6.

COORDINATE GEOMETRY
Unit 6.1 : To Find the distance between two points [BACK TO BASICS]
A( x1 , y1 ) and B( x 2 , y 2 ) :

AB =

( x2 x1 ) 2 + ( y2 y1 ) 2 .

Eg. 1 Given two points A(2,3) and B(4,7)

Distance of AB =

E1.

PQ =

(4 2) 2 + (7 3) 2

4 + 16

20 unit.

P(4,5) and Q(3,2)

[ 10 ]

E2.

R(5,0) and S(5,2)

E3.

T(7,1) and U(2,5)

[2]

E4.

V(10,6) and W(4,2)

E5.

41 ]

X(-4,-1) and Y(-2,1)

[ 52 ]

[ 18 ]

More challenging Questions.

E1. The distance between two points A(1, 3) and
B(4, k) is 5. Find the possible vales of k.

E2. The distance between two points P(-1, 3) and

Q(k, 9) is 10. Find the possible values of k.

7, -1

7, -9

E3. The distance between two points R(-2, 5) and

S(1, k) is

E4. The distance between two points K(-1, p) and

10 . Find the possible vales of k.

L(p, 9) is

50 . Find p.

p = 0, 6
6, 4
E5. The distance between two points U(4, -5) and
E6. If the distance between O(0, 0) and P(k, 2k) is the
same as the distance between the points A(-4, 3) and
V(2, t) is 20 . Find the possible vales of t.
B(1, -7), find the possible values of k.

t =-9, -1
6. Coordinate Geometry

k = 5, -5

Unit 6.2 : Division of a Line Segment

6.2.1 To find the mid-point of Two Given Points.

x1 + x 2 y1 + y 2
,

2
2

Midpoint M =

Formula :
Eg.

P(3, 2) and Q(5, 7)

Midpoint, M =
=
E2

E1

P(-4, 6) and Q(8, 0)

3+5 2+7
,

2
2
9
(4 , )
2

(2, 3)

P(6, 3) and Q(2, -1)

E3

P(0,-1), and Q(-1, -5)

(4, 1)

(- , -3)

6.2.2 Division of a Line Segment

Q divides the line segment PR in the ratio PQ : QR = m : n. P(x, y), R(x, y)

m
P(x1, y1)

n
R(x2, y2)

Q(x, y)

R(x2, y2)

Q(x, y)

nx + mx 2 ny1 + my 2
Q (x,y) = 1
,

m+n
m+n

P(x1, y1)

(NOTE : Students are strongly advised to sketch a line segment before applying the formula)

Eg1. The point P internally divides the line segment E1. The point P internally divides the line segment
joining the point M(3,7) and N(6,2) in the ratio 2 : 1. joining the point M (4,5) and N(-8,-5) in the ratio
1 : 3. Find the coordinates of point P.
Find the coordinates of point P.

1
2

N(6, 2)

P(x, y)

M(3, 7)

1(3) + 2(6) 1(7) + 2(2)

,

2 +1
2 +1
15 11
= ,
3 3
11
= 5,

P=

6. Coordinate Geometry

5
1,
2

More Exercise : The Ratio Theorem

(NOTE : Students are strongly advised to sketch a line segment before applying the formula)

E1. R divides PQ in the ratio 2 : 1. Find the

coordinates of R if

E2. P divides AB in the ratio 3 : 2. Find the

coordinates of P if

(a) P(1, 2) and Q( -5, 11)

(c) A(2, -3) and B( -8, 7)

(b) P(-4, 7) and Q(8, -5)

(d) A(-7, 5) and B(8, -5)

(a) (-3, 8)

(b) (4 , -1)

(a) (-4, -3)

E3. M is a point that lies on the straight line RS such

that 3RM = MS. If the coordinates of the points R
and S are (4,5) and (-8,-5) respectively, find the
coordinates of point M.

(b) (2 , -1)

E4. P is a point that lies on the straight line TU such

that 3TP = 2PU. If the coordinates of the points T and
U are (-9,7) and (1,-3) respectively, find the
coordinates of point P.

