11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Introduction to Geometry (2689)

Achilleas Sinefakopoulos

Friday
Apr 30, 2021 - Oct 8, 2021
7:30 - 9:00 PM ET (4:30 - 6:00 PM PT)

Overview
Week 21 (Sep 17) Class Transcript - More Analytic Geometry
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Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:29:33
Hi, everyone!

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:30:02
hi

CalvinGarces
2021-09-17 19:30:02
HELLO!

Sarah010
2021-09-17 19:30:02
hi

pwr
2021-09-17 19:30:02
hi

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 19:30:02
hi!

Bluepantzola1
2021-09-17 19:30:02
Hi

Save_The_Elephants
2021-09-17 19:30:02
hi

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 19:30:02
Hello!

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 19:30:02
Hi

grayspider
2021-09-17 19:30:02
Hello!

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:30:02
Hello!

dan09
2021-09-17 19:30:02
Hello!

yoyododococo123
2021-09-17 19:30:02
hello!

iejake
2021-09-17 19:30:02
hello

GarudS
2021-09-17 19:30:02
hi

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 1/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 19:30:02
H i!

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:30:02
hello

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:30:04
Last week, we started learning about analytic geometry, which is doing geometry on a coordinate system. Let's quickly review.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:30:12
We started with graphs of equations of the form Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C are constants. Graphs of equations of this
form are lines.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:30:21
We use slope as a measure of the "steepness" of a line. The slope of the line through points (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) is defined as

y2 − y1
m = .
x2 − x1

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:30:28
We also studied circles. The circle with center (h, k) and radius r is the graph of the equation

2 2 2
(x − h) + (y − k) = r .

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:30:37
This week, we'll start by combining what we did the last two weeks: learn how to do transformations on a coordinate system!

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:30:41
Introduction to Geometry

Week 21: More Analytic Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:30:45
We'll start with a problem about a reflection.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:30:49
1
What is the equation of the reflection of the line y =
2
x + 2 across the line y = −1 ?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:30:55
Let's begin as usual with a diagram.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:30:56

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:31:03
We want to reflect the slanted blue line over the horizontal green line.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:31:07
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 2/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
How can we figure out exactly what the reflected line is?

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:31:37
reflecting over some points and find the equation?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:31:40
We reflect a couple of the points on the slanted blue line over the horizontal green line. Which are easiest?

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 19:32:40
The y intercept and the point where y meets y .
1
= x + 2 = −1
2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:32:43
The point where the lines intersect is easy: that point stays where it is! What point is that?

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6, -1)

Sarah010
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6,-1)

Hridhaan
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6,-1)

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6,-1)

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6,-1)

GarudS
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(−6, −1)

pwr
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6,-1)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6, -1)

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6, -1)

superhero2020
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6, -1)

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6,-1).

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:33:29
(-6,-1)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:33:37
Letting y in our equation y gives x so that point is (−6, −1). So, (−6, −1) is on the reflected line.
1
= −1 = x + 2 = −6,
2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:33:38
And another point?

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 19:34:17
(0,2)

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:34:17
(0,2)

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 19:34:17
(0, 2).

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:34:17
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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
(0,2)

pwr
2021-09-17 19:34:17
(0,2)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:34:19
The intercepts are easy to find. Letting x in y gives y What do we get when we reflect (0, 2) over y
1
= 0 = x + 2 = 2. = −1 ?
2

pwr
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0,-4)

Sarah010
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0,-4)

GarudS
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0, −4)

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0,-4)

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0,-4)

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0,-4)

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0, −4)

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0, −4).

Bluepantzola1
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0,-4)

iejake
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0,-4)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 19:35:02
(0,-4).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:35:06
The point (0, 2) is 3 units above the horizontal line y = −1, so the reflection over this horizontal line is 3 units below, at (0, −4).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:35:10
Similarly, we could have reflected the x-intercept (−4, 0) over y = −1 to get the point (−4, −2). Now we have a picture of our
reflected line:

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:35:15

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:35:20
Now that we have some points on our target line, it's easy to finish. But could we have jumped straight to the answer without even
drawing anything?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:35:27
Can we find the slope of the target line very quickly from the given information?

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 19:35:56
it is -1/2

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:35:56
yes- the slope of the red line is -1/2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:35:58
Our blue line has slope Since we are reflecting over a horizontal line, the reflected line will go down at the same rate the blue
1
.
2

line goes up. That is, the slope of the image line (the red line) is the negative of the slope of our original line: − 12 .

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:36:12
What point on the original line do we reflect to get the answer quickly from here?

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 19:36:56
(0,2)

Bluepantzola1
2021-09-17 19:36:56
The y-intercept

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:36:56
(0, 2)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:36:58
We reflect the y-intercept. As before, we saw that this gives us (0, −4). And now we have our image line: what is it?

pwr
2021-09-17 19:37:47
y=(-1/2)x-4

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 19:37:47
y=(-1/2)x-4

GarudS
2021-09-17 19:37:47
1
y = − x − 4
2

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:37:47
1
y = − x − 4
2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:37:50
The image of the blue line under reflection has slope − 12 and y-intercept (0, −4), so the desired equation is y
1
= − x − 4.
2

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:38:03
Let's try a trickier reflection problem now.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:38:08
1
What is the reflection of the point P = (−6, 2) across the line y =
2
x + 1?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:38:39
We'd like to start with a diagram, but what should we include in the diagram?

pwr
2021-09-17 19:39:02
the line and the point

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 19:39:02
The line and the point.

