The study of geometry using a coordinate system to examine the features and relationships of geometric forms is called coordinate geometry, at times referred to as analytical geometry. Because it enables students to carefully explore forms, lines, and curves using coordinates on the Cartesian plane, it is a crucial topic in mathematics for Class 10. Coordinate geometry, also known as analytical geometry, is the study of geometric shapes and their relationships using a coordinate system. It plays a vital role in Class 10 mathematics as it allows students to analyse shapes, lines, and curves systematically on the Cartesian plane.
The core concept involves representing geometric figures and their relationships through algebraic equations. Class 10 students should focus on important topics such as points, lines, and the distance between two points, as these form the basis for more advanced mathematical studies. This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of Class 10 Coordinate Geometry, covering essential concepts, formulas, and examples.
Class 10 coordinate geometry chapter 7 notes cover all the main concepts like the distance formula, Collinearity Condition, section formula, and many others. The downloadable notes PDFs for Coordinate Geometry are provided below in detailed and easy-to-understand language.
Coordinate geometry, also known as analytical geometry, is based on the Cartesian plane, which represents points using ordered pairs (x, y). These coordinates indicate the exact position of a point on the plane, which is formed by two perpendicular axes:
The point where the X-axis and Y-axis intersect is called the origin (0, 0). The horizontal axis represents the x-coordinate, while the vertical axis represents the y-coordinate.
Point
A point represents a specific location on the plane and is denoted by an ordered pair (x, y). Here, x indicates the horizontal distance from the origin, and y represents the vertical distance.
Cartesian Plane
The Cartesian plane consists of two perpendicular number lines, the X-axis and Y-axis, which intersect at the origin.
The distance formula is a fundamental concept in coordinate geometry, used to calculate the straight-line distance between two points P(x₁, y₁) and Q(x₂, y₂) on the Cartesian plane.
Formula:
d= √(x2-x1)2 + (y2-y1)2
This formula is derived from the Pythagorean Theorem, where the horizontal and vertical differences form the two perpendicular sides of a right-angled triangle, and the distance is the hypotenuse.
Example:
Find the distance between points A(1,2) and B(4,6).
Solution:
d=√(4-1)2 + (6-2)2
d=√(3)2 + (4)2
d=√9 + 16
d=√25
d=5
Thus, the distance between A and B is 5 units.
The section formula helps determine the coordinates of a point that divides a line segment into a given ratio. This is useful in problems related to midpoints, division of line segments, and geometric constructions.
Formula:
If a point P(x, y) divides the line segment joining A(x₁, y₁) and B(x₂, y₂) in the ratio m:n, then:
x = (nx1+mx2)/m+n
y = (ny1+my2)/m+n
Example:
Find the coordinates of the point dividing the line segment joining A(1,2) and B(4,6) in the ratio 2:3.
Solution:
x=(3(1)+2(4))/2+3
=(3+8)/5
=11/5
y= (3(2)+2(6))/2+3
=(6+12)/5
=18/5
Thus, the required point is (11/5, 18/5).
The midpoint of a line segment is the point that divides it exactly in half. This is a special case of the section formula where the ratio is 1:1.
Formula:
M(x,y)= ((x1+x2)/2), (y1+y2)/2))
Example:
Find the midpoint of the segment joining A(1,2) and B(4,6).
Solution:
x= (1+4)/2
x= 5/2
y= (2+6)/2
y= 4
Thus, the midpoint is (5/2, 4).
The slope of a line represents its steepness and is calculated as the vertical change divided by the horizontal change between two points.
Formula:
m=y2−y1/x2−x1
Example:
Find the slope of the line passing through A(1,2) and B(4,6).
Solution:
m= 6−2/4-1
m=4/3
The equation of a line can be expressed in different forms based on the given information.
a) Slope-Intercept Form:
y=mx+c
where m is the slope and c is the y-intercept.
b) Point-Slope Form:
If the line passes through (x₁, y₁) and has slope m, the equation is:
(y−y1)=m(x−x1)
c) Two-Point Form:
If a line passes through two points (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂), then:
y−y1/y2-y1 = x−x1/x2-x1
Example:
Find the equation of the line passing through A(1,2) and B(4,6).
Solution:
First, find the slope:
m=(6−2)/(4−1)
=4/3
Using the point-slope form:
y−2= 4/3 (x−1)
Expanding:
y−2=4/3x - 4/3
y= 4/3x - 2/3
Thus, the equation of the line is y = (4/3)x + 2/3.
Coordinate geometry is widely used in both theoretical and practical applications, such as:
Finding the area of a triangle:
Area= ½ ∣x1(y2−y3)+x2(y3−y1)+x3(y1−y2)∣
Verifying geometric properties: It helps determine collinearity of points and concurrency of lines.
