What is Coordinate geometry: Definition and 55 Discussions

In classical mathematics, analytic geometry, also known as coordinate geometry or Cartesian geometry, is the study of geometry using a coordinate system. This contrasts with synthetic geometry.
Analytic geometry is used in physics and engineering, and also in aviation, rocketry, space science, and spaceflight. It is the foundation of most modern fields of geometry, including algebraic, differential, discrete and computational geometry.
Usually the Cartesian coordinate system is applied to manipulate equations for planes, straight lines, and squares, often in two and sometimes three dimensions. Geometrically, one studies the Euclidean plane (two dimensions) and Euclidean space (three dimensions). As taught in school books, analytic geometry can be explained more simply: it is concerned with defining and representing geometrical shapes in a numerical way and extracting numerical information from shapes' numerical definitions and representations. That the algebra of the real numbers can be employed to yield results about the linear continuum of geometry relies on the Cantor–Dedekind axiom.

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  1. A

    Condition for coplanarity of two lines

    So I tried to solve it this way: The equations of the lines in vector form are $$(x-2)\hat i+(y-3)\hat j+(z-4)\hat k=\lambda (\hat i+\hat j-K\hat k)$$ $$(x-1)\hat i+(y-4)\hat j+(z-5)\hat k=\mu (K\hat i+2\hat j+1\hat k)$$ Since the lines are some real multiple of the vectors, For coplanarity...
  2. Trysse

    B Reprise: Calculate the distance between two points without using a coordinate system

    About two years ago I had a thread here, where I was looking for a way to calculate the distance between two points A and B on a plane when the following information is given: The distances of the points A and B to three arbitrary (but non-colinear) reference points. The distances between the...
  3. A

    Equal intercept on the three axes

    The solution in my book is as follows: "Since the line has equal intercepts on axes, it is equally inclined to axes. \implies line is along the vector a(\hat i + \hat j + \hat k) \implies Equation of line is \frac{x-2}{1}=\frac{y-3}{1}=\frac{z-4}{1}" As per my understanding, an intercept is the...
  4. A

    A,B,C are 3 points with position vectors a,b,c Find length of median

    Heres how I proceeded, Equation of line ##AC## in vector form: $$\vec r=a+t(c-a)$$$$\vec r=(1i+4j+3k)+t(2i-6j+2k)$$ Since ##B## doesn't lie on ##AC## ##b\neq (1+2t)i +(4-6t)j+(3+2t)k## The following equation is derived: $$2\hat i+\alpha \hat j+4\hat k\neq (1+2t)\hat i +(4-6t)\hat j+(3+2t)\hat k...
  5. whatevs

    Intro Math Are the (translated) High School Japanese maths textbooks by Kodaira Good?

    I'm trying to review some high school maths and work my way to Calculus and Linear Algebra, and I found these three translations of Japanese maths textbooks translated by the AMS and edited by Kunihiko Kodaira. The AMS links to them are: https://bookstore.ams.org/cdn-1669378252560/mawrld-8/...
  6. Falgun

    I Exploring Uncommon Coordinate Systems in Physics

    I have come across Cartesian, Polar, Cylindrical & Spherical Coordinate Systems so far and was wondering if someone could tell me which are the uncommon systems used in physics which everyone says that they exist but no one explicitly mentions. Is there a "standard reference" or are they just...
  7. mmaismma

    Points on either side of a line

    Summary:: The set of values of ##b## for which the origin and the point ##(1, 1)## lie on the same side of the straight line ##a^2x+aby+1=0## ##\forall~a\in\mathbb{R},~b>0##.(a) ##a\geq1## or ##a\leq-3## (b) ##a\in~(-3,~0)\cup(\frac13,~1)## (c) ##a\in~(0,~1)## (d) ##a\in~(-\infty,~0)## I tried...
  8. J

    B Correlation between shifting graph of a function and shifting the axes

    1.To shift the graph of a function : Vertical Shifts : ## y=f(x) +h## where the graph shifts ##k## units up if ##k## is positive and downwards when ##k## is negative. Horizontal Shifts : ##y=f(x+h)## where the graph shifts to the left by ##h## units when positive and to the right when ##h## is...
  9. J

    What is the reason behind alternate answers to a locus problem.