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:39:02
Point P, and the line

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 19:39:02
point P and the line

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:39:13
We should include the point P , the line, and...what else?

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 19:39:36
and the reflection of P

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:39:41
the reflection of P .

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:39:43
But how do we draw the reflection? How is the reflection defined, exactly?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:40:08
Let R be the reflection of P over the given line. What properties define this point R ?

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:41:01
line RP is perpendicular to the reflection line

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 19:41:01
PR is perpendicular to the line.

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:41:01
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
P R ⊥ the given line

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:41:17
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
The segment P R must be perpendicular to the line of reflection. Is this enough to define R?

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:41:31
No

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 19:41:31
No!!!

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:41:48
No, it is not. What else, then?

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:42:25
We know that the distance from R to the line is equal to the distance from P to the line

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 19:42:25
the distance from the given line to point R and from the given line to point P is the same

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:42:25
point R is the same distance from the reflection line as point P

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

GarudS
2021-09-17 19:42:25
Say it hits the line at point M . Then RM = PM .

dan09
2021-09-17 19:42:25
The distance from P to the reflection line is equal to the distance from R to the reflection line

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:42:25
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
the given line is the perpendicular bisector of P R

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:42:49
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
The segment P R must also be bisected by the line of reflection. R is the point that meets those two conditions.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:42:54
Now we can draw a picture:

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:42:59

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:43:10
We know the blue line is perpendicular to and bisects the red segment.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:43:19
Clearly, we can't just read the correct answer off our diagram. (But our diagram does at least give us a sanity check for our answer.
For example, if we get (3.1, −3.2) as our answer, we'll know something went wrong!)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:43:35
Now that we have a good diagram, how do we continue with the problem?

hchhaya
2021-09-17 19:44:01
find the slope of the perpendicular line

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:44:01
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
we can find the slope of P R because the two lines are perpendicular

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:44:01
find the slope of line PR

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:44:03
Let's start with perpendicularity. What's the slope of the line P R?

pwr
2021-09-17 19:44:31
-2

hchhaya
2021-09-17 19:44:31
-2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 19:44:31
-2

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:44:31
-2

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:44:31
-2

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:44:31
-2

dan09
2021-09-17 19:44:31
−2

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 19:44:31
−2 .

GarudS
2021-09-17 19:44:31
−2

cwc28
2021-09-17 19:44:31
-2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:44:34
1
It must be −2, since the blue line has slope 2
.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:44:42
So what equation can we write for the red line?

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:45:45
y = -2x-10

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:45:45
y=-2x-10

pwr
2021-09-17 19:45:45
y=-2x-10

hchhaya
2021-09-17 19:45:45
y = -2x - 10

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 19:45:45
y = −2x − 10.

hchhaya
2021-09-17 19:45:48
y = -2x - 10

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 19:45:48
y = −2x − 10

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:45:51
The line with slope −2 through (−6, 2) has equation

y − 2 = −2(x − (−6)).

Rearranging this gives y = −2x − 10.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:46:10
Is there anything else we can find now that could help?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:47:17
I see that many suggest finding the distance of P from the given blue line. is there another idea?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 19:47:27
the point of intersection between the line y and PR?
x
= + 1
2

Sarah010
2021-09-17 19:47:27

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the intersection point of the red and blue line

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:47:32
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
We can find the intersection point of the two lines, which must be the midpoint of P R. Let's call that point M . We know that the
red line has equation y and the blue line has equation y
1
= −2x − 10 = x + 1.
2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:47:58
How do we proceed?

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:48:44
we make the right sides of both equations equal so we only have one variable

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:48:44
and solve for x, then solve for y
1
−2x − 10 = x + 1
2

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 19:48:44
Set the expressions −2x − 10 and equal to each other.
1
x + 1
2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:48:48
We can find the coordinates of the intersection of these two lines. First, we can find the x-coordinate by noting that the y values
will be the same in both equations at the point of intersection, so

1
−2x − 10 = x + 1.
2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:48:55
What is x ?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:49:18
(x =? )

hchhaya
2021-09-17 19:49:55
x = -4.4

RollOver2020
2021-09-17 19:49:55
x = -22/5

Sarah010
2021-09-17 19:49:55
x=-22/5

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:49:55
x = −22/5

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 19:49:55
.
22
x = −
5

RyanL2019
2021-09-17 19:49:55
x=-22/5

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:49:55
22
x = −
5

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:49:55
x=-22/5

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:49:57
We can isolate x to find

5
x = −11,
2

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so

22
x = − = −4.4.
5

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:50:02
Notice that this is consistent with the x-coordinate of M in our graph.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:50:09
What is the y-coordinate of M ?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:50:13
(y =?)

