v
GG
GG
G
eometry, as a logical system, is a means and even the most powerful
means to make children feel the strength of the human spirit that is
of their own spirit. – H. FREUDENTHALv
10.1 Introduction
We are familiar with two-dimensional coordinate geometry
from earlier classes. Mainly, it is a combination of algebra
and geometry. A systematic study of geometry by the use
of algebra was first carried out by celebrated French
philosopher and mathematician René Descartes, in his book
‘La Géométry, published in 1637. This book introduced the
notion of the equation of a curve and related analytical
methods into the study of geometry. The resulting
combination of analysis and geometry is referred now as
analytical geometry. In the earlier classes, we initiated
the study of coordinate geometry, where we studied about
coordinate axes, coordinate plane, plotting of points in a
plane, distance between two points, section formulae, etc. All these concepts are the
basics of coordinate geometry.
Let us have a brief recall of coordinate geometry done in earlier classes. To
recapitulate, the location of the points (6, – 4) and
(3, 0) in the XY-plane is shown in Fig 10.1.
We may note that the point (6, – 4) is at 6 units
distance from the y-axis measured along the positive
x-axis and at 4 units distance from the x-axis
measured along the negative y-axis. Similarly, the
point (3, 0) is at 3 units distance from the y-axis
measured along the positive x-axis and has zero
distance from the x-axis.
We also studied there following important
formulae:
10
Chapter
STRAIGHT LINES
René Descartes
(1596 -1650)
Fig 10.1
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204 MATHEMATICS
I. Distance between the points P (x
1,
y
1
) and Q (x
2
, y
2
) is
( )
( )
1
2
2
2 2 1
PQ
x – x y – y
= +
For example, distance between the points (6, – 4) and (3, 0) is
( ) ( )
2 2
3 6 0 4 9 16 5
− + + = + =
units.
II. The coordinates of a point dividing the line segment joining the points (x
1,
y
1
)
and (x
2
, y
2
) internally, in the ratio m: n are
+
+
+
+
nm
y
n
y
m
nm
x
n
x
m
12
12
,
.
For example, the coordinates of the point which divides the line segment joining
A (1, –3) and B (–3, 9) internally, in the ratio 1: 3 are given by
1 ( 3) 3 1
0
1 3
. .
x
− +
= =
+
and
(
)
1.9 + 3. –3
= = 0.
1 + 3
y
III. In particular, if m = n, the coordinates of the mid-point of the line segment
joining the points (x
1,
y
1
) and (x
2
, y
2
) are
+
+
2
,
2
21
21
yy
xx
.
IV. Area of the triangle whose vertices are (x
1,
y
1
), (x
2
, y
2
) and (x
3
, y
3
) is
( ) ( )
( )
1 2 3
2 3 3 1 1 2
1
2
− + − + −
y y y y y y
x x x
.
For example, the area of the triangle, whose vertices are (4, 4), (3, – 2) and (– 3, 16) is
54
1
4( 2 16) 3(16 4) ( 3)(4 2) 27.
2 2
−
− − + − + − + = =
Remark If the area of the triangle ABC is zero, then three points A, B and C lie on
a line, i.e., they are collinear.
In the this Chapter, we shall continue the study of coordinate geometry to study
properties of the simplest geometric figure – straight line. Despite its simplicity, the
line is a vital concept of geometry and enters into our daily experiences in numerous
interesting and useful ways. Main focus is on representing the line algebraically, for
which slope is most essential.
10.2 Slope of a Line
A line in a coordinate plane forms two angles with the x-axis, which are supplementary.
2020-21
STRAIGHT LINES 205
The angle (say) θ made by the line l with positive
direction of x-axis and measured anti clockwise
is called the inclination of the line. Obviously
0° ≤ θ ≤ 180° (Fig 10.2).
We observe that lines parallel to x-axis, or
coinciding with x-axis, have inclination of 0°. The
inclination of a vertical line (parallel to or
coinciding with y-axis) is 90°.
Definition 1 If θ is the inclination of a line
l, then tan θ is called the slope or gradient of
the line l.
The slope of a line whose inclination is 90° is not
defined.
The slope of a line is denoted by m.
Thus,
m = tan θ, θ ≠ 90°
It may be observed that the slope of x-axis is zero and slope of y-axis is not defined.
10.2.1 Slope of a line when coordinates of any two points on the line are given
We know that a line is completely determined when we are given two points on it.
Hence, we proceed to find the slope of a
line in terms of the coordinates of two points
on the line.
Let P(x
1
, y
1
) and Q(x
2
, y
2
) be two
points on non-vertical line l whose inclination
is θ. Obviously, x
1
≠ x
2
, otherwise the line
will become perpendicular to x-axis and its
slope will not be defined. The inclination of
the line l may be acute or obtuse. Let us
take these two cases.
Draw perpendicular QR to x-axis and
PM perpendicular to RQ as shown in
Figs. 10.3 (i) and (ii).
Case 1 When angle θ is acute:
In Fig 10.3 (i), ∠MPQ =
θ. ... (1)
Therefore, slope of line l = m = tan
θ.
But in ∆MPQ, we have
2 1
2 1
MQ
tan
θ .
MP
y y
x x
−
= =
−
... (2)
Fig 10.2
Fig 10. 3 (i)
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206 MATHEMATICS
From equations (1) and (2), we have
2 1
2 1
.
y y
m
x x
−
=
−
Case II When angle θ is obtuse:
In Fig 10.3 (ii), we have
∠MPQ = 180° – θ.
Therefore, θ = 180° – ∠MPQ.
Now, slope of the line l
m = tan θ
= tan ( 180° – ∠MPQ) = – tan ∠MPQ
=
2 1
1 2
MQ
MP
y y
x x
−
− = −
−
=
2 1
2 1
y y
.
x x
−
−
Consequently, we see that in both the cases the slope m of the line through the points
(x
1
, y
1
) and (x
2
, y
2
) is given by
2 1
2 1
y y
m
x x
−
=
−
.
10.2.2 Conditions for parallelism and perpendicularity of lines in terms of their
slopes In a coordinate plane, suppose that non-vertical lines l
1
and l
2
have slopes m
1
and m
2
, respectively. Let their inclinations be α and
β, respectively.
If the line l
1
is parallel to l
2
(Fig 10.4), then their
inclinations are equal, i.e.,
α = β, and hence, tan α = tan β
Therefore m
1
= m
2
, i.e., their slopes are equal.
Conversely, if the slope of two lines l
1
and
l
2
is same, i.e.,
m
1
= m
2
.
