SEQUENCE AND SERIES

16 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

Importance : In all competitive examinations 2-3
Rule 3. Three numbers a, b, c are in A.P. if
questions from this chapter are asked. The difficulty level
depends on level of examination. a +c
2b = a + c OR b = or vice versa. Here b is
Scope of questions : Mixed series mainly involve 2
mixture of Arithmetic or Geometric series and rarely called Arithmetic Mean of a and c.
Harmonic series. Arithmetic Mean : If between two given quantities a
Way to success : Main step is to identify and dis- and b we have inserted n quantities A1, A2, A3, ... An
associate the mixed terms to find out Arithmetic & such that a, A1, A2, .... An to form A.P., then we say
Geometric series. that A1, A2, A3 .... An are arithmetic means between
a and b.
Sequence : Succession of numbers arranged in a definite
Insertion of ‘n’ Arithmetic Means between a and b :
order forming a definite pattern is known as sequence.
Let A1, A2, ... An be n Arithmetic Means between two
Series : If a1, a2, a3, a4, ..., an, ... is a sequence, then
quantities a and b. Such that,
the expression a1 + a2 + a3 + a4 + ... + an + ... is a
series.
a, A1, A 2... A n , b are in A. P. then d =
FG b - a IJ
A series is finite or infinite according to as the number H n +1K
of terms in the corresponding sequence is finite or
infinite. FG
A1 = a +
b-a IJ
, A2 = a +
LM b
2 b-a g OP ... A =a+
b g
n b- a
Progressions : Those sequences whose terms follow H n +1 K Nn +1 Q n
bn +1g
certain patterns are called progressions.
Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) : A sequence is called These are the required Arithmetic Means between a
an Arithmetic Progression if the difference between and b.
two consecuti ve terms is always same. Note : Let A be the Arithmetic Mean between a and b,
then a, A, b are in A.P. Such that
i.e., an + 1 – an = constant (= d) for all n Î N
2A = a + b
The constant difference, generally denoted by ‘d’ is
called the common difference. a+b
Þ A=
an is called the nth or last term of an A.P. 2
an = l = a + (n – 1)d Rule 4.
(i) Three consecutive, terms in an A.P are taken as
a – d, a, a + d. (i) 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n =
b
n n +1 g
(ii) Four consecutive terms in an A.P taken as 2
a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d.
Note : If each term of an A.P. is (increased/ (ii) 12 + 22 + 32 + ... + n2 =
b gb
n n + 1 2n + 1 g
decreased) by K then A.M. is also (increased/ 6
decreased) by K.
L nbn + 1g OP 2

= M
If each term of an A.P. is (multiplied/Divided) by K,
(iii) 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n
3 3 3 3
then A.M is also (multiplied/Divided) by same
number K.
N 2 Q
Note that : (ii) and (iii) are not AP's.
Rule 1. Let a be the first term and d be the common
Geometric Progression : A sequence of non-zero
difference of an A.P. Then its nth term is a +
numbers is called a Geometric Progression (abbreviated
(n – 1)d i.e., b g
an = a + n - 1 d . as G.P.) if the ratio of a term and the term preceding to
it is always same.
Rule 2. The sum Sn of n terms of an A.P. with first The constant ratio is called the common ratio (r) of
term is ‘a’ and common difference is ‘d’ is the G.P.
In other words, a sequence a1, a2, a3, ... an is called a
Sn =
n
2
b g
2a + n - 1 d or Sn =
n
2
a +l ,
Geometric Progression if

a n +1
where l = last term = a + (n – 1)d. a n =constant for all n Î N.

SME–749
 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

a 2
Three numbers in G.P is taken as a, ar, ar2 or
r
, a, ar
FG b IJ n +1
Geometric Series : If a1, a2, a3, ... an, ... is a G.P.,
G2 = ar2 = a
H aK
then the expression a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + an + ... is called
a geometric series. n
Rule 5. The nth term of a G.P. with first term a and
G n = ar n F bI
= aG J
n +1

