Straight Line

1. Rectangular cartesian co-ordinate system :

x < 0, y > 0 x > 0, y > 0

origin

x < 0, y < 0 x > 0, y < 0

2. Distance Formula :
2 2
The distance between the points A(x 1,y1) and B(x2,y2) is = x1 x2 y1 y2 .

Example # 1 : Find the value of x, if the distance between the points (x, –1) and (3, 2) is 5
Solution : Let P(x ,–1) and Q(3, 2) be the given points. Then PQ = 5 (given)

( x 3) 2 ( 1 2) 2
=5 (x – 3)2 + 9 = 25
x = 7 or x = – 1
Self Practice Problem :

(1) Show that four points (0, –1), (6, 7) (–2, 3) and (8, 3) are the vertices of a rectangle.

3. Section Formula :
If P(x, y) divides the line joining A(x 1, y1) & B(x2, y2) in the ratio m : n, then;

m x2 n x1 m y2 n y1
x= ;y= .
m n m n

Notes :
m m
(i) If is positive, the division is internal, but if is negative, the division is external.
n n
(ii) If P divides AB internally in the ratio m : n & Q divides AB externally in the ratio m : n then
P & Q are said to be harmonic conjugate of each other w.r.t. AB.
2 1 1
Mathematically, i.e. AP, AB & AQ are in H.P.
AB AP AQ
Example # 2 : Find the co-ordinates of the point which divides the line segment joining the points (6, 3) and
(– 4, 5) in the ratio 3 : 2 (i) internally and (ii) externally.
Solution : Let P (x, y) be the required point.

(i) For internal division :

3 4 2 6 3 5 2 3 21
x= and y = or x = 0 and y =
3 2 3 2 5

So the co-ordinates of P are 0, 21

5
(ii) For external division

3 4 2 6 3 5 2 3
x= and y = or x = –24 and y = 9
3 2 3 2
So the co-ordinates of P are (–24, 9)

Example # 3 : Find the co-ordinates of points which trisect the line segment joining (1, – 2) and (5, 6).
Solution : Let A (1, –2) and B(–3, 4) be the given points. Let the points of trisection be P and Q. Then
AP = PQ = QB = (say)

PB = PQ + QB = 2 and AQ = AP + PQ = 2
AP : PB = : 2 = 1 : 2 and AQ : QB = 2 : =2:1
So P divides AB internally in the ratio 1 : 2 while Q divides internally in the ratio 2 : 1
1 5 2 1 1 6 2 2 7 2
the co-ordinates of P are , or ,
1 2 1 2 3 3

2 5 1 1 2 6 1 ( 2) 10
and the co-ordinates of Q are , or 4,
2 1 2 1 2

10
Hence, the points of trisection are 7 , 2 and 4,
3 3 3

Self Practice Problems :

(2) In what ratio does the point (–1, –1) divide the line segment joining the points (4, 4) and (7, 7).

(3) The three vertices of a parallelogram taken in order are (–1, 0), (3, 1) and (2, 2) respectively.
Find the co-ordinates of the fourth vertex.
Ans. (2) 5 : 8 externally (3) (–2, 1)
4. The ratio in which a given line divides the line segment joining two points :
Let the given line ax + by + c = 0 divide the line segment joining A(x1, y1) & B(x2, y2) in the ratio m : n,
m a x1 b y1 c
then . If A & B are on the same side of the given line then m/n is negative but if A &
n a x2 b y2 c
B are on opposite sides of the given line, then m/n is positive

Example # 4 : Find the ratio in which the line joining the points A (1, 2) and B(– 3, 4) is divided by the
line x + y – 5 = 0.
Solution : Let the line x + y = 5 divides AB in the ratio k : 1 at P
3k 1 4k 2
co-ordinate of P are ,
k 1 k 1
Since P lies on x + y – 5 = 0
3k 1 4k 2 1
+ –5=0 k=–
k 1 k 1 2
Required ratio is 1 : 2 extrenally.
Aliter Let the ratio is m : n
m (1 1 1 2 5) 1 18
=– =– ratio is 1 : 2 externally. Ans.
n 1 ( 3) 1 4 5 2 5

5. Area of a Triangle :
If A(x 1, y1), B(x2, y2), C(x3, y3) are the vertices of triangle ABC, then its area is equal to
x1 y1 1
1
ABC = x2 y2 1 , provided the vertices are considered in the counter clockwise sense. The
2
x3 y3 1

above formula will give a ve area if the vertices (xi, yi), i = 1, 2, 3 are placed in the clockwise sense.

Note: Area of n-sided polygon formed by points (x 1, y1) ; (x2, y2); ........;(x n, yn) is given by

1 x1 x2 x2 x3 xn 1 xn xn x1
............... .
2 y1 y2 y2 y3 yn 1 yn yn y1

Here vertices are taken in order.

Example # 5 : If the co-ordinates of two points A and B are (3, 4) and (5, –2) respectively. Find the
co-ordinates of any point P if PA = PB and Area of PAB = 10.
Solution : Let the co-ordinates of P be (x, y). Then
PA = PB PA2 = PB2
(x – 3)2 + (y – 4)2 = (x – 5)2 + (y + 2)2 x – 3y – 1 = 0
x y 1
1
Now, Area of PAB = 10 3 4 1 = ± 10 6x + 2y – 26 = ± 20
2
5 2 1

6x + 2y – 46 = 0 or 6x + 2y – 6 = 0 3x + y – 23 = 0 or 3x + y – 3 = 0
Solving x – 3 y – 1 = 0 and 3x + y – 23 = 0 we get x = 7, y = 2. Solving x – 3y – 1 = 0 and
3x + y – 3 = 0, we get x = 1, y = 0. Thus, the co-ordinates of P are (7, 2) or (1, 0)
Self Practice problems :
(4) The area of a triangle is 5. Two of its vertices are (2, 1) and (3, –2). The third vertex lies on
y = x + 3. Find the third vertex.
(5) The vertices of a quadrilateral are (6, 3), (–3, 5), (4, –2) and (x, 3x) and are denoted by A, B, C
and D, respectively. Find the values of x so that the area of triangle ABC is double the area of
triangle DBC.
7 13 3 3 11 3
Ans. (4) , or , (5) x= or –
2 2 2 2 8 8
6. Locus :
If a point moves under given condition or conditions, equation of the path traced by the point is called
its locus.
Example # 6 : Find the equation to the locus of a point which moves so that
(i) Its distance from the point (a, 0) is always four times its distance from the axis of y.
(ii) Sum of the squares of its distances from the axes is equal to 3.
(iii) Its distance from x-axis is 3 times of its distance from y-axis.
Solution : Let the point be (h, k)
Distance of P from axis of y = |h|
Distance of P from (a, 0) = (h a)2 k2

