Republic of the Philippines

Sorsogon State College

EDUCATION, ACCOUNTANCY, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEPARTMENT
Sorsogon City
First Semester, SY 2020 - 2021

Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics (BSEd – Math)

Second Year

Topic 1: Rectangular Coordinates

Anthony L. Madrazo
Instructor I

Calculus I with Analytic Geometry – Rectangular Coordinates, Madrazo, A. @2020, anthonymadrazo5@gmail.com | 1

 RECTANGULAR COORDINATE SYSTEM

This topic is a preliminary discussion to Calculus, and at this same time this is a recapitulation of basic concepts
required in Calculus from Junior High and Senior High School, respectively.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Recognize the basic ideas rectangular coordinates towards understanding calculus.
2. Apply the concepts of rectangular coordinates in real – world problems.

LESSON PROPER
Rectangular Coordinate System
The rectangular coordinate system consists of two real number lines that intersect at a right angle. The
horizontal number line is called the x-axis, and the vertical number line is called the y-axis. These two number
lines define a flat surface called a plane, and each point on this plane is associated with an ordered pair of real
numbers (x, y). The first number is called the x-coordinate, and the second number is called the y-coordinate.
The intersection of the two axes is known as the origin, which corresponds to the point (0, 0).

This system is often called the Cartesian coordinate

system, named after the French mathematician René
Descartes (1596–1650).

The x- and y-axes break the plane into four regions

called quadrants, named using roman numerals I, II,
III, and IV, as pictured. In quadrant I, both
coordinates are positive. In quadrant II, the x-
coordinate is negative and the y-coordinate is
positive. In quadrant III, both coordinates are
negative. In quadrant IV, the x-coordinate is positive
and the y-coordinate is negative.

Source: https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_elementary-algebra/s06-01-
rectangular-coordinate-system.html
Distance between Two Points
Suppose there are two points 𝑃1 (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and 𝑃2 (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 )
respectively, the direct distance between them is determined by the square
root of sums of the squares of difference of abscissas and ordinates.

Assuming we have two points 𝐴(−1, −2) and 𝐵(3,1), let us

determine at least one point where the coordinates horizontally or
vertically meet. The given meet at two points which are (3, −2), and
(−1,1).

Calculus I with Analytic Geometry – Rectangular Coordinates, Madrazo, A. @2020, anthonymadrazo5@gmail.com | 2

 Let us consider only one from two points, let say chose (3, −2). This
point has x-coordinate of point B and y-coordinate of point A. If we
consider point A as the first point and point as the second point.
Abstractly, the coordinate of (3, −2) is (𝑥2 , 𝑦1 ). Let name it point
𝐶(𝑥2 , 𝑦1 ).

Direct Distance
The direct distance (horizontal) between point A and C can be
determined by counting (sometimes). But, for precision, it is the
absolute value of difference of x-coordinates. Y-coordinates is
constant because the point are on the same level.
𝒅 𝒉 = |𝒙 𝟏 − 𝒙 𝟐 | = |𝒙 𝟐 − 𝒙 𝟏 |
𝑑ℎ = |−1 − 3| = |3 − (−1)|
𝑑ℎ = |−4| = |3 + 1|
𝑑ℎ = |−4| = |4| = 4
Also, by counting, we can get the same answer which 4 units. Even we interchange the values we still arrived
at the same answer.

Now, let us determine the distance between point B and C which also falls on the same line vertically. This time
since x – values are the same, change in position only occurs on y-values. The direct distance (vertical) of the
two points is determined by absolute value of the difference of y-values.
𝒅 𝒗 = | 𝒚 𝟏 − 𝒚 𝟐 | = |𝒚 𝟐 − 𝒚 𝟏 |
𝑑𝑣 = |1 − (−2)| = |−2 − 1|
𝑑𝑣 = |1 + 2| = |−3|
𝑑𝑣 = |3| = |−3| = 3
The direct distance between point B and C is 3 unit. By counting, we will get the same length.

