientist
René Descartes

Born:31 March 1596 Died:11 February 1650

In 1637, Descartes’ Geometry was published. His work on algebra and geometry
detailed in this book gave birth to analytical geometry (or Cartesian geometry). For this
reason, he is called the ‘Father of Analytical Geometry’. René Descartes is also known
as the ‘Father of Modern Philosophy’.

Ordered Pair

An ordered pair is a pair of two objects taken in particular order. In co-ordinate

geometry, an ordered pair means, a pair of two numbers in which order is important.
To form an ordered pair, the numbers are written in specific order, separated by a
comma, and enclosed in small brackets.

For example:
(3, 5), (−2, 8), (14, 67)

All of the above represents an ordered pair.

Coordinates of a Point

A point on the Cartesian (or coordinate) plane is defined by an ordered pair. The first
value in this pair – also known as the x-coordinate or the abscissa – represents the
perpendicular distance of the point from the y-axis. The second value – also known as
the y-coordinate or the ordinate – indicates the perpendicular distance of the point from
the x-axis.

These coordinates are written in the form (x-coordinate, y-coordinate), i.e., (x, y).
The line X'OX is called the x-axis and Y'OY is called the y-axis. The point O is called the
origin of the coordinate system. The equation of the x-axis is y = 0 whereas the equation
of the y-axis is x = 0.

Sign conventions of coordinates

Suppose the coordinates of a point are (x, y). Then, depending upon the quadrant of the
plane in which the point lies, the signs of (x, y) will be as follows:

(1) If the point lies in quadrant I, then x > 0 and y > 0. So, both x and y will be positive.
(2) If the point lies in quadrant II, then x < 0 and y > 0. So, x will be negative and y will
be positive.

(3)If the point lies in quadrant III, then x < 0 and y < 0. So, both x and y will be negative.

(4)If the point lies in quadrant IV, then x > 0 and y < 0. So, x will be positive and y will be
negative.

Note: If a point lies on the x-axis, then y = 0; if it lies on the y-axis, then x = 0.

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1:

A point lies on the x-axis. Find the ordinate of this point.

Solution:

We know that the ordinate of a point is the perpendicular distance of the point from
the x-axis. Since the given point lies on the x-axis, its perpendicular distance from the x-
axis is zero. Thus, the ordinate of this point is 0.

Medium

Example 1:

In which quadrants will the points (−1, −1), (0, −7), (3, 4), (−2, 0) and (0, 3) lie? Also
identify the abscissa and ordinate of each point.

Solution:

We know that the coordinates of a point are written as (x, y), where x is the abscissa
and y is the ordinate.

In case of point (−1, −1), x = −1 and y = −1.

Since x < 0 and y < 0, this point lies in quadrant III.

In case of point (0, −7), x = 0 and y = −7.

Since x = 0 and y < 0, this point lies on the negative y-axis (not in any specific
quadrant).
In case of point (3, 4), x = 3 and y = 4.

Since x > 0 and y > 0, this point lies in quadrant I.

In case of point (−2, 0), x = −2 and y = 0.

Since x < 0 and y = 0, this point lies on the negative x-axis (not in any specific
quadrant).

In case of point (0, 3), x = 0 and y = 3.

Since x = 0 and y > 0, this point lies on the positive y-axis (not in any specific quadrant).
Reading Locations of Points Plotted on the Coordinate Plane

Whiz Kid

The distance between any two points on the Cartesian plane, with coordinates (x1, y1)

and (x2, y2), is given by .

For example, the distance between the point A (7, −1) and the origin O (0, 0) is given as follows:

Activity

Do this activity to practise locating points on the coordinate plane.

•Take some marbles (or buttons) and arrange them in a grid, i.e., in rows and columns.
The number of marbles should be the square of an odd number, say n.

•Let row be the x-axis and column be the y-axis.

•Let the marble lying at the point of intersection of the x and y axes be the origin O (0,
0).
•Now, find the coordinates of all the marbles with respect to the x-axis, y-axis and origin.

Solved Examples

Medium

Example 1:

Write the coordinates of the points A, B, C and D plotted in the figure.

Solution:

Draw perpendiculars from A, B, C and D to the coordinate axes as shown in the figure.
We know that the x-coordinate (or the abscissa) of a point is the perpendicular distance
of the point from the y-axis. Let the abscissa of each of the given points be a.

Also, the y-coordinate (or the ordinate) of a point is the perpendicular distance of the
point from the x-axis. Let the ordinate of each of the given points be b.