(h a)2 k 2 = 4|h| (h – a)2 + k2 = 16h2

h2 – 2ah + a2 + k2 = 16h2 15h2 – k2 + 2ah = a2
hence locus of P is 15x – y + 2ax = a2
2 2

(ii) Let the point be (h, k)

Distance of P from y-axis = |h|
Distance of P from x-aixs = |k|
h2+k2 = 3
hence Locus of P is x2+y2 = 3
(iii) Let the point be P(h, k)
Distance from x-axis = |k|
Distance from y-aixs = |h|
|k| = 3|h|
3h – k = 0 or 3h + k = 0
3x – y = 0 or 3x + y = 0

7. Shifting of origin :
Let O’ be (h, k) at which we want to shift origin
Let P(x, y) be any point in the plane of the paper, and let its coordinates, referred to the original axes,
be x and y and referred to the new axes let them x’ and y’
Y

Y'

. P(x, y)

(h,k) N'
O' X'
(0,0) X
O L N

The origin is therefore, transferred to the point (h,k) when we substitute for the coordinates x and y the
quantities.
x’ = x – h and y’ = y – k
The above article is true whether the axes be oblique or rectangular.
Example # 7 : Find the new coordinates of point (3,–4) if the origin is shifted to (1,2) by translation.
Solution : Since origin is shifted to x = 1 and y = 2
Hence x – 1 = X and y – 2 = Y
Point (3,–4) is shifted to
X = 3 – 1, Y=–4–2
X = 2, Y = – 6
Hence new coordinates are (2,–6)

Example # 8 : Find the newly transformed equation of the straight line 2x – 3y + 5 = 0 is origin is shifted to
(3, –1)
Solution : If origin is shifted (3,–1) x – 3 = X,y – (–1) = Y
x = 3 + X, y = Y – 1
New equation is 2(X + 3) –3(Y –1) + 5 = 0
2X – 3Y + 14 = 0

Example # 9 : Find the point at which the origin be shifted so that the equation x 2 + y2 – 5x + 2y – 5 = 0 has no
first degree term.
25 25
Solution : x 2 + y2 – 5x + 2y – 5 = 0 x 2 – 5x – + (y2 + 2y + 1) – 1 – 5 = 0
4 4
2
5 49 49
x– + (y + 1)2 – = X2 + Y2 =
2 4 4
If new equation to be formed has no first degree terms then shift the origin to
5 5
x= ,y=–1= ,–1
2 2
8. Slope Formula :
A
y y
B B
A

x x

Slope (m) = tan where is the angle measured from positive x-axis.
If A (x 1, y1) & B (x 2, y2), x1 x2, are points on a straight line, then the slope m of the line is given by
y1 y 2
m= .
x1 x 2
Example # 10: What is the slope of a line whose inclination with the positive direction of x-axis is :
(i) 0º (ii) 90º (iii) 120º (iv) 150º
Solution : (i) Here = 0º
Slope = tan = tan 0º = 0.

(ii) Here = 90º

The slope of line is not defined.
(iii) Here = 120º
Slope = tan = tan 120º = tan (180º – 60º) = – tan 60º = – 3.

(iv) Here = 150º

1
Slope = tan = tan 150º = tan (180º – 30º) = – tan 30º = – .
3
Example # 11: Find the slope of the line passing through the points :
(i) (1, 6) and (– 4, 2) (ii) (5, 9) and (2, 9)
Solution : (i) Let A = (1, 6) and B = (– 4, 2)
2 6 4 4 y2 y1
Slope of AB = = = Using slope
4 1 5 5 x2 x1
(ii) Let A = (5, 9), B = (2, 9)
9 9 0
Slope of AB = = =0
2 5 3
Self practice problems :
(6) Find the value of x, if the slope of the line joining (1, 5) and (x, –7) is 4.
(7) What is the inclination of a line whose slope is
(i) 0 (ii) 1 (iii) –1 (iv) –1/ 3
Ans. (6) –2 (7) (i) 0º, (ii) 45º, (iii) 135º, (iv) 150º

9. Condition of collinearity of three points :

Points A (x 1, y1), B (x2, y2), C(x 3, y3) are collinear if
y1 y2 y2 y3
(i) mAB = m BC = mCA i.e. =
x1 x2 x2 x3
x1 y1 1
(ii) ABC = 0 i.e. x2 y2 1 =0
x3 y3 1

(iii) AC = AB + BC or AB ~ BC

(iv) A divides the line segment BC in some ratio with respect to x-coordinates and y-coordinates.

Example # 12 : Show that the points (1, 1), (2, 3) and (3, 5) are collinear.
Solution : Let (1, 1) (2, 3) and (3, 5) be the co-ordinates of the points A, B and C respectively.
3 1 5 3
Slope of AB = = 2 and Slope of BC = =2
2 1 3 2
Slope of AB = slope of BC AB & BC are parallel
A, B, C are collinear because B is on both lines AB and BC.
Self practice problem :
1 1
(8) Prove that the points (a, 0), (0, b) and (1, 1) are collinear if + =1
a b
10. Equation of a Straight Line in various forms :
(i) General Form : ax + by + c = 0 is the equation of a straight line in the general form
a
In this case, slope of line = –
b
c c
x - intercept = – , y - intercept = –
a b
(ii) Point - Slope form : y y1 = m (x x1) is the equation of a straight line whose slope is m &
which passes through the point (x1, y1).