3RM = MS

RM 1
= ,
MS 3

RM : MS = 1 : 3

Ans : 1, 5

(-5, 3)

E5. The points P(3, p), B(-1, 2) and C(9,7) lie on a

straight line. If P divides BC internally in the ratio
m : n , find (a) m : n , (b) the value of p.

E6. R(x, y) , divides the points P(2k, k) and

Q(2x, 4y) in the ratio 3 : 5. Express x in terms of
y.

(a) 2 : 3

(Ans : x = 4y)

6. Coordinate Geometry

(b) p = 4

Unit 6.3 To Find Areas of Polygons

Area of a polygon

1 x1
2 y1

x2

x3 ... x1

y2

y3 ... y1

Note : The area found will be positive if the coordinates of the points are written in the anti-clockwise
order, and negative if they are written in the clock-wise order.
Example 1 : Calculate the area of a triangle given :
E1. P(0, 1), Q(1, 3) and R(2,7)

Area of PQR =

1. P(2,3), Q(5,6) and R(-4,4)

Area of PQR =

1 0 1 2 0
2 1 3 7 1

= 1 unit

17 unit2
2

2. The coordinates of the triangle ABC are (5, 10), (2,1)

and (8, k) respectively. Find the possible values of k,
given that the area of triangle ABC is 24 units2.

3. The coordinates of the triangle RST are (4, 3), (-1, 1) and
(t, -3) respectively. Find the possible values of t , given that
the area of triangle RST is 11 units2.

k = 3 , 35

t = 0 , -22

ii) Area of a quadrilateral =

1
2

x1 x 2 x3 x 4 x1

y1 y 2 y 3 y 4 y1
2. P(2, -1), Q(3,3), R(-1, 5) and S(-4, -1).

1. P(1,5), Q(4,7), R(6,6) and S(3,1).

Area of PQRS =

= 8 unit

[27]

Note : If the area is zero, then the points are collinear.

1. Given that the points P(5, 7), Q(4, 3) and R(-5, k) are
collinear, find the value of k.

2. Show that the points K(4, 8), L(2, 2) and M(1, -1) are
collinear.

k= 33
6. Coordinate Geometry

Unit 6.4 : Equations of Straight Lines

The Equation of a Straight line may be expressed in the following forms:
i)

The general form :

ax + by + c = 0

ii)

The gradient form :

y = mx + c ;

m = gradient

iii)

The intercept form :

x y
+ =1,
a b

a = x-intercept , b = y-intercept

, c = y-intercept

Eg. Find the equation of a straight line that passes

a) If given the gradient and one point:

through the point (2,-3) and has a gradient of

y y1 = m( x x1 )

y y1 = m( x x1 )

P(x , y )
1 1

y ( 3) =

1
.
4

1
( x 2)
4

Gradient = m

4 y = x 14
E1. Find the equation of a straight line that passes
through the point (5,2) and has a gradient of -2.

E2. Find the equation of a straight line that passes

through the point (-8,3) and has a gradient of

y = -2x + 12

b) If two points are given :

Note : You may find the gradient first, then use
either (a) y = mx + c
Or
(b) y y1 = m( x x1)
Or
(c)

3
.
4

4y = 3x + 36

Eg. Find the equation of a straight line that passes

through the points (-3, -4) and (-5,6)
y (4) = 6 (4)
x (3) 5 ( 3)

y y1 y 2 y1
=
x x1 x 2 x1
y = 5 x 19

E1. Find the equation of a straight line that passes

through the points (2, -1) and (3,0)

E2. Find the equation of a straight line that passes

through the points (-4,3) and (2,-5)

y=x-3

6. Coordinate Geometry

4x + 3y +7 = 0

c) The x-intercept and the y-intercept are given:

m=-

y int ercept

x int errcept

E1. The x-intercept and the y-intercept of the straight line PQ

are 4 and -8 respectively. Find the gradient and the equation of
PQ.

y int ercept

x int errcept

m PQ =

Equation of Straight Line is :

= 8
4
= 2

x y
+
=1
a b
Note : Sketch a diagram to help you !

Equation :

At the x-axis, y = 0
At the y-axis, x = 0

x
y
+
=1
4 8

-8

y = 2x 8

E2. The x-intercept and the y-intercept of the

straight line PQ are -6 and 3 respectively. Find the
gradient and the equation of PQ.