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:51:05
y = -6/5

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 19:51:05
.
6
y = −
5

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 19:51:05
we have y
6
= −
5

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:51:05
y=-6/5

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 19:51:05
y = -6/5

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:51:05
y = -6/5

dan09
2021-09-17 19:51:05
−6
y =
5

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:51:05
6
y = −
5

Sarah010
2021-09-17 19:51:05
y=-6/5

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:51:08
1
We can use the equation y =
2
x + 1 and our x-coordinate to find

1 −22 −6
y = ⋅ + 1 = = −1.2,
2 5 5

which is also consistent with our graph.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:51:17
So M = (−4.4, −1.2).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:51:23
How does this help?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:52:00
(Note: The coordinates of M help a lot more than the distance of P from the blue line)

cwc28
2021-09-17 19:52:27
M is the midpoint of PR

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ReaderB
2021-09-17 19:52:27
M is the midpoint of PR

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:52:34
That's right!

Sarah010
2021-09-17 19:52:44
we can use the midpoint formula

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:52:44
point M 's coordinates are the averages of the coordinates of points P and R

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:52:47
The midpoint is the average of our two endpoints.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:52:53
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Let R = (a, b) . Then what is the midpoint of P R, in terms of a and b ?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:53:15
(use parentheses, if needed)

Hridhaan
2021-09-17 19:54:19
((a-6)/2,(2+b)/2)

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:54:19
−6 + a 2 + b
( , )
2 2

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:54:19
a−6 b+2
( , )
2 2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 19:54:19
((a-6)/2, (b+2)/2)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:54:24
a + (−6) b + 2
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Averaging our endpoints, we find that the midpoint of P R is ( , ). But we earlier found that the midpoint is
2 2

M = (−4.4, −1.2).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:54:29
a − 6 b + 2
This gives us the equations = −4.4 and = −1.2.
2 2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:54:32
So what are a and b ?

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 19:55:26
a=-2.8,b=-4.4

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 19:55:26
a=-2.8, b=-4.4

pwr
2021-09-17 19:55:26
a=-2.8 and b=-4.4

hchhaya
2021-09-17 19:55:26
a = -2.8, b = -4.4

takolhe12
2021-09-17 19:55:26
a=2.8, b=-4.4

iejake
2021-09-17 19:55:26
a=-2.8, b=-4.4

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shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:55:26
a = −2.8, b = −4.4

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:55:28
Solving gives a = −2.8 and b = −4.4.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:55:35
So the reflection of P across the line y is R
1
= (−6, 2) = x + 1 = (−2.8, −4.4).
2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:55:56
Rotations

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:56:01
What point results from rotating the point P = (2, 2) by 90 degrees (counterclockwise) around the point Q = (5, 4) ?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:56:06

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:56:11
Here's a picture; anyone have a guess?

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:57:05
(7,1)

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 19:57:05
(7,1)

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:57:05
(7,1)?

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 19:57:05
(7,1)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:57:08
Look at where P = (2, 2) is in relation to the center of rotation Q. It's 3 units left and 2 down.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:57:37

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Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:57:39
So where is the rotated point relative to Q ?

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 19:58:51
3 units down, 2 units right

cwc28
2021-09-17 19:58:51
3 units down and 2 units right

Suraahi
2021-09-17 19:58:51
2 units to the right and 3 units down

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 19:58:51
3 units down and 2 to the right

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:58:54
That means that after rotating, we suspect the new point will have to be 3 down and 2 right. Suppose the resulting point is Z. What
are the coordinates of the point Z ?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 19:59:34
(7,1)

Brendangho
2021-09-17 19:59:34
(7,1)

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 19:59:34
(7,1)

pwr
2021-09-17 19:59:34
(7,1)

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 19:59:34
(7,1)

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 19:59:34
(7,1)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:59:37

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 13/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 19:59:39
The coordinates of Z are (7, 1). How can we confirm for sure that Z is the image of P upon a 90 degree counterclockwise
rotation about Q ? What must we determine?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:00:55
show that angle PQZ is a right angle?

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:00:55
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
We must determine that P Q ⊥ QZ .

cwc28
2021-09-17 20:00:55
<PQZ=90 degrees

GarudS
2021-09-17 20:00:55
∘
∠P QZ = 90

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:01:07
Sure, but is this enough?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:01:32
PQ=QZ

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:01:32
show that PQ=QZ

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:01:32
I think we must also show that PQ=QZ

dan09
2021-09-17 20:01:32
We also need to show that ZQ = PQ

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:01:41
No, it is not.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:01:48
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
We must make sure that P Q = ZQ, and that P Q and ZQ are perpendicular (since Z is in the right direction of rotation).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:02:08
What are P Q and ZQ ?

GarudS
2021-09-17 20:02:46
√13

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:02:46
PQ=ZQ=sqrt(13) units

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 20:02:46
√13

pwr
2021-09-17 20:02:46
sqrt{13}

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:02:49
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Both ZQ and P Q are hypotenuses of right triangles with legs of lengths 2 and 3, so they are equal without even needing to
compute that they are both √13.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:02:56
How can we prove the two segments are perpendicular?