Now, let us determine the distance between points A and B. The direct line that connects the two points is
neither vertical nor horizontal. But, points A, B, and C, formed a right triangle. And we have already the values
of legs of the triangle.
Segment ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 is the hypotenuse of the triangle. To get the length of
hypotenuse we can use the Pythagorean Theorem.
𝑐 2 = 𝑎 2 + 𝑏 2 ⟹ 𝑐 = √𝑎 2 + 𝑏 2
Therefore:
𝑐 = √𝑎 2 + 𝑏 2
𝑐 = √𝑑ℎ 2 + 𝑑𝑣 2
𝑐 = √42 + 32
𝑐 = √16 + 9
𝑐 = √25 = 5
So the length of ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 is 5 units.

Calculus I with Analytic Geometry – Rectangular Coordinates, Madrazo, A. @2020, anthonymadrazo5@gmail.com | 3

But if we work on the same process, it consumes lot of time and energy. Using the basic information, let us
derive the general formula for determining the direct distance using any two points. We already that 𝒅𝒉 =
|𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙𝟏 | and 𝒅𝒗 = |𝒚𝟐 − 𝒚𝟏 |.

Therefore:
𝑐 = √𝑎 2 + 𝑏 2
𝑐 = √𝑑ℎ 2 + 𝑑𝑣 2
𝑐 = √(𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙𝟏 )2 + (𝒚𝟐 − 𝒚𝟏 )2
The hypotenuse (c) of triangle is equivalent to the distance (d) between two points. Therefore:
𝑐=𝑑
Thus:
𝒅 = √(𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙𝟏 )𝟐 + (𝒚𝟐 − 𝒚𝟏 )𝟐
This is the GENERAL DISTANCE FORMULA given any two points. Since this general formula this
also applies even lines are vertical or horizontal.

Try this!
Determine the distance of the points. Just try this on your own.
1. (0,0) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (5,7)
2. (−4,5) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (1, −4)
3. (8,4) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (0,0)
4. (6, −3) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (6,9)
5. (5, −5) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (8, −5)

MIDPOINT
Midpoint is the point that divide the segment into two equal segments. For example the midpoint of (−5,0)
and (5,0) is (0,0). The coordinates of midpoint is simply the average of corresponding variables.
That is:
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 𝑦1 + 𝑦2
𝑀 (𝑥, 𝑦) = ( , )
2 2
For example:
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 𝑦1 + 𝑦2
𝑀 (𝑥, 𝑦) = ( , )
2 2
−5 + 5 0 + 0
𝑀 (𝑥, 𝑦) = ( , )
2 2
0 0
𝑀 (𝑥, 𝑦) = ( , )
2 2
𝑀 (𝑥, 𝑦) = (0,0)

Try this!
Determine the midpoints of the following. Just try this on your own.
1. (0,0) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (5,7)
2. (−4,5) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (1, −4)
3. (8,4) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (0,0)
4. (6, −3) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (6,9)
5. Supposed the midpoint is (1, −2) of (6, −4) and (−4, 𝑓), what is possible value/s of 𝑓?

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INCLINATION
Inclination or slope talks about the steepness of line.

Let us consider the same example used in the previous discussions.