E3. The x-intercept of a straight line AB is -5 and its gradient

is -3. Find the y-intercept of the straight line AB and the
equation of AB.

3x + 5y +15 = 0

2y = x+6
Extra Vitamins for U
1. Find the gradient and the equation of AB.
y

2. The x-intercept of a straight line RS is 2 and its gradient

is 3. Find the y-intercept of the straight line RS and the
equation of RS.

O
-2
A

x 3y = 6

3. Find the equation of KL in the intercept form.

y = 3x + 6

4. Find the equation of the line which connects the origin

and the point S (-2, 6).

K
3

O
L

x y
+ =1
6 3

5. For Q3 above, write down the equation of KL in

the general form.

y = 3x

6. Write down the equation of the straight line which passes

through the points P(3, 2) and Q (3, 8).

x + 2y 6 = 0

6. Coordinate Geometry

[x = 3]

Unit 6.5 Parallel Lines and Perpendicular lines

6.5.1

Parallel lines, m1 = m2

6.5.2

Perpendicular lines, m1 m2 = -1

Unit 6.5.1 Determine whether each of the following pairs of lines are parallel.
Eg. y = 3x 2 and

1. y = 2x +5 and

3x y = 4

4x + 2y = 5

y = 3 x 2 , m1 = 3
3x y = 4
y = 3x 4 , m2 = 3
Since m1 = m2 , the two line are parallel .
N

2. 3x 3y = 7 and 6x + 6y = 5

3. 2x 3y = 5 and 6y = 4x + 9

4. x 3y = 12 and 6y = 3 + 2x

x y
5.
= 4 and 8y = 6x - 3
3 2

Unit 6.5.2 Determine whether each of the following pairs of lines are perpendicular.
Eg. y = 3x 2 and

x + 3y = 4

y =3x2 ,
x + 3y = 4
3y = x + 4

1. y = 2x +5 and

4x + 2y = 9

m1 = 3

1
4
1
y = x + , m2 =
3
3
3
1
Since m1 . m2 = 3
= 1 ,
3
The two given lines are perpendicular .
2.

3y = 2x 2 and

2x + 3y = 1

6y = 2 - 3x and

x y
= 4
3 6

3. x 3y = 2 and

6x + 2y = 5

4.

x y
5.
= 1 and 8y + 6x 3 = 0
3 4

6. Coordinate Geometry

6.5.2 Applications (m1.m2 = 1)

Ex.1 (SPM 2004). Diagram 1 shows a straight Ex.2. Diagram 2 shows a straight line PQ with the
line PQ with the equation

x y
x y
+ = 1 . Find the equation
+ = 1 . Find the equation of the
2 4
6 2

equation of the straight line perpendicular to PQ straight line perpendicular to PQ and passing
and passing through the point Q.
through the point P.
y

y
Q
Q

Diagram 1

Diagram 2

Answer:

Answer:

y=x+4

y = 3x 18

Ex.3 Diagram 3 shows a straight line RS with the

equation x + 2y = 6. Find the equation of the
straight line perpendicular to RS and passing
through the point S.

Ex.4. Diagram 4 shows a straight line AB with the

equation 2x 3y = 6. Find the equation of the
straight line perpendicular to AB and passing
through the point B.

y
R

O
Diagram 3

A
Diagram 4

S
O

Answer:

Answer:

y = 2x 12

6. Coordinate Geometry

2y = 3x 9

6.5.2 Applications (m1.m2 = 1) more exercises

Ex.5 Diagram 5 shows a straight line PQ with the Ex.6. Diagram 6 shows a straight line AB with the
equation 4x + 3y = 12. Find the equation of the
x y
= 1 . Find the equation of the
straight line perpendicular to RS and passing equation
4 6
through the midpoint of RS.
perpendicular bisector of the line AB.
y
y
R
O

Diagram 5
S
O

Answer:

x
Diagram 6

Answer:

4x+3y = 8

2x + 3y = 6

Ex.7. Find the equation of the straight line that Ex.8 Find the equation of the straight line that
passes through the point ( 1, 2) and is perpendicular passes through the point (3, 0) and is perpendicular
to the straight line x + 3y +6 = 0.
to the straight line 3x 2y = 12.

y = 3x 1

Ex.9 Find the equation of the straight line that

passes through the origin O and is perpendicular to
the straight line that passes through the points
P(1, 1 ) and Q(-3,7).