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:03:24
By finding the slopes of lines P Q and ZQ.

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:03:28
we find the slope of both lines and see if they multiply to make -1

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:03:51
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
What's the slope of ZQ?

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:04:36
-3/2

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:04:36
-3/2

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:04:36
3
−
2

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:04:36
−3/2

grayspider
2021-09-17 20:04:36
3
−
2

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:04:36
the slope of ZQ is -3/2

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:04:36
-3/2

pwr
2021-09-17 20:04:36
-3/2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:04:36
-3/2

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:04:36
-3/2

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 20:04:36
-3/2

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:04:36
segment ZQ's slope is -3/2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:04:42
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 2 ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ 3
The slope of P Q is and the slope of ZQ is − , so the two segments are perpendicular. Therefore, (7, 1) is indeed the
3 2
desired rotation of point P .

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:05:16
There are is a couple of alternate ways to show this.

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-17 20:05:18
show that they are congruent triangles?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:05:26

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 15/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:05:42
Why do we have △QAP ≅ △QBZ ?

cwc28
2021-09-17 20:06:21
SAS congruence

dan09
2021-09-17 20:06:21
SAS congruency

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:06:25
We have △QAP ≅ △QBZ by SAS, so ∠AQP = ∠BQZ . Thus

∠P QZ = ∠P QB + ∠BQZ = ∠P QB + ∠AQP = ∠AQB.

¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯
We know that ∠AQB since AQ is parallel to the x-axis and BQ is parallel to the y-axis, so ∠P QZ
∘ ∘
= 90 = 90 .

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:06:56
Alternatively, by the distance formula, P Z 2 = (7 − 2)
2
+ (1 − 2)
2
= 26 . Since P Z 2 = 26 and ZQ2 = PQ
2
= 13 ,
ZQ
2
+ PQ
2
= PZ
2
, so ∠P QZ is right by the converse of the Pythagorean theorem.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:07:21
SOLVING GEOMETRY PROBLEMS WITH COORDINATES

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:07:32
Sometimes a geometry problem doesn't mention coordinates, but it is still useful to introduce them. We'll look at some examples
of such problems next.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:07:39
Consider the 12-sided polygon ABCDEF GH I J KL, as shown. Each of its sides has length 4, and every pair of consecutive
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯
sides form a right angle. Suppose that AG and CH meet at M . What is the area of quadrilateral ABCM ?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:07:42

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 16/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:07:58
Why might we think to try coordinates on this problem?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:08:46
we have right angles?

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:08:46
because of all the right angles

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:08:46
And right angles!!

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:08:49
We have all those right angles -- it will be easy to describe most of the points in this diagram with integer coordinates.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:08:57
Next up comes the very important step: choosing where the origin is. What point should we choose for the origin?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:09:55
A lot of you want to pick M . This is the one point that's a bad idea! The reason is that if we know M = (0, 0), how are we going to
find coordinates of any of the other points in the diagram? We know the coordinates of ABCDEF GH I J KL in relation to each
other very easily, so we probably want to pick one of those to be the origin.

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:10:35
the point H

pwr
2021-09-17 20:10:35
point H

Sarah010
2021-09-17 20:10:35
H

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:10:35
then the point H

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:10:38
I'd typically stick the origin somewhere in the lower left, to avoid negatives as much as possible. Specifically, I'd be inclined to let
point H be (0, 0) because this also makes the equation of line H C particularly simple.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:10:50
So let's say H is our origin, and of course our axes are lines H G and H I .

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 17/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:11:22
What are the coordinates of G?

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:11:50
(4,0)

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:11:50
(4,0)

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:11:50
(4,0)

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:11:50
(4, 0)

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:11:50
(4, 0).

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:11:50
(4, 0)

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:11:50
(4,0)

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:11:50
(4, 0)

Sarah010
2021-09-17 20:11:50
G=(4,0)

pwr
2021-09-17 20:11:50
(4,0)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:11:55
How about A?

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0, 12)

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0, 12)

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0,12)

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0,12)

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0,12)

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0, 12)

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0, 12).

Sarah010
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0,12)

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0,12)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0, 12)

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 18/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

superhero2020
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0, 12)

pwr
2021-09-17 20:12:34
(0,12)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:12:40
We have A = (0, 12) and G = (4, 0).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:12:53
What should our strategy be to find the area of ABCM ?

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:13:18
find where M is

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:13:22
How can we find the coordinates of M ?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:14:14
find the intersection of HC and AG

cwc28
2021-09-17 20:14:14
find lines AG and CH and find their intersection point

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:14:14
The intersection of AG and HC

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:14:30
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯
¯¯¯
¯¯¯¯
M is on AG and CH . So, we find the equations of these lines.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:14:44
We already found that A = (0, 12) and G = (4, 0).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:14:51
(Remember we chose H as the origin, and each side of ABCDEF GH I J KL has length 4.)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:14:55
So what is the equation for line AG ?

pwr
2021-09-17 20:15:31
y=-3x+12

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:15:31
y=-3x+12

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:15:31
y = -3x + 12

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:15:31
y = -3x + 12

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:15:31
y = −3x + 12

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:15:31
y = −3x + 12

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:15:31
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
That means AG has the equation y=-3x+12

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:15:31
y = −3x + 12.

superhero2020
2021-09-17 20:15:31
y=-3x+12

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 19/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 20:15:31
y = -3x + 12

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:15:31
y=-3x+12

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:15:35
Since A = (0, 12) and G = (4, 0), line AG has slope −3, and it's the graph of y = −3x + 12.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:15:40
What about line CH ?