The coordinates of each of the given points will then be written as (a, b).

In case of point A, a = 3 and b = 0.

So, the coordinates of A are written as (3, 0).

In case of point B, a = 2 and b = 4.

So, the coordinates of B are written as (2, 4).

In case of point C, a = −3 and b = 1.

So, the coordinates of C are written as (−3, 1).

In case of point D, a = −2 and b = −6.

So, the coordinates of D are written as (−2, −6).
Plotting of Points on a Coordinate Plane
Plotting of Points

Take a look at the following grid of squares containing different items.

Certain squares in the grid are empty. Suppose one of these squares contained an
orange before it was taken out, and we need to find that particular square. Let us say
the orange was in Column 2. Using this information, can we locate the correct square?
No, we cannot. The given information is insufficient as there are two empty squares in
Column 2.

To correctly locate the required square, we also need to know the row number. Let us
say that the orange was in Row 4. This information helps us to single out the fourth
square in the second column. We were able to identify the correct square with the help
of two attributes—the column number and the row number. In the same way, to plot a
point on a graph, we require both its attributes—the abscissa and the ordinate.

In this lesson, we will learn how to plot points with given coordinates on the coordinate
plane.

Did You Know?

Global Positioning System (GPS): GPS is a navigation system developed and

maintained by the United States government. It is made up of a network of twenty-four
satellites placed in Earth’s orbit. Anyone with a GPS receiver can freely access GPS.
GPS satellites transmit precise microwave signals. A GPS receiver uses these signals
and ‘triangulates’ to determine the user’s exact location and time. The result is accurate
to within ten to hundred metres.

GPS receivers determine 2D position (longitude and latitude) by using signals from at
least three satellites in view. They ascertain 3D position (longitude, latitude and altitude)
from four or more satellites.

GPS is used in clock synchronization, vehicle and aircraft tracking, map making,
robotics, etc.

Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1:

Plot the points A (5, −3) and B (−2, 5) on the Cartesian plane.

Solution:

To plot A (5, −3):

(1) Move 5 units along OX and mark the endpoint as M.

(2) From M and perpendicular to the x-axis, move 3 units along OY'. Mark the endpoint
as A; this is the location of the point (5, −3) on the Cartesian plane.

To plot B (−2, 5):

(1) Move 2 units along OX' and mark the endpoint as N.

(2) From N and perpendicular to the x-axis, move 5 units along OY. Mark the endpoint
as B; this is the location of the point (−2, 5) on the Cartesian plane.

Points A and B are plotted in the following graph.

Medium

Example 1:

Draw a quadrilateral ABCD having vertices as A(0, 5), B(6, 5), C(4, –1) and D(–2, –
1). Also, name the type of the quadrilateral ABCD.

Solution:

According to the given coordinates, the points A, B, C and D can be plotted as in the
given graph.
It can be observed that the distance of points B and C from points A and D respectively
is 6 units.

Thus, AB = CD.

From the figure, it can be seen that CD intersects y-axis at F(0, –1). Also, perpendicular
drawn from B meets CD extended at E.

Now, the distance of points A and B from points F and E respectively is 6 units.

Thus FA = EB

This shows that distance between the sides AB and CD is equal at different points and
hence, these sides are parallel.

Since, one pair of opposite sides (AB and CD) is equal and parallel in quadrilateral
ABCD, it is a parallelogram.
Example 2:

Ravi travels 9 km east and then 5 km north. Sheena travels 4 km east and then 2
km south. They both start from the same point of origin. Write the coordinates of
each person’s destination with reference to the magnetic compass. Take 1 km as
1 unit.

Solution:

Let the coordinates of Ravi’s destination be (x, y).

Ravi travels 9 km east, i.e., along OX; so, x = 9.

He then travels 5 km north, i.e., along OY; so, y = 5.

Hence, (x, y) = (9, 5)

Let the coordinates of Sheena’s destination be (a, b).

Sheena travels 4 km east, i.e., along OX; so, a = 4.

She then travels 2 km south, i.e., along OY'; so, b = −2.

Hence, (a, b) = (4, −2)

Graphs of Linear Equations Parallel to Coordinate Axes
Lines Parallel to the Coordinate Axes

We have studied that the graphs of linear equations are always straight lines that can
be easily drawn on the coordinate plane. Sometimes these lines are parallel to the
coordinate axes. Look at the following figure which shows a few such parallel line
graphs.