2x+3y = 6

Ex. 10 Find the equation of the straight line that

passes through the point (-2,4) and is
perpendicular to the straight line which passes
through the origin O and the point (6, 2).

y = -3x

y=x
6. Coordinate Geometry

Unit 6.6 Equation of a Locus

Note : Students MUST be able to find distance between two points [ using Pythagoras Theorem]

TASK : To Find the equation of the locus of the moving point P such that its distances of P from the points
Q and R are equal.
Eg 1.
Q(6, -5) and R(1,9)
R(1, 9)

Let P = (x,y), then PQ = PR

( x 6) + ( y (5) =
2

( x 1) + ( y 9)
2

Square both sides to eliminate the square roots.

(x 6)

) (
2

Q(6, -5)

+ ( y + 5 = x 1) + ( y 9
x 12 x + 36 + y + 10 y + 25 = x 2 2 x + 1 + y 2 18 y + 81
10 x 28 y + 21 = 0
2

E1. Q(2,5) and R(4,2)

P(x, y)
Locus of P

E2. Q(-3, 0) and R(6, 4)

4x 6y+9 =0

E3. Q(2, -3) and R(-4, 5)

18x + 8y = 43

E4. Q(6, -2) and R(0, 2)

3x 4y + 3 = 0

3x 2y 9 = 0

More challenges.

E5. Given two points A(3, 2) and B(7, -4). Find the
equation of the perpendicular bisector of AB.

E6. Given two points P(4, 10) and QB(-6, 0). Find
the equation of the the perpendicular bisector of
PQ.

3y =2x - 13

6. Coordinate Geometry

x+y=4

10

TASK : To find the equation of the locus of the moving point P such that its distances from
the points A and B are in the ratio m : n
(Note : Sketch a diagram to help you using the distance formula correctly)
Eg 1.
Let

A(-2,3), B(4,8) and

P = (x, y)

m : n = 1: 2
B(4, 8)

LP 1
=
PM 2
2LK = KM

2 ( x (2)) + ( y 3) =
2

(2)2 (

A(-2, 3)

( x 4) + ( y 8)

( x + 2) 2 + ( y 3) 2 = x 4) 2 + ( y 8

4( x + 2) 2 + ( y 3 ) = ( x 4 ) + ( y 8) 2
2

P(x, y)

4 x 2 + 16 x + 16 + 4 y 2 24 y + 36 = x 2 8 x + 16 + y 2 16 y + 64
3 x 2 + 3 y 2 + 24 x 8 y 28 = 0 is the equation of locus of P.
E1.

A(1, 5), B(4, 2) and m : n = 2 : 1

E2.

x2+y2 10x 2y + 19 = 0

E3. A(1, 3), B(-2, 6) and m : n = 1 : 2

x2+y2 10x 6y + 13 = 0

E4.

x2+ y2 3x 3y = 0

E5. P(-1, 3), Q( 4, -2) and m : n = 2 : 3

A(5, -2), B(-4, 1) and m : n = 1 : 2

x2+ y2 16x + 6y + 33 = 0

E6.

x2+y2+ 10x 14y + 2 = 0

6. Coordinate Geometry

A(-3, 2), B(3, 2) and m : n = 2 : 1

A(1, 5), B(-4, -5) and m : n = 3 : 2

x2+y2 + 16x +26y + 53 = 0

11

SPM FORMAT QUESTIONS

1. (2003) The equations of two straight lines are

2. The equations of two straight lines are

y x
+ = 1 and 5y = 3x + 24. Determine
5 3

x y
= 4 and 3y = 2x + 6. Determine
3 2

whether the lines are perpendicular to each

other.

whether the lines are perpendicular to each other.

[Y]

[N]

3.(2004) Diagram 4 shows a straight line PQ with 4. Diagram 5 shows a straight line RS with the
the equation

x y
x y
+ = 1 . Find the equation of the equation
+ = 1 . Find the equation of the
2 3
6 4

straight line perpendicular to PQ and passing straight line perpendicular to RS and passing
through the point Q.
through the point S.
y

y
Q

R
Diagram 4
P

Diagram 5
S

[ y = 2 x + 3]
3

5. (2005) The following information refers to the

equations of two straight lines, JK and RT, which
are perpendicular to each other.