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:16:23
y = 2x

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:16:23
y = 2x.

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:16:23
y=2x

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:16:23
y = 2x

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:16:23
y=2x

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:16:23
y=2x

pwr
2021-09-17 20:16:23
y=2x

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:16:23
y = 2x

KindKitty
2021-09-17 20:16:26
y = 2x

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:16:28
Since H = (0, 0) and C = (4, 8), CH is the line y = 2x.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:16:38
We seek (x, y) that satisfies both y = −3x + 12 and y = 2x. What are x and y ?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:16:54
(which is which?)

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x = 12/5 and y = 24/5

Sarah010
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x=12/5 and y=24/5

RollOver2020
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x = 12/5, y = 24/5

dan09
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x = 12/5, y = 24/5

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x=12/5,y=24/5

RyanL2019
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x=12/5 and y is 24/5

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 20/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:18:06
12 24
(x, y) = ( , )
5 5

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x=12/5, y=24/5

GarudS
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x = 12/5, y = 24/5.

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:18:06
12 24
x =
5
, and y =
5
.

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:18:06
(x, y) = (12/5, 24/5)

pwr
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x=12/5, y=24/5

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x=12/5, y=24/5

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:18:06
x=12/5, y=24/5

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:18:09
We must have 2x so x This makes y so we have
12 24
= −3x + 12, = . = ,
5 5

12 24
M = ( , ).
5 5

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:18:35
Next, what?

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:19:26
find the area of ABCM

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:19:28
How?

KindKitty
2021-09-17 20:20:04
area ABG - area MCG

Sarah010
2021-09-17 20:20:12
find the area of triangle ABG and subtract triangle CMG from it

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:20:14
We could note that we can complete ABCM to the triangle ABG by adding triangle CM G to it.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:20:27
ABG is a right triangle whose lengths we know.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:20:48
So, we can first find the area of the bigger triangle ABG.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:21:02
What is it?

RyanL2019
2021-09-17 20:21:31
24

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:21:31
[ABG] = 24

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:21:31
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 21/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
[ABG]=24

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:21:31
[ABG] = 24.

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:21:31
24

CalvinGarces
2021-09-17 20:21:31
24

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:21:31
Area of triangle ABG is 24

Sarah010
2021-09-17 20:21:31
24

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:21:31
24

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:21:31
area of ABG=24

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:21:31
area ABG = 24

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:21:31
24

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:21:31
24

GarudS
2021-09-17 20:21:31
24

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:21:37
We have AB and BG with ∠ABG right, so [ABG] What did we overcount?
1
= 4 = 12 = (4 ⋅ 12) = 24.
2

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:22:08
we need to subtract off the area of triangle MCG

dan09
2021-09-17 20:22:08
[CM G]

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:22:08
[CM G].

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:22:08
the area of CGM

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:22:11
We need to subtract off the area of triangle CM G. What is its area?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:22:32
for that, we need to find the height of triangle MCG

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:22:47
Sure! Which side should we choose as a base?

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:23:09
CG

pwr
2021-09-17 20:23:09
CG

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:23:09

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 22/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
choose CG as a base

CalvinGarces
2021-09-17 20:23:09
CG

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-17 20:23:09
CG

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:23:09
CG

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:23:09
CG

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:23:09
CG

TThB0501
2021-09-17 20:23:09
CG

grayspider
2021-09-17 20:23:09
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
CG

RyanL2019
2021-09-17 20:23:09
CG

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:23:09
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
CG

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:23:19
For [CM G], we let the base be CG, and we take the height as the distance from M to CG.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:23:40
What's the height from M to CG?

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:24:27
8
The height is
5

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:24:27
8/5

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:24:27
8/5

Sarah010
2021-09-17 20:24:27
8/5

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:24:27
8/5

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:24:27
20/4-12/5=8/5

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 20:24:27
8/5

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:24:27
.
8

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:24:27
8/5

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:24:27
8/5

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 23/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:24:53
12 12 8
Since C and G are on the line x = 4 and the x-coordinate of M is , the height from M to CG is 4 − = . So, what's
5 5 5
[CM G]?

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:25:30
32/5

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:25:30
[CM G] = 32/5

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:25:30
32/5

Sarah010
2021-09-17 20:25:30
32/5

pwr
2021-09-17 20:25:30
32/5

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:25:30
.
32
[CM G] =
5

CalvinGarces
2021-09-17 20:25:30
32/5

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:25:30
32/5

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:25:30
[CMG] = 32/5

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:25:30
32/5

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:25:40
It is

1 8 32
[CM G] = ⋅ 8 ⋅ = .
2 5 5

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:26:02
How about our final answer?

