7

FS
O
O
PR
E
G
PA

Coordinate
D
TE

geometry
EC
R
R

7.1 Kick off with CAS

O

7.2 Distance between two points

7.3 Midpoint of a line segment
C

7.4 Parallel lines and perpendicular lines

N

7.5 Applications
U

7.6 Review

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 252 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 7.1 Kick off with CAS
To come

FS
O
O
PR
E
G
PA
D
TE
EC
R
R
O
C
N
U

Please refer to the Resources tab in the Prelims section of your ebookPlUs for a comprehensive
step-by-step guide on how to use your CAS technology.

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 253 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 7.2 Distance between two points
Coordinate geometry is a branch of
mathematics with many practical applications.
The distance between two points can be
calculated easily using Pythagoras’ theorem. It A

is particularly useful when trying to find a B

distance that is difficult to measure directly; for

example, finding the distance from a point on
one side of a lake to a point on the other side.
Let A (x1, y1) and B (x 2, y2) be two points on

FS
the Cartesian plane as shown below. y
y2 B(x 2, y 2)
Triangle ABC is a right-angled triangle.
AC = x2 − x1

O
y1 A C
BC = y2 − y1

O
(x1, y1)
By Pythagoras’ theorem:

PR
x1 x2 x
AB2 = AC2 + BC2
= (x2 − x1) 2 + (y2 − y1) 2
Hence AB = "(x2 − x1) 2 + (y2 − y1) 2

E
G
The distance between two points A (x1, y1) and B (x2, y2) is:
PA
AB = "(x2 − x1) 2 + (y2 − y1) 2
D

WorKEd a Find the distance between the points A and B in y

EXAMPLE 1 the figure at right.
TE

4
b Find the distance between the points P (−1, 5) and
Q (3, −2).
EC

A
1
x
–3 3
R
R

tHinK WritE
O

a 1 From the graph find points A and B. A (−3, 1) and B (3, 4)

C

2 Let A have coordinates (x1, y1). Let (x1, y1) = (−3, 1).
N

3 Let B have coordinates (x 2, y 2). Let (x 2, y2) = (3, 4).

U

4 Find the length AB by applying the AB = "(x2 − x1) 2 + (y2 − y1) 2

formula for the distance between = "[3 − (−3) ] 2 + (4 − 1) 2
two points.
= "(6) 2 + (3) 2
= !36 + 9
= !45
= 3 !5
= 6.71 1 correct to 2 decimal places 2

254 MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 1 and 2

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 254 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 b 1 Let P have coordinates (x1, y1). Let (x1, y1) = (−1, 5).
2 Let Q have coordinates (x 2, y 2). Let (x 2, y2) = (3, −2).

3 Find the length PQ by applying the PQ = "(x2 − x1) 2 + (y2 − y1) 2

formula for the distance between = "[3 − (−1) ] 2 + (−2 − 5) 2
two points.
= "(4) 2 + (−7) 2
= !16 + 49
= !65
= 8.06 1 correct to 2 decimal places 2

FS
Prove that the points A (1, 1), B (3, −1) and C (−1, −3) are the vertices of an

O
WorKEd
EXAMPLE 2
isosceles triangle.

O
PR
Tutorial
eles‐1520
Worked example 2

E
tHinK WritE/drAW
1 Plot the points. G y A
PA
1
Note: For triangle ABC to be isosceles, two
sides must have the same magnitude. –1 1 3x
–1
D

C
–3
TE

From the diagram, AC appears to have the same

length as BC.
EC

2 Find the length AC.

AC = "[1 − (−1)] 2 + [1 − (−3)] 2
R

= "(2) 2 + (4) 2
= !20
R

= 2 !5
O

3 Find the length BC. BC = "[3 − (−1)] 2 + [−1− (−3)] 2

C

= "(4) 2 + (2) 2
N

= !20
U

= 2 !5
4 Find the length AB. AB = "[3 − (1) ] 2 + [−1 − (1) ] 2
= "(2) 2 + (−2) 2
= !4 + 4
= !8
= 2 !2
5 State your proof. Since AC = BC, triangle ABC is an isosceles triangle.

Topic 7 CoordInATE gEoMETry 255

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 Exercise 7.2 Distance between two points
1 WE1   a  Find the distance between the points A and B y
PRactise 6
shown at right.
5 B
b Find the distance between the points. (2, 5), (6, 8). 4
2 a Find the distance between the points C and D 3
C
2
shown at right. A
1
b Find the distance between the points (−1, 2)
x
and (4, 14). –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
–1
–2
3 WE2 Prove that the points A (0, −3), B (−2, −1) and
–3
C (4, 3) are the vertices of an isosceles triangle.

FS
–4 D
4 Prove that the points A (3, 1), B (−3, 7) and C (−1, 3) –5
are the vertices of an isosceles triangle. –6

O
Consolidate 5 The points P (2, −1), Q (−4, −1) and R (−1,

O
3 !3 − 1) are joined to form a triangle. Prove that
triangle PQR is equilateral.