[2y = 3x - 18]

6. The following information refers to the

equations of two straight lines, PQ and RS, which
are perpendicular to each other.

JK
: y = px + k
RT : y = (k 2)x + p
where p and k are constants.

PQ : px + y = k
RS : y = (2k 1)x + p
where p and k are constants.

Express p in terms of k.

Express p in terms of k.

p=

6. Coordinate Geometry

1
2k

p=

12

1
2k 1

7. (2006) Diagram 5 shows the straight line AB

which is perpendicular to the straight line CB at the
point B.
y
A(0, 4)

8.Diagram 6 shows the straight line PQ which is

perpendicular to the straight line RQ at the point Q.
y
P(0, 6)

Diagram 5

The equation of CB is y = 2x 1 .
Find the coordinates of B.

The equation of QR is x y = 4 .
Find the coordinates of Q

Q(5, 1)

(2, 3)

9.(2004) The point A is (-1, 2) and B is (4, 6). The

point P moves such that PA : PB = 2 : 3. Find the
equation of locus of P.
[3 marks]

10. The point R is (3, -5) and S is (0, 1). The point
P moves such that PR : PS = 2 : 1. Find the
equation of locus of P.
[3 marks]

[5x2+5y2+50x+12y 163=0]

11.The point A is (8, -2) and B is (4, 6). Find the

equation of the perpendicular bisector of AB.
[3 marks]

[x2+y2+2x 6 y 10 = 0]

12. The point R is (2, -3) and S is (4, 5). The point
P moves such that it is always the same distance
from R and from S. Find the equation of locus of
P.
[3 marks]

2y = x 2

6. Coordinate Geometry

O
R

O
C

Diagram 6

x+4y = 7

13

SPM Questions (Coordinate Geometry) Paper 2

Note : Solutions to this question by scale drawing will not be accepted.
1. (SPM 2006, P2, Q9)
Diagram 3 shows the triangle AOB where O is the origin. Point C lies on the straight line AB.
A(-3, 4)

y
Diagram 3

C
x

B(6, -2)
(a)
(b)
(c)

Calculate the area, in units2, of triangle AOB.

[2 marks]
Given that AC : CB = 3 : 2, find the coordinates of C.
[2 marks]
A point P moves such that its distance from point A is always twice its distance from point B.
(i)
Find the equation of locus of P,
(ii)
Hence, determine whether or not this locus intercepts the y-axis.
[6 marks]

Answers: 9, (12/5, 2/5), x2 +y2-18x+8y=45=0, the locus does not intersect the y axis.
2. (SPM 2005, P2, Q9)
In Diagram 5, ABC = 900 and the equation of the straight line BC is 2y + x + 6 = 0.

A (-4, 9)
y
Diagram 5

B
x

C
(a)

(b)
(c)

Find
(i)
the equation of the straight line AB
(ii)
the coordinates of B
The straight line AB is extended to a point D such that AB : BD = 2 : 3.
Find the coordinates of D.
A point P moves such that its distance from point A is always 5 units.
Find the equation of the locus of P.

Answers : y=2x+17, (-8,1) (-14, -11), x2 + y2 +8x -18y +72 =0

6. Coordinate Geometry

14

[5 marks]
[2 marks]
[3 marks]

3. (SPM 2004, P2, Q2)

Diagram 1 shows a straight line CD which meets a straight line AB at the point D.
The point C lies on the y- axis.
y
Diagram 1
C

x
B(9, 0)

A(0, 6)
(a) Write down the equations of AB in the form of intercepts.
(b) Given that 2AD = DB , find the coordinates of D.
(c) Given that CD is perpendicular to AB, find the y-intercept of CD.
x
9

Answers :

[ 1 mark ]
[ 2 marks ]
[ 3 marks ]

y
= 1 , (3,-4), ,
6

4. (SPM 2003, P2, Q11)

A point P moves along the arc of a circle with centre A(2, 3). The arc passes through Q(-2, 0) and
R(5, k).
(a) Find
(i)
the equation of the locus of P,
(ii)
the values of k.
[6 marks]
(b) The tangent to the circle at point Q intersects the y- xis at point T.
Find the area of triangle OQT.
[4 marks]

Answers : x2 +y2 -4x -6y -12 =0, k= -1, 7 , 8/3

5. (SPM 2002, P2, Q11)
Given that A( 1 , 2 ) and B(2, 1) are two fixed points. Point P moves such that the ratio of AP to PB is
always 1 : 2.
(a)

Show that the locus of P is x2 + y2 +4x + 6y +5 = 0.

