Examnle 8.

1
Find the*ffi1 2) to B (3' -1 )
Tff :;;lflr-^,f '
:(3+2)?+(-l-2Sz
- : 52 + (*3)2 * 25 + 9:34
AB -.64

Examule 8.2 D (1,3)

Find the coordinates of the midpoint of the line joining

C (-3, -z)and D (1, 3)
-The coordinates of M are t*(rr + xz) , *rVr + yz)l
: [*(-3 + \, *(4 + 3)]
: (*l' *)

Examole 8.3
Determine, by comparing gradients, whether the following three points are collinear
A($, l), B (r, *), c (:4,4)
GradienrofAB: :** Gradient of BC: ^L
*.f, * ,1
: **J
a

# 4*r 2
As the gradients of AB and BC are the same, and B is common to both Iines, points A, B and C are
collinear.

Example 8.4
Find the equation of the line passing through the points P (1, *2) and Q (3, 1)

: rp: tSA:
gradient of PQ 1

- using y-lr:m(x-xr) gf, using y: mx * c

equation of PQ: y+/* 8(r- l) Y:tx+c

2y+4:3x-3 when r: L, y: --2, soc:-2-1-41
2Y :3x *7 y: $x *31 or 2Y:3x -7
t0l
 Chapter 8: Coordinate Geometry

Examnle 8.5
M (2, -1) is the mid-point of the straight line joining point A (A,4) to point B. Find the coordinates of B.
Let B be the point (p, q)
Then, since M is mid-pt ofAB; 2 : *(2+p) and -t : $1+ + qy
p: 6 and q: -4. B is pt. (6, -6)

Examole 8.6
The three points A, B and C have coordinates {1,7), (-1, 3) and (a, 5) respectively. If AB and BC are of equal
length, calculate the two possible values of a.
AB2 :BC2 ... (-1 - l)2+(3 -7)2 : (a+ l)z+(5-3)2
(a+t;z:16.'. a:-5 or 3