    The problem : A variable line, drawn through the point of intersection of the straight lines ##(x/a)+(y/b) = 1## and ##(x/b)+(y/a)=1##, meets the coordinate axes in A & B . We have to Show that the locus of the mid point of AB is the curve ##2xy(a + b) = ab(x + y)##. The solution : Let ##(h...
  10. J

    Formulas for Rotation and Translation

    Given the coordinates ##P = (3,4)## , find the coordinates of ##P"(x',y')## when the origin is shifted to (1, –2), and the axes are rotated by 90° in the clockwise direction. I attempted to solve this problem using the following formulas : ##x = X + h## and ##y = Y + k## for translation of the...
  11. J

    Equation of a plane perpendicular to another plane

    Hi, I am really stuck! I need to find the equation of the plane through the line x=2y=3z perpendicular to the plan 5x+4y-3z=8. Can anyone give me any pointers of where to start with this? Not expecting a full solution, just an idea of where to start. THanks!
  12. Navin

    Circle and a line dividing the circumference

    Homework Statement The line "4x + 3y -4=0 " divides the circumference of circle centred at (5,3) in ratio 1:2.whats the equation of the circle Homework Equations 2πr Distance of a line from point Radius of general circle The Attempt at a Solution I tried finding the distance of the centre...
  13. I

    Geometry Alternative to SL Loney's Coordinate Geometry

    Hello In India, SL Loney's Elements of Coordinate Geometry is very popular for entrance examinations. I wanted to refresh my coordinate geometry, so tried reading through the book. But I found that the language used is old. I found myself referring to current material on the topic to properly...
  14. M

    Coordinate geometry - centroid (SL LONEY exercise problem)

    Homework Statement If G be the centroid of ΔABC and O be any other point, prove that , ## 3(GA^2 + GB^2 + GC^2)=BC^2+CA^2+AB^2## ##and,## ##OA^2 + OB^2 + OC^2 = GA^2.GB^2+GC^2+3GO^2## Homework Equations i m practising from S L LONEY coordinate geometry first chapter ... only the equation...
  15. S

    Tangent line and normal on a parabola

    Homework Statement If the normal at P(ap^2 ,2ap) to the parabola y^2 = 4ax meets the curve again at Q(aq^2, 2aq), show that p^2 +pq+2=0 Homework Equations Point-slope form The Attempt at a Solution I tried putting y=2aq and x=aq^2 but I can seem to simplify the whole thing other than...
  16. V

    A permutation and combination problem

    .The number of points, having both co-ordinates as integers, that lie in the interior of the triangle with vertices (0, 0), (0, 41) and (41, 0), is (1) 901 (2) 861 (3) 820 (4) 780 my attempt: for this to be true i know that sum of x and y coordinate should be 41 but i don't know how to proceed.
  17. arpon

    Geometry Textbook on Co-ordinate Geometry and Vector Analysis

    Could you suggest me any textbook on Co-ordinate Geometry and Vector Analysis?
  18. Julian102

    If two vertices of a square on the same side AB are A(1,2) and B(2,4)....

    Homework Statement If two vertex of a square of the side AB is A(1,2) and B(2,4) find other two vertex C and D? Homework Equations 1. y-y1 = m ( x-x1) 2. m=y1-y2 / x1-x2 3. m1*m2= -1 4. (x-x1) / (x1-x2) =(y-y1)/(y1-y2) 5. m=tanA 6. If ax+by+c=0 then its parallel line is ax+by+k=0 The Attempt...
  19. Y

    Find Equation of Ellipse | Eccentricity 2/3 | (2,0) Focus & x+y=0 Directrix

    Find the equation of the ellipse whose eccentricity is 2/3 and which has (2,0) and x+y=0 for focus and corresponding directrix . given answer: (x-2)^2 + y^2 = 4/9 ( ( (x+y)/√2)^2)what i tried doing:- ae=2 ⇒a*2/3=2 ∴a=3 found b=√5. what to do next? please help.
  20. K

    Hi can you help me in solving this from coordinate geometry?

    < Mentor Note -- thread moved to HH from the technical math forums, so no HH Template is shown > Find the equation of a line passing through point A (1, 2) and whose perpendicular distance from origin is maximum.
  21. S

    Tangent to ellipse also tangent to circle

    Homework Statement if the tangent at a point P("theta") on the ellipse 16 (x^2) + 11 (y^2) = 256 is also tangent to the circle (x^2) + (y^2) + 2(x) = 15 then ("theta") = ?? 2. The attempt at a solution {{{{ i have taken "theta" as "d" }}}} P [4 cos d , (16/(sqrt11)) sin d] equation of...
  22. Greg Bernhardt

    What is a line (coordinate geometry)

    Definition/Summary In Euclidean coordinate geometry, a Line usually means the whole (infinitely long) Line. (In ordinary Euclidean geometry, a Line usually means a line segment between two points.) The equation of a Line in n dimensions is a combination of n-1 linear equations of the...
  23. A

    Coordinate geometry with area of triangle

    Let A(1, 2), B (3,4), C( x, y) be points such that (x- 1) (x-3) +(y-2) (y-4)=0. Area of triangle ABC=1. maximum number of positions of C in the xy plane is (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 8 (d) None of these I have tried using the staircase formula which gives me something like x-y=2. Therefore I see only...
  24. A

    MHB Coordinate geometry with given parameters.