Then tan α = tan β.
By the property of tangent function (between 0° and 180°), α = β.
Therefore, the lines are parallel.
Fig 10. 3 (ii)
Fig 10. 4
2020-21
STRAIGHT LINES 207
Hence, two non vertical lines l
1
and l
2
are parallel if and only if their slopes
are equal.
If the lines
l
1
and
l
2
are perpendicular (Fig 10.5), then β = α + 90°.
Therefore,tan β = tan (α + 90°)
= – cot α =
1
tan
α
−
i.e., m
2
=
1
1
m
−
or m
1
m
2
= – 1
Conversely, if m
1
m
2
= – 1, i.e., tan α tan β = – 1.
Then tan α = – cot β = tan (β + 90°) or tan (β – 90°)
Therefore, α and β differ by 90°.
Thus, lines l
1
and l
2
are perpendicular to each other.
Hence, two non-vertical lines are perpendicular to each other if and only if
their slopes are negative reciprocals of each other,
i.e., m
2
=
1
1
m
−
or, m
1
m
2
= – 1.
Let us consider the following example.
Example 1 Find the slope of the lines:
(a) Passing through the points (3, – 2) and (–1, 4),
(b) Passing through the points (3, – 2) and (7, – 2),
(c) Passing through the points (3, – 2) and (3, 4),
(d) Making inclination of 60° with the positive direction of x-axis.
Solution (a) The slope of the line through (3, – 2) and (– 1, 4) is
4 ( 2) 6 3
1 3 4 2
m
− −
= = = −
− − −
.
(b) The slope of the line through the points (3, – 2) and (7, – 2) is
–2 – (–2) 0
= = = 0
7 – 3 4
m
.
(c) The slope of the line through the points (3, – 2) and (3, 4) is
Fig 10. 5
2020-21
208 MATHEMATICS
4 – (–2) 6
= =
3 – 3 0
m
, which is not defined.
(d) Here inclination of the line α = 60°. Therefore, slope of the line is
m = tan 60° =
3
.
10.2.3 Angle between two lines When we think about more than one line in a plane,
then we find that these lines are either intersecting or parallel. Here we will discuss the
angle between two lines in terms of their slopes.
Let L
1
and L
2
be two non-vertical lines with slopes m
1
and m
2
,
respectively. If α
1
and α
2
are the inclinations of lines L
1
and L
2
, respectively. Then
αtanandαtan
2
2
11
=
=
mm
.
We know that when two lines intersect each other, they make two pairs of
vertically opposite angles such that sum of any two adjacent angles is 180°. Let θ and
φ be the adjacent angles between the lines L
1
and L
2
(Fig10.6). Then
θ = α
2
– α
1
and α
1
, α
2
≠ 90°.
Therefore tan θ = tan (α
2
– α
1
)
2 1 2 1
1 2 1 2
tan tan
1 tan tan 1
m m
m m
α α
α α
− −
= =
+ +
(as 1 + m
1
m
2
≠ 0)
and φ = 180° – θ so that
tan φ = tan (180° – θ ) = – tan θ =
2 1
1 2
–
1
m m
m m
−
+
, as 1 + m
1
m
2
≠ 0
Fig 10. 6
Now, there arise two cases:
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STRAIGHT LINES 209
Case I If
2 1
1 2
1
–
m m
m m
+
is positive, then tan θ will be positive and tan φ will be negative,
which means θ will be acute and φ will be obtuse.
Case II
If
2 1
1 2
1
–
m m
m m
+
is negative, then tan θ will be negative and tan φ will be positive,
which means that θ will be obtuse and φ will be acute.
Thus, the acute angle (say θ) between lines L
1
and L
2
with slopes m
1
and m
2
,
respectively, is given by
2 1
1 2
1 2
tan
θ , as 1 0
1
m m
m m
m m
−
= + ≠
+
... (1)
The obtuse angle (say φ) can be found by using φ =180
0
– θ.
Example 2 If the angle between two lines is
π
4
and slope of one of the lines is
1
2
, find
the slope of the other line.
Solution We know that the acute angle θ between two lines with slopes m
1
and m
2
is given by
2 1
1 2
tan θ
1
m m
m m
−
=
+
... (1)
Let m
1
=
2
1
, m
2
= m and θ =
π
4
.
Now, putting these values in (1), we get
1 1
π
2 2
tan or 1
1 1
4
1 1
2 2
m m
,
m m
− −
= =
+ +
which gives
1 1
2 2
1 or 1
1 1
1 1
2 2
m m
– .
m m
− −
= =
+ +
1
Therefore 3 or
3
m m .
= = −
2020-21
210 MATHEMATICS
Fig 10. 7
Hence, slope of the other line is
3 or
1
3
−
. Fig 10.7 explains the
reason of two answers.
Fig 10. 8
Example 3 Line through the points (–2, 6) and (4, 8) is perpendicular to the line
through the points (8, 12) and (x, 24). Find the value of x.
Solution Slope of the line through the points (– 2, 6) and (4, 8) is
( )
1
8 6 2 1
4 2 6 3
m
−
= = =
− −
Slope of the line through the points (8, 12) and (x, 24) is
2
24 12 12
8 8
m
x x
−
= =
− −
Since two lines are perpendicular,
m
1
m
2
= –1, which gives
1 12
1 or = 4
3 8
x
x
× = −
−
.
10.2.4 Collinearity of three points We
know that slopes of two parallel lines are
equal. If two lines having the same slope
pass through a common point, then two
lines will coincide. Hence, if A, B and C
are three points in the XY-plane, then they
will lie on a line, i.e., three points are
collinear (Fig 10.8) if and only if slope of
AB = slope of BC.
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STRAIGHT LINES 211
Example 4 Three points P (h, k
), Q (
x
1
, y
1
) and R (x
2
, y
2
) lie on a line. Show that
(h – x
1
) (y
2
– y
1
) = (k – y
1
) (x
2
– x
1
).
Solution
Since points P, Q and R are collinear, we have
Slope of PQ = Slope of QR, i.e.,
1 2 1
1 2 1
k
y y y
x h x x
− −
=
− −
or
1 2 1
1 2 1
k
y y y
h x x x
− −
=
− −
,
or (h – x
1
) (y
2
– y
1
) = (k – y
1
) (x
2
– x
1
).
Example 5
In Fig 10.9, time and
distance graph of a linear motion is given.
Two positions of time and distance are
recorded as, when T = 0, D = 2 and when
T = 3, D = 8. Using the concept of slope,
find law of motion, i.e., how distance
depends upon time.