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:26:33
88/5

RyanL2019
2021-09-17 20:26:33
120/5-32/5=88/5

Sarah010
2021-09-17 20:26:33
88/5

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:26:33
88/5

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:26:33
88/5

pwr
2021-09-17 20:26:33
88/5

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:26:33
88/5

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 24/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:26:33
88/5

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:26:33
88/5

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:26:33
[ABCM] = 88/5

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:26:36
This leaves

32 1 88
24 − = (120 − 32) =
5 5 5

for the area of quadrilateral ABCM .

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:27:03
Here's a harder problem:

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:27:05
Two points, A and B, are on the pavement 6 inches apart. Cassidy the caterpillar traces out a path walking along all the points
that are twice as far from A as from B. Cassidy has red paint on her feet, so she literally traces out the whole path! What is the
area of the region inside Cassidy's path?

pwr
2021-09-17 20:27:19
draw a diagram

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:27:21
We'll start with a picture:

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:27:22

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:27:27
That's not very illuminating.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:27:33
We'll need to figure out what points Cassidy's path goes through too. To start, let's see if we can find a few points that are on
Cassidy's path. Any suggestions?

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:28:17
Points that are 4 points away from A and 2 points away from B

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:28:28
Any suggestions about such points?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:28:52
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
There's a point C on segment AB with AC = 2BC. That point has BC = 2 and AC = 4 :

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:28:53

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:29:37
Is that the only point on Cassidy's path on line AB ?

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 20:29:54

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 25/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
no!

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:29:54
no

pwr
2021-09-17 20:29:54
no

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:29:54
no

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:30:06
Where's another one?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:30:35
There's another point on Cassidy's path that is on line AB, to the right of B. How far to the right, exactly?

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:31:35
6 to the right of B

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:31:38
Let's call this point D. We need AD to be double BD, and AB = 6. Since AD = AB + BD and AD = 2BD, we must have
BD = 6 and AD = 12:

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:31:39

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:31:55
OK, we've found two points on Cassidy's path. But we still need to find the rest of the path. Somehow Cassidy has to get from C to
D. Have any guesses what sort of path she might take?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:32:12
Remember, every point on her path must be twice as far from A as from B, so she can't just go from C to D in a straight line.

pwr
2021-09-17 20:32:30
circle maybe?

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 20:32:30
circular?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:32:30
a semicircular path??

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:32:30
A circle?

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:32:30
a semicircle?

GarudS
2021-09-17 20:32:30
an elipse

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:32:30
a circular path?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:32:44
Hmm..who knows? Let's see.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:32:48
Does this point work?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:32:49

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:33:05
yes

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:33:05
yes

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 20:33:05
yes

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:33:06
Looks like it does! Do any other points on the straight line path between A and B work?

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:33:28
Nope

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:33:30
No, we've got all of those. How about this one?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:33:32

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:33:51
yes

cwc28
2021-09-17 20:33:51
yes!

grayspider
2021-09-17 20:33:51
Yup

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:33:51
yeah that works

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:33:51
yes it works

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:33:51
yeah

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:33:51
yes this works
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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 20:33:51
yes

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:33:51
yes.

takolhe12
2021-09-17 20:33:51
it works

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:33:58
Yes, this one works too! Try to visualize a few more, and see if you can make a more educated guess.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:34:02
What do you think now?

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:34:42
forms a circle

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:34:42
it is a circle...

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:34:42
yes it's a circle with diameter CD

cwc28
2021-09-17 20:34:42
its a circle where the diameter is CD

dan09
2021-09-17 20:34:42
A circle?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:34:44
We have lots of guesses as to the path Cassidy will take, but it's not so clear how we would prove any of these guesses.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:34:48
What's a clue that we might try analytic geometry in this problem?

pwr
2021-09-17 20:35:38
we have lengths

iejake
2021-09-17 20:35:38
Point A and Point B are 6 inches apart

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:35:38
Points are a defined number of units away from each other

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:35:42
The problem is about distance, which we know how to handle with coordinates. The problem only has two fixed points (A and B),
so it's not too hard to set up with coordinates. And the problem has a varying point (Cassidy), which is easy to set up in coordinates
by making variables for Cassidy's coordinates. So, let's try coordinates.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:35:52
How should we set up our coordinates? Where should we put the origin?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:36:20
maybe A as the origin

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 20:36:20
at A

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:36:20
the origin could be point A.

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:36:20
point A

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Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:36:23
We might as well make A the origin. What should the coordinates of B be then?

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:36:52
(6, 0)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:36:52
(6,0)

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 20:36:52
(6, 0)

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:36:52
(6,0)

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:36:52
(6, 0)

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:36:52
(6,0)

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:36:52
B=(6,0)

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:36:52
(6,0)

cwc28
2021-09-17 20:36:52
(6,0)

tkubota
2021-09-17 20:36:52
(6, 0)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:36:54
We can let line AB be the x-axis, so B is at (6, 0).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:36:57

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:37:00
And what about Cassidy?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:37:26
Hint: Cassidy's coordinates vary, as she moves.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:38:44
Some of you are saying (4, 0). That's only one possible point. We want to know about all the points on Cassidy's path!