PR
6 Prove that the quadrilateral with vertices A (−1, 3), B (5, 3), C (1, 0) and
D (−5, 0) is a parallelogram.
7 Prove that the triangle with vertices D (5, 6), E (9, 3) and F (5, 3) is a right-

E
Digital doc
doc-9928 angled triangle.
Spreadsheet
Distance between
G
8 The vertices of a quadrilateral are A (1, 4), B (−1, 8), C (1, 9) and D (3, 5).
PA
two points a Find the lengths of the sides.
b Find the lengths of the diagonals.
c What type of quadrilateral is it?
D

9 Calculate the distance between each of the pairs of points below, accurate
TE

to 3 decimal places.
a (–14, 10) and (–8, 14) b (6, –7) and (13, 6) c (–11, 1) and (2, 2)
10 Find the distance between each of the following pairs of points in terms of the
EC

given variables.
a (a, 1), (2, 3) b (5, 6), (0, b)
R

c (c, 2), (4, c) d (d, 2d), (1, 5)

R

11 If the distance between the points (3, b) and (–5, 2) is 10 units, then the
value of b is:
O

A −8 b −4 c 4 d 0 e 2
C

12 A rhombus has vertices A (1, 6), B (6, 6), C (−2, 2) and D (x, y). The
N

coordinates of D are:
A (2, −3) B (2, 3) C (−2, 3)
U

D (3, 2) E (3, −2)

13 A rectangle has vertices A (1, 5), B (10.6, z), C (7.6, −6.2) and D (−2, 1). Find:
a the length of CD b the length of AD
c the length of the diagonal AC d the value of z.
14 Show that the triangle ABC with coordinates A (a, a), B (m, −a) and C (−a, m) is
isosceles.

256  MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 1 and 2

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 256 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 15 Two hikers are about to hike from A to B (shown on the map below). How far is it
Master
from A to B ‘as the crow flies’, that is, in a straight line?

N
50 m
100 m
200 m
100 m
200 m B (E7, N4)
300 m
Lake Phillios
W E

A (W12, S5)

Grid spacing : 1 km S

FS
O
O
16 Using the coordinates shown on the aerial y (in metres)

PR
photo of the golf course, calculate (to the
nearest metre):
A (320, 148)
a the horizontal distance travelled by the (225, 96)

golf ball for the shot down the fairway

E
x (in metres)

b the horizontal distance that needs to be

covered in the next shot to reach the
G (80, –64)
PA
point labelled A in the bunker.

7.3 Midpoint of a line segment

D

We can determine the coordinates of the midpoint of a line segment by applying the
TE

midpoint formula shown below.

Midpoint formula
EC

Consider the line segment connecting the points y B

(x2, y2)
A (x1, y1) and B (x 2, y2). (y2 ‒ y)
R

Let P (x, y) be the midpoint of AB. P (x, y)

(x2 ‒ x) D
R

AC is parallel to PD. (y ‒ y1)

A
O

PC is parallel to BD. (x1, y1) (x ‒ x1) C

C

AP is parallel to PB (collinear). x
Hence, triangle APC is similar to triangle PBD.
N

But AP = PB (since P is the midpoint of AB).

U

Hence, triangle APC is congruent to triangle PBD.

Therefore x − x1 = x 2 − x
2x = x1 + x2
x + x2
x= 1
2

y1 + y2
Similarly it can be shown that y = .
2

Topic 7  Coordinate geometry  257

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 257 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 In general, the coordinates of the midpoint of a y
(x2, y2)
line segment joining the points (x1, y1) and (x 2, y2)
can be found by averaging the x- and y-coordinates
of the end points, respectively. M
(
x1 + x2 y1 + y2
–
2
, –
2 )
The coordinates of the midpoint of the line (x1, y1)
segment joining x
x1 + x2 y1 + y2
(x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are: a , b.
2 2

FS
WorKEd Find the coordinates of the midpoint of the line segment joining (−2, 5)
EXAMPLE 3
and (7, 1).

O
tHinK WritE

O
1 Label the given points (x1, y1) and (x 2, y 2). Let (x1, y1) = (−2, 5) and (x 2, y2) = (7, 1).

PR
x1 + x2
2 Find the x-coordinate of the midpoint. x=
2
−2 + 7

E
=
2
=5
G
PA
2

= 212
y1 + y2
3 Find the y-coordinate of the midpoint. y=
D

2
TE

5+1
=
2
=6
EC

2
=3
R

4 Give the coordinates of the midpoint. Hence, the coordinates of the midpoint are (212 , 3).
R
O

WorKEd The coordinates of the midpoint, M, of the line segment AB are (7, 2). If the
EXAMPLE 4 coordinates of A are (1, −4), find the coordinates of B.
C
N

tHinK WritE/drAW
U

1 Label the start of the line segment (x1, y1) Let (x1, y1) = (1, −4) and (x, y) = (7, 2).
and the midpoint (x, y).
x1 + x2
2 Find the x-coordinate of the end point. x =
2
1 + x2
7=
2
14 = 1 + x2
x2 = 13

258 MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 1 and 2

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 258 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 y1 + y2
3 Find the y-coordinate of the end point. y =
2
−4 + y2
2=
2
4 = −4 + y2
y2 = 8
4 Give the coordinates of the end point. Hence, the coordinates of the point B are (13, 8).
5 Check that the coordinates are feasible. y B
8 (13, 8)

FS
M
2 (7, 2)

O
x
1 7 13
–4 (1, ‒4)

O
A

PR
Exercise 7.3 Midpoint of a line segment
1 WE3 Find the coordinates of the midpoint of the line segment joining

E
PRactise
(−5, 1) and (−1, −8).