Solution Let (T, D) be any point on the
line, where D denotes the distance at time
T. Therefore, points (0, 2), (3, 8) and
(T, D) are collinear so that
8 2 D 8
or 6 (T 3) 3 (D 8)
3 0 T 3
− −
= − = −
− −
or D = 2(T + 1),
which is the required relation.
EXERCISE 10.1
1. Draw a quadrilateral in the Cartesian plane, whose vertices are (– 4, 5), (0, 7),
(5, – 5) and (– 4, –2). Also, find its area.
2. The base of an equilateral triangle with side 2a lies along the y-axis such that the
mid-point of the base is at the origin. Find vertices of the triangle.
3. Find the distance between P (x
1
, y
1
) and Q (x
2
, y
2
) when : (i) PQ is parallel to the
y-axis, (ii) PQ is parallel to the x-axis.
4. Find a point on the x-axis, which is equidistant from the points (7, 6) and (3, 4).
5. Find the slope of a line, which passes through the origin, and the mid-point of the
line segment joining the points P (0, – 4) and B (8, 0).
Fig 10.9
2020-21
212 MATHEMATICS
6. Without using the Pythagoras theorem, show that the points (4, 4), (3, 5) and
(–1,
–1) are the vertices of a right angled triangle.
7. Find the slope of the line, which makes an angle of 30
°
with the positive direction
of y-axis measured anticlockwise.
8. Find the value of x for which the points (x, –
1), (2
,1) and (4, 5) are collinear.
9. Without using distance formula, show that points (– 2, – 1), (4, 0), (3, 3) and (–3, 2)
are the vertices of a parallelogram.
10. Find the angle between the x-axis and the line joining the points (3,–1) and (4,–2).
11. The slope of a line is double of the slope of another line. If tangent of the angle
between them is
3
1
, find the slopes of the lines.
12. A line passes through (x
1
, y
1
) and (h, k). If slope of the line is m, show that
k – y
1
= m (h – x
1
).
13. If three points (h, 0), (a, b) and (0, k) lie on a line, show that
1=+
k
b
h
a
.
14. Consider the following population and year graph (Fig 10.10), find the slope of the
line AB and using it, find what will be the population in the year 2010?
10.3 Various Forms of the Equation of a Line
We know that every line in a plane contains infinitely many points on it. This relationship
between line and points leads us to find the solution of the following problem:
Fig 10.10
2020-21
STRAIGHT LINES 213
How can we say that a given point lies on the given line? Its answer may be that
for a given line we should have a definite condition on the points lying on the line.
Suppose P (x, y
) is an arbitrary point in the XY-plane and L is the given line. For the
equation of L, we wish to construct a statement or condition for the point P that is
true, when P is on L, otherwise false. Of course the statement is merely an algebraic
equation involving the variables x and
y. Now, we will discuss the equation of a line
under different conditions.
10.3.1 Horizontal and vertical lines If a horizontal line L is at a distance a from the
x-axis then ordinate of every point lying on the line is either a
or –
a [Fig 10.11 (a)].
Therefore, equation of the line L is either y
=
a or y
=
– a. Choice of sign will depend
upon the position of the line according as the line is above or below the y-axis. Similarly,
the equation of a vertical line at a distance b from the y-axis is either x = b or
x = – b [Fig 10.11(b)].
Fig 10.11
Example 6 Find the equations of the lines
parallel to axes and passing through
(– 2, 3).
Solution Position of the lines is shown in the
Fig 10.12. The y-coordinate of every point on
the line parallel to x-axis is 3, therefore, equation
of the line parallel tox-axis and passing through
(– 2, 3) is y = 3. Similarly, equation of the line
parallel to y-axis and passing through (– 2, 3)
is x = – 2.
Fig 10.12
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214 MATHEMATICS
10.3.2 Point-slope form Suppose that
P
0
(x
0
, y
0
) is a fixed point on a non-vertical
line L, whose slope is m. Let P (x, y) be an
arbitrary point on L (Fig 10.13).
Then, by the definition, the slope of L is
given by
(
)
x
x
m
y
y
x
x
y
y
m
0
0
0
0
,i.e., −=−
−
−
=
...(1)
Since the point P
0
(x
0
, y
0
) along with
all points (x, y) on L satisfies (1) and no
other point in the plane satisfies (1). Equation
(1) is indeed the equation for the given line L.
Thus, the point (x, y) lies on the line with slope m through the fixed point (x
0
, y
0
),
if and only if, its coordinates satisfy the equation
y – y
0
= m (x – x
0
)
Example 7
Find the equation of the line through (– 2, 3) with slope – 4.
Solution Here m
=
– 4 and given point (x
0
, y
0
) is (– 2, 3).
By slope-intercept form formula
(1) above, equation of the given
line is
y – 3 = – 4 (x + 2) or
4x + y + 5 = 0, which is the
required equation.
10.3.3 Two-point form Let the
line L passes through two given
points P
1
(x
1
, y
1
) and P
2
(x
2
, y
2
).
Let P (x, y) be a general point
on L (Fig 10.14).
The three points P
1
, P
2
and P are
collinear, therefore, we have
slope of P
1
P = slope of P
1
P
2
i.e.,
1 2 1 2 1
1
1
1 2 1 2 1
or
y
y y y y y
, y ( x ).
y
x
x
x x x x x
− − −
= − = −
− − −
Fig 10.13
Fig 10.14
2020-21
STRAIGHT LINES 215
Thus, equation of the line passing through the points (x
1
, y
1
) and (
x
2
, y
2
) is given by
)(
1
12
12
1
xx
xx
yy
y
y −
−
−
=−
... (2)
Example 8
Write the equation of the line through the points (1, –1) and (3, 5).
Solution
Here x
1
= 1,
y
1
= – 1, x
2
= 3 and
y
2
= 5. Using two-point form (2) above
for the equation of the line, we have
( )
(
)
( )
5 – –1
– –1 = – 1
3 – 1
y x
or –3x + y + 4 = 0, which is the required equation.
10.3.4 Slope-intercept form Sometimes a line is known to us with its slope and an
intercept on one of the axes. We will now find equations of such lines.
Case I Suppose a line L with slope m cuts the y-axis at a distance c from the origin
(Fig10.15). The distance c is called the y-
intercept of the line L. Obviously,
coordinates of the point where the line meet
the y-axis are (0, c). Thus, L has slope m
and passes through a fixed point (0, c).