(iii) Slope-intercept form : y = mx + c is the equation of a straight line whose slope is m & which
makes an intercept c on the y axis.
 y2 y1
(iv) Two point form : y y1 = (x x1) is the equation of a straight line which passes
x2 x1
through the points (x 1, y1) & (x2, y2).
x y 1
(v) Determinant form : Equation of line passing through (x 1, y1) and (x2, y2) is x1 y1 1 0
x2 y2 1
x y
(vi) Intercept form : = 1 is the equation of a straight line which makes intercepts a & b on
a b
OX & OY respectively.

(vii) Perpendicular/Normal form : xcos + ysin = p (where p > 0, 0 < 2 ) is the equation
of the straight line where the length of the perpendicular from the origin O on the line is p and
this perpendicular makes an angle with positive x axis.
y

p
x
O

(viii) Parametric form of straight line : P (r) = (x, y) = (x1 + r cos , y1 + r sin ) or
x x1 y y1
= r is the equation of the line in parametric form, where ‘r’ is the
cos sin
parameter whose absolute value is the distance of any point (x, y) on the line from the fixed
point (x1, y1) on the line.
Remark : The above form is derived from point-slope form of line.
sin
y – y1 = m (x – x1) where m = tan y – y1 = (x – x1).
cos

Example # 13: Find the equation of a line passing through (2, –3) and inclined at an angle of 135º with the
positive direction of x-axis.
Solution : Here, m = slope of the line = tan 135º = tan (90º + 45º) = – cot 45º = –1, x 1 = 2, y1 = –3
So, the equation of the line is y – y1 = m (x – x1)
i.e. y – (–3) = –1 (x – 2) or y + 3 = – x + 2 or x + y + 1 = 0

Example # 14 : Find the equation of a line with slope –1 and cutting off an intercept of 4 units on positive
direction of y-axis.
Solution : Here m = –1 and c = 4. So, the equation of the line is y = mx + c
i.e. y = – x + 4 or x + y – 4 = 0

Example # 15 : Find the equation of the line joining the points (– 1, 3) and (4, – 2)

Solution : Here the two points are (x 1, y1) = (–1, 3) and (x2, y2) = (4, –2).
So, the equation of the line in two-point form is
3 ( 2)
y–3= (x + 1) y–3=–x–1 x+y–2=0
1 4
Example #16 : Find the equation of line passing through (2, 4) & (– 1, 3).
x y 1
Solution : 2 4 1 =0 x – 3y + 10 = 0
1 3 1
Example #17 : Find the equation of the line which passes through the point (3, 4) and the sum of its intercepts
on the axes is 14.
x y
Solution : Let the equation of the line be + =1 ....(i)
a b
3 4
This passes through (3, 4), therefore + =1 ....(ii)
a b
It is given that a + b = 14 b = 14 – a.
3 4
Putting b = 14 – a in (ii), we get + =1
a 14 a
a2 – 13a + 42 = 0 (a – 7) (a – 6) = 0 a = 7, 6
For a = 7, b = 14 – 7 = 7 and for a = 6, b = 14 – 6 = 8.
Putting the values of a and b in (i), we get the equations of the lines
x y x y
+ = 1 and + =1 or x + y = 7 and 4x + 3y = 24
7 7 6 8
Example # 18 : Find the equation of the line which is at a distance 3 from the origin and the perpendicular from
the origin to the line makes an angle of 30º with the positive direction of the x-axis.
Solution : Here p = 3, = 30º
Equation of the line in the normal form is
3 y
x cos 30º + y sin 30º = 3 or x + = 3 or 3 x + y = 6
2 2
Example # 19 : Find slope, x-intercept & y-intercept of the line 2x – 3y + 5 = 0.
a 2
Solution : Here, a = 2, b = – 3, c = 5 slope = – =
b 3
c 5 5
x-intercept = – =– y-intercept =
a 2 3

Example # 20 : Find the equation of the line through the point A(2, 3) and making an angle of 45º with the
x-axis. Also determine the length of intercept on it between A and the line x + y + 1 = 0
Solution : The equation of a line through A and making an angle of 45º with the x-axis is
x 2 y 3 x 2 y 3
= or = or x–y+1=0
cos 45º sin 45º 1 1
2 2
Suppose this line meets the line x + y + 1 = 0 at P such that AP = r. Then the co-ordinates of
P are given by
x 2 y 3
= =r x = 2 + r cos 45º, y = 3 + r sin 45º
cos 45º sin 45º
r r
x=2+ ,y=3+
2 2
r r
Thus, the co-ordinates of P are 2 , 3
2 2
r r
Since P lies on x + y + 1 = 0, so 2 + +3+ +1=0
2 2
2r =–6 r = –3 2 length AP = | r | = 3 2
Thus, the length of the intercept = 3 2 .
Self practice problems :
(9) Find the equations of the sides of the triangle whose vertices are (–1, 8), (4, –2) and (–5, –3).
Also find the equation of the median through (–1, 8)
(10) Find the equation of the passing through (– 2, 3) & (– 1, – 1).
(11) Find the equation of the line through (2, 3) so that the segment of the line intercepted between
the axes is bisected at this point.
(12) The length of the perpendicular from the origin to a line is 7 and the line makes an angle of
150º with the positive direction of y-axis. Find the equation of the line.
(13) Find the slope, x-intercept & y-intercept of the line 3x – 5y – 8 = 0.

(14) A straight line is drawn through the point A 3, 2 making an angle of /6 with positive

direction of the x-axis. If it meets the straight line 3x – 4y + 8 = 0 in B, find the distance
between A and B.
Ans.
(9) 2x + y – 6 = 0, x – 9y – 22 = 0, 11x – 4y + 43 = 0, 21x + y + 13 = 0
(10) 4x + y + 5 = 0 (11) 3x + 2y = 12.
3 8 8
(12) 3 x + y – 14 = 0 (13) , ,– (14) 6 units
5 3 5
11. Position of the point (x1, y1) relative to the line ax + by + c = 0 :
(i)
A(x1,y1)
•
• B(x2,y2)

ax+b y+c=0
ax1 by1 c
0
ax 2 by 2 c

A(x1,y1)
•
(ii)
ax+by+c =0
• B(x2,y2)

ax1 by1 c
0
ax 2 by 2 c

Example # 21 : Show that (1, 4) and (–8, –4) lie on the opposite sides of the line x + 3y + 7 = 0.

