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Understanding Cartesian Coordinates

Here are the steps to solve this problem: * Let one endpoint be P1 = (-4,-2) * Let the midpoint be M = (1,3) * To find the other endpoint P2, use the midpoint formula: * x1 + x2/2 = xM * y1 + y2/2 = yM * Plug in the values: * x1 = -4 * xM = 1 * x2/2 = (x1 + xM)/2 = (-4 + 1)/2 = -3/2 * x2 = -3/2 * 2 = -3 * Similarly, * y1 = -2

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Tango Jhecee Meir, D.
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33 views

Understanding Cartesian Coordinates

Here are the steps to solve this problem: * Let one endpoint be P1 = (-4,-2) * Let the midpoint be M = (1,3) * To find the other endpoint P2, use the midpoint formula: * x1 + x2/2 = xM * y1 + y2/2 = yM * Plug in the values: * x1 = -4 * xM = 1 * x2/2 = (x1 + xM)/2 = (-4 + 1)/2 = -3/2 * x2 = -3/2 * 2 = -3 * Similarly, * y1 = -2

Uploaded by

Tango Jhecee Meir, D.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding

Cartesian
Coordinates
Engr. William F. Apattad
Faculty
College of Engineering and Architecture
– Chemical Engineering Department
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:
• Define Cartesian coordinates and understand their
historical significance.
• Describe the components of a Cartesian
coordinate system.
• Plot points and identify coordinates on a 2D plane.
• Understand how to calculate distances between
points using Cartesian coordinates.
• Apply Cartesian coordinates to real-world
problems.
What are Cartesian Coordinates?

Cartesian coordinates are a system for specifying the position of a point in


space. They use two or more numbers to represent the location of a point in
relation to a fixed reference point, known as the origin. The most common
system uses two coordinates, known as x and y, to represent positions in a two-
dimensional plane. In three dimensions, we add a z-coordinate. This allows us to
describe positions in 3D space accurately.
• Cartesian coordinates are named
after the French mathematician and
philosopher René Descartes, who
introduced this system in the 17th
century.
Historical
• Descartes' innovation was to
Background: represent points in space using
numerical values (coordinates),
making it possible to describe
geometric shapes and equations
algebraically.
Applications of Cartesian Coordinates:

• Geometry: Cartesian coordinates are fundamental for defining shapes, calculating areas, and
solving geometric problems.
• Physics: They are used in physics to describe the position, velocity, and acceleration of
objects.
• Engineering: Engineers use Cartesian coordinates for designing structures and analyzing
data.
• Computer Graphics: In computer science, they are essential for rendering images and
animations.
• Navigation: GPS systems rely on Cartesian coordinates to determine locations on Earth's
surface.
• Economics: They are used in economics to model supply and demand curves.
• Art and Design: Artists often use Cartesian coordinates for precise drawings and designs.
Components of a Cartesian
Coordinate System:

1. X-Axis: The horizontal line in a 2D


plane, often referred to as the abscissa.
2. Y-Axis: The vertical line in a 2D plane,
often referred to as the ordinate.
3. Origin (0,0): The point where the X and
Y axes intersect. It serves as the
reference point for all coordinates.
4. Quadrants: The plane is divided into
four quadrants, labeled I, II, III, and IV,
counterclockwise from the top-right
quadrant.
Plotting Points:

To plot a point in a Cartesian coordinate


system, follow these steps:
• Locate the origin (0, 0).
• Move along the x-axis by the value of
the x-coordinate.
• Move perpendicular to the x-axis along
the y-axis by the value of the y-
coordinate (in 2D).
• In 3D, additionally, move along the z-
axis by the value of the z-coordinate.
Calculating Distances:
Distance between two points

•We can determine the distance if we know


the coordinates of the endpoints.
• P1P2P3 is a right triangle
•Pythagorean theorem- for right triangles
which states that “In a right triangle the square
of the length of the hypotenuse equals the
sum of the squares of the
Examples

1. Find the distance between (-2,-1) and (4,3)


2. If (1,-2) is equidistant with (4,4) and (x,4). Find x.
3. A square is a quadrilateral with four equal sides. The area of a square is
equal to the square of its sides. The diagonal of a square is a line segment
joining any two non-consecutive side. Find the area of a square and the
length of its diagonal whose vertices are (3,1), (-1,5), (-5,1) and (-1,-3). Draw
the square.
Example 1
1. Find the distance between (-2,-1) and (4,3)
Example 2
2. If (1,-2) is equidistant with (4,4) and (x,4).
Find x.
Midpoint of a
Line Segment
Let M(x,̄ ȳ) be the midpoint of a line
segment P1P2 , where the coordinates of
P1 and P2 are (x1,y1) and (x2,y2)
respectively.
Examples
1. Find the midpoint of the line segment with endpoints (1,1) and
(3,4).
2. The midpoint of a line segment is (1,3) and one endpoint of the
segment is (-4,-2). Find the coordinates of the other endpoints of
the segment.
Example 1
Find the midpoint of the line segment with endpoints
(1,1) and (3,4).
Example 2
2. The midpoint of a line segment is (1,3) and one endpoint of the
segment is (-4,-2). Find the coordinates of the other endpoints of the
segment.

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