In the figure, the green graphs are parallel to the y-axis and the red graphs are parallel
to the x-axis. Each of these graphs represents a linear equation.

In this lesson, we will study about linear equations whose graphs are lines parallel to the
coordinate axes.

Whiz Kid

Parallel lines have the same slopes. This means that parallel lines make the same
angle with a coordinate axis or a common line. For example, take a look at the parallel
green lines in the following figure.
In the figure, the parallel green lines make the same angle a with the y-axis and the
same angle b with the x-axis. So, both the lines have the same slopes with the
coordinate axes.
Drawing the Graphs of Linear Equations of the Form ‘x = a’

Concept Builder

Consider the linear equation in one variable 4x − 16 = 0. We know that linear equations
in one variable have unique solutions. In this case, the unique solution of the equation
is x = 4.

Now, we can represent x = 4 on a number line as follows:

We can represent other linear equations in one variable in the same way.
Did You Know?
• Since graphs of equations of the form ‘x = a’ are always parallel to the y-axis, they are
always perpendicular to the x-axis.

• Two lines ‘x = a’and‘x = b’ are always parallel to each other if ‘a’ and ‘b’ are non-zero
real numbers and‘a ≠ b’.
Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1:

Find the distance between the lines x = 3.5 and x = −1.5.

Solution:

Distance between the y-axis and the line x = 3.5 is 3.5 units. The positive value
of x shows that the line is on the right hand side of the y-axis.

Distance between the y-axis and the line x = −1.5 is 1.5 units. The negative value
of x shows that the line is on the left hand side of the y-axis.

The lines are on different sides of the y-axis, so the distance between the lines will be
the sum of their distances from the y-axis.

∴ Distance between the given lines = (3.5 + 1.5) units = 5 units

Medium

Example 1:

Solve the equation and represent the solution on:

i) The number line

ii) The Cartesian plane

Solution:

The given equation can be reduced as follows:

Thus, the equation can be rewritten as x = 0.6, which is of the form ‘x = a’.

i) x = 0.6 can be represented on the number line as follows:

ii) We know that the graph of the equation ‘x = a’ is a line parallel to the y-axis, situated
at a distanceof ‘a’ unitsfrom the y-axis. So, the graph of the equation x = 0.6 will be a
line parallel to the y-axis, situated at a distanceof 0.6 unitfrom the y-axis.

The graph of the equation x = 0.6 is drawn on the Cartesian plane as is shown.
Drawing the Graphs of Linear Equations of the Form ‘y = b’

Did You Know?

• Since graphs of equations of the form ‘y = b’ are always parallel to the x-axis, they are
always perpendicular to the y-axis.

• The line ‘y = b’ is always perpendicular to the line ‘x = a’ if drawn on the same

Cartesian plane.
Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1:

Represent the equation 2y + 3 = 0 graphically on the Cartesian plane.

Solution:

The equation 2y + 3 = 0 can be rewritten as y = −1.5, which is of the form ‘y = b’.

We know that the graph of the equation‘y = b’is a line parallel to the x-axis, situated at a
distance of ‘b’ unitsfrom the x-axis.

So, the graph of y = −1.5 will be a line parallel to the x-axis, situated at a distance of 1.5
unitsfrom the x-axis.

The graph of the equation y = −1.5 is drawn on the Cartesian plane as is shown.
Medium

Example 1:

Consider the equation .

Represent this equation on:

i) The number line

ii) The Cartesian plane

Solution:

The given equation can be reduced as follows:

Thus, the equation can be rewritten as y = 1, which is of the form ‘y = b’.

i) The equation y = 1 can be plotted on the number line as is shown.

ii) Since the equation y = 1 is of the form ‘y = b’, its graph will be a line parallel to the x-
axis, situated at a distance of 1 unit from the x-axis.

The graph of the equation y = 1 is drawn on the Cartesian plane as is shown.

Jointly Representing the Lines ‘x = a’ and ‘y = b’ on the Cartesian Plane

Solved Examples

Medium

Example 1:

Find the area of the triangle formed by the lines x = 3, y = 4 and y = x.

Solution:

The given equations are x = 3, y = 4 and y = x.

The graph of the equation x = 3 will be a line parallel to the y-axis, situated at a distance
of
3 units from the y-axis.

The graph of the equation y = 4 will be a line parallel to the x-axis, situated at a distance
of
4 units from the x-axis.

Now, consider the equation y = x. Three solutions of this equation are shown in the
following table.
 x 0 1 −1

y 0 1 −1

The graphs of the given equations are drawn on the Cartesian plane as is shown.