Solution : At (1, 4), the value of x + 3y + 7 = 1 + 3(4) + 7 = 20 > 0.

At (–8, – 4), the value of x + 3y + 7 = – 8 – 12 + 7 < 0
The points (1, 4) and (–8, – 4) are on the opposite sides of the given line.
Self practice problems :
(15) Are the points (3, – 4) and (2, 6) on the same or opposite side of the line 3x – 4y = 8 ?
(16) Which one of the points (1, 1), (–1, 2) and (2, 3) lies on the side of the line 4x + 3y – 5 = 0 on
which the origin lies?
Ans. (15) Opposite sides (16) (–1, 2)
12. Linear Inequalities :
Linear inequalities ax+by+c>0 or ax+by+c<0 represents region above or below the line ax+by+c=0,
which can be divided by taking one particular point in the region.

Example # 22 : Solve the following system of linear inequalities graphically.

2x + y 6 ....(1)

x–y 2 ....(2)

Solution : The graph of linear equation 2x + y = 6

is drawn in fig. We note that solution of inequality (1) is represented by the shaded region
above the line 2x + y = 6, including the point on the line
On the same set of axes, we draw graph of the equation x – y = 2 as shown in fig. Then we
note that inequality (2) represents the shaded region above

the line x – y = 2 including the points on the line.

Clearly, the double shaded region, common to the above two shaded regions is the required
solution region of the given system of inequalities.

Example # 23 : Solve the following system of inequalities graphically

x + 2y 8 .....(1)
2x + y 8 .....(2)
x 0 .....(3)
y 0 .....(4)
Solution : We draw the graphs of the lines x + 2y = 8 and 2x + y = 8. The inequality (1) and (2) represent
the region below the two lines, including the point on the respective lines
Since x 0, y 0, every point in the shaded region in the first quadrant represent a solution of
the given system of inequalities.
13. Angle between two straight lines in terms of their slopes :
If m1 & m 2 are the slopes of two intersecting straight lines (m 1 m2 1) & is the acute angle between
m1 m2
them, then tan = .
1 m1 m2

Notes : (i) Let m1, m 2, m3 are the slopes of three lines L1 = 0;L2 = 0;L3 = 0 where m1 > m2 > m3 , then the
tangent of interior angles of the ABC formed by these lines are given by,
m1 m2 m2 m3 m3 m1
tan A = ; tan B = & tan C =
1 m1 m2 1 m 2 m3 1 m3 m1

(ii) The equation of lines passing through point (x 1, y1) and making angle with the line
y = mx + c are given by :
(y y1) = tan ( ) (x x 1) & (y y1) = tan ( + ) (x x1), where tan = m.

Example # 24 : The acute angle between two lines is /4 and slope of one of them is 1/2. Find the slope of the
other line.
m1 m2
Solution : If be the acute angle between the lines with slopes m1 and m 2, then tan =
1 m1m2
1
m2
1 2
Let = and m 1 = tan =
4 2 4 1
1 m2
2
1 2m2 1 2m 2
1= = + 1 or – 1
2 m2 2 m2
1 2m2 1 1 2m 2
Now =1 m2 = – and =–1 m2 = 3.
2 m2 3 2 m2
The slope of the other line is either – 1/3 or 3

Example # 25 : Find the equation of the straight line which passes through the origin and making angle 60º
with the line x – 3y=0
1
Solution : Given line is x – 3 y = 0. tan = = 30º
3
so, can be 90º or 30º – 60º = –30º
1
so line can be x = 0 or y = – x
3
Self practice problem :
(17) A vertex of an equilateral triangle is (2, 3) and the equation of the opposite side is x + y = 2.
Find the equation of the other sides of the triangle.
Ans. (17) (2 – 3 )x – y + 2 3 – 1 = 0 and (2 + 3 ) x – y – 2 3 – 1 = 0.
14. Parallel Lines :
(i) When two straight lines are parallel their slopes are equal. Thus any line parallel to
y = mx + c is of the type y = mx + d, where ‘d’ is a parameter.
a b c
(ii) Two lines ax + by + c = 0 and a x + b y + c = 0 are parallel if = .
a b c

Thus any line parallel to ax + by + c = 0 is of the type ax + by + k = 0, where k is a parameter.

15. Perpendicular Lines :

(i) When two lines of slopes m 1 & m2 are at right angles, the product of their slopes is 1,

i.e. m1 m2 = Thus any line perpendicular to y = mx + c is of the form

1
y= x + d, where ‘d’ is any parameter.
m

(ii) Two lines ax + by + c = 0 and a x + b y + c = 0 are perpendicular if aa + bb = 0. Thus any line

perpendicular to ax + by + c = 0 is of the form bx ay + k = 0, where ‘k’ is any parameter.

Example # 26 : Find the equation of the straight line that passes through the point (3, 4) and perpendicular to
the line 3x + 2y + 5 = 0
Solution : The equation of a line perpendicular to 3x + 2y + 5 = 0 is
2x – 3y + =0 ...........(i)
This passes through the point (3, 4)
3×2–3×4+ =0 =6
Putting = 6 in (i), we get 2x – 3y + 6 = 0, which is the required equation.

Aliter The slope of the given line is –3/2. Since the required line is perpendicular to the given line. So,
2
the slope of the required line is 2/3. As it passes through (3, 4). So, its equation is y – 4 =
3
(x – 3) or 2x – 3y + 6 = 0

Self practice problems :

(18) Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line segment joining the points A(2, 3)
and B (6, –5).
(19) Find the equation of a straight line which cuts off an intercept of length 3 on y-axis and is
parallel to the line joining the points (3, –2) and (1, 4).
(20) The vertices of a triangle are A(10, 4), B (–4, 9) and C(–2, –1). Find the equation of its altitudes.
Also find their intersecting point.
Ans. (18) x–2y–6=0 (19) 3x + y – 3 = 0

9
(20) x – 5y + 10 = 0, 12x + 5y + 3 = 0, 14x – 5y + 23 = 0, 1, .
5
16. Centroid, Circumcentre, Orthocentre, Incentre & Excentre :
(i) Centroid : Intersecting point of medians
A

F E
G where D, E, and F are mid points of sides
B
D C

x1 x2 x3 y1 y2 y3
Centroid G ,
3 3

(ii) Circumcentre : Intersecting point of perpendicular bisectors of sides of triangle

