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(x̄,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.
Slope of a Line
The angle of inclination(or inclination) of a line is the smallest positive angle from the positive x-
axis to the line.
Slope of a Line
The slope, m of a line is tangent of the
angle of inclination
The slope of a line is constant
Examples
1. Find the slope of a line joining the pair of points
given. Draw the line connecting P1( − 1, − 2) and
P2(3,5)
1
2. P1(3,0) P2(-1 ,2)
2
Slope of a Parallel Line
Slope of
Perpendicular Lines
Example
1. Show that the points (-1,6) (-3,4)
and (2,-1) are vertices of a right
triangle
Seatwork
1.