Thus, the area of the triangle formed by the given lines is 0.5 sq. units.
Slope of a Line
 Have you ever wondered why it is difficult to climb a mountain while it is easy to walk
down a straight road?

In such cases, we generally use the term ‘slope’ and say that the slope of the mountain
is steep.

But do we actually know what slope is and how it is calculated?

Here, we will study about the slopes of straight lines. To understand what we mean by
slope, let us first understand what we mean by inclination of a line.

Consider a straight line l, as shown in the figure.

Observe that the line l makes an angle θ with the positive direction of x-axis when
measured in the anticlockwise direction. We say that this angle θ is the inclination of
the line l.

The angle which a straight line makes with the positive direction of x-axis
measured in the anticlockwise direction is called the inclination (or angle of
inclination) of the line.

Now, from this definition, we can observe the following points:

1. Inclination of a line parallel to y-axis or the y-axis itself is 90°.

2. Inclination of a line parallel to x-axis or the x-axis itself is 0°.

Now that we have understood what we mean by inclination, let us now understand the
meaning of the slope of a line.

In the above figure, we have seen that the inclination of line l is θ. In this case, we say
that tan θ is the slope of line l.

If θ is the inclination of a line l with the positive direction of x-axis, then tan θ is
called the slope or gradient of line l. The slope of a line is denoted by m.
 For example, the slope of the line which makes an inclination of 45° with the positive
direction of x-axis is given by m = tan 45° = 1

Note:

1. Since tan θ is not defined for θ = 90°, we say that the slope of a vertical line is not
defined. We also conclude that the slope of y-axis is not defined.
2. The slope of x-axis is 0.

Now, if we have a line which passes through two given points, then can we find the
slope of that line?

Yes, we can find the slope of that line using the formula given below.

If P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) are two points on a non-vertical line l whose inclination is θ,

then the slope of line l is given by

Let us prove this formula.

We have two points P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) on a line l whose inclination is θ as shown in
the following figure.

Let us draw perpendiculars from P and Q to X-axis which meet X-axis at A and B
respectively.

Also, let us draw PC ⊥ QB.

∴ PC || AB

It can be seen that PQ is transversal with respect to X-axis and PC such that PC || X-
axis.

Now,

∠QMB = θ (Given)

∠QPC = ∠QMB (Corresponding angles)

∴ ∠QPC = θ

Also, we have

OA = x1 and OB = x2 ∴ AB = x2 – x1

PA = y1 and OB = y2 ∴ QC = y2 – y1

Since AB = PC

∴ PC = x2 – x1

In right-angled triangle ΔPQC, we have

∠QPC = θ

Slope of line PQ = Slope of line l = tan θ

Hence proved.

Using this formula, we can find the slope of any line passing through two distinct points.
 For example, the slope of the line passing through the points (3, −7) and (5, 1)

is

Now, we know that if there are two lines in a coordinate plane, then they will be either
parallel or perpendicular. In either of the two cases, a relation between the slopes of the
two lines is exhibited. The relation is explained as follows:

• Two non-vertical lines l1 and l2 are parallel, if and only if their slopes are equal. In other
words, if m1 and m2 are the slopes of lines l1 and l2 respectively, then the
lines l1 and l2 are parallel to each other, if m1 = m2.

• Two non-vertical lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular to each other, if and only if their slopes
are negative reciprocals of each other. In other words, if m1 and m2 are the slopes of
lines l1 and l2 respectively, then the lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular to each other,
if m1m2 = −1.

Let us go through the following video to understand the proof of the above mentioned
conditions for parallel and perpendicular lines in terms of their slopes.

Now, if we have three points A, B, and C, then we can conclude the following statement:

Three points A, B, and C will lie on a line i.e., they will be collinear, if and only if
the slope of AB is the same as the slope of BC.

Let us now look at some examples to understand the concept of slope better.

Example 1:

A line l1 passes through points (5, −3) and (4, −6). Another line, l2, passes through
points (8, 1) and (2, 3). Are lines l1 and l2 perpendicular, parallel or neither of the
two?

Solution:

We will first find the slopes of the two lines.

We know that if a line passes through points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), then the slope of that

line is given by .

Thus,

Slope of line l1 is given by

Slope of line l2 is given by

Here, we can observe that m1 m2 = −1. Hence, lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular to each
other.

Example 2:

The line passing through points (0, 2) and (8, 4) is parallel to the line passing

through points and (2, p). Find the value of p.