P

U T
C
where S, T, and U are mid points of sides
Q
S R

(iii) Orthocentre : Intersecting point of altitudes

A
E
F
O

B
D C

(iv) Incentre : Intersecting point of angle bisectors

A
E
F
I

B
D C

ax1 bx 2 cx 3 ay1 by2 cy 3

Incentre I , , where a, b and c are sides BC, AC and
a b c a b c

AB respectively.
AI b c BI a c CI a b
Also, , and
ID a IE b IF c
(v) Ex-centre : Intersecting point of an internal angle bisector and externel angle bisectors of other
two vertices.
A

B
C

Q
P

BAE = CAE ; CBE = PBE ; BCE = QCE

ax1 bx2 cx3 ay1 by2 cy 3
Excentre (to A) I1 , and so on, where a, b and c are sides
a b c a b c

BC, AC and AB respectively

 Properties :
(i) Incentre and excentre are harmonic conjugate of each other w.r.t. the angle bisector on which
they lie.
(ii) Orthocentre, Centroid & Circumcentre are always collinear & centroid divides the line joining
orthocentre & circumcentre in the ratio 2 : 1.

O G C

OG 2
GC 1
(iii) Type of triangle Location of special point(s)
Isosceles G, O, & C lie on the same line
Equilateral G, O, & C coincide
Right angled Orthocentre is at right angled vertex and circumcentre is mid
point of hypotenuse
Obtuse angled Circumcentre and orthocentre both are out side the triangle.
Example # 27 : Find the co-ordinates of (i) centroid (ii) in-centre of the triangle whose vertices are (0, 0), (6, 0)
and (0, 8).
Solution : (i) We know that the co-ordinates of the centroid of a triangle whose angular points are
x1 x2 x3 y1 y2 y3
(x1, y1), (x 2, y2) (x3, y3) are ,
3 3
So the co-ordinates of the centroid of a triangle whose vertices are (0, 0), (6, 0) and
0 0 6 0 0 8 8
(0, 8) are , or 2, .
3 3 3
(ii) Let A (0, 0), B (6, 0) and C(0, 8) be the vertices of triangle ABC.
Then c = AB = (0 8)2 (6 0)2 = 10, b = CA = 8
and a = BC = 6
ax1 bx 2 cx3 ay1 by 2 cy 3
The co-ordinates of the in-centre are ,
a b c a b c
10 0 6 8 0 6 10 0 6 0 8 6
or , or (2, 2)
10 8 6 10 8 6
Self practice problems :
(21) Find the co-ordinates of the circumcentre of the triangle whose vertices are (8, 6), (8, –2) and
(2, –2). Also find its circumradius.
(22) Two vertices of a triangle are (3, –5) and (–7, 4). If the centroid is (2, –1), find the third vertex.
(23) Find the co-ordinates of the centre of the circle inscribed in a triangle whose vertices are
(– 36, 7), (20, 7) and (0, – 8)
Ans. (21) (5, 2), 5 (22) (10, – 2) (23) (–1, 0)
17. Length of perpendicular from a point to a line :
a x1 b y1 c
The length of perpendicular from P(x1, y1) on ax + by + c = 0 is .
a2 b2
18. Distance between parallel lines :
The distance between two parallel lines with equations ax + by + c1 = 0 &

c1 c2
ax + by + c2 = 0 is = .
a2 b2
Note that coefficients of x & y in both the equations must be same.
19. Area of the parallelogram :
p1 p 2
The area of the parallelogram = , where p1 & p2 are distances between two pairs of opposite sides
sin
& is the angle between any two adjacent sides. Note that area of the parallelogram bounded by the
lines y = m1x + c1, y = m1x + c2 and y = m2x + d1, y = m2x + d2 is given
(c1 c 2 ) (d1 d2 )
by
m1 m2

Example # 28 : Find the distance between the line 12x – 5y + 9 = 0 and the point (0, 0)
12 0 5 0 9 9
Solution : The required distance = =
2
12 ( 5) 2 13

Example # 29 : Two sides of a square lie on the lines x + y = 1 and x + y + 7 = 0. What is its area ?
Solution : Clearly the length of the side of the square is equal to the distance between the parallel lines
x+y–1=0 ........(i) and x+y+2=0 ........(ii)
Putting x = 0 in (i), we get y = 1. So (0, 1) is a point on line (i).
Now, Distance between the parallel lines
|0 1 7| 8
= length of the from (0, 1) to x + y + 2 = 0 = =
2
1 1 2
2
2
8 8
Thus, the length of the side of the square is and hence its area = = 32
2 2
Example # 30 : Find the area of the parallelogram whose sides are x + 2y + 3 = 0, 3x + 4y – 5 = 0,
2x + 4y + 5 = 0 and 3x + 4y – 10 = 0
Solution :

3 5 10 5 1 3
Here, c1 = – , c2 = – , d1 = , d2 = , m1 = – , m2 = –
2 4 4 4 2 4
3 5 10 5
2 4 4 4 5
Area = = sq. units
1 3 4
2 4
Self practice problem :
(24) Find the length of the altitudes from the vertices of the triangle with vertices :(–1, 1), (5, 2) and
(3, –1).

(25) Find the area of parallelogram whose sides are given by 4x – 5y + 1 = 0, x – 3y – 6 = 0,

4x – 5y – 2 = 0 and 2x – 6y + 5 = 0

16 8 16 51
Ans. (24) , , (25) sq. units
13 5 37 14

20. Foot of perpendicular, reflection and image of a point about a line :

(i) Foot of the perpendicular from a point (x 1, y1) on the line ax + by + c = 0 is

x x1 y y1 ax1 by1 c
a b a2 b2

(ii) The image of a point (x 1, y1) about the line ax + by + c = 0 is

x x1 y y1 ax1 by1 c
2 .
a b a2 b2

Example # 31 : Find the foot of perpendicular of the line drawn from P (– 3, 5) on the line x – y + 2 = 0.
Solution :