common ratio r is given by a n = ar n -1

.
H aK
Rule 11. If ‘n’ Geometric Means are inserted between
Rule 6. The sum of n terms of a G.P. with first term ‘a’
and common ratio ‘r’. is given by two quantities, then the product of n geometric means
is the nth power of the single geometric mean between
F 1 - rn I F r n - 1I the two quantities, i .e., – G 1 G 2 G 3 ... G n
Sn = a GH 1 - r JK for r < 1 and S n = a GH r - 1 JK for r > 1
n
= e ab j = G n . where, ab = G is the single
In fact these two are exactly identical. The only thing
Geometric Mean between a and b.
which must be noted is that the above formulas do not
hold for r = 1, the sum of n terms of the G.P. is Harmonic Progression :
Sn = na. where r = 1. If a, b, c, d, are in H.P. then,
Rule 7. The sum of an infinite G.P. with 1st term is ‘a’ 1 1 1 1
and common ratio is r(–1 < r < 1 i.e., |r| < 1) is given , , , will form an A.P..
a b c d
by
and then we can apply all rules of A.P.
a
S¥ = . l Harmonic Mean (H.M.) : H will be called Harmonic
1- r
Mean between a and b if a, H, b are in H.P. Then
Rule 8. Three non-zero numbers a, b, c are in G.P. if
2ab
H=
b 2 = ac or b = ac . Here, b is known as the a+b
Geometric Mean of a and c.
Note : Let a and b be two given numbers. If ‘n’ numbers a+b
For two numbers a and b, A.M. = ;
G1, G2, ....., Gn are inserted between a and b such 2
that the sequence a, G1, G2, ... Gn, b is a G.P. Then the
numbers G1, G2, ... Gn are known as n Geometric Means 2ab
G. M. = ab ; H. M. = a + b
(G.M's) between a and b.
Rule 9. Geometric mean : If a single geometric mean Relation among A.M., G.M. and H.M. : For two
G is inserted between two given numbers a and b,
then G is known as the Geometric Mean between a a+b
numb ers a and b, A.M. = ; G. M. = ab ;
and b. Thus, G is the G.M. between a and b. 2
\ a, G, b are in G.P.
Û G2 = ab 2ab
H. M. =
a+b
Þ G = ab
a+b 2ab
Rule 10. Insertion of n Geometric Means between two Q ³ ab ³
2 a+b
given numbers a and b : Let G1, G2, ....., Gn be n
Geometric Means between two given numbers a and A . M. ³ G. M. ³ H. M. .
\
b. Then a, G1, G2, ... Gn, b is a G.P. consisting of
(n + 2) terms. Let r be the common ratio of this G.P., then They will be equal if both numbers are equal to each
b = (n + 2)th term = arn + 1 other.
Now, A.M. × H.M.
1

Þ
F bI
r= G J
n +1 a+b 2ab
b g
H aK =
2
´
a+b
A. M.´H. M. = ab = G. M.
2

\
F bI
= ar = a G J
1
n +1
or, G. M. = b A. M.g ´ bH. M.g
G1
H aK n n

SME–750
 ALGEBRA

17 ALGEBRA
Importance : Algebra based 2-3 questions are (iv) If a polynomial p(x) is divided by b – ax, the remainder
essentially asked in almost all competitive exams obviously
this chapter should be given sufficient time and practice
b b FG IJ
done.
is the value of p(x) at x =
a
i.e. p
a H K
Scope of questions : Questions based on different
algebraic expressions, equations (e.g. quadratic or higher
b
[ Q b – ax = 0 Þ x = ]
order, square root, cube root and inverse) or based on a
graphic representation of equations and the value of a Factor Theorem
variable is asked or an equation is required to be validated.
Let p(x) be a polynomial of degree greater than or equal
Way to success : Solution of questions of this to 1 and a be a real number such that p(a) = 0,
chapter can be ensured by memorising the concerved
then (x – a) is a factor of p(x).
formulae/rules and by regular practice. Conversely, if (x – a) is a factor of p(x),
Polynomials : An algebraic expression in which the then p(a) = 0
variables involved have only non-negative integral powers Þ p(x), when divided by (x – a) gives remainder zero.
is called a polynomial. But by Remainder theorem,
General Form : p(x) = a0 + a1x + a2x2 + ... + anxn is a p(x) when divided by (x – a) gives the remainder equal
polynomial in variable x, where a0, a1, a2, a3 ... an are to p(a).
real numbers and n is non-negative integer. \ p(a) = 0
Remainder Theorem : Let f(x) be a polynomial of degree Remarks
n > 1, and let a be any real number. When f (x) is
divided by (x – a), then the remainder is f (a). (i) (x + a) is a factor of a polynomial iff (if and only if)
Proof : Suppose that when f(x) is divided by (x – a), the p (–a) = 0
quotient is g(x) and the remainder is r (x).
FG b IJ
Then,degree r(x) < degree (x – a)
Þ degree r(x ) < 1
(ii) (ax – b) is a factor of a polynomial if p
HaK =0