Solution:

We know that two lines are parallel if and only if their slopes are equal. The slope of a

line passing through points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by .

Therefore,

Slope of the line passing through points (0, 2) and (8, 4) is given by

Slope of the line passing through points and (2, p) is given by

Since the two lines are parallel,

m1 = m2
Thus, the value of p is .

Example 3:

The given graph shows the temperature of water, which was kept on fire for some
time, at different intervals of time.

What will be the temperature of water at 8 p.m. if it was kept in the same
conditions from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.?

Solution:

Since line AB passes through points A (2:00 p.m., 60°C) and B (5:00 p.m., 45°C), its

slope is .

Let y be the temperature of water at 8:00 p.m. Accordingly, on the basis of the given
graph, line AB must pass through point C (8:00 p.m., y).
 ∴ Slope of AB = Slope of BC

Thus, the temperature of water will be 30°C at 8:00 p.m.

Slope-Intercept Form of Straight Lines

Slope-intercept Form

• If a line with slope m makes y-intercept as c, then the equation of the line is given
by y = mx + c.

• In other words, we can say that point (x, y) on the line with slope m and y-intercept c lies
on the line if and only if y = mx + c.

• If a line with slope m makes x-intercept as d, then the equation of the line is given
by y = m(x − d).

• Let us go through the following video to understand how we arrived at the above
formulae of slope-intercept form of equation of a line.

• A general equation Ax + By + C = 0 can be written in slope-intercept form as follows:

• , if B ≠ 0, where .
• , if B = 0, which is a vertical line whose slope is undefined and whose x-intercept

is .

Solved Examples

Example 1:

The equation of a line is given by 12x + 8y − 9 = 0. Find the angle made by this line with
the positive direction of the x-axis.

Solution:

The equation of the line is given by

12x + 8y − 9 = 0

⇒ 8y = 9 − 12x

Comparing this equation with the general form y = mx + c, we obtain the slope of the
line as

m=

Thus, the angle made by the line with the positive direction of the x-axis is .

Example 2:

Find the equation of the line that makes x-intercept as 5 and is perpendicular to the line
16x + 4y = 5.

Solution:

It is given that the line is perpendicular to the line 16x + 4y = 5.

The slope of this line can be calculated as

4y = −16x + 5

Thus, the slope of this line is −4. Therefore, the slope of the required line is

Also, it is given that the line makes x-intercept as 5.

By using the slope-intercept form, we get the required equation of the line as

Graphical Solution of a Linear Equation In Two Variables

Finding the Solution of a Linear Equation by Using Its Graph

We have learned to draw graphs for linear equations in two variables. Take, for
example, the linear equation 3x + 5y = 30. Its graph is drawn as is shown.
The drawn line represents the equation 3x + 5y = 30. Every point lying on this line is a
solution of the equation. Point P is one such solution of the equation.

In this lesson, we will learn how to find solutions of linear equations using the graphs of
those equations.

Finding the Solution of a Linear Equation by Using Its Graph

Whiz Kid

Graphical method is also used to find the solutions of a system of linear equations. In
this case, we draw the lines for the linear equations and mark the points where the lines
intersect. The points of intersection are solutions of the system of linear equations.
Solved Examples

Easy

Example 1:

Using the graph of y = 10x, find the solution of the equation when y = 50.

Solution:

The given equation is y = 10x. Three solutions of this equation are shown in the
following table.
 x 0 1 2

y 0 10 20

By plotting and joining the points (0, 0), (1, 10) and (2, 20), we obtain the following
graph.

The drawn line represents the graph of the equation y = 10x. On this line, the value
of x corresponding to y = 50 is 5.

Example 2:

Draw the graph of 4x− 3y + 12 = 0. Using the graph, find the solution of the
equation when:

i) x = 3

ii) y = −8

Solution:
The given equation is 4x − 3y + 12 = 0. Three solutions of this equation are shown in
the following table.
x 0 −3 −6

y 4 0 −4

By plotting and joining the points (0, 4), (−3, 0) and (−6, −4), we obtain the following
graph.

The drawn line represents the graph of the equation 4x − 3y + 12 = 0. On this line:

i) The value of y corresponding to x = 3 is 8.

ii) The value of x corresponding to y = −8 is −9.

Medium
Example 1:

A boy has some twenty-five paise coins and some fifty paise coins which add up
to Rs 2.25. Form a linear equation in two variables for this information. Using the
graph of the equation, find the number of fifty paise coins if there are 3 coins of
twenty-five paise.