Basically, we know that slope is the ratio of units vertically over the
units horizontally, or simple rise over run. And, if the line rises from
left to right its slope is positive, while if the line rises from right to
left, then its slope is negative. Slope/ inclination/ steepness is
denoted by 𝑚.
𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒
𝑚=
𝑟𝑢𝑛
From the example, our presumption that segment AB will have
positive slope since it rises from left to right. The vertical change is
3 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 (𝐵𝐶̅̅̅̅ = 𝑑𝑣 ) and horizontal change is 4 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 (𝐴𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ = 𝑑ℎ ).
Therefore:
𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝐵𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ 𝑑𝑣 3
𝑚𝐴𝐵 = = = =
𝑟𝑢𝑛 ̅̅̅̅𝐴𝐶 𝑑ℎ 4
3
The slope of ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 is 4.
Take note that 𝐵𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ = 𝑑𝑣 = |𝑦1 − 𝑦2 | = |𝑦2 − 𝑦1 |, and 𝐴𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ = 𝑑ℎ = |𝑥1 − 𝑥2 | = |𝑥2 − 𝑥1 |, therefore we can
simplify slope as:
𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝐵𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ 𝑑𝑣 𝑦1 − 𝑦2 𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑚= = = = =
𝑟𝑢𝑛 ̅̅̅̅𝐴𝐶 𝑑ℎ 𝑥1 − 𝑥2 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
But generally, the EQUATION FOR SLOPE GIVEN TWO POINTS or simply SLOPE FORMULA is:
𝒚𝟐 − 𝒚𝟏
𝒎=
𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙𝟏
Take note that we removed the absolute value symbol since we are not talking about length or distance.

Let us verify the slope of ̅̅̅̅

𝐴𝐵 using the formula:
𝐴(−1, −2) 𝐵(3,1) 𝐵(3,1) 𝐴(−1, −2)
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑚=
𝑚= 𝑥2 − 𝑥1
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 (−2) − (1)
(1) − (−2) 𝑚=
𝑚= (−1) − (3)
(3) − (−1) −2 − 1
1+2 𝑚 =
𝑚= −1 − 3
3+1 −3
3 𝑚=
𝑚= −4
4 3
𝑚=
4
Notice that even we interchange the points we still arrived at the same slope.

Try this!
Determine the slopes of the following. Just try this on your own.
1. (0,0) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (5,7)
2. (−4,5) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (1, −4)
3. (8,4) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (0,0)
4. (6, −3) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (6,9)
2
5. Supposed the − 5 of (6, −4) and (−4, 𝑓), what is possible value/s of 𝑓?

Calculus I with Analytic Geometry – Rectangular Coordinates, Madrazo, A. @2020, anthonymadrazo5@gmail.com | 5

Parallel lines and Perpendicular lines

Parallel lines are two or more lines that are extended in both directions, equidistant, and will never meet or
intersect (so far). Since parallel follow the same direction, this implies that parallel lines have equal slopes.

Example 1. Suppose the equation of a line is 6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 10,

what is the equation of line that is parallel to the
given equation passing through point (1,2) as
shown in the figure.

Solution. First, determine the slope of 6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 10. We can

do it by translating it into slope – intercept form
(𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏), m is the slope and b is the y –
intercept. Therefore:
6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 10
−2𝑦 = −6𝑥 + 10
−2𝑦 −6𝑥 + 10
=
−2 −2
𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 5
The slope of the line is 𝟑 and the y-intercept is 𝟓 or the line
intercepted y – axis at (0, −5).

We are going to use the slope of the line (3) and the given point (1,2) to determine equation of parallel line
6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 10. Since the given is slope and a point, therefore we can use the point – slope form of the line or
even slope – intercept form, or other.
Point – Slope Form Slope – Intercept Form
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) = (1,2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚 = 3 (𝑥, 𝑦) = (1,2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚 = 3
𝑦 − 2 = 3(𝑥 − 1) 2 = 3(1) + 𝑏
𝑦 − 2 = 3𝑥 − 3 2 = 3+𝑏
𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 3 + 2 2−3= 𝑏
𝒚 = 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏 𝒐𝒓 𝟑𝒙 − 𝒚 = 𝟏 −1 = 𝑏
𝑦 = 3𝑥 + (−1)
𝒚 = 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏 𝒐𝒓 𝟑𝒙 − 𝒚 = 𝟏
Therefore, the equation of the line that is parallel to 6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 10 passed through (1,2) is 𝒚 = 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏 or
𝟑𝒙 − 𝒚 = 𝟏.

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Example 2. What is the equation of the line that parallel to the line formed by (−3,4) and (5, −1), and pass
through point (−2, −3)?