Þ degree r(x ) = 0 [ Q degree of (x – a) = 1]

(iii) (ax + b) is a factor of a polynomial p(x) if p -
FG b IJ
Þ r(x ) is constant, equal to r (say). H aK =0
Thus, when f (x ) is divided by (x – a), then the quotient
(iv) (x – a) (x – b) are factors of a polynomial p(x) if p(a)
is g(x ) and the remainder is r.
= 0 and p(b) = 0
\ f (x ) = (x – a) . g (x ) + r ... (i)
Putting x = a in (i), we get r = f(a).
ALGEBRAIC IDENTITIES
Thus, when f(x) is divided by (x – a), then the remainder
is f (a). An algebraic identity is an algebraic equation which is
Remarks true for all values of the variable (s).
(i) If a polynomial p(x ) is divided by (x + a), the remainder
is the value of p(x ) at x = –a i.e. p (–a) IMPORTANT FORMULAE
[ Q x + a = 0 Þ x = –a]
1. (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
(ii) If a polynomial p(x) is divided by (ax – b), the remainder
2. (a – b)2 = a2 – 2ab + b2
b FG b IJ . 3. (a + b)2 = (a – b)2 + 4ab
is the value of p(x) at x =
a
i.e. p
HaK 4. (a – b)2 = (a + b)2 – 4ab
b 5. a2 – b2 = (a + b) (a – b)
[ Q ax – b = 0 Þ x = ] 6. a3 + b3 = (a + b) (a2 – ab + b2)
a
(iii) If a polynomial p (x ) is divided by (ax + b), then 7. a3 – b3 = (a – b) (a2 + ab + b2)

b
i.e. p -
b FG IJ 8. (a + b)3 = a3 + b3 + 3ab (a + b)
remainder is the value of p(x) at x = -
a a H K 9. (a – b)3 = a3 – b3 – 3ab (a – b)
10. a3 + b3 = (a + b)3 – 3ab (a + b)
b 11. a3 – b3 = (a – b)3 + 3ab (a – b)
[ Q ax + b = 0 Þ x = – ]
a

SME–766
 ALGEBRA

12. a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc
= (a + b + c) (a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ac) Y
1 5
= (a + b + c) (2a2 + 2b2 + 2c2 – 2ab – 2bc – 2ac) 4
2
3
1 II 2 I
= (a + b + c) [(a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2]
2 1
13. If a + b + c = 0, then a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc X' X
14. (a + b + c)3 = a3 + b3 + c3 + 3 (b + c) (c + a) (a + b) –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1
–1
2 3 4 5

15. a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 – 2ab

–2
16. a2 + b2 = (a – b)2 + 2ab III IV
–3
17. (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2ac + 2bc
18. a4 + b4 + a2b2 = (a2 – ab + b2) (a2 + ab + b2) –4
–5
GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION OF Y'