Solution:

Let x be the number of twenty-five paise coins and y be the number fifty paise coins.

We know that Re 1 = 100 paise

∴ Rs 2.25 = 225 paise

Amount obtained from twenty-five paise coins = 25x

Amount obtained from fifty paise coins = 50y

According to the given information, we have:

25x + 50y = 225

x + 2y = 9

x = 9 − 2y

This is the required linear equation in two variables for the given information.

Three solutions of this equation are shown in the following table.

x 9 7 5

y 0 1 2

By plotting and joining the points (9, 0), (7, 1) and (5, 2), we obtain the following graph.
The drawn line represents the graph of the equation x = 9 − 2y. On this line, the value
of y corresponding to x = 3 is 3. Therefore, if there are 3 coins of twenty-five paise, then
there will be 3 coins of fifty paise.

Example 2:

Aarushi is driving a car with a uniform speed of 60 km/hour. Draw the

distance−time graph. Using the graph, find the distance travelled by Aarushi in:

i) Two and half hours

ii) Half an hour

Solution:

Uniform speed of the car = 60 km/hr(Given)

Let D be the distance travelled by Aarushi in t hours.

We know that:
Three solutions of this equation are shown in the following table.
t 1 2

D 60 90 120

Let us keep time (t) along the x-axis and distance (D) along the y-axis on the Cartesian
plane.

By plotting and joining the points (1, 60), and (2, 120), we obtain the following
graph.
The drawn line represents the distance−time equation D = 60t. On this line:

i) The value of D corresponding to t = is 150. So, the distance travelled by Aarushi

in two and a half hours is 150 km.

ii) The value of D corresponding to t = is 30. So, the distance travelled by Aarushi in
half an hour is 30 km.

Hard

Example 1:

The linear equation is used to compare the temperatures on the

Celsius (C) and Fahrenheit (F) scales. Draw the graph for the equation and find
the following information from the graph.

i) If the temperature is 0°F, then what is the approximate temperature in degree

Celsius?

ii) Find and locate the point where the numerical value of temperature is the
same on both the scales?

Solution:

The given equation is . Three solutions of this equation are shown in the
following table.
C 10 −10 20
F 50 14 68

Let us keep temperature in degree Celsius along the x-axis and temperature in degree
Fahrenheit along the y-axis on the Cartesian plane.

By plotting and joining the points (10, 50), (−10, 14) and (20, 68), we obtain the
following graph.
The drawn line represents the Celsius−Fahrenheit equation . On this line:

i) The approximate value of C corresponding to F = 0 is −20. So, when the temperature

is 0°F, the temperature on the Celsius scale is approximately −20°C.

ii) At point P, both C and F have the same value, i.e., −40. So, −40 is the point at which
the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales coincide, i.e., −40°C = −40°F.

Example 2:

The acceleration x of a small object having a mass of 6 kg is directly proportional

to the force y applied on it. Express this statement as a linear equation in two
variables and draw its graph. Using the graph, find the force required to produce
an acceleration of:

i) 5 cm/sec2

ii) 6 cm/sec2

Solution:
It is given that the force applied is y and the acceleration produced is x.

∴y∝x

⇒ y = mx

The constant mass ‘m’ of the object is given as 6 kg.

∴ y = 6x

This is the required linear equation in two variables.

Three solutions of this equation are shown in the following table.

x 0 1 2

y 0 6 12

By plotting and joining the points (0, 0), (1, 6) and (2, 12), we obtain the following graph.

The drawn line represents the equation y = 6x. On this line:

i) The value of y corresponding to x = 5 is 30. So, a force of 30 kg cm/s2 is required to

produce an acceleration of 5 cm/s2.
ii) The value of y corresponding to x = 6 is 36. So, a force of 36 kg cm/s2 is required to
produce an acceleration of 6 cm/s2.
Graphical Solution of a Pair of Linear Equations In Two Variables

Suppose you go to a stationary shop to buy some registers and pens. If you buy two
registers and two pens, then you have to pay Rs 30. However, if you buy two registers
and four pens, then you have to pay Rs 40.

Now, how can we represent this information algebraically, i.e., in the form of equations?

Let us denote the cost of each register by Rs x and that of each pen by Rs y.

Now, it is given to us that two registers and two pens cost Rs 30.

∴ 2x + 2y = 30

⇒ x + y − 15 = 0 … (1)

We also know that two registers and four pens cost Rs 40.