Slope of PM = – 1

Equation of PM is
x+y–2=0 .........(i)
solving equation (i) with x – y + 2 = 0, we get co-ordinates of M (0, 2)

x 3 y 5 (1 ( 3) ( 1) 5 2)
Aliter Here, = =–
1 1 (1)2 ( 1)2

x 3 y 5
= =3 x+3=3 x=0 and y–5=–3
1 1
y=2
M is (0, 2)
Example # 32 : Find the image of the point P(–1, 2) in the line mirror 2x – 3y + 4 = 0.
Solution :

Let image of P is Q.
 PM = MQ & PQ AB
h 1 k 2
Let Q is (h, k) M is ,
2 2
It lies on 2x – 3y + 4 = 0.
h 1 k 2
2 –3 + 4 = 0. or 2h – 3k = 0 ...........(i)
2 2
k 2
slope of PQ =
h 1
PQ AB
k 2 2
× = – 1. 3h + 2k – 1 = 0. ........(ii)
h 1 3
3 2
soving (i) & (ii), we get h = ,k=
13 13
3 2
Image of P(– 1, 2) is Q ,
13 13
x 1 y 2 [2( 1) 3(2) 4]
Aliter The image of P (– 1, 2) about the line 2x – 3y + 4 = 0 is = =–2
2 3 2 2 ( 3)2
x 1 y 2 8 3
= = 13x + 13 = 16 x= & 13y – 26 = – 24
2 3 13 13
2 3 2
y= image is ,
13 13 13
Self practice problems :
(26) Find the foot of perpendicular of the line drawn from (– 2, – 3) on the line 3x – 2y – 1 = 0.
(27) Find the image of the point (1, 2) in y-axis.

23 41
Ans. (26) , (27) (– 1, 2)
13 13
21. Bisectors of the angles between two lines :
Equations of the bisectors of angles between the lines ax + by + c = 0 &
ax by c ax by c
a x + b y + c = 0 (ab a b) are : =±
a2 b2 a2 b2
Note : Equation of straight lines passing through P(x 1, y1) & equally inclined with the lines a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 &
a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 are those which are parallel to the bisectors between these two lines & passing
through the point P.
Example # 33 : Find the equations of the bisectors of the angle between the straight lines
3x – 4y + 7 = 0 and 12 x – 5y – 8 = 0.
Solution : The equations of the bisectors of the angles between 3x – 4y + 7 = 0 and 12 x – 5y – 8 = 0 are
3x 4y 7 12x 5y 8 3x 4y 7 12x 5y 8
=± or =±
2
3 ( 4) 2 2
12 ( 5) 2 5 13
or 39x – 52y + 91 = ± (60 x – 25 y – 40)
Taking the positive sign, we get 21 x + 27 y – 131 = 0 as one bisector
Taking the negative sign, we get 99 x – 77 y + 51 = 0 as the other bisector.
Self practice problem :
(28) Find the equations of the bisectors of the angles between the following pairs of straight lines
3x + 4y + 13 = 0 and 12x – 5y + 32 = 0
Ans. 21x – 77y – 9 = 0 and 99x + 27y + 329 = 0
22. Methods to discriminate between the acute angle bisector & the obtuse angle bisector :
(i)
B2

L1

B1

L2

L1 and L2 are given lines B1 and B2 are found angle bisectors

If tan < 1, then 2 < 90° B1 will be acute angle bisector.
If tan > 1, then 2 > 90° B1 will be obtuse angle bisector.

(ii)
B2

L1
d2 P

d1
B1

L2

Let P is a general point on L1 (other then intersecting point of L1 and L2)

If d1 < d2, B1 will be acute angle bisector .
If d1 > d2, B1 will be obtuse angle bisector .
(iii) If aa + bb < 0, then the equation of the bisector of this acute angle is
ax + by + c a x+b y+c
=+
2 2
a b a2 b2

If, however, aa + bb > 0, the equation of the bisector of the obtuse angle is :
ax + by + c a x+b y+c
=+
2 2
a b a2 b2
Example # 34 : For the straight lines 3x – 4y + 7 = 0 and 12x – 5y – 8 = 0, find the equation of the
(i) bisector of the obtuse angle between them;
(ii) bisector of the acute angle between them;
Solution : The equations of the bisectors of the angles between 3x – 4y + 7 = 0 and 12 x – 5y – 8 = 0 are
3x 4y 7 12x 5y 8 3x 4y 7 12x 5y 8
=± or =±
2
3 ( 4) 2 2
12 ( 5) 2 5 13
or 39x – 52y + 91 = ± (60 x – 25 y – 40)
Taking the positive sign, we get 21 x + 27 y – 131 = 0 as one bisector
Taking the negative sign, we get 99 x – 77 y + 51 = 0 as the other bisector.
Writing the equation of the lines so that constants become positive we have
3x – 4y + 7 = 0 .......(1)
and 12x – 5y – 8 = 0 .......(2)
Here a1 = 3, a2 = 12, b1 = –4, b2 = –5
Now a1a2 + b1b2 = 3× 12 + 20 = 56 > 0
so we get the obtuse angle bisector by taking positive sign so obtuse angle bisector is
21 x + 27 y – 131 = 0
and acute angle bisector is 99 x – 77 y + 51 = 0
Self practice problem :

(29) Find the equations of the bisectors of the angles between the lines x + y – 3 = 0 and
7x – y + 5 = 0 and state which of them bisects the acute angle between the lines.
Ans. x – 3y + 10 = 0 (bisector of the obtuse angle);
6x + 2y – 5 = 0 (bisector of the acute angle)

23. To discriminate between the bisector of the angle containing a point :

To discriminate between the bisector of the angle containing the origin & that of the angle not
containing the origin. Rewrite the equations, ax + by + c = 0 & a x + b y + c = 0 such that the constant
ax + by + c a x+b y+c
terms c, c are positive. Then ; = + gives the equation of the bisector of
2 2
a b a2 b2
ax + by + c a x+b y+c
the angle containing the origin & = gives the equation of the bisector of
2 2
a b a2 b2

the angle not containing the origin. In general equation of the bisector which contains the point ( ,
) is,
ax by c ax by c ax by c ax by c
= or = according as
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
a b a b a b a b

a +b + c and a +b + c having same sign or otherwise.