Therefore, by point-slope form, the equation
of L is
0 or
y c m( x ) y mx c
− = − = +
Thus, the point (x, y) on the line with slope
m and y-intercept c lies on the line if and
only if
y = mx +c ...(3)
Note that the value of c will be positive or negative according as the intercept is made
on the positive or negative side of the y-axis, respectively.
Case II Suppose line L with slope m makes x-intercept d. Then equation of L is
y = m(x – d) ... (4)
Students may derive this equation themselves by the same method as in Case I.
Example 9 Write the equation of the lines for which tan θ =
2
1
, where θ is the
inclination of the line and (i) y-intercept is
3
2
–
(ii) x-intercept is 4.
Fig 10.15
2020-21
216 MATHEMATICS
Solution (i) Here, slope of the line is m
=
tan θ =
2
1
and y - intercept c
=
–
2
3
.
Therefore, by slope-intercept form (3) above, the equation of the line is
032or
2
3
2
1
=+−−= xyxy
,
which is the required equation.
(ii) Here, we have m
=
tan θ =
2
1
and d = 4.
Therefore, by slope-intercept form (4) above, the equation of the line is
042or)4(
2
1
=+−−= xyxy
,
which is the required equation.
10.3.5 Intercept - form Suppose a line L makes x-intercept a and y-intercept b on the
axes. Obviously L meets x-axis at the point
(a, 0) and y-axis at the point (0, b) (Fig .10.16).
By two-point form of the equation of the line,
we have
0
0 ( ) or
0
b
y x a ay bx ab
a
−
− = − = − +
−
,
i.e.,
1=+
b
y
a
x
.
Thus, equation of the line making intercepts
a and b on x-and y-axis, respectively, is
1=+
b
y
a
x
... (5)
Example 10 Find the equation of the line, which makes intercepts –3 and 2 on the
x- and y-axes respectively.
Solution Here a = –3 and b = 2. By intercept form (5) above, equation of the line is
1 or 2 3 6 0
3 2
x y
x y
+ = − + =
−
.
Fig 10.16
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STRAIGHT LINES 217
10.3.6 Normal form Suppose a non-vertical line is known to us with following data:
(i) Length of the perpendicular (normal) from origin to the line.
(ii) Angle which normal makes with the positive direction of x-axis.
Let L be the line, whose perpendicular distance from origin O be OA = p and the
angle between the positive x-axis and OA be ∠XOA = ω. The possible positions of line
L in the Cartesian plane are shown in the Fig 10.17. Now, our purpose is to find slope
of L and a point on it. Draw perpendicular AM on the
x-axis in each case.
In each case, we have OM = p cos ω and MA = p sin
ω, so that the coordinates of the
point A are (p cos ω, p sin ω).
Further, line L is perpendicular to OA. Therefore
The slope of the line L =
1 1 cos
ω
slope of OA tan
ω sin ω
− = − = −
.
Thus, the line L has slope
ωsin
ωcos
−
and point A
(
)
ωsin,ωcos pp
on it. Therefore, by
point-slope form, the equation of the line L is
Fig 10.17
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218 MATHEMATICS
( )
2 2
cosω
sin
ω cos ω or cos ω sin ω ( ω ω)
sin cos
sin ω
y p x p x y p− = − − + = +
or x cos ω + y sin ω = p.
Hence, the equation of the line having normal distance p from the origin and angle ω
which the normal makes with the positive direction of x-axis is given by
x cos ω + y sin ω = p ... (6)
Example 11 Find the equation of the line whose perpendicular distance from the
origin is 4 units and the angle which the normal makes with positive direction of x-axis
is 15°.
Solution
Here, we are given p = 4 and
ω = 15
0
(Fig10.18).
Now cos 15° =
3 1
2 2
+
and sin 15º =
3 1
2 2
−
(Why?)
By the normal form (6) above, the equation of the
line is
( ) ( )
0 0
3 1 3 1
cos sin 4 or 4 or 3 1 3 1 8 2
15 15
2 2 2 2
x y x y x y
+ −
+ = + = + + − =
.
This is the required equation.
Example 12 The Fahrenheit temperature F and absolute temperature K satisfy a
linear equation. Given that K = 273 when F = 32 and that K = 373 when F = 212.
Express K in terms of F and find the value of F, when K = 0.
Solution Assuming F along x-axis and K along y-axis, we have two points (32, 273)
and (212, 373) in XY-plane. By two-point form, the point (F, K) satisfies the equation
373 273
K 273
212 32
−
− =
−
( ) (
)
100
F 32 or K 273 F 32
180
− − = −
or
( )
5
K F 32 273
9
= − +
... (1)
which is the required relation.
Fig 10.18
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STRAIGHT LINES 219
When K = 0, Equation (1) gives
( )
5 273 9
0 F 32 273 or F 32 491 4 or F= 459.4
9 5
.
×
= − + − = − = − −
.
Alternate method We know that simplest form of the equation of a line is y = mx + c.
Again assuming F along x-axis and K along y-axis, we can take equation in the form
K = mF + c ... (1)
Equation (1) is satisfied by (32, 273) and (212, 373). Therefore
273 = 32m + c ... (2)
and 373 = 212m + c ... (3)
Solving (2) and (3), we get
m =
9
5
and c =
9
2297
.
Putting the values of m and c in (1), we get
5 2297
K F
9 9
= +
... (4)
which is the required relation. When K = 0, (4) gives F = – 459.4.
A
Note We know, that the equation y = mx + c, contains two constants, namely,
m and c. For finding these two constants, we need two conditions satisfied by the
equation of line. In all the examples above, we are given two conditions to determine
the equation of the line.
EXERCISE 10.2
In Exercises 1 to 8, find the equation of the line which satisfy the given conditions:
1. Write the equations for the x-and y-axes.
2. Passing through the point (– 4, 3) with slope
2
1
.
3. Passing through (0, 0) with slope m.
4. Passing through
(
)
32,2
and inclined with the x-axis at an angle of 75
o
.
5. Intersecting the x-axis at a distance of 3 units to the left of origin with slope –2.
6. Intersecting the y-axis at a distance of 2 units above the origin and making an
angle of 30
o
with positive direction of the x-axis.
7. Passing through the points (–1, 1) and (2, – 4).
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220 MATHEMATICS
8. Perpendicular distance from the origin is 5 units and the angle made by the
perpendicular with the positive x-axis is 30
0
.
9. The vertices of ∆ PQR are P (2, 1), Q (–2, 3) and R (4, 5). Find equation of the
median through the vertex R.
10. Find the equation of the line passing through (–3, 5) and perpendicular to the line
through the points (2, 5) and (–3, 6).