[2 marks]

(b)
(c)
(d)

Show that the point C(0, -5) lies on this locus.

Find the equation of the line AC.
Given that the line AC cuts the locus of P again at point D. Find the coordinates of D.

[2 marks]
[3 marks]
[3 marks ]

6. Coordinate Geometry

15

6. SPM 2007 P2 Q2
Solutions by scale drawing will not be accepted.

In the diagram, the straight line AB has an equation

y+2x+8=0. AB intersects the x-axis at point A and
intersects the y-axis at point B.
Point P lies on AB such that AP:PB=1:3
Find
(a) the coordinates of P,
[3marks]
(b) the equation of the straight line that passes
through P and perpendicular to AB.[3marks]
(ans: (-3,-2), y = -2x - 8 )
7. SPM 2008 P2Q10
Diagram below shows a triangle OPQ. Point S lies on the line PQ.

(a) A point W moves such that its distance from

1
2

point S is always 2 units. Find the equation of

the locus of W.
[3marks]
(b) It is given that point P and point Q lie on the
locus W.
Calculate
the value of k
(i)
(ii)
the coordinates of Q.
[5marks]
2
(c) Hence, find the area, in unit , of triangle OPQ
[2marks]

SPM Questions (Coordinate Geometry) Paper 1

1. (2003) The equations of two straight lines are

y x
+ = 1 and 5y = 3x + 24. Determine whether the
5 3

lines are perpendicular to each other.

[Y]

2 (2004) Diagram 4 shows a straight line PQ with the equation

straight line perpendicular to PQ and passing through the point Q.
[ y = 2 x + 3]

Q
Diagram 4
P
O

6. Coordinate Geometry

16

x y
+ = 1 . Find the equation of the
2 3
[3 marks]

3.(2004) The point A is (-1, 2) and B is (4, 6). The point P moves such that PA : PB = 2 : 3. Find the
equation of locus of P.
[3 marks]
[5x2+5y2+50x+12y+163=0]

4. (2005) The following information refers to the equations of two straight lines, JK and RT, which are
perpendicular to each other.

JK
: y = px + k
RT : y = (k 2)x + p
where p and k are constants.
p=

1
2k

Express p in terms of k.

5. (2006) Diagram 5 shows the straight line AB which is perpendicular to the straight line CB at the point B.
y
A(0, 4)

Diagram 5

O
C

The equation of CB is y = 2x 1 .
Find the coordinates of B.

(2, 3)

6. SPM 2007P1Q13
The straight line

x y
+ = 1 has a y- intercept of 2 and is parallel to the straight line y+kx=0. Determine the
6 h

value of h and of k.
Answer : 2, 1/3
7. SPM 2007 P1 Q 14
The vertices of a triangle are A(5,2), B(4,6) and C(p,-2).
Given that the area of the triangle is 30 unit2, find the values of p.
Answer : -9, 21
8. SPM 2008 P1 Q13
Diagram below shows a straight line passing through S(3,0) and T(0,4)

y
T(0,4)

S(3,0)

0
6. Coordinate Geometry

17

[3marks]

[3marks]

(a) Write down the equation of the straight line ST in the form

x y
+ =1.
a b

(b) A point P(x,y) moves such that PS=PT. Find the equation of the locus of P. [4marks]
x
3

Answer : +

y
= 1, 6 x 8 y + 7 = 0
4

9. SPM 2008 P1 Q14

The points (0,3), (2,t) and (-2,-1) are vertices of a triangle. Given that the area of the triangle is 4 units2, find
the values of t.
[3 marks]
Answer : 11, 3

6. Coordinate Geometry

18