    Hello, Please forgive me if it's in the wrong sub-forum because don't know where to place it. I need help solving this problem it's chapter 1 and in our class we are already in chapter 5 so I might sound like a fool asking the teacher about it, I was revising and decided to do some questions...
  25. micromass

    The Elements of Coordinate Geometry by Loney

    Author: H.M. Schey Title: Div, Grad, Curl, and All That: An Informal Text on Vector Calculus Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393925161/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Calculus 1,2,3 Table of Contents: Preface Introduction, Vector Functions, and Electrostatics Introduction...
  26. T

    Coordinate Geometry: PQRS Parallelogram

    I would like someone to give this a quick check, I am really not sure if I am over thinking this question. I got the right ans, just would like a quick check of my method; big thanks in advance. question: P(-1,5), Q(8,10), R(7,5) & S(x,y) are the veritices of the parallelogram PQRS. Calculate...
  27. T

    MHB Equation of a Circle: Center on y=6-2x, Passing Through (-2,0) & (4,0)

    find the equation of a circle whose center falls ont he line y=6-2x and which passes through the points A(-2,0) and B(4,0). poor in circles. how to even start?
  28. T

    MHB Equation of Circle Centered at (-3,4) Touches Y-Axis

    Find the equation of the circle whose centre is (-3,4) and which touches the y-axis. how do i even begin?
  29. Y

    Stuck on a 3D coordinate geometry problem

    Dear all, I am a medical doctor stuck with a mathematics problem. I have taken a project to map the 3D movement of a particular bone and describe its motion. My maths knowledge is a bit lacking. However using logic I felt that I would need to track 3 constant markers on the particular bone...
  30. M

    Prove: QR Passes Through O If PQ, PR on xy=c2 Inclined Equally

    Homework Statement Given that P,Q and R lie on the hyperbola xy=c2, prove that if PQ and PR inclined equally to the coordinate axes, then QR passes through O. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I don't understand what does ''PQ and PR are inclined equally to the...
  31. M

    Find 4th Tangent for 2 Circles Coordinate Geometry

    Homework Statement 2 circles have the equation x2+y2-2x-2y+1=0 and x2+y2-12x-12y+36=0 respectively. Both circle touches the x-axis, y-axis and the line 3x + 4y = 12. Find the fourth tangent of the 2 circles. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution This is second part of the...
  32. M

    Coordinate Geometry: Finding the Locus of a Midpoint on a Curve

    Homework Statement A variable point P lies on the curve y2 = x3 and is joined to a fixed point A with coordinate (2,0). Prove that the locus of the mid-point of AP is y2= 2(x-1)3. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution According to what i know, I need to know the...
  33. G

    Spacetime represented in coordinate geometry

    if the 3 spatial dimensions are represented on a 3 axis graph. would time be a straight line through the origin? if not could your direct me to some reading that i may find answers? I'm uncertain whether space-time can be represented using euclidean geometry.
  34. Z

    Coordinate Geometry- distance between two points

    Hi Homework Statement Two points X(a,b) and Y(b,a) Prove that the distance = sqrt2 (a-b) Homework Equations d = sqrt(x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2) The Attempt at a Solution I have drilled it down to (sqrt 2b^2+2a^2-4ba) but unable to drill it down to sqrt2 (a-b) Help...
  35. T

    Coordinate Geometry: Find A & B on 5x-12y=6 & 3x-4y=-2

    Homework Statement The points A and B are located on the line 5x-12y=6.The perpendicular distances of A and B respectively from the line 3x-4y=-2 are both 4 units. A lies on the same side of 3x-4y=-2 as the origin ,and B lies on the other side. Find the coordinates of A and B. Homework...
  36. B

    VERY SIMPLE Coordinate Geometry

    Homework Statement Using the concept of equal slopes, state whether the following sets of points are collinear or not A(5, -6) B(0, -1) C(-4, 3)Homework Equations Slope = vertical rise/horizontal runThe Attempt at a Solution I only got as far as... 5-0/-6+1 = 5/-5 I think what I just did...
  37. Ed Aboud