Example # 35 : For the straight lines 4x + 3y – 6 = 0 and 5x + 12y + 9 = 0, find the equation of the bisector of
the angle which contains the origin.
Solution : For point O(0, 0), 4x + 3y – 6 = –6 < 0 and 5x + 12y + 9 = 9 > 0
Hence for point O(0, 0) 4x + 3y – 6 and 5x + 12y + 9 are of opposite signs.
Hence equation of the bisector of the angle between the given lines containing the origin will be
4x 3y 6 5x 12y 9
=–
2 2 2 2
(4) (3) 5 12
4x 3y 6 5x 12y 9
or =– or 52x + 39y – 78 = –25x – 60y – 45.
5 13
or 77x + 99y – 33 = 0 or 7x + 9y – 3 = 0

Self practice problem :

(30) Find the equation of the bisector of the angle between the lines x + 2y – 11 = 0 and
3x – 6y – 5 = 0 which contains the point (1, – 3).
Ans. 3x – 19 = 0

24. Condition of Concurrency :

Three lines a1x + b1y + c1 = 0, a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 & a3x + b3y + c3 = 0 are concurrent if
a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c 2 = 0.
a3 b3 c3

Alternatively : If three constants A, B & C (not all zero) can be found such that
A(a1x + b1y + c1) + B(a2x + b2y + c2) + C(a3x + b3y + c3) 0, then the three straight lines are concurrent.
Example # 36 : Prove that the straight lines 4x + 7y = 9, 5x – 8y + 15 = 0 and 9x – y + 6 = 0 are concurrent.
Solution : Given lines are
4x + 7y – 9 = 0 ........(1)
5x – 8y + 15 = 0........(2) and 9x – y + 6 = 0 ........(3)
4 7 9
= 5 8 15 = 4(–48 + 15) – 7 (30 – 135) – 9 (– 5 + 72) = –132 + 735 – 603 = 0
9 1 6
Hence lines (1), (2) and (3) are concurrent.

Self practice problem :

(31) Find the value of m so that the lines 3x + y + 2 = 0, 2x – y + 3 = 0 and x + my – 3 = 0 may be

concurrent.
Ans. 4

25. Family of Straight Lines :

The equation of a family of straight lines passing through the point of intersection of the lines,
L1 a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 & L2 a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 is given by L1 + k L2 = 0 i.e.
(a1x + b1y + c1) + k(a2x + b2y + c2) = 0, where and k are arbitrary real numbers.

Note : (i) For parallelogram

If u1 = ax + by + c, u2 = a x + b y + d, u3 = ax + by + c ,
u4 = a x + b y + d
then u1 = 0;u2 = 0; u3 = 0 ; u4 = 0 form a parallelogram.
The diagonal BD can be given by u2u3 – u1u4 = 0.

(ii) For any quadrilateral

The diagonal AC is also given by u1 + u4 = 0 and

u2 + u3 = 0, if the two equations are identical for some real and

[For getting the values of & compare the coefficients of x, y & the constant terms].

Example # 37 : Find the equation of the straight line which passes through the origin and the point of
intersection of the lines x + y + 4 = 0 and 3x – y – 8 = 0.
Solution : Any line through the intersection of the lines x + y + 4 = 0 and 3x – y – 8 =0 has the equation
(x + y + 4) + (3x – y – 8) = 0 .........(i)
This will pass through (0, 0) if
4–8 =0 =½
Putting the value of in (i), the required line is (x + y + 4) + (½) (3x – y – 8) = 0
5x y
0 or 5x + y = 0
2 2
Example # 38 : Obtain the equations of the lines passing through the intersection of lines 4x – 3y – 1 = 0 and
2x – 5y + 3 = 0 and equally inclined to the axes.
Solution : The equation of any line through the intersection of the given lines is
(4x – 3y – 1) + (2x – 5y + 3) = 0
or x (2 + 4) – y (5 + 3) + 3 – 1 = 0 .......(i)
2 4
Let m be the slope of this line. Then m =
5 3
As the line is equally inclined with the axes, therefore
2 4
m = tan 45º or m = tan 135º m = ±1, =±1
5 3
1
= –1 or , putting the values of in (i), we get 2x + 2y – 4 = 0 and 14x – 14y = 0
3
i.e. x + y – 2 = 0 and x = y as the equations of the required lines.
Self practice problem :
(32) Find the equation of the lines through the point of intersection of the lines x – 3y + 1 = 0 and
2x + 5y – 9 = 0 and whose distance from the origin is 5
Ans. 2x + y – 5 = 0
26. A Pair of straight lines through origin :
(i)

A homogeneous equation of degree two,

"ax² + 2hxy + by² = 0" always represents a pair of straight lines passing through the origin if :
(a) h² > ab lines are real & distinct .
(b) h² = ab lines are coincident .
(c) h² < ab lines are imaginary with real point of intersection i.e. (0, 0)
This equation is obtained by multiplying the two equations of lines (m1x – y) (m2x – y) = 0
m1m2x2 – (m1 + m2) xy + y2 = 0
(ii) If y = m1x & y = m2x be the two equations represented by ax² + 2hxy + by² = 0, then;
2h a
m1 + m2 = & m 1 m2 = .
b b
(iii) If is the acute angle between the pair of straight lines represented by,
2 h2 ab
ax² + 2hxy + by² = 0, then tan = .
a b
(iv) The condition that these lines are :
(a) at right angles to each other is a + b = 0. i.e. co efficient of x² + co efficient of y² = 0.
(b) coincident is h² = ab .
(c) equally inclined to the axis of x is h = 0.i.e. coeff. of xy = 0 .
Note that a homogeneous equation of degree n represents n straight lines passing through origin.
(v) The equation to the pair of straight lines bisecting the angles between the straight lines
x2 y 2 xy
ax² + 2hxy + by² = 0 is = .
a b h
Example # 39 : Find the equations to the pair of lines through the origin which are perpendicular to the lines
represented by 2x 2 – 7xy + 3y2 = 0.
Solution : We have 2x 2 – 7xy + 3y2 = 0.
2x2 – 6xy – xy + 3y2 = 0 2x(x – 3y) – y (x – 3y) = 0
(x – 3y) (2x – y) = 0 x – 3y = 0 or 2x – y = 0
Thus the given equation represents the lines x – 3y = 0 and 2x – y = 0. The equations of the
lines passing through the origin and perpendicular to the given lines are y – 0 = –3 (x – 0)
1
and y – 0 = – (x – 0) [ (Slope of x – 3 y = 0) is 1/3 and (Slope of 2x – y = 0) is 2]
2
y + 3x = 0 and 2y + x = 0
Example # 40 : Find the angle between the pair of straight lines 5x2 + 26xy + 5y2 = 0
Solution : Given equation is 5x 2 + 26xy + 5y2 = 0
Here a = coeff. of x2 = 5, b = coeff. of y2 = 5
and 2h = coeff. of xy = 26 h = 13
2 h2 ab 2 169 25 2 12 12
Now tan = = = =
a b 5 5 10 5
Where is the acute angle between the lines.
12 12
acute angle between the lines is tan–1 and obtuse angle between them is – tan–1
5 5