G
2 Find the coordinates of the midpoint of the line segment joining
PA
Digital doc
doc-9929
(4, 2), (11, −2).
Spreadsheet 3 WE4 The coordinates of the midpoint M of the line segment AB are (2, −3).
Midpoint of a
If the coordinates of A are (7, 4), find the coordinates of B.
D

segment
4 The coordinates of the midpoint M of the line segment AB are (−2, 4). If the
TE

coordinates of A are (1, 8), find the coordinates of B.

5 The vertices of a square are A (0, 0), B (2, 4), C (6, 2) and D (4, −2). Find:
Consolidate
EC

a the coordinates of the centre of the square

b the side length
c the length of the diagonals.
R

6 The midpoint of the line segment joining the points (−2, 1) and (8, −3) is:
R

A (6, −2) B (5, 2) C (6, 2) D (3, −1) E (5, −2)

O

7 If the midpoint of AB is (−1, 5) and the coordinates of B are (3, 8), then A has
coordinates:
C

A (1, 6.5) B (2, 13) C (−5, 2) D (4, 3) E (7, 11)

N

8 Find the coordinates of the midpoint of each of the following pairs of points, in
U

terms of a variable or variables where appropriate.

a (2a, a), (6a, 5a) b (5, 3c), (11, 3c) c (3f, 5), (g, –1)
9 Find the value of a below so M is the midpoint of the segment joining points A and B.
3
a A (–2, a), B (–6, 5), M (–4, 5) b A (a, 0), B (7, 3), M (8, 2)
10 a The vertices of a triangle are A (2, 5), B (1, −3) and C (−4, 3). Find:
i the coordinates of P, the midpoint of AC
ii the coordinates of Q, the midpoint of AB
iii the length of PQ
iv the length of BC.
b Hence show that BC = 2PQ.

Topic 7  Coordinate geometry  259

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 259 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 11 a A quadrilateral has vertices A (6, 2), B (4, −3), C (−4, −3) and D (−2, 2). Find:
i the midpoint of the diagonal AC
ii the midpoint of the diagonal BD.
b Comment on your finding.
12 a The points A (−5, 3.5), B (1, 0.5) and C (−6, −6) are the vertices of a triangle. Find:
i themidpoint, P, of AB
ii thelength of PC
iii thelength of AC
iv the length of BC.
b Describe the triangle ABC. What could PC represent?

FS
13 Find the equation of the straight line that passes through the midpoint of A (−2, 5)
and B (−2, 3) and has a gradient of −3.
14 Find the equation of the straight line that passes through the midpoint of

O
A (−1, −3) and B (3, −5) and has a gradient of 23.

O
15 A fun-run course is y
Master

PR
drawn (not to scale)
(1.5, 3.5)
at right. If drink
D1
stations D1, D2 and (‒4.5, 5)

E
D3 are to be placed
D2 Official tent
at the middle of each
straight section, give
G (1.5, ‒2)
x
PA
the map coordinates START/
FINISH
of each drink station.
16 Find the equation of a
D

line that has a gradient

of 5 and passes Coordinates (13, ‒8)
TE

are in kilometres. (3, ‒7) D3

through the midpoint
of the segment joining
EC

(−1, −7) and (3, 3).

7.4 Parallel lines and perpendicular lines

R

Parallel Lines
R

The equation of a straight line may be expressed in the form:

O

y = mx + c
C

where m is the gradient of the line and c is the y-intercept.

N

The gradient can be calculated if two points, (x1, y1) and (x 2, y2), are given.
U

y2 − y1
m=
x2 − x1
An alternative form for the equation of a straight line is:
ax + by + c = 0
where a, b and c are constants.
Another alternative form is:
y − y1 = m(x − x1)
where m is the gradient and (x1, y1) is a point on the line.

260  MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 1 and 2

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 260 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 WorKEd Show that AB is parallel to CD given that A has coordinates (−1, −5), B has
EXAMPLE 5
coordinates (5, 7), C has coordinates (−3, 1), and D has coordinates (4, 15).

tHinK WritE
1 Find the gradient of AB. Let A (−1, −5) = (x1, y1) and B (5, 7) = (x 2, y2).
y2 − y1
m=
x2 − x1
− (−5)
mAB = 75 − (−1)

= 12

FS
6
=2
2 Find the gradient of CD. Let C (−3, 1) = (x1, y1) and D (4, 15) = (x 2, y2).

O
mCD = 415− −(−3)
1

O
= 14

PR
7
=2
3 Compare the gradients to determine if they Parallel lines have the same gradient. mAB = m CD = 2,
are parallel. (Note: || means ‘is parallel to’.) hence AB||CD.