    Coordinate geometry of the circle question

    Homework Statement Fairly straight forward question but I just can't see what's wrong. A circle passes through the point (2,-4) and touches both the x-axis and the y-axis. Find the equations of the two circles which satisfy these conditions. Homework Equations x^2 + y^2 + 2gx + 2fy...
  38. K

    Vectors and 3D Coordinate Geometry

    Homework Statement Suppose that II c R3 is a plane, and that P is a point not on II. Assume that Q is a point in II whose distance to P is minimal; in other words, the distance from P to Q is less than or equal to the distance from P to any other point in II. Show that the vector PQ is...
  39. C

    In coordinate geometry does x=o mean the y axis or the yz plane ?

    In coordinate geometry does x=o mean the y-axis or the yz plane!? ? ?
  40. S

    Theory like coordinate geometry

    is one -one correspondence must for a theory like coordinate geometry , polar coordinate ,vector analysis etc to work , i.e theories which work by representing a quantity by a different set of quantities behaving alike
  41. M

    Help neede in coordinate geometry

    Help neede in coordinate geometry! Homework Statement here is the question : If the pairs of lines x^2-2pxy-y^2 and x^2-2qxy-y^2 are such that each pair bisects the angle between the other pair , then pq equals ...??the answer somehow is -1. i think it uses the concept of homogenisation (if u...
  42. H

    Coordinate Geometry Q: Intersecting Lines & Parallelogram

    Question Statement The straight line y=mx -2 intersects the curve y^2=4x at the two points P(x1,y1) and Q(x2,y2). Show that 1) m>-1/2, m not equal to 0. 2) x1 + x2 = 4(m+1)/m^2 3) y1 + y2 = 4/m If the point O is the origin and the point T is a point such that OPTQ is a parallelogram, show...
  43. H

    Locus of Q in Coordinate Geometry: Find the Answer

    The points Q moves such that the length of the tangent from Q to the circle x^2+y^2+4x+8y+9=0 is equal to the distance of Q from the origin ). Determine the locus of Q. I am basically clueless about this question...but I will try to provide as many work I have done on this question. I assume...
  44. H

    Coordinate Geometry: Proving Chord & Tangent of Rectangular Hyperbola

    The points P(cp,c/p) and Q(cq,c/q) lie on the rectangular hyperbola xy=c^2. Show that the equation of the chord PQ is pqy+x=c(p=q), and deduce the equation of the tangent at the point P. I can do the proving. And I can find the tangent as well if the word "deduce" is not there. How can you...
  45. H

    Sketch Curves: y=5x^(3/4), y=-2x^(-3/2)

    Homework Statement Sketch the curves with the following equations: a) y=5x^(3/4) b) y=-2x^(-3/2) Homework Equations The general equation of curves (circles, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola) The Attempt at a Solution It seems to me that this question is not exactly a coordinate geometry...
  46. I

    Coordinate geometry query

    Not actually homework, but just a general query... I'm trying to write a program that will predict the trajectory of a moving point by analysing several positions through which the point has passed. Part of this involves finding the coordiantes of a point B, given the coordinates of another...
  47. G

    Solve Coordinate Geometry Puzzle: Find Relationship Between a & b

    Hi all (<--new user) I've spent the last 6 months trying to learn A-level mathematics in a vacuum after 9 years of letting my GCSE knowledge slide into oblivion, this is the first time however, I've hit a question for which how the book arrives at its answer is completely frying my brain. The...
  48. C

    How Do I Solve a Complex Coordinate Geometry Problem with Parabolas?

    Hi there, I've been struggling with this question for days :cry: :confused: :grumpy: :yuck: , the first part where they call me to prove that equation, i could do it...the second one i don't know how to do...could anyone help me? how do i find the locus equation? its so confusing... ty in...
  49. A

    Coordinate Geometry II TRIANGLES

    The question is in the attached picture. i can't seem to find a relevant formula and when i do i can't get a suitable answer, if some one can help, i'll highly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
  50. A

    What is the Method for Finding Points Inside a Triangle Using Inequalities?

    Coordinate Geometry II HARD! 1a). TriangleABC has vertices A(4,6), B(-3,4) and C(-1,-3). Write down the three inequalities whose intersection is the interior of triangleABC. 1b). Prove that triangleABC is a right angled isosceles triangle. 2a). The lines L1 and L2 have the equations...
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