∴ 2x + 4y = 40

⇒ x + 2y − 20 = 0 … (2)

Thus, we now have two linear equations in two variables from the given situation.

x + y − 15 = 0 … (1)

x + 2y − 20 = 0 … (2)

These two equations are known as a pair of linear equations in two variables. If we try
to individually solve each equation, we will be unable to do so. We can arrive at an
answer only if we try and solve both these equations together.

The general form of a pair of linear equations in two variables is written as

, where a1, b1, c1 are real numbers, and (i.e., a1, b1 ≠ 0)

, where a2, b2, c2 are real numbers, and (i.e., a2, b2 ≠ 0)

A pair of linear equations represents two straight lines. When their graphs are drawn,
there are three possibilities.
 (i) The two lines may intersect at one point.

(ii) The two lines may be parallel.

(iii) They may represent the same line, i.e. they may be coincident.

The solution of a pair of linear equations is the point of intersection of their

graphs.

Let us understand the above stated statement with the help of the video.

Now, according to this, a pair of dependent equations is represented by coincident lines.

Let us verify this graphically with the help of the given video.

Similarly, you can also graphically prove two lines to be inconsistent. Try it out
yourself.

Limitations of graphical method:

• If the large values of variables are involved in the solution of system of linear equations
then it is not convenient to use graphical method.

• If the fractional values of variables are involved in the solution of system of linear
equations then it is not possible to obtain accuracy through graphical method.

• If the angle between two lines is small then the exact point of intersection cannot be
obtained through graphical method.

Now, let us solve some examples to understand this concept better.

Example 1:

Anshuman and Vikram have 10 marbles with them. Twice the number of marbles
with Anshuman is equal to three times the number of marbles with Vikram. Solve
this question graphically.

Solution:

Let us suppose that Anshuman has x marbles and Vikram has y marbles.

From the given information, we can form two equations as

x + y = 10

⇒ x + y − 10 = 0 … (i)

2x = 3y

⇒ 2x − 3y = 0 … (ii)

A table can be drawn for the corresponding values of x and y for equation (i) as

x y = 10 − x

0 10 − 0 = 10

10 10 − 10 = 0

Similarly, a table can be drawn for the corresponding values of x and y for equation (ii)
as

The two equations can be plotted on a graph as

As seen in the graph, the two lines intersect at the point (6, 4).

This implies that the solution for the pair of linear equations is x = 6 and y = 4.

Thus, Anshuman has 6 marbles while Vikram has 4 marbles.

Example 2:

Find graphically whether the following pairs of linear equations are consistent or
inconsistent? If the equations are consistent, then find their solutions as well.

(a) 2x + 3y = 2

4x + 3y = 4

(b) x + y = 5

2x + 2y = 10

Solution:

(a) 2x + 3y = 2

4x + 3y = 4
A table can be drawn for the corresponding values of x and y for the equation 2x + 3y =
2 as

Similarly, a table can be drawn for the corresponding values of x and y for the
equation 4x + 3y = 4 as

−2

These points can now be plotted and joined to obtain the graphs of the equations as
As seen in the graph, the two lines intersect at the point (1, 0). Thus, the given pair of
linear equations is consistent with its solution as x = 1 and y = 0.

(b)x + y = 5

2x + 2y = 10

A table can be drawn for the corresponding values of x and y for the equation x + y =
5 as

x y=5−x

0 5−0=5

4 5−4=1

Similarly, a table can be drawn for the corresponding values of x and y for the
equation 2x + 2y = 10 as
 x

These points can now be plotted and joined to obtain the graphs of the lines as

As seen in the graph, the two equations are represented by the same line. This means
that the given pair of linear equations is dependent. Any point lying on this line is a
solution to the pair of equations.

Distance Formula

Let us consider the following graph.

In the above figure, O is the origin, A is a point at a distance of 3 units on x-axis, and B
is a point at a distance of 4 units on y-axis.

Can we find the distance between the two points A and B?

We shall find this out in the given video, where first we will see the basic approach and
then work out a formula to calculate the distance between any two points.

In coordinate geometry, the distance formula has a lot of applications. Let us look at one
of its applications.

What can you say about the three points (–6, 10), (–1, 1), and (3, –8)? Are they
collinear?

Let us see.

If the sum of the distances of any point from the other two is equal to the distance
between the other two points, then we can say that the given points are collinear.

For example, let (–6, 10), (–1, 1), and (3, –8) be denoted by A, B, and C respectively.