Solution. Determine the slope of the line formed by (−3,4) and (5, −1).
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑚=
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
−1 − 4
𝑚=
5 − (−3)
−5
𝑚=
5+3
−5
𝑚=
8
Use the point (−2, −3) and the computed slope to determine the equation of line parallel to line
formed by(−3,4) and (5, −1). We can use point – slope form or slope – intercept form again.
Point – Slope Form Slope – Intercept Form
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
5 5
(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) = (−2, −3) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚 = − (𝑥, 𝑦) = (−2, −3) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚 = −
8 8
5 5
𝑦 − (−3) = − (𝑥 − (−2)) −3 = − (−2) + 𝑏
8 8
5 5
8 [𝑦 + 3 = − (𝑥 + 2)] 8 8 [−3 = − (−2) + 𝑏] 8
8 8
8𝑦 + 24 = −5(𝑥 + 2) −24 = 10 + 8𝑏
8𝑦 + 24 = −5𝑥 − 10 −24 − 10 = 8𝑏
5𝑥 + 8𝑦 = −10 − 24 −34 = 8𝑏
𝟓𝒙 + 𝟖𝒚 = −𝟑𝟒 8
17
− =𝑏
4
5 17
𝑦 = − 𝑥 + (− )
8 4
𝟓 𝟏𝟕
𝒚=− 𝒙−
𝟖 𝟒
Take note that both answers are correct. The first one is in standard (𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶), and the second in in
slope- intercept form (𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏).

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Perpendicular Lines
Perpendicular lines are two or more intersecting lines that form a right angle (90𝑜 ).

Example 1. Suppose we have the same given where the

equation of the line is 6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 10, what is the
equation of line that is perpendicular to 6𝑥 −
2𝑦 = 10 passing through point (1,2) as shown
in the figure.
Solution. We already determined that its slope is 3 which from
its slope – intercept form 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 5 (see solution at
parallel lines). But slope of perpendicular lines are not
equal, but negative reciprocal of the other.
1
𝑚2 = −
𝑚1
Considering that 𝑚1 = 3 which is the slope of the given
equation. Therefore:
1 1
𝑚2 = − =−
𝑚1 3

Similarly, we have point and slope, therefore we can use the point – slope form or slope – intercept form.
Point – Slope Form Slope – Intercept Form
(
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚2 𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) 𝑦 = 𝑚2 𝑥 + 𝑏
1 1
(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) = (1,2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚1 = − (𝑥, 𝑦) = (1,2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚1 = −
3 3
1 1
3 [𝑦 − 2 = − (𝑥 − 1)] 3 2 = − (1) + 𝑏
3 3
3𝑦 − 6 = −1(𝑥 − 1) 1
2=− +𝑏
3𝑦 − 6 = −𝑥 + 1 3
𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 1 + 6 1
2+ =𝑏
𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 = 𝟕 3
2(3) + 1
=𝑏
3
6+1
=𝑏
3
7
=𝑏
3
𝟏 𝟕
𝒚=− 𝒙+
𝟑 𝟑
𝟏 𝟕
Note: 𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 = 𝟕 and 𝒚 = − 𝟑 𝒙 + 𝟑, both are
correct. The first is in standard form and the other
one is in slope – intercept form.

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Example 2. What is the equation of the line that perpendicular to the line formed by (−3,4) and (5, −1), and
pass through point (−2, −3)?

Solution. In Example 2 of perpendicular discussions we determined that the slope of the line formed by
5
(−3,4) and (5, −1) is − 8 .