STRAIGHT LINES
Ordered Pair : A pair of numbers a and b listed in a
specific order with a at the first place and b at the
second place is called an ordered pair (a, b).
Note that (a, b) ¹ (b, a).
Thus, (2, 3) is one ordered pair and (3, 2) is another
ordered pair.
CO-ORDINATE SYSTEM
Co-ordinate Axes : The position of a point in a plane is
determined with reference to two fixed mutually
perpendicular lines, called the coordinate axes.
Let us draw two lines X’OX and YOY’, which are
perpendicular to each other and intersect at the point O.
These lines are called the coordinate axes or the axes
of reference.
The horizontal line X’OX is called the x-axis.
The vertical line YOY’ is called the y-axis.
The point O is called the origin.
The distance of a point from y-axis is called its x-co-
ordinate or abscissa and the distance of the point from
x-axis is called its y-co ordinate or ordinate.
If x and y, denote respectively the abscissa and ordinate
of a point P, then (x, y) are called the coordinates of the
point P.
The y–co-ordinate of every point on x-axis is zero. i.e.
when a straight line intersects at x-axis, its y-co-ordinate
is zero. So, the co-ordinates of any point on the x-axis
are of the form (x, 0).
The x-co-ordinate of every point on y-axis is zero. So,
the co-ordinates of any point on y-axis are of the form
(0, y).
The co-ordinates of the origin are (0, 0).
y = a where a is constant denotes a straight line parallel
to x-axis.
x = a where a is constant, denotes a straight line parallel
to y-axis.
x = 0 denotes y-axis.
y = 0 denotes x-axis.
We can fix a convenient unit of length and taking the
origin as zero, mark equal distances on the x-axis as
well as on the y-axis.
Convention of Signs : The distances measured along
OX and OY are taken as positive and those along OX’
and OY’ are taken as negative, as shown in the figure
given above.
CO-ORDINATES OF A POINT IN A PLANE
Let P be a point in a plane.
Let the distance of P from the y-axis = a units.
And, the distance of P from the x-axis = b units.
Then, we say that the co-ordinates of P are (a, b).
a is called the x-co-ordinate, or abscissa of P.
b is called the y co-ordinate, or ordinate of P.
Y
P (a, b)
b
M
X' O a X
Y'
Quadrants : Let X’ OX and YOY’ be the co-ordinate
axes.
These axes divide the plane of the paper into four
regions, called quadrants. The regions XOY, YOX’,X’OY’
and Y’OX are respectively known as the first, second,
third and fourth quadrants.

SME–767
 ALGEBRA
Using the convention of signs, we have the signs of the Rule 2. (a + b)2 + (a – b)2 = 2(a2 + b2)
coordinates in various quadrants as given below. Rule 3. (a + b)2 – (a – b)2 = 4ab
Region Quadrant Nature of Signs of or, (a + b)2 =(a – b)2 + 4ab
x and y co-ordinates or, (a – b) 2 =(a + b)2 – 4ab
XOY I x > 0, y > 0 (+, +) Rule 4. (a2 – b2) = (a + b) (a – b)
YOX' II x < 0, y > 0 (–, +)
2
Rule 5. a +
1
= a+
FG 1 IJ 2
- 2 or,
FG a - 1 IJ 2
+2
X'OY'
Y'OX
III
IV
x < 0, y < 0
x > 0, y < 0
(–, –)
(+, –)
a2 a H K H aK
Rule 6. a4 – b4 =(a2 + b2) (a + b) (a – b)
Y Rule 7. (a + b + c)2 =a2+ b2+ c2+ 2(ab+ bc + ca)
or, a2 + b2 + c2 =(a + b + c)2–2(ab+ bc + ca)
I Rule 8. (a + b)3 =a3 + b3 + 3ab(a + b)
II
(–, +) (+, +) or, a3 + b3 = (a + b)3 – 3ab(a + b)
Rule 9. (a – b)3 = a3 – b3 – 3ab(a – b)
or, a3 – b3 = (a – b)3 – 3ab(a – b).
Rule 10. a3 + b3 =(a + b) (a2 – ab + b2)
X' X Rule 11. a3 – b3 =(a – b) (a2 + ab + b2)

III IV 3
Rule 12. a +
1
= a+
FG 1 IJ 3
FG 1 IJ
-3 a +
(–, –) (+, –)
a3 a H K H aK
3
Rule 13. a -
1 F 1I
= Ga - J
3
F 1I
+ 3Ga - J
Y'
a3 H aK H aK
1 1
Note : Any point lying on x-axis or y-axis does not lie in Rule 14. If a + = 2 then a n + n = 2.
any quadrant. a a
Consistency and Inconsistency 1 1
Rule 15. If a + = 2 then, a n - =0
A system of a pair of linear equations in two variables a an
is said to be consistent if it has at least one solution.
(By putting a = 1)
A system of a pair of linear equations in two variables
is said to be inconsistent if it has no solution. 1 1
Rule 16. If a + = 2 then a m + =2
The system of a pair of linear equations a1x + b1y + c1 a an
= 0 and a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 has : (By putting a = 1), and m ¹ n.
a1 b 1 1
(i) a unique solution (i.e. consistent) if ¹ 1 . The graph Rule 17. If a + = 2 then a m - =0
a 2 b2 a an
of the linear equations intersect at only one point. (By putting a = 1)
1 1
a1 b1 c1 Rule 18. If a + = -2, then a n + = 2 If n is even
(ii) no solution (i.e. inconsistent) if b = b ¹ c a an
2 2 2