Now, using distance formula, , we obtain

Here, AB + BC

≠ AC

Therefore, the points A, B, and C are not collinear.

Let us solve some more examples based on the distance formula.

Example 1:

Find the distance between the point (7, –1) and origin.

Solution:

Let the points (7, –1) and origin (0, 0) be denoted by A and O respectively. Then, using
distance formula, we obtain

Thus, the distance between the points (7, –1) and (0, 0) is units.
Example 2:

Find the value of a, if the distance between (a, –1) and (8, 3) is .

Solution:

Let points (a, –1) and (8, 3) be denoted by A and B respectively.

Then, using distance formula, we obtain

The distance is given as . Therefore, we can write

On squaring both sides, we obtain

16 × 5 = 64 + a2 – 16a + 16

⇒ 80 – 64 – 16 = a2 – 16a

⇒ 80 – 80 = a2 – 16a

⇒ a2 – 16a = 0

⇒ a (a – 16) = 0

∴ a = 0 and 16

Thus, the values of a are 0 and 16.

Example 3:

Find the point on y-axis that is equidistant from (–5, 2) and (9, –2).

Solution:

The x-coordinate of all points on the y-axis is zero. Therefore, let (0, b) be the point
which is equidistant from (–5, 2) and (9, –2).

∴ Distance between (0, b) and (–5, 2) = Distance between (0, b) and (9, –2)
Using distance formula, we obtain

On squaring both sides, we obtain

29 + b2 – 4b = 85 + b2 + 4b

⇒ 8b = 29 – 85

⇒ 8b = –56

⇒ b = –7

Thus, the point (0, –7) on the y-axis is equidistant from (–5, 2) and (9, –2).

Example 4:

Check whether the points (–3, –2), (–2, 3), and (3, 4) are the vertices of an
isosceles triangle or not.

Solution:

Let the vertices (–3, –2), (–2, 3), and (3, 4) be denoted as A, B, and C respectively as
shown in the figure.

Using distance formula, we obtain

BC

AC

Now, AB = BC = units

Thus, (–3, –2), (–2, 3), and (3, 4) are the vertices of an isosceles triangle.

Dependent And Independent Variables

In our daily life, we must have seen many instances where one quantity depends on
another. For example,

(1) If we make more calls, then our phone bill will be high.

(2) If we purchase more quantity of a product, then the cost will be high, etc.

In the given example (1), the phone bill depends on the number of calls made by us.
Here, the number of calls of phone is an independent variable and the phone bill is a
dependent variable as it depends upon the number of calls we make.

We can define a dependent and an independent variable as follows.

“The variable, which changes with the change in the other variable, is called
dependent variable and the other variable is called independent variable (or
control variable).”

In the second example, the cost of the product depends upon the quantity of product
that we purchase. Hence, the quantity of the product is an independent variable and the
cost is a dependent variable.

Let us discuss an example to understand the concept of dependent and independent

variables.

Example 1:

Trace out the dependent and independent variables from the following situations.

(a) Time period and simple interest, where rate of interest is fixed.

(b) The area of cultivated land and the crop harvested.

(c) Speed of a person and distance covered by him in a fixed time.

(d) Amount of a material and number of particles in it.

Solution:

(a) For a fixed rate of interest, if we deposit the principal for more time period, we will
get more simple interest. Thus, the amount of simple interest depends upon time period.
Hence, the time period is an independent variable and the simple interest is a
dependent variable.

(b) If we increase the area of cultivated land, then we will harvest more amount of crop.
Here, the amount of crop harvested depends upon area of land cultivated. Hence, the
area of cultivated land is an independent variable and the crop harvested is a
dependent variable.

(c) If a person will increase his speed, then he will cover more distance in a fixed time.
Here, distance covered by the person depends upon his speed. Hence, speed of the
person is an independent variable and distance covered is a dependent variable.

(d) If the amount of material increases, then the number of particles also increases.
Here, the number of particles depends upon the amount of material. Hence, the amount
of a material is an independent variable and the number of particles present in it is a
dependent variable.

Example 2:
The volume of a cuboid is given by the formula V = l × b × h,
where l, b, and h respectively are the length, breadth and height of the cuboid.
Find the dependent and independent variables among V, l, b, and h.

Solution:

If we increase the length of a cuboid, then its size will be increased and hence its
volume will be increased. Similarly, if we change any side of the cuboid, then its volume
will be changed. We can say that the volume of the cuboid depends on the length,
breadth and height of the cuboid.

Thus, V is a dependent variable and l, b, and h are independent variables.