11. A line perpendicular to the line segment joining the points (1, 0) and (2, 3) divides
it in the ratio 1: n. Find the equation of the line.
12. Find the equation of a line that cuts off equal intercepts on the coordinate axes
and passes through the point (2, 3).
13. Find equation of the line passing through the point (2, 2) and cutting off intercepts
on the axes whose sum is 9.
14. Find equation of the line through the point (0, 2) making an angle
2
π
3
with the
positive x-axis. Also, find the equation of line parallel to it and crossing the y-axis
at a distance of 2 units below the origin.
15. The perpendicular from the origin to a line meets it at the point (–2, 9), find the
equation of the line.
16. The length L (in centimetre) of a copper rod is a linear function of its Celsius
temperature C. In an experiment, if L = 124.942 when C = 20 and L= 125.134
when C = 110, express L in terms of C.
17. The owner of a milk store finds that, he can sell 980 litres of milk each week at
Rs 14/litre and 1220 litres of milk each week at Rs 16/litre. Assuming a linear
relationship between selling price and demand, how many litres could he sell
weekly at Rs 17/litre?
18. P (a, b) is the mid-point of a line segment between axes. Show that equation
of the line is
2=+
b
y
a
x
.
19. Point R (h, k) divides a line segment between the axes in the ratio 1: 2. Find
equation of the line.
20. By using the concept of equation of a line, prove that the three points (3, 0),
(– 2, – 2) and (8, 2) are collinear.
10.4 General Equation of a Line
In earlier classes, we have studied general equation of first degree in two variables,
Ax + By + C = 0, where A, B and C are real constants such that A and B are not zero
simultaneously. Graph of the equation Ax + By + C = 0 is always a straight line.
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STRAIGHT LINES 221
Therefore, any equation of the form Ax + By + C = 0, where A and B are not zero
simultaneously is called general linear equation or general equation of a line.
10.4.1 Different forms of
Ax + By + C = 0 The general equation of a line can be
reduced into various forms of the equation of a line, by the following procedures:
(a) Slope-intercept form If B ≠ 0, then Ax +
By + C = 0 can be written as
A C
or
B B
y x y mx c
= − − = +
... (1)
where
A C
and
B B
m c
= − = −
.
We know that Equation (1) is the slope-intercept form of the equation of a line
whose slope is
A
B
−
, and y-intercept is
C
B
−
.
If B = 0, then x =
C
A
−
,which is a vertical line whose slope is undefined and
x-intercept is
A
C
−
.
(b) Intercept form If C ≠ 0, then Ax + By + C = 0 can be written as
1 or 1
C C
A B
x y x y
a b
+ = + =
− −
... (2)
where a =
A
C
−
and b =
B
C
−
.
We know that equation (2) is intercept form of the equation of a line whose
x-intercept is
A
C
−
and y-intercept is
B
C
−
.
If C = 0, then Ax + By + C = 0 can be written as Ax + By = 0, which is a line
passing through the origin and, therefore, has zero intercepts on the axes.
(c) Normal form Let x cos ω + y sin ω = p be the normal form of the line represented
by the equation Ax + By + C = 0 or Ax + By = – C. Thus, both the equations are
same and therefore,
A B C
cos ω sin ω
p
= = −
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222 MATHEMATICS
which gives
A B
cos ω and sin ω
C C
p p
= − = −
.
Now
(
)
(
)
2
2
2 2
A B
ω ω 1
sin cos
C C
p p
+ = − + − =
or
2
2
2 2
2 2
C
C
or
A B
A B
p
p
= = ±
+
+
Therefore
BA
B
sinωand
BA
A
cosω
2222
+
±=
+
±=
.
Thus, the normal form of the equation Ax + By + C = 0 is
x cos ω + y sin ω = p,
where
2 2 2 2 2 2
A B C
cos ω , sin ω and
A B A B A B
p= ± = ± =±
+ + +
.
Proper choice of signs is made so that p should be positive.
Example 13 Equation of a line is 3x – 4y + 10 = 0. Find its (i) slope, (ii) x - and
y-intercepts.
Solution (i) Given equation 3x – 4y + 10 = 0 can be written as
2
5
4
3
+= xy
... (1)
Comparing (1) with y = mx + c, we have slope of the given line as m =
4
3
.
(ii) Equation 3x – 4y + 10 = 0 can be written as
3 4 10 or 1
10 5
3 2
x y
x y
− = − + =
−
... (2)
Comparing (2) with
1=+
b
y
a
x
, we have x-intercept as a =
3
10
−
and
y-intercept as b =
5
2
.
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STRAIGHT LINES 223
Example 14 Reduce the equation
083 =−+ yx
into normal form. Find the values
of p and ω.
Solution
Given equation is
083 =−+ yx
... (1)
Dividing (1) by
( )
( )
2
2
3 1 2
+ =
, we get
3 1
4 or cos 30 sin 30 4
2 2
x y x y
+ = ° + ° =
... (2)
Comparing (2) with x cos ω + y sin ω = p, we get p = 4 and ω = 30°.
Example15 Find the angle between the lines
053 =−− xy
and
3 6 0
y x
− + =
.
Solution Given lines are
053 =−− xy
or
53 += xy
... (1)
and
063 =+− xy
or
1
2 3
3
y x= −
... (2)
Slope of line (1) is m
1
=
3
and slope of line (2) is m
2
=
3
1
.
The acute angle (say) θ between two lines is given by
2 1
1 2
tan θ
1
m m
m m
−
=
+
...
(3)
Putting the values of m
1
and m
2
in (3), we get
1
3
1 3 1
3
tan θ
1
2 3 3
1 3
3
−
−
= = =
+ ×
which gives θ = 30°. Hence, angle between two lines is either 30°
or 180° – 30° = 150°.
Example 16 Show that two lines a
1
x + b
1
y + c
1
= 0 and a
2
x + b
2
y + c
2
= 0,
where b
1
,
b
2
≠ 0 are:
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224 MATHEMATICS
(i) Parallel if
b
a
b
a
2
2
1
1
=
, and (ii) Perpendicular if
0
2121
=
+
bbaa
.
Solution
Given lines can be written as
b
c
x
b
a
y
1
1
1
1
−−=
... (1)
and
b
c
x
b
a
y
2
2
2
2
−−=
... (2)
Slopes of the lines (1) and (2) are m
1
=
b
a
1
1
−
and m
2
=
b
a
2
2
−
, respectively. Now
(i) Lines are parallel, if m
1
= m
2
, which gives
b
a
b
a
2
2
1
1
−=−
or
b
a
b
a
2
2
1
1
=
.