E
G
Collinear points lie on the same straight line.
PA
WorKEd Show that the points A (2, 0), B (4, 1) and C (10, 4) are collinear.
6
D

EXAMPLE
TE

Tutorial
EC

eles‐1523
Worked example 6
R

tHinK WritE
R

1 Find the gradient of AB. Let A (2, 0) = (x1, y1)

and B (4, 1) = (x 2, y2).
O

y2 − y1
m=
C

Since
x2 − x1
N

1 − 0
mAB = 4 − 2
U

= 12

2 Find the gradient of BC. Let B (4, 1) = (x1, y1)

and C (10, 4) = (x 2, y2).
4 − 1
mBC = 10 − 4
3
= 6
1
= 2

Topic 7 CoordInATE gEoMETry 261

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 261 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 3 Show that A, B and C are collinear. Since mAB = mBC = 12
then AB||BC.
Since B is common to both line segments, A, B and C
must lie on the same straight line. That is, A, B and C
are collinear.

WorKEd Find the equation of the straight line that passes through the point (2, 5) and
EXAMPLE 7 is parallel to the line y = 3x + 1.

FS
tHinK WritE
1 In order to find the equation of a straight line, we Point on the line: (2, 5)
Gradient: m = 3.

O
need to know the gradient and a point on the line.
One point is given, and because the line is parallel

O
to y = 3x + 1, the gradients will be the same.

PR
2 Use the formula y − y1 = m(x − x1) and substitute y − y1 = m(x + x1)
the coordinates of the point and the gradient to find y−5 = 3(x − 2)
the equation of the line. y−5 = 3x − 6

E
y = 3x − 1

G
PA
Perpendicular lines
In this section, we examine some of the properties of perpendicular lines. Observing
the graphs can be very useful in investigating these properties.
D

Consider the diagram below, where the line segment AB is perpendicular to the line
TE

segment BC. Line AC is parallel to the x-axis. Line BD is the height of the resulting
triangle ABC.
y
EC

B
Let mAB = m1
a α θ
= a
b
R

= tan (θ) A θ α C
R

b c
Let mBC = m2 D
x
O

a
=−
b
C

= −tan (θ)
b
N

=−
a
U

1
=−
m1
1
Hence m2 = −
m1
or m1m2 = −1
Hence, if two lines are perpendicular to each other, then the product of their
gradients is –1.

262 MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 1 and 2

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 262 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 Two lines are perpendicular if and only if:
m1m2 = −1
1
or m2 = −
m1

WorKEd Show that the lines y = –5x + 2 and 5y – x + 15 = 0 are perpendicular to one
EXAMPLE 8
another.

FS
Tutorial
eles‐1524
Worked example 8

O
tHinK WritE

O
1 Find the gradient of equation 1. y = –5x + 2

PR
Hence m1 = –5
2 Find the gradient of equation 2. 5y – x + 15 = 0
Rewrite in the form y = mx + c:

E
5y = x − 15

G y = −3
x
5
PA
Hence m2 = 15

1
D

3 Test for perpendicularity. (The two lines m1m2 = −5 × 5

are perpendicular if the product of their = −1
TE

gradients is –1.)
Hence, the two lines are perpendicular to
each other.
EC
R

ExErcisE 7.4 Parallel lines and perpendicular lines

R

1 WE5 Show that AB is parallel to CD given that A has coordinates

PrActisE
O

(2, 4), B has coordinates (8, 1), C has coordinates (−6, −2), and D has
coordinates (2, −6).
C

2 Show that AB is parallel to CD given that A has coordinates (1, 0), B has
N

coordinates (2, 5), C has coordinates (3, 15), and D has coordinates (7, 35).
U

DIGITAL DOC 3 WE6 Show that the points A (0, −2), B (5, 1) and C (−5, −5) are collinear.
doc-9933
Spreadsheet 4 Show that the points A(3, 1), B(5, 2) and C(11, 5) are collinear.
Gradient
5 WE7 Find the equation of a straight line given the following conditions. The line

passes through the point (−1, 3) and is parallel to y = −2x + 5.

6 Find the equation of a straight line given that the line passes through the point
(4, −3) and is parallel to 3y + 2x = −3.
DIGITAL DOC
doc-9935 7 WE8 Show that the lines y = 6x − 3 and x + 6y − 6 = 0 are perpendicular to
Spreadsheet one another.
Perpendicular
checker

Topic 7 CoordInATE gEoMETry 263

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 263 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 8 Show that the lines y = 2x − 4 and x + 2y − 10 = 0 are perpendicular to
one another.
9 Which pairs of the following straight lines are parallel?
Consolidate
a 2x + y + 1 = 0 b y = 3x − 1
c 2y − x = 3 d y = 4x + 3
x
e y = − 1 f 6x − 2y = 0
2
g 3y = x + 4 h 2y = 5 − x
10 Show that the line that passes through the points (−4, 9) and (0, 3) also passes
through the point (6, −6).
11 In each of the following, show that ABCD is a parallelogram.