Example # 41 : Find the equation of the bisectors of the angle between the lines represented by
3x 2 – 5xy + 4y2 = 0
Solution : Given equation is 3x 2 – 5xy + 4y2 = 0 .......(1)
comparing it with the equation ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 = 0 .......(2)
we have a = 3, 2h = –5; and b = 4
x2 y 2 xy
Now the equation of the bisectors of the angle between the pair of lines (1) is =
a b h
x2 y 2 xy x2 y 2 2xy
or = ; or = or 5x2 – 2xy – 5y2 = 0
3 4 5 1 5
2
Self practice problems :
(33) Find the area of the triangle formed by the lines y2 – 9xy + 18x2 = 0 and y = 9.

(34) If the pairs of straight lines x 2 – 2pxy – y2 = 0 and x2 – 2qxy – y2 = 0 be such that each pair
bisects the angle between the other pair, prove that pq = –1.

27. General equation of second degree representing a pair of Straight lines :

(i) ax² + 2hxy + by² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 represents a pair of straight lines if :
a h g
abc + 2fgh af² bg² ch² = 0, i.e. if h b f = 0.
g f c

Such an equation is obtained again by multiplying the two equation of lines

(a1x + b1y + c1) (a2x + b2y + c2) = 0

(ii) The angle between the two lines representing by a general equation is the same as that
between the two lines represented by its homogeneous part only.
Example # 42 : Prove that the equation 2x 2 + 5xy + 3y2 + 6x + 7y + 4 = 0 represents a pair of straight lines.
Find the co-ordinates of their point of intersection.
Solution : Given equation is 2x 2 + 5xy + 3y2 + 6x + 7y + 4 = 0
Writing the equation (1) as a quadratic equation in x we have
2x 2 + (5y + 6) x + 3y2 + 7y + 4 = 0
(5y 6) (5y 6)2 4.2(3y 2 7y 4)
x=
4
(5y 6) 25y 2 60y 36 24y 2 56y 32
=
4
(5y 6) y2 4y 4 (5y 6) (y 2)
= =
4 4
5y 6 y 2 5y 6 y 2
x= ,
4 4
or 4x + 4y + 4 = 0 and 4x + 6y + 8 = 0 or x+y+1=0 and 2x + 3y + 4 = 0
Hence equation (1) represents a pair of straight lines whose equation are
x+y+1=0 .....(1) and 2x + 3y + 4 = 0 .....(2)
Solving these two equations, the required point of intersection is (1, – 2).

Self practice problem :

(35) Find the combined equation of the straight lines passing through the point (1, 1) and parallel to
the lines represented by the equation x2 – 5xy + 4y2 + x + 2y – 2 = 0 and find the angle between
them.
3
Ans. x 2 – 5xy + 4y2 + 3x – 3y = 0, tan–1
5
28. Homogenization :
This method is used to write the joint equation of two lines connecting origin to the points of intersection
of a given line and a given second degree curve.
The equation of a pair of straight lines joining origin to the points of intersection of the line
L x + my + n = 0 and a second degree curve

S ax² + 2hxy + by² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0

2
x my x my x my
is ax² + 2hxy + by² + 2gx 2fy c = 0.
n n n

The equation is obtained by homogenizing the equation of curve with

the help of equation of line.

x my
Notes : (i) Here we have written 1 as and converted all terms of the curve to second
n
degree expressions

(ii) Equation of any curve passing through the points of intersection of two curves C1 = 0

and C2 = 0 is given by C1 + C2 = 0, where & are parameters.

Example # 43 : Prove that the angle between the lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of the

2 2
straight line y = 3x + 2 with the curve x2 + 2xy + 3y2 + 4x + 8y – 11 = 0 is tan–1 .
3
Solution : Equation of the given curve is x 2 + 2xy + 3y2 + 4x + 8y – 11 = 0
y 3x
and equation of the given straight line is y – 3x = 2; =1
2
Making equation (1) homogeneous equation of the second degree in x any y with the help
2
y 3x y 3x y 3x
of (1), we have x2 + 2xy + 3y2 + 4x + 8y – 11 =0
2 2 2

1 11 2
or x2 + 2xy + 3y2 + (4xy + 8y2 – 12x2 – 24 xy) – (y – 6xy + 9x2) = 0
2 4
or 4x2 + 8xy + 12y2 + 2(8y2 – 12x 2 – 20xy) – 11 (y2 – 6xy + 9x2) = 0
or –119x2 + 34xy + 17y2 = 0 or 119x2 – 34xy – 17y2 = 0
or 7x2 – 2xy – y2 = 0
This is the equation of the lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of (1) and (2).
Comparing equation (3) with the equation ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 = 0
we have a = 7, b = –1 and 2h = –2
i.e. h = –1
If be the acute angle between pair of lines (3), then

2 h2 ab 2 1 7 2 8 2 2 2 2
tan = = = = = tan–1 .
a b 7 1 6 3 3

Self practice problems :

(36) Find the equation of the straight lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of the line
3x + 4y – 5 = 0 and the curve 2x 2 + 3y2 = 5.

(37) Find the equation of the straight lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of the line
lx + my + n = 0 and the curve y 2 = 4ax. Also, find the condition of their perpendicularity.

Ans. (36) x2 – y2 – 24xy = 0 (37) 4alx2 + 4amxy + ny2 = 0; 4al + n = 0