Real-world applications:
Coordinate Geometry Important Formulas are mentioned below:
Used to find the straight-line distance between two points P(x₁, y₁) and Q(x₂, y₂) on the Cartesian plane.
d= √(x2-x1)2 + (y2-y1)2
Example: If A(2,3) and B(5,7) then:
Distance= √(5-2)2 + (7-3)2
Distance= √(3)2 + (4)2
Distance= √(9) + (16)
Distance= √25
Distance= 5
Used to find a point P(x,y) that divides a line segment between two points A(x1,y1) and B(x2,y2) in a given ratio m:n.
x=(mx2+nx1)/(m+n)
y= (my2+ny1)/(m+n)
Example: If A(2,3) and B(8,7) are divided in the ratio 2:3,
x= 2(8)+3(2) / 2+3
x= 16 +6 / 5
x= 22 / 5
y= 2(7)+3(3) / 2+3
y= 14 +9 / 5
y= 23 / 5
If a point is the middle of a line joining A(x1,y1) and B(x2,y2), then:
Midpoint= (x2+x1)/2 , (y2+y1)/2
Example: Midpoint of A(2,3) and B(8,7):
Midpoint (2+8)/2, (3+7)/2
Midpoint (10)/2, (10)/2
Midpoint (5,5)
If three points A(x1,y1), B(x2,y2), and C(x3,y3) form a triangle, its area is:
Area= ½ ∣x1(y2−y3)+x2(y3−y1)+x3(y1−y2)∣
Example: For A(1,2), B(4,5), and C(6,3):
Area= ½ ∣1(5−3)+4(3−2)+6(2−5)∣
Area= ½ ∣1(2)+4(1)+6(−3)∣
Area= ½∣2+4−18∣
Area= ½∣−12∣
=6
These are the important formulas in coordinate geometry for Class 10. They help in solving problems related to distances, midpoints, section points, and triangle areas easily.
Coordinate geometry is an important chapter, but students often make errors due to miscalculations or misunderstanding of concepts. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Mistake: Swapping coordinates while using formulas.
Fix: Always check whether you're using x1,y1 and x2,y2 correctly. Write them down before substitution.
Example, while using the distance formula:
d= √(x2-x1)2 + (y2-y1)2
Many students mistakenly take (y2−y1) in place of (x2−x1), leading to incorrect answers.
Mistake: Forgetting to consider negative signs in coordinate values.
Fix: Always carefully apply negative signs while substituting values.
Example: If A(−3,2) and B(5,−4), then:
Distance= √((5)-(-3))2 + ((-4)-2)2
Distance= √((5+3))2 + (-6)2
Distance= √(8)2 + 36
Distance= √64 + 36
Distance= √100
Distance= 10
Some students write 5−3 instead of 5−(−3), leading to incorrect calculations.
Mistake: Confusing the ratio m:n and misplacing terms in the formula.
Fix: Clearly label m and n before applying the formula.
Example: The formula is:
x=(mx2+nx1)/(m+n)
y= (my2+ny1)/(m+n)
If the ratio is given as 3:2, take m=3, n=2, not the other way around.
Mistake: Using the wrong formula (some students use the section formula instead).
Fix: Remember that the midpoint formula is simple:
Midpoint= (x2+x1)/2 , (y2+y1)/2
Example: Midpoint of (2,3) and (6,7) is:
Midpoint= (x2+x1)/2 , (y2+y1)/2
Midpoint= (2+6)/2 , (3+7)/2
Midpoint= (4,5)
Some students mistakenly divide each term separately by 4 instead of 2, giving the wrong result.
Mistake: Ignoring absolute value, leading to a negative area.
Fix: Use absolute value bars to ensure the area is always positive.
Example: The formula for the area of a triangle is:
Area= ½ ∣x1(y2−y3)+x2(y3−y1)+x3(y1−y2)∣
If the answer is negative, take its absolute value.
Mistake: Writing coordinates in the wrong order.
Fix: Always write coordinates as (x,y), where x comes first.
Example: A(2,3) means right 2, up 3, but some students mistakenly take it as (3,2).
Mistake: Rushing to the answer without verifying calculations.
Fix: Double-check calculations, especially with negative signs and square roots.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can score full marks in coordinate geometry. Keep practicing and be mindful of signs, formulas, and calculations!
Coordinate geometry allows students to understand geometric concepts using algebraic methods. By applying the distance formula, midpoint formula, section formula, and equation of a line, students can solve a variety of mathematical problems. This topic not only strengthens problem-solving skills but also lays the foundation for more advanced concepts in mathematics and science. Regular practice and problem-solving will help students develop a solid grasp of coordinate geometry, ensuring success in Class 10 and beyond.