FS
a A (2, 0), B (4, −3), C (2, −4), D (0, −1)
b A (2, 2), B (0, −2), C (−2, −3), D (0, 1)

O
c A (2.5, 3.5), B (10, −4), C (2.5, −2.5), D (−5, 5)

O
12 In each of the following, show that ABCD is a trapezium.
a A (0, 6), B (2, 2), C (0, −4), D (−5, −9)

PR
b A (26, 32), B (18, 16), C (1, −1), D (−3, 3)
c A (2, 7), B (1, −1), C (−0.6, −2.6), D (−2, 3)
13 The line that passes through the points (0, −6) and (7, 8) also passes

E
through:
DIGITAL DOC
doc-9935
Spreadsheet
A (4, 3) B (5, 4)
G C (−2, 10) D (1, −8) E (1, 4)
14 The point (−1, 5) lies on a line parallel to 4x + y + 5 = 0. Another point on the
PA
Parallel checker
same line as (−1, 5) is:
A (2, 9) B (4, 2) C (4, 0) D (−2, 3) E (3, −11)
15 Determine which pairs of the following straight lines are perpendicular.
D

a x + 3y − 5 = 0 b y = 4x − 7
TE

c y = x d 2y = x + 1
e y = 3x + 2 f x + 4y − 9 = 0
g 2x + y = 6 h x + y = 0
EC

16 Show that the following sets of points form the vertices of a right-
angled triangle.
R

a A (1, −4), B (2, −3), C (4, −7)

R

b A (3, 13), B (1, 3), C (−4, 4)

c A (0, 5), B (9, 12), C (3, 14)
O

17 Prove that the quadrilateral ABCD is a rectangle when A is (2, 5), B (6, 1),
C

C (3, −2) and D (−1, 2).

N

18 Find the equation of the straight line that cuts the x-axis at 3 and is perpendicular
to the line with equation 3y − 6x = 12.
U

19 Calculate the value of m for which the following pairs of equations are (i) parallel
Master
(ii) perpendicular.
a 2y − 5x = 7 and 4y + 12 = mx
b 5x − 6y = −27 and 15 + mx = −3y
20 Prove that the quadrilateral ABCD is a rhombus, given A(2, 3), B(3, 5), C(5, 6)
and D(4, 4).
Hint: The diagonals of a rhombus intersect at right angles.

264  MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 1 and 2

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 264 6/21/15 8:20 PM

 7.5 Applications
In this section we look at two important applications: the equation of a straight line,
and equations of horizontal and vertical lines.

The equation of a straight line

The equation of a straight line can be determined by two methods.
The y = mx + c method requires the gradient, m, and a given point to be known, in
order to establish the value of c.
Note: Because the value of c represents the y-intercept, it can be substituted
directly if known.

FS
WorKEd Find the equation of the straight line that passes through the point (3, −1)
9

O
EXAMPLE and is parallel to the straight line with equation y = 2x + 1.

O
tHinK WritE

PR
1 Write the general equation. y = mx + c
2 Find the gradient of the given line. y = 2x + 1 has a gradient of 2
Hence m = 2.

E
3 Substitute for m in the general equation. so y = 2x + c
(x, y) = (3, −1)
4 Substitute the given point to find c.
G ∴ −1 = 2(3) + c
PA
=6+c
c = −7
5 Substitute for c in the general equation. y = 2x − 7
D

or
TE

2x − y − 7 = 0
EC

The alternative method comes from the gradient definition:

y2 − y1
m=
x2 − x1
R

m(x2 − x1) = y2 − y1
R

Hence
O

Using the general point (x, y) instead of the specific point (x 2, y2) gives the
general equation:
C
N

y − y1 = m(x = x1)
U

This requires the gradient, m, and a given point (x1, y1) to be known.

WorKEd Find the equation of the line that passes through the point (0, 3) and is
EXAMPLE 10 perpendicular to a straight line with a gradient of 5.

tHinK WritE
1 Find the gradient of the perpendicular line. Given m=5
m1 = −15

Topic 7 CoordInATE gEoMETry 265

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 2 Substitute for m and (x1, y1) in the Since y − y1 = m(x − x1)
general equation. and (x1, y1) = (0, 3)
then y − 3 = −15 (x − 0)
x
=−
5
5(y − 3) = −x
5y − 15 = −x
x + 5y − 15 = 0

Horizontal and vertical lines y

FS
For horizontal lines the gradient is equal to zero, so y=4
the equation y = mx + c becomes y = c. Notice that 4

O
x does not appear in the equation because there is no
x-intercept. Horizontal lines are parallel to the x-axis.

O
0 x
In the case of vertical lines, the gradient is infinite

PR
or undefined. The general equation for a vertical line
is given by x = a. In this case, just as the equation x = ‒3 y
suggests, a represents the x-intercept. Notice that y
does not appear in the equation because there is no

E
y-intercept. Vertical lines are parallel to the y-axis. –3 0 x

G
The graphs of y = 4 and x = −3 are shown at right to
PA
highlight this information.

WorKEd Find the equation of:

D

EXAMPLE 11
a the vertical line that passes through the point (2, −3)
TE

b the horizontal line that passes through the point (−2, 6).
EC

tHinK WritE
a For a vertical line, there is no y-intercept, so y does not appear in a x=2
the equation. The x-coordinate of the point is 2.
R

b For a horizontal line, there is no x-intercept, so x does not appear b y=6

R

in the equation. The y-coordinate of the point is 6.