(ii) Lines are perpendicular, if m
1
.m
2
= – 1, which gives
1 2
1 2
. 1
a a
b b
= −
or a
1
a
2
+ b
1
b
2
= 0
Example 17 Find the equation of a line perpendicular to the line
032
=
+
−
yx
and
passing through the point (1, – 2).
Solution Given line
032
=
+
−
yx
can be written as
2
3
2
1
+= xy
...(1)
Slope of the line (1) is m
1
=
2
1
. Therefore, slope of the line perpendicular to line (1) is
2
1
1
2
−=−=
m
m
Equation of the line with slope – 2 and passing through the point (1, – 2) is
( 2) 2( 1) or = 2
y x y x
− − = − − −
,
which is the required equation.
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STRAIGHT LINES 225
10.5 Distance of a Point From a Line
T
he distance of a point from a line is the length of the perpendicular drawn from the
point to the line. Let L : Ax + By + C =
0 be a line, whose distance from the point
P (x
1
, y
1
) is d. Draw a perpendicular PM from the point P to the line L (Fig10.19). If
Fig10.19
the line meets the x-and y-axes at the points Q and R, respectively. Then, coordinates
of the points are Q
C
0
A
,
−
and R
C
0
B
,
−
. Thus, the area of the triangle PQR
is given by
area
1
( PQR) PM.QR
2
∆ =
, which gives
2 area (
∆PQR)
PM =
QR
... (1)
Also, area
( )
1
1 1
1 C C C
(
∆PQR) 0 0 0
2 B A B
x
y y
= + + − − − + −
2
1
1
1 C C
C
2 B A AB
y
x
= + +
or
1
1
C
2 area (
∆PQR) A B C and
AB
. ,
y
x
= + +
(
)
2
2
2 2
C
C C
QR
0 0
A B
AB
A B
= + = +
+ −
Substituting the values of area (∆PQR) and QR in (1), we get
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226 MATHEMATICS
1
1
2 2
A B C
PM
A B
y
x
+ +
=
+
or
1
1
2 2
A B C
A B
y
x
d
+ +
=
+
.
Thus, the perpendicular distance (d) of a line Ax + By+ C = 0 from a point (x
1
, y
1
)
is given by
1
1
2 2
A B C
A B
y
x
d
+ +
=
+
.
10.5.1 Distance between two
parallel lines We know that slopes
of two parallel lines are equal.
Therefore, two parallel lines can be
taken in the form
y = mx + c
1
... (1)
and y = mx + c
2
... (2)
Line (1) will intersect x-axis at the point
A
1
0
c
,
m
−
as shown in Fig10.20.
Distance between two lines is equal to the length of the perpendicular from point
A to line (2). Therefore, distance between the lines (1) and (2) is
( ) ( )
1
2
1 2
2 2
or =
1 1
c
m c
c c
m
d
m m
− − + −
−
+ +
.
Thus, the distance d between two parallel lines
1
y mx c
= +
and
2
y mx c
= +
is given by
1 2
2
=
1
c c
d
m
−
+
.
If lines are given in general form, i.e., Ax + By + C
1
= 0 and Ax + By + C
2
= 0,
Fig10.20
2020-21
STRAIGHT LINES 227
then above formula will take the form
1 2
2 2
C C
A B
d
−
=
+
Students can derive it themselves.
Example 18 Find the distance of the point (3, – 5) from the line 3x – 4y –26 = 0.
Solution Given line is 3x – 4y –26 = 0 ... (1)
Comparing (1) with general equation of line Ax + By + C = 0, we get
A = 3, B = – 4 and C = – 26.
Given point is (x
1
, y
1
) = (3, –5). The distance of the given point from given line is
(
)
(
)
( )
1 1
2 2 2
2
3 3 4 5 26
A B C
3
.
5
A B
3 4
. – – –
x y
d
–
+
+ +
= = =
+
+
Example 19 Find the distance between the parallel lines 3x – 4y +7 = 0 and
3x – 4y + 5 = 0
Solution Here A = 3, B = –4, C
1
= 7 and C
2
= 5. Therefore, the required distance is
( )
2
2
7 5
2
.
5
3 4
–
d
–
= =
+
EXERCISE 10.3
1. Reduce the following equations into slope - intercept form and find their slopes
and the y - intercepts.
(i) x + 7y = 0, (ii) 6x + 3y – 5 = 0, (iii) y = 0.
2. Reduce the following equations into intercept form and find their intercepts on
the axes.
(i) 3x + 2y – 12 = 0, (ii) 4x – 3y = 6, (iii) 3y + 2 = 0.
3. Reduce the following equations into normal form. Find their perpendicular distances
from the origin and angle between perpendicular and the positive x-axis.
(i) x –
3
y
+ 8 = 0, (ii) y – 2 = 0, (iii) x – y = 4.
4. Find the distance of the point (–1, 1) from the line 12(x + 6) = 5(y – 2).
5. Find the points on the x-axis, whose distances from the line
1
3 4
x y
+ =
are 4 units.
6. Find the distance between parallel lines
(i) 15x + 8y – 34 = 0 and 15x + 8y + 31 = 0 (ii) l (x + y) + p = 0 and l (x + y) – r = 0.
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228 MATHEMATICS
7. Find equation of the line parallel to the line
3 4 2 0
x y
− + =
and passing through
the point (–2, 3).
8. Find equation of the line perpendicular to the line x – 7
y + 5 = 0 and having
x intercept 3.
9. Find angles between the lines
.13and13 =+=+ yxyx
10. The line through the points (h, 3) and (4, 1) intersects the line
7 9 19 0
x y .
− − =
at right angle. Find the value of h.
11. Prove that the line through the point (x
1
, y
1
) and parallel to the line Ax + By + C = 0 is
A (x –x
1
) + B (y – y
1
) = 0.
12. Two lines passing through the point (2, 3) intersects each other at an angle of 60
o
.
If slope of one line is 2, find equation of the other line.
13. Find the equation of the right bisector of the line segment joining the points (3, 4)
and (–1, 2).
14. Find the coordinates of the foot of perpendicular from the point (–1, 3) to the
line 3x – 4y – 16 = 0.
15. The perpendicular from the origin to the line y = mx + c meets it at the point
(–1, 2). Find the values of m and c.
16. If p and q are the lengths of perpendiculars from the origin to the
lines
θ2cosθsinθcos kyx
=
−
and x sec θ + y cosec θ = k, respectively, prove
that p
2
+ 4q
2
= k
2
.