The graph of the two linear equations are parallel to n 1

and a + = –2, if n is odd.
each other i.e. the lines do not intersect. an
(By putting a = –1)
a1 b1 c1
(iii) an infinite number of solution if a = b = c 1
2 2 2 Rule 19. If a+ = -2 then the val ue of
a
The graph of the linear equations are coincident.
Homogeneous equation of the form ax + by = 0 is a line
am ±
1
b g
= -1
m
±
1
passing through the origin. Therefore, this system is
always consistent.
an b-1g n

Rule 1. (a + b)2 =a2 + 2ab + b2 Rule 20. a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc = (a + b + c) (a2 + b2 + c2 –

Þ a2 + b2 =(a + b)2 – 2ab
(a – b) 2 = a2 – 2ab + b2 ab – bc – ca) or,
1
2
b g
a + b + c [(a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2]
Þ a2 + b2 =(a – b)2 + 2ab Rule 21. If a + b + c = 0, then a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc.

SME–768
 ALGEBRA
Rule 22. If a + b + c = 3abc, then a + b + c = 0 or a
3 3 3
1 1
= b = c. Rule 31. If a - = x, then a 3 - 3 = x 3 + 3 x.
Proof Q a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc a a
Þ a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc = 0 Rule 32. Binomial theorem :
(a + b)n = nC0anb0 + nC1an – 1b1 + nC2an – 2b2 + ... +
1
Now, a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc = (a + b + c) [(a – b)2 +
n
Cn – 1a1bn – 1 + nCna0bn, where, n is a positive number and
2
n n!
(b – c)2 + (c – a)2] Cr =
1
b
r! n -r ! g
Þ 0= (a + b + c) [(a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2] Permutation and Combination
2
Permutation : It is used where we have to arrange
\ Either a + b + c = 0 or, (a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2 things. Out of total n things, r things (taken at a time)
= 0, i.e., a – b = 0 can be arranged as npr or P (n,r)
Þ a = b, b – c = 0
Þ b = c, c – a = 0 P (n,r) = n
Pr =
n!
where n > r
Þ c=a (n -r )!

\ a=b=c Combination : It is used where we have to select

Rule 23. If a2 + b2 + c2 = ab + bc + ca, then a = b = c. things. It is written as nCr or C(n,r)
Rule 24. Componendo and Dividendo Rule, If
n!
a c a+b c+d C (n,r) = n>r
(n – r )! r !
= then =
b d a -b c-d Some important results.
a+b c a c+d n Po =1; n Pn = n !
Rule 25. If = , then = .
a-b d b c-d n
Co = nCn=1 ; nCr = nCn–r = nC1 = nCn–1 = n.
7! 7! 7.6.5.4 !
=
Rule 26. If x + x + x +... ¥ where x = n(n + 1) Ex. 7
P3
b7 - 3g ! = 4 ! = 4!
= 210

then x + x + x +... ¥ = n + 1 b g 5C2 =

5! 5.4.3 !
b5 - 2g ! 2 ! = 3 !´ 2 ´ 1 = 10
Rule 27. If x - x - x -... ¥ where x = n(n + 1) then, n! (is called as n factorial)
5! = 5.4!
= 5.4.3!
x- x- x -... ¥ = n.
= 5.4.3.2!
Rule 28. (a + b + c) 3 = a 3 + b 3 + c 3 – 3(a + b) = 5.4.3.2.1!
(b + c) (c + a)
Rule 29. a4 + a2b2 + b4 = (a2 + ab + b2) (a2 – ab + b2) 5 ! = 120
1 1
Rule 30. If a + = x, then a 3 + = x3 - 3 x. Also 0 ! = 1
a a3