O
C

WorKEd Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line joining the points
EXAMPLE 12 (0, −4) and (6, 5).
N

tHinK WritE
U

1 Find the gradient of the line joining the given Let (0, −4) = (x1, y1).
points using the general equation. Let (6, 5) = (x 2, y2).
y2 − y1
m=
x2 − x1
m = 5 6− −(−4)
0
=9
6

= 32

266 MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 1 and 2

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 1
2 Find the gradient of the perpendicular line. For lines to be perpendicular, m2 = − .
m1

m1 = −23
3 Find the midpoint of the line joining the x1 + x2
x=
given points. 2
0 + 6
= 2
=3
y = y1 + y2

FS
2
−4 + 5
= 2

O
1
= 2

O
Hence the coordinates of the midpoint are (3, 12 ).

PR
4 Substitute for m and (x1, y1) in the Since y − y1 = m(x − x1)
general equation. and (x1, y1) = (3, 12 ) and m1 = − 23
then y − 12 = − 23 (x − 3)

E
5 Simplify by removing the fractions.
(a) Multiply both sides by 3. G 3(y − 12 ) = −2(x − 3)
3y − 32 = −2x + 6
PA
(b) Multiply both sides by 2. 6y − 3 = −4x + 12
4x + 6y − 15 = 0
D

Note: The diagram at right shows the y (6, 5)

5
TE

geometric situation.
2 –12

0 x
EC

–4 3 6
–4
R
R

WorKEd ABCD is a parallelogram. The coordinates of A, B and C are (1, 5), (4, 2) and
13
O

EXAMPLE (2, −2) respectively. Find:

C

a the equation of AD b the equation of DC

N

Tutorial c the coordinates of D.

eles‐1525
U

Worked example 13

tHinK WritE/drAW
a 1 Draw the parallelogram ABCD. a y A
5
Note: The order of the lettering of the
geometric shape determines the links in the B
D 2
diagram. For example: ABCD means join A to
B to C to D to A. This avoids any ambiguity. –1 12 3 4
–2 C

Topic 7 CoordInATE gEoMETry 267

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 2 Find the gradient of BC. mBC = −2 − 2
2 − 4
= −4
−2
=2

3 State the gradient of AD. Since mBC = 2

and AD||BC
then mAD = 2.
4 Using the given coordinates of A and the y = 2x + c
gradient of AD, find the equation of AD. Let (x, y) = (1, 5):
5 = 2(1) + c
c=3
Hence, the equation of AD is y = 2x + 3.

FS
2 − 5
b 1 Find the gradient of AB. b mAB = 4 − 1
= −3
3
= −1

O
2 State the gradient of DC. Since mAB = −1
and DC||AB

O
then mDC = −1.

PR
3 Using the given coordinates of C and the y = −x + c
gradient of DC, find the equation of DC. Let (x, y) = (2, −2):
 −2 = −(2) + c

E
c=0

G Hence, the equation of DC is y = −x.

c Equation of AD:  y = 2x + 3
PA
c To find D, solve simultaneously the point of [1]
intersection of the equations AD and DC. Equation of DC:  y = −x  [2]
[1] – [2]: 0 = 3x + 3
3x = −3
D

x = −1
TE

Substituting x = −1 in [2]:
y = −(−1)
 = 1
EC

Note: Alternatively, a calculator could be used to Hence, the coordinates of D are (−1, 1).
determine the point of intersection of AD.
R
R
O

Exercise 7.5 Applications

C

1 WE9 Find the equation of the straight line that passes through the point (4, −1)
and is parallel to the straight line with equation y = 2x − 5.
N

PRactise
2 Find the equation of the line that passes through the point (3, −4) and is parallel
U

to the straight line with equation y = −x − 5.

Digital doc 3 WE10 Find the equation of the line that passes through the point (−2, 7) and is
doc-9936
perpendicular to a straight line with a gradient of 23.
Spreadsheet
Equation of a 4 Find the equation of the line that passes through the point (2, 0) and is
straight line
perpendicular to a straight line with a gradient of −2.
5 WE11 Find the equation of:
a the vertical line that passes through the point (1, −8)
b the horizontal line that passes through the point (−5, −7).

268  MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 1 and 2

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 6 Find the equation of:
a the vertical line that passes through the point (−1, 4)
b the horizontal line that passes through the point (5, −2).
7 WE12 Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line joining the points
(1, 2) and (−5, −4).
8 Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line joining the points
(−4, 0) and (2, −6).
9 WE13 ABCD is a parallelogram. The coordinates of A, B and C are (4, 1), (1, −2)
and (−2, 1) respectively. Find:
a the equation of AD b the equation of DC c the coordinates of D.
−1 −5

FS
10 ABCD is a parallelogram. The coordinates of A, B and C are Q 3 , 3 R , (1, 1) and
3
Q , −1 R respectively. Find:
2
a the equation of AD b the equation of DC c the coordinates of D.

O
11 Find the equations of the following straight lines.