We can consider that:

5
𝑚1 = −
8
Therefore:
1 1 8
𝑚2 = − =− =
𝑚1 5
−8 5
Thus:
Point – Slope Form Slope – Intercept Form
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚2 (𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) 𝑦 = 𝑚2 𝑥 + 𝑏
8 8
(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) = (−2, −3) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚1 = (𝑥, 𝑦) = (−2, −3) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚1 =
5 5
8 8
𝑦 − (−3) = (𝑥 − (−2)) −3 = (−2) + 𝑏
5 5
8 16
5 [𝑦 + 3 = (𝑥 + 2)] 5 −3 = − +𝑏
5 5
5𝑦 + 15 = 8(𝑥 + 2) 16
−3 + =𝑏
5𝑦 + 15 = 8𝑥 + 16 5
15 − 16 = 8𝑥 − 5𝑦 −3(5) + 16
=𝑏
−𝟏 = 𝟖𝒙 − 𝟓𝒚 𝒐𝒓 𝟖𝒙 − 𝟓𝒚 = −𝟏 5
−15 + 16
=𝑏
5
1
=𝑏
5
𝟖 𝟏
𝒚= 𝒙+
𝟓 𝟓

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Assuming we’re to determine the shortest distance of point (−2, −3) to the line formed by points (−3,4) and
(5, −1).
The shortest distance is not ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵, not, ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐷, or
any other lines from 𝐴 to any other point on
̅̅̅̅ which the perpendicular
the line, but its 𝐴𝐶
B to the line.

Step by step solution:

Step 1. Determine the equations of two lines
C
which form a perpendicular lines.
Step 2. Determine the point of intersection
D of two lines (Point C in our example).
Step 3. Using distance formula to determine
the length of point of intersection
which makes the lines perpendicular
and given point (point C and A in our
example).
A

Good thing, all of these steps are shorten into this formula. This formula is use to determine the shortest
distance of a point to the line.
|𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶 |
𝑑=
√𝐴2 + 𝐵2
Visit this cite for derivation of this formula:
https://www.intmath.com/plane-analytic-geometry/perpendicular-distance-point-line.php

We can directly determine the shortest distance if the equation of the line is already known. But, since we
don’t have yet the equation of the line formed by points (−3,4) and (5, −1), we must determine first its
equation. We can use the Two – Point Form, other solutions are also possible.
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = (𝑥 − 𝑥1 )
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
−1 − 4
𝑦−4= (𝑥 − (−3))
5 − (−3)
−5
𝑦−4= (𝑥 + 3)
5+3
−5
𝑦−4= (𝑥 + 3)
8
−5
8 [𝑦 − 4 = (𝑥 + 3)] 8
8
8𝑦 − 32 = −5(𝑥 + 3)
8𝑦 − 32 = −5𝑥 − 15
5𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 32 + 15 = 0
𝟓𝒙 + 𝟖𝒚 − 𝟏𝟕 = 𝟎
This is the general equation of the line.

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Then:
|𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶 |
𝑑=
√𝐴2 + 𝐵2
|5𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 17|
𝑑=
√(5)2 + (8)2
Take note, the given point is (−2, −3). We are going to substitute that the 𝑥, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 variables,
respectively.
|5(−2) + 8(−3) − 17|
𝑑=
√(5)2 + (8)2
|−10 − 24 − 17|
𝑑=
√(5)2 + (8)2
|−51|
𝑑=
√25 + 64
51
𝑑=
√89
𝟓𝟏√𝟖𝟗
𝒅=
𝟖𝟗
This the shortest distance from (−2, −3) to line formed by (−3,4) and (5, −1) or 5𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 17 = 0.

Try this!
Answer the following. Just try this on your own.
1. Determine the equations of parallel and perpendicular lines to 3𝑥 − 𝑦 = 9 passing through (−3,4).
Determine also the shortest distance of point to the line.
2. Determine the equations of parallel and perpendicular lines formed by (−2, −7) and (3, −4) passing
through (−1,5). Determine also the shortest distance of point to the line.

Area of Triangle
Supposed we have three points 𝐴(−1,1), 𝐵(−1,5)𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶(2,1), what is the area of the triangle formed by three
points? See figure below.
For convenience of illustration and proving, a right angle
triangle is given.