17. In the triangle ABC with vertices A (2, 3), B (4, –1) and C (1, 2), find the equation
and length of altitude from the vertex A.
18. If p is the length of perpendicular from the origin to the line whose intercepts on
the axes are a and b, then show that
.
111
22
2
ba
p
+=
Miscellaneous Examples
Example 20 If the lines
2 3 0 5 3 0
x y , x ky
+ − = + − =
and
3 2 0
x y
− − =
are
concurrent, find the value of k.
Solution Three lines are said to be concurrent, if they pass through a common point,
i.e., point of intersection of any two lines lies on the third line. Here given lines are
2x + y – 3 = 0 ... (1)
5x + ky – 3 = 0 ... (2)
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STRAIGHT LINES 229
3x – y – 2 = 0 ... (3)
Solving (1) and (3) by cross-multiplication method, we get
1
= = or = 1, = 1
–2 – 3 –9 + 4 –2 – 3
x y
x y
.
Therefore, the point of intersection of two lines is (1, 1). Since above three lines are
concurrent, the point (1, 1) will satisfy equation (2) so that
5.1 + k .1 – 3 = 0 or k = – 2.
Example 21 Find the distance of the line 4x – y = 0 from the point P (4, 1) measured
along the line making an angle of 135° with the positive x-axis.
Solution Given line is 4x – y = 0 ... (1)
In order to find the distance of the
line (1) from the point P (4, 1) along
another line, we have to find the point
of intersection of both the lines. For
this purpose, we will first find the
equation of the second line
(Fig 10.21). Slope of second line is
tan 135° = –1. Equation of the line
with slope – 1 through the point
P (4, 1) is
y – 1 = – 1 (x – 4) or x + y – 5 = 0 ... (2)
Solving (1) and (2), we get x = 1 and y = 4 so that point of intersection of the two lines
is Q (1, 4). Now, distance of line (1) from the point P (4, 1) along the line (2)
= the distance between the points P (4, 1) and Q (1, 4).
=
( ) ( )
2 2
1 4 4 1 3 2 units
.
− + − =
Example 22 Assuming that straight lines work as the plane mirror for a point, find
the image of the point (1, 2) in the line x – 3y + 4 = 0.
Solution Let Q (h, k) is the image of the point P (1, 2) in the line
x – 3y + 4 = 0 ... (1)
Fig 10.21
(1, 4)
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230 MATHEMATICS
Therefore, the line (1) is the perpendicular bisector of line segment PQ (Fig 10.22).
Hence Slope of line PQ =
1
Slope of line 3 4 0
x y
−
− + =
,
so that
2 1
or 3 5
1
1
3
k
h k
h
− −
= + =
−
... (2)
and the mid-point of PQ, i.e., point
++
2
2
,
2
1 kh
will satisfy the equation (1) so that
33or04
2
2
3
2
1
−=−=+
+
−
+
kh
kh
... (3)
Solving (2) and (3), we get h =
5
6
and k =
5
7
.
Hence, the image of the point (1, 2) in the line (1) is
6 7
5 5
,
.
Example 23 Show that the area of the triangle formed by the lines
y = m
1
x + c
1
, y = m
2
x + c
2
and x = 0 is
(
)
2
1 2
1 2
2
cc
m m
–
−
.
Fig10.22
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STRAIGHT LINES 231
Solution Given lines are
y = m
1
x + c
1
... (1)
y = m
2
x + c
2
... (2)
x = 0 ... (3)
We know that line
y = mx + c meets
the line x = 0 (y-axis) at the point
(0, c). Therefore, two vertices of the
triangle formed by lines (1) to (3) are
P (0, c
1
) and Q (0, c
2
) (Fig 10. 23).
Third vertex can be obtained by
solving equations (1) and (2). Solving
(1) and (2), we get
(
)
( )
(
)
( )
2 1 1 2 2 1
1 2 1 2
and
c c m c m c
x y
m m m m
− −
= =
− −
Therefore, third vertex of the triangle is R
(
)
( )
(
)
( )
2 1 1 2 2 1
1 2 1 2
c c m c m c
,
m m m m
− −
− −
.
Now, the area of the triangle is
( )
(
)
2
1
2
1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1
2 2 1 1
1 2
1 2 1 2 1 2
1
0 0
2 2
c c
m c m c c c m c m c
c c c c
m m m m m m
m m
− − −
= − + − + − =
− − − −
−
Example 24 A line is such that its segment
between the lines
5x – y + 4 = 0 and 3x + 4y – 4 = 0 is bisected at the
point (1, 5). Obtain its equation.
Solution Given lines are
5x – y + 4 = 0 ... (1)
3x + 4y – 4 = 0 ... (2)
Let the required line intersects the lines (1) and (2)
at the points, (α
1
, β
1
) and (α
2
, β
2
), respectively
(Fig10.24). Therefore
5α
1
– β
1
+ 4 = 0 and
3 α
2
+ 4 β
2
– 4 = 0
Fig 10.23
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232 MATHEMATICS
or β
1
= 5α
1
+ 4 and
2
2
4 – 3
α
β
4
=
.
We are given that the mid point of the segment of the required line between (α
1
, β
1
)
and (α
2
, β
2
) is (1, 5). Therefore
1
1
2 2
β + β+ α
α
= 1 and = 5
2 2
,
or
2
1
2
1
4 – 3
α
5α + 4 +
4
α + = 2 and = 5,
α
2
or α
1
+ α
2
= 2 and 20 α
1
– 3 α
2
= 20 ... (3)
Solving equations in (3) for α
1
and α
2
, we get
1
26
α =
23
and
2
20
=
α
23
and hence,
23
222
4
23
26
.5
β
1
=+=
.
Equation of the required line passing through (1, 5) and (α
1
, β
1
) is
)1(
1
α
5
β
5
1
1
−
−
−
=− xy
or
222
5
23
5 ( 1)
26
1
23
y x
−
− = −
−
or 107x – 3y – 92 = 0,
which is the equation of required line.
Example 25 Show that the path of a moving point such that its distances from two
lines 3x – 2y = 5 and 3x + 2y = 5 are equal is a straight line.
Solution Given lines are
3x – 2y = 5 … (1)
and 3x + 2y = 5 … (2)
Let (h, k) is any point, whose distances from the lines (1) and (2) are equal. Therefore
523523or
49
523
49
523
−+=−−
+
−+
=
+
−−
khkh
khkh
,
which gives 3h – 2k – 5 = 3h + 2k – 5 or – (3h – 2k – 5) = 3h + 2k – 5.