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:39:15
So, how can we denote her coordinates?

ReaderB
2021-09-17 20:39:33
(x, y)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:39:33
(x,y)

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:39:33
(x,y)

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Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:39:36
Cassidy is our varying point -- we'll say that she's at (x, y) at any given point in time.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:39:40

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:39:47
And what condition must point P satisfy?

Sunshine2016
2021-09-17 20:40:26
AP = BP • 2

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:40:26
AP = 2BP

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:40:26
we know that AP=2PB

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:40:26
it is twice as far from A as it is from B

Hridhaan
2021-09-17 20:40:26
It must be twice as far from A compared to B

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:40:29
We must have AP = 2BP . Now it's time for our analytic geometry skills. What's AP , using our coordinates?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:41:11
sqrt(x^2+y^2)

pwr
2021-09-17 20:41:11
sqrt(x^2+y^2)

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:41:11
√x 2 + y 2

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:41:11
√x 2 + y 2

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:41:11
2
AP = √x + y
2
.

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 20:41:11
sqrt(x^2 + y^2)

superhero2020
2021-09-17 20:41:18
√x 2 + y 2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:41:19
We have AP 2
= √x + y
2
by the distance formula.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:41:23
And how about BP ?

dan09
2021-09-17 20:42:02
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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

√(x − 6)2 + y 2

pwr
2021-09-17 20:42:02
sqrt((6-x)^2+y^2)

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 20:42:02
sqrt((x-6)^2 + y^2)

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:42:02
2
BP = √(6 − x) + y
2
.

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:42:02
√(x − 6)2 + y 2

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:42:02
sqrt((x-6)^2 + y^2)

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:42:02
√(6 − x)2 + y 2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:42:06
The distance formula gives us

2 2
BP = √(x − 6) + y .

So, what equation must we have?

dan09
2021-09-17 20:43:01
√x2 + y 2 = 2√(x − 6)2 + y 2

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:43:01
√x2 + y 2 = 2√(x − 6)2 + y 2 .

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:43:01
2sqrt((6-x)^2+y^2)=sqrt(x^2+y^2)

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:43:01
√x2 + y 2 = 2 ⋅ √(6 − x)2 + y 2

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:43:01
√x2 + y 2 = 2√(x − 6)2 + y 2

pwr
2021-09-17 20:43:01
sqrt(x^2+y^2)=2(sqrt((x-6)^2+y^2))

RyanL2019
2021-09-17 20:43:01
√(x^2+y^2)=2*√(x-6)^2+y^2

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:43:01
2 * sqrt((x-6)^2 + y^2) = sqrt(x^2+y^2)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:43:04
Since we must have AP = 2BP , we have

2 2 2 2
√x + y = 2√(x − 6) + y .

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:43:13
Well, we've got an equation for Cassidy's path, but it's a big mess that isn't easy to understand. How can we simplify it?

cwc28
2021-09-17 20:43:35
square both sides

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Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:43:35
Square both sides.

RollOver2020
2021-09-17 20:43:35
square both sides

superhero2020
2021-09-17 20:43:35
square both sides

dan09
2021-09-17 20:43:35
Square both sides of the equatin

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:43:35
square both sides

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:43:35
square both sides

grayspider
2021-09-17 20:43:35
Square both sides

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:43:38
Squaring both sides gives

2 2 2 2
x + y = 4((x − 6) + y ).

Then what?

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:44:09
simplify the right side

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:44:09
Expand!

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:44:09
expand and simplify

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:44:09
Simplify the right side of the equation.

dan09
2021-09-17 20:44:09
Expand (x − 6)2 and simplify

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:44:09
Expand the right hand side

pwr
2021-09-17 20:44:09
simplify the equation

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:44:13
Expanding the right-hand side gives

2 2 2 2
x + y = 4(x − 12x + 36) + 4y .

What do we get when we clean this equation up?

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:45:15
2 2
−3x + 48x − 144 = 3y

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:45:15
3x^2-48x+144+3y^2=0

tkubota
2021-09-17 20:45:15
2 2
3x + 3y − 48x + 144 = 0

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:45:27
Simplifying gives

2 2
3x − 48x + 3y + 144 = 0.

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:45:50
divide by 3

dan09
2021-09-17 20:45:50
Divide by 3?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:45:50
divide by 3?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:45:50
Divide both sides by 3!

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:45:50
Divide the LHS by 3

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:45:56
Dividing both sides by 3 gives

2 2
x − 16x + y + 48 = 0.

That looks familiar! What kind of geometric object does this equation describe?

dan09
2021-09-17 20:46:20
A circle!

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:46:20
a circle

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 20:46:20
circle

pwr
2021-09-17 20:46:20
a circle!!

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:46:20
circle

cwc28
2021-09-17 20:46:20
a circle!

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:46:20
circle

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:46:20
A circle!