O
Consolidate
a Gradient 3 and passing through the point (1, 5)
b Gradient −4 and passing through the point (2, 1)

PR
c Passing through the points (2, −1) and (4, 2)
d Passing through the points (1, −3) and (6, −5)
e Passing through the point (5, −2) and parallel to x + 5y + 5 = 0

E
f Passing through the point (1, 6) and parallel to x − 3y − 2 = 0

G
g Passing through the point (−1, −5) and perpendicular to 3x + y + 2 = 0
PA
12 Find the equation of the line that passes through the point (−2, 1) and is:
a parallel to the straight line with equation 2x − y − 3 = 0
b perpendicular to the straight line with equation 2x − y − 3 = 0.
D

13 Find the equation of the line that contains the point (1, 1) and is:
a parallel to the straight line with equation 3x − 5y = 0
TE

b perpendicular to the straight line with equation 3x − 5y = 0.

14 a The vertical line passing through the point (3, −4) is given by:
EC

A y = −4 B x = 3 C y = 3x − 4
D y = −4x + 3 E x = −4
R

15 Which of the following points does the horizontal line given by the equation
y = −5 pass through?
R

A (−5, 4) B (4, 5) C (3, −5) D (5, −4) E (5, 5)

O

16 Which of the following statements is true?

A Vertical lines have a gradient of zero.
C

B The y-coordinates of all points on a vertical line are the same.

N

C Horizontal lines have an undefined gradient.

U

D The x-coordinates of all points on a vertical line are the same.

E A horizontal line has the general equation x = a.
17 Which of the following statements is false?
A Horizontal lines have a gradient of zero.
B The straight line joining the points (1, −1) and (−7, −1) is vertical.
C Vertical lines have an undefined gradient.
D The straight line joining the points (1, 1) and (−7, 1) is horizontal.
E A horizontal line has the general equation y = c.

Topic 7  Coordinate geometry  269

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 18 The triangle ABC has vertices A (9, −2), B (3, 6) and C (1, 4).
a Find the midpoint, M, of BC.
b Find the gradient of BC.
c Show that AM is the perpendicular bisector of BC.
d Describe triangle ABC.
19 Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line joining the points
(−2, 9) and (4, 0).
20 a The equation of the line passing through the point (4, 3) and parallel to the line
2x − 4y + 1 = 0 is:
A x − 2y + 2 = 0 B 2x − y − 5 = 0 C 2x − y − 10 = 0
D 2x − y − 11 = 0 E 2y + x + 2 = 0

FS
b The equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line segment AB where A is
(−3, 5) and B is (1, 7) is:

O
A 2y = x + 13 B y = 2x − 8 C 2y = x + 11
D y = −2x + 4 E y = 2x − 4

O
c The coordinates of the centroid of triangle ABC with vertices A (1, 8), B (9, 6)

PR
and C (−1, 4) are:
A (4, 5) B (0, 6) C (3, 6) D (5, 7) E (2, 7)
21 The map at right shows the proposed course for a yacht race. Buoys have been
Master

E
positioned at A (1, 5), B (8, 8) and C (12, 6), but the last buoy's placement,
D (10, w), is yet to be finalised.
G
a How far is the first stage of the race, that is, from the start, O, to buoy A?
PA
b The race marshall boat, M, is situated halfway between buoys A and C. What
are the coordinates of the boat? y
11
c Stage 4 of the race (from C to D) is Scale: 1 unit ⇔ 1 km N
D

10
perpendicular to stage 3 (from B to 9 Buoy B
TE

C). What is the gradient of CD? 8

d Find the linear equation that 7
Buoy
describes stage 4. 6 A Buoy C
M
EC

e Hence determine the exact position 5

4
of buoy D. 3 E
f An emergency boat is to be placed 2 H Buoy D
R

at point E, 23 of the way from buoy 1

O
R

A to buoy D. Into what internal ratio (Start) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 x

O

does point E divide the distance

from A to D?
C

g Determine the coordinates of the emergency boat.

N

h How far is the emergency boat from the hospital, located at H, 2 km north of
the start?
U

22 To supply cities with water when the source is a long distance away, artificial
channels called aqueducts may be built. More than 2000 years after it was built,
a Roman aqueduct still stands in southern France. It brought water from a source
in Uzès to the city of Nîmes. The aqueduct does not follow a direct route between
these two locations as there is a mountain range between them. The table shows
the approximate distance from Uzès along the aqueduct to each town (or in the
case of Pont du Gard, a bridge) and the aqueduct's height above sea level at
each location.

270  MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 1 and 2

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 Distance Height of aqueduct
Location from Uzès (km) above sea level (m)
Uzès 0 76
Pont du Gard (bridge) 16 65
St. Bonnet 25 64
St. Gervasy 40 61.5
Nîmes 50 59
a Show the information in the table as a graph with the distance from Uzès along
the horizontal axis. Join the plotted points with straight lines.