COORDINATE GEOMETRY
Importance : Coordinate geometry is separate and Important Points :
important filled in mathematics but very rarely asked in x–coordinate is called the abscissa of P, where
competitive exams. However in two-dimensional (2–D) (x, y) are co-ordinates of any point P.
y–co-ordinate is called the ordinate of P, where
geometry introductory/easy questions should be practised
(x, y) are co–ordinates of any point P.
for improving marks.
Quadrants :
Scope of questions : Mostly questions are related to
distance between two points, linear/non-linear these coplaner y
points, cutting a line a specific ratio by a given point. IInd quadrant Ist quadrant
(–x, y) (x, y)
Way to success : The concept of coordinate geometry
x¢ x
and practice of above mentioned questions is very
important to solve questions.
IIIrd quadrant (–x, –y) IVth quadrant (x, –y)
y¢

SME–769
 ALGEBRA
Cartesian Co–ordinate System : RULE 6 : The Co-ordinates of the centroid of a triangle
y whose vertices are (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) is given by

FG x
1 + x2 + x 3 y1 + y 2 + y 3 IJ
P (x, y) H 3
,
3 K

at e
y-Co-ordinate RULE 7 : The Co–ordinates of the in–centre of a triangle

in
whose vertices are A (x1, y1), B(x2, y2), C(x3, y3) are given by

rd
(ordinate)

-o
C0
x¢ x F ax + bx + cx ay1 + by 2 + cy 3 I
x-Co-ordinate
y¢ (abscissa)
GH a + b + c
1 2 3
,
a + b+c JK
where a = BC,

Polar Coordinate System : b = CA and c = AB.

y Equation of straight line.
A straight line is a curve such that every point on the
line segment joining any two points on it lies on it.
P (r, q)
RULE 8 : If (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the Co-ordinates of
any two points on a line, then its slope is
r y \ r2 = x2 + y2
( y 2 - y1 ) difference of ordinates
x¢ q x
(tan q ) = m = ( x - x ) = difference of abscissa
x 2 1

y¢ RULE 9 : The angle q between the lines having slopes

RULE 1 : The distance between any two points in the 2 1 m -m
plane is the length of the line segment joining them. The m1 and m2 is given by tan q = ± 1 + m m
1 2
distance between two points P (x1, y1) and Q (x2, y2) is
RULE 10 : If two lines having slopes m1 and m2 are
PQ = ( x1 - x 2 )2 + ( y1 - y 2 )2 or,, (i) parallel if m1 = m2 (ii) Perpendicular if m1 x m2 = –1
RULE 11 : (Slope–Intercept) The equation of a line
with slope m and making an intercept c on y-axis is y
PQ = (difference of abscissa )2 + (difference of ordinates)2
= mx + c.
RULE 2 : The area of a triangle, the Co-ordinates of RULE 12 : (Point-Slope form) The equation of a line
whose vertices are (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) is which passes through the point (x1, y1) and has the slope
FG 1 IJ |x (y ‘m’ is (y – y1) = m(x – x1)
Area D =
H 2K 1 2
– y3) + x2(y3 – y1) + x3(y1 – y2)| RULE 13 : (Two-point form) The equation of a line
passing through two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by

x1 y1 1 x - x1 y - y1
FG 1 IJ x2 y2 1 x 2 - x1 = y 2 - y 2
=
H 2K x3 y3 1 RULE 14 : (Intercept form) The equation of a line which
cuts off intercepts a and b respectively on the x and y–axes is
If all three points are collinear,
then area of D = 0 x y
+ =1
RULE 3 : The Co-ordinates of the point which divides a b
the line segment joining the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) internally RULE 15 : (i) The slope of a line whose general quation
in the ratio m : n are given by
-A
mx 2 + nx1 my 2 + ny1 is given by Ax + By + C = 0 is
B
x= m+ n y= m+ n (ii) The intercepts of a line on x and y axes respectively
RULE 4 : If P is the mid-point of AB, such that it divides whose general equation is Ax + By + C = 0 is given by :-
AB in the ratio 1 : 1, then its Co-ordinates are (x,y) = -C -C
x-intercept = and y-intercept =
FG x1 + x 2 y1 + y 2 IJ A B
H 2
,
2 K
also called mid point formula. RULE 16 : General equation of straight line is ax+ by + c = 0
RULE 5 : The Co–ordinates of the point which divides \ Now the area of the triangle made by the given straight
the line segment joining the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) externally line and its intercepts is
in the ratio m : n, are
1 FG -c IJ × FG -c IJ
F mx - nx my 2 - ny1 I D=
2
×
H aK H bK sq. units
GH m - n
2 1
,
m- n JK qq q

SME–770