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STRAIGHT LINES 233
Solving these two relations we get k = 0 or
h =
3
5
. Thus, the point (h, k) satisfies the
equations y = 0 or x =
3
5
, which represent straight lines. Hence, path of the point
equidistant from the lines (1) and (2) is a straight line.
Miscellaneous Exercise on Chapter 10
1. Find the values of k for which the line (k–3) x – (4 – k
2
) y + k
2
–7k + 6 = 0 is
(a) Parallel to the x-axis,
(b) Parallel to the y-axis,
(c) Passing through the origin.
2. Find the values of θ and p, if the equation x cos θ + y sinθ = p is the normal form
of the line
3
x + y + 2 = 0.
3. Find the equations of the lines, which cut-off intercepts on the axes whose sum
and product are 1 and – 6, respectively.
4. What are the points on the y-axis whose distance from the line
1
3 4
x y
+ =
is
4 units.
5. Find perpendicular distance from the origin to the line joining the points (cosθ, sin θ)
and (cos φ, sin φ).
6. Find the equation of the line parallel to y-axis and drawn through the point of
intersection of the lines x – 7y + 5 = 0 and 3x + y = 0.
7. Find the equation of a line drawn perpendicular to the line
1
6
4
=+
yx
through the
point, where it meets the y-axis.
8. Find the area of the triangle formed by the lines y – x = 0, x + y = 0 and x – k = 0.
9. Find the value of p so that the three lines 3x + y – 2 = 0, px + 2 y – 3 = 0 and
2x – y – 3 = 0 may intersect at one point.
10. If three lines whose equations are y = m
1
x + c
1
, y = m
2
x + c
2
and y = m
3
x + c
3
are
concurrent, then show that m
1
(c
2
– c
3
) + m
2
(c
3
– c
1
) + m
3
(c
1
– c
2
) = 0.
11. Find the equation of the lines through the point (3, 2) which make an angle of 45
o
with the line x – 2y = 3.
12. Find the equation of the line passing through the point of intersection of the lines
4x + 7y – 3 = 0 and 2x – 3y + 1 = 0 that has equal intercepts on the axes.
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234 MATHEMATICS
13. Show that the equation of the line passing through the origin and making an angle
θ with the line
y mx c is
y
x
m
m
= + =
± tan ‚
tan ‚1 ∓
.
14. In what ratio, the line joining (–1, 1) and (5, 7) is divided by the line x + y = 4?
15. Find the distance of the line 4x
+ 7y
+ 5 = 0 from the point (1, 2) along the line
2x –
y = 0.
16. Find the direction in which a straight line must be drawn through the point (–1, 2)
so that its point of intersection with the line x + y = 4 may be at a distance of
3 units from this point.
17. The hypotenuse of a right angled triangle has its ends at the points (1, 3) and
(– 4, 1). Find an equation of the legs (perpendicular sides) of the triangle.
18. Find the image of the point (3, 8) with respect to the line x +3y = 7 assuming the
line to be a plane mirror.
19. If the lines y = 3x +1 and 2
y = x + 3 are equally inclined to the line y = mx
+ 4, find
the value of m.
20. If sum of the perpendicular distances of a variable point P (x, y) from the lines
x + y – 5 = 0 and 3x – 2y +7 = 0 is always 10. Show that P must move on a line.
21. Find equation of the line which is equidistant from parallel lines 9x + 6y – 7 = 0
and 3x + 2y + 6 = 0.
22. A ray of light passing through the point (1, 2) reflects on the x-axis at point A and the
reflected ray passes through the point (5, 3). Find the coordinates of A.
23. Prove that the product of the lengths of the perpendiculars drawn from the
points
(
)
2 2
0
a b ,
−
and
(
)
2 2
0
a b ,
− −
to the line
2
cos
θ sin θ 1is
x y
b
a b
+ =
.
24. A person standing at the junction (crossing) of two straight paths represented by
the equations 2x – 3y + 4 = 0 and 3x + 4y – 5 = 0 wants to reach the path whose
equation is 6x – 7y + 8 = 0 in the least time. Find equation of the path that he
should follow.
Summary
®
Slope (m) of a non-vertical line passing through the points (x
1
, y
1
) and (x
2
, y
2
)
is given by
2 1 1 2
1 2
2 1 1 2
y y y y
m
x x
, .
x x x x
− −
= = ≠
− −
®
If a line makes an angle á with the positive direction of x-axis, then the slope
of the line is given by m = tan α, α ≠ 90°.
®
Slope of horizontal line is zero and slope of vertical line is undefined.
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STRAIGHT LINES 235
®
An acute angle (say θ) between lines L
1
and L
2
with slopes
m
1
and m
2
is
given by
2 1
1 2
1 2
tan
θ 1 0
1
m – m
, m m
m m
= + ≠
+
.
®
Two lines are parallel if and only if their slopes are equal.
®
Two lines are perpendicular if and only if product of their slopes is –1.
®
Three points A, B and C are collinear, if and only if slope of AB = slope of BC.
®
Equation of the horizontal line having distance a from the x-axis is either
y = a or y = – a.
®
Equation of the vertical line having distance b from the y-axis is either
x = b or x = – b.
®
The point (x, y) lies on the line with slope m and through the fixed point (x
o
, y
o
),
if and only if its coordinates satisfy the equation y – y
o
= m (x – x
o
).
®
Equation of the line passing through the points (x
1
, y
1
) and (x
2
, y
2
) is given by
).(
1
12
12
1
x
x
xx
yy
y
y −
−
−
=−
®
The point (x, y) on the line with slope m and y-intercept c lies on the line if and
only if y = mx + c.
®
If a line with slope m makes x-intercept d. Then equation of the line is
y = m (x – d).
®
Equation of a line making intercepts a and b on the x-and y-axis,
respectively, is
1=+
b
y
a
x
.
®
The equation of the line having normal distance from origin p and angle between
normal and the positive x-axis ω is given by
pyx
=
+
ωsinωcos
.
®
Any equation of the form Ax + By + C = 0, with A and B are not zero,
simultaneously, is called the general linear equation or general equation of
a line.
®
The perpendicular distance (d) of a line Ax + By+ C = 0 from a point (x
1
, y
1
)
is given by
1
1
2 2
A B C
A B
x
y
d
+ +
=
+
.
®
Distance between the parallel lines Ax + By + C
1
= 0 and Ax + By + C
2
= 0,
is given by
2
1
2 2
C
C
A B
d
−
=
+
.
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