FS
b Calculate the gradient of the steepest part of the aqueduct (in m/km).
c Suppose the aqueduct started at Uzès
and ended at Nîmes but had a constant

O
gradient. Write a linear equation to

O
describe its course.
d Using the equation found in part c,

PR
calculate the height of the aqueduct at
the Pont du Gard. This calculated height
is higher than the actual height. How

E
much higher?
e
G
Why do you think the Romans made the
first part of the aqueduct steeper than the rest?
PA
D
TE
EC
R
R
O
C
N
U

Topic 7 CoordInATE gEoMETry 271

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 ONLINE ONLY 7.6 Review www.jacplus.com.au

the Maths Quest review is available in a customisable • Extended-response questions — providing you with
format for you to demonstrate your knowledge of this the opportunity to practise exam-style questions.
topic. A summary of the key points covered in this topic is
the review contains: also available as a digital document.
• short-answer questions — providing you with the
opportunity to demonstrate the skills you have
developed to efficiently answer questions using the REVIEW QUESTIONS
most appropriate methods

FS
Download the Review questions document from
• Multiple-choice questions — providing you with the the links found in the Resources section of your
opportunity to practise answering questions using eBookPLUS.

O
CAS technology

O
PR
E
studyON is an interactive and highly visual online G Units 1 & 2 Coordinate geometry
PA
tool that helps you to clearly identify strengths AOS #
and weaknesses prior to your exams. You can then Topic 7
confidently target areas of greatest need, enabling Concept #
Sit Topic test
D

you to achieve your best results.

TE
EC
R
R
O
C
N
U

272 MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE Units 1 and 2

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 7 Answers
Exercise 7.2 10 a i (−1, 4)
1
1 a AB = 5 ii (1 2, 1)
b 5 iii 3.9
2 a CD = 2!10 or 6.32 iv 7.8
b 13 b Answers will vary.
3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Answers will vary. 11 a i (1, −0.5)

FS
8 a AB = 4.47, BC = 2.24, CD = 4.47, DA = 2.24 ii (1, −0.5)
b AC = 5, BD = 5 b Answers will vary.
c Rectangle 12 a i (−2, 2)

O
9 a 7.211 ii 8.94

O
b 14.765 iii 9.55
c 13.038 iv 9.55

PR
10 a "a2 − 4a + 8 b Isosceles triangle, height
b "b − 12b + 61
2 13 y = −3x −2
c "2 1 c2 − 6c + 10 2 14 3y − 2x + 14 = 0

E
d "5d2 − 22d + 26 15 D1 (−1.5, 4.25), D2 (−1.5, 1.5), D3 (8, −7.5)
11 B
G
16 y = 5x − 7
PA
12 D
13 a 12 Exercise 7.4
b 5 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answers will vary.
5 5y = −2x + 1
D

c 13
d −2.2 6 3y + 2x + 1 = 0
TE

14 Answers will vary. 7 and 8 Answers will vary.

15 21.024 km 9 b, f; c, e
EC

16 a 216 10, 11, 12 Answers will vary.

b 108 13 B
14 E
R

Exercise 7.3 15 a, e; b, f; c, h; d, g
R

1 (−3, −3 12) 16, 17 Answers will vary.

1 3
1
2 (7 2, 0) 18 y = −2x +
O

2
3 (−3, −10) 19 a m = −5
8
C

4 (−5, 0) b m =
18
5
N

5 a (3, 1) 20 Answers will vary.

b 4.47
U

c 6.32 Exercise 7.5

6 D 1 y = 2x − 9
7 C 2 y = −x − 1
8 a (4a, 3a) 3 3x + 2y − 8 = 0
b (8, 3c) 4 x − 2y − 2 = 0
3f + g 5 a x = 1
c a , 2b
2 b y = −7
9 a 5 6 a x = −1
b 9 b y = −2

Topic 7  Coordinate geometry  273

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 7 y = −x − 3 19 4x − 6y + 23 = 0
8 y = x − 2 20 a A
9 a y = −x + 5 b D
b y = x + 3 c C
c (1, 4) 21 a 5.10 km
10 a y = –4x − 3 b (6.5, 5.5)
b y = 2x − 4 c 2
c 1 1, −11 2 d y = 2x − 18
6 3
11 a y = 3x + 2 e (10, 2)
b y = −4x + 9 f 2:1
c 3x − 2y − 8 = 0 g (7, 3)

FS
d 2x + 5y + 13 = 0 h 7.071 km
e x + 5y + 5 = 0 22 a Height of aqueduct above sea level (m)

O
f x − 3y + 17 = 0 80
g x − 3y − 14 = 0

O
70
12 a 2x − y + 5 = 0

PR
b x + 2y = 0 60

13 a 3x − 5y + 2 = 0 50
b 5x + 3y − 8 = 0 0 10 20 30 40 50

E
14 B Distance from Uzès (km)
15 C
16 D
Gb −0.69 m/km
c y = −0.34x + 76, where 76 is the height in metres
PA
17 B above sea level and x is the distance in km from Uzès
18 a (2, 5) d 5.56 m
b 1 e Check with the teacher.
D

c Answers will vary.

TE

d Isosceles triangle
EC
R
R
O
C
N
U

274  MATHS QUEST 11 SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS VCE UNITS 1 AND 2

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 274 6/21/15 8:21 PM

 FS
O
O
PR
E
G
PA
D
TE
EC
R
R
O
C
N
U

c07CoordinateGeometry.indd 275 6/21/15 8:21 PM