In this given we could determine the area of the triangle

by considering ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 as the base (𝑏) and ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 as the altitude/
height(ℎ), the use conventional formula for area of
triangle:
1
𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ
2
̅̅̅̅ = 𝑏 = |𝑥2 − 𝑥1 |
𝐴𝐶
̅̅̅̅
𝑨𝑪 = 𝒃 = |𝟐 − (−𝟏)| = |𝟐 + 𝟏| = |𝟑| = 𝟑

̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 = ℎ = |𝑦2 − 𝑦1 |
̅̅̅̅ = 𝒉 = |𝒚𝟐 − 𝒚𝟏 | = |𝟓 − 𝟏| = |𝟒| = 𝟒
𝑨𝑩

1 1
𝐴= 𝑏ℎ = (3)(4) = 𝟔 𝒔𝒒. 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
2 2

Calculus I with Analytic Geometry – Rectangular Coordinates, Madrazo, A. @2020, anthonymadrazo5@gmail.com | 11

But in most cases, we could not immediately determine the base and height of the triangle, we need alternative
solution. For comparison of our answer, ASSUME that the triangle is not right triangle, the alternative solution
is the Heron’s Formula:
𝐴 = √𝑠(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐 )
Where 𝒔 is the semi - perimeter, and 𝒂, 𝒃. & 𝒄 are the length of sides. Suppose:
𝑎 = ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 = 3
𝑏 = ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 = 4
̅̅̅̅ = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2 = √(2 + 1)2 + (1 − 5)2 = √(3)2 + (−4)2 = √9 + 16 = √25 = 5
𝑐 = 𝐵𝐶
Note we just assume that it is not a right triangle that is why we still solve c using distance formula not using
Pythagorean Theorem.
𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 3 + 4 + 5 12
𝑠= = = =6
2 2 2

𝐴 = √6(6 − 3)(6 − 4)(6 − 5) = 𝐴 = √6(3)(2)(1) = √36 = 𝟔 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔

Now, we proven that using the conventional formula and Heron’s Formula, we arrived at the same answer.

However, the most convenient solution for this case (given three points) is using Determinant:
𝑥1 𝑦1 1
𝑥 𝑦2 1
1| 2 |
𝐴 = |𝑥3 𝑦3 1|
2 𝑥 𝑦 1
1 1
𝑥2 𝑦2 1
Solution for area of triangle given three points using determinant.
Given:
𝐴(−1,1), 𝐵(−1,5)𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶(2,1)
𝑥1 𝑦1 1 −1 1 1
𝑥 𝑦2 1 −1 5 1
1| 2 | 1
𝐴 = |𝑥3 𝑦3 1| = || 2 1 1||
2 𝑥 𝑦 1 2
1 1 −1 1 1
𝑥2 𝑦2 1 −1 5 1
−1 1 1 −1 1 1
1| −1 5 1 1 |−1 5 1|
2 1 1| | 2 1 1|
2| 2|
−1 1 1 −1 1 1
−1 5 1 −1 5 1
1
𝐴 = |[(−1)(5)(1) + (−1)(1)(1) + (2)(1)(1)] − [(−1)(1)(1) + (−1)(1)(1) + (2)(5)(1)]|
2
1
𝐴 = |[−5 − 1 + 2] − [−1 − 1 + 10]|
2
1
𝐴 = |[−4] − [8]|
2
1
𝐴 = |−4 − 8|
2
1
𝐴 = |−12|
2
1
𝐴 = (12) = 𝟔 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
2
This is a straight forward solution for area of triangle given three points, and we got the same answer which is 6
units.

Calculus I with Analytic Geometry – Rectangular Coordinates, Madrazo, A. @2020, anthonymadrazo5@gmail.com | 12

Try this!
Determine the area of the following triangles formed by three points. Just try this on your own.
1. (4, −5), (−1,2), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (1,9)
2. (0,0), (−9, −5), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (−1, −7)

Calculus I with Analytic Geometry – Rectangular Coordinates, Madrazo, A. @2020, anthonymadrazo5@gmail.com | 13