RollOver2020
2021-09-17 20:46:20
a circle

GarudS
2021-09-17 20:46:20
circle

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:46:20
a circle

iejake
2021-09-17 20:46:20
a circle

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:46:20
A circle!
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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:46:20
A circle.

grayspider
2021-09-17 20:46:20
A circle

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:46:22
This equation describes a circle! We have proved that Cassidy traces a circle.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:46:25
Of course we have to find the area of the circle, so let's figure out what circle she traces. How?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:46:36
we should now complete the square

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:46:36
we can complete the square for x!!

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:46:40
We complete the square in x. What do we get when we do so?

dan09
2021-09-17 20:47:40
2 2 2
(x − 8) + y = 4

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:47:40
(x-8)^2+y^2-16=0

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 20:47:40
(x-8)^2 + y^2 = 16

Brendangho
2021-09-17 20:47:40
(x-8)^2 + y^2 = 16

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:47:40
(x - 8)^2 + y^2 = 16

pwr
2021-09-17 20:47:40
(x-8)^2+y^2=16

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:47:42
(x-8)^2 + y^2 = 16

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:47:47
We need to add 64 to x2 − 16x to get a square of a binomial. We already have 48 on the left that we can add to x2 − 16x , so we
just need to add 16 more to both sides of our equation.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:47:51
Adding this 16 to the 48 on the left-hand side gives us the 64 we need:

2 2
x − 16x + 64 + y = 16.

Now, we have our square of a binomial:

2 2
(x − 8) + y = 16.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:47:59
Here's Cassidy's circle:

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:48:01

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Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:48:05
And what area does she surround with her path?

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:48:44
16pi

dan09
2021-09-17 20:48:44
The radius is 4, so we have that the area is 4
2
∗ π = 16π

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:48:44
16π

superhero2020
2021-09-17 20:48:44
16pi

Wuwuspring
2021-09-17 20:48:44
16pi

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:48:44
16π

tkubota
2021-09-17 20:48:44
16π

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:48:46
From our equation for the circle, we see that the radius of Cassidy's circle is 4, so the desired area is 16π.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:48:58
Note: This problem is an example of an entirely different way to define circles! You can read more about Apollonius' definition of a
circle here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circles_of_Apollonius

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:49:09
PROVING THINGS WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:49:13
Sometimes it's possible to prove geometric results by introducing coordinates. Let's see a couple examples of this principle in
action.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:49:17
Prove that the midpoint of the hypotenuse of a right triangle ABC (with C being the right angle) is the circumcenter of the
triangle.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:49:24
Of course, we've already proved this (way back in Week 7!). But let's find a new proof using coordinates.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:49:37
To prove something about a geometric figure using coordinates, we must first decide how we want to place the geometric figure in
the Cartesian plane. We do this by assigning variables to some of the coordinates of the figure.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:49:44

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For example, if we have a triangle ABC, we could say that the coordinates are

A = (a, d),

B = (b, e),

C = (c, f ).

That could get pretty messy, though, since we'd have 6 different variables. How might we assign coordinates to have fewer
variables?

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:50:10
let one of the points be (0,0)

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:50:10
Make C the origin

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:50:10
we should make C the origin.

hchhaya
2021-09-17 20:50:10
set an origin

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:50:14
We could choose our coordinates so that one of our points is the origin. For instance, if we place C at the origin, we could write

A = (a, d),

B = (b, e),

C = (0, 0).

We're down to just 4 variables!

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:50:21
Beware that when assigning coordinates, it is very important to make sure that we have given ourselves the ability to place any
possible version of the figure in the Cartesian plane. For example, we cannot declare that A will be at (3, 4) and that C will be at
(0, 0). Then we would not have a way to place triangles whose side length AC was something other than 5.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:50:34
Let's go back to our problem and stick with C = (0, 0). Can we use even fewer than 4 variables? Can we safely fix the coordinates
of any of our other points besides C (perhaps partially rather than completely)?

pwr
2021-09-17 20:51:25
one is origin (0,0), and the other points are (0,b) and (a,0)

Sirahulania
2021-09-17 20:51:25
you could use (0,0) then (x,0) and (0,y)

dan09
2021-09-17 20:51:25
Let A = (0, a) and B = (b, 0)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:51:25
A is one the y axis and B is on the x axis

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:51:25
A = (0, a)

B = (b, 0)

tkubota
2021-09-17 20:51:25
Make A (0,d) and B (b,0)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:51:33

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 36/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Yeah, we can set A = (a, 0) any time we work with a triangle like this, because we can rotate the triangle to line up CA with the x
-axis (or, if you prefer, choose our axes to line up with the triangle).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:51:39
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
In this problem, we know BC is perpendicular to AC , so B must be on the y-axis. Therefore, we can say that B = (0, b).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:52:14
(or, as suggested by you above, A = (0, a) and B = (b, 0) )

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:52:19
So here is how we are placing our right triangle in the plane:

C = (0, 0),

A = (a, 0),

B = (0, b).

The important point is that any right triangle can be described this way - we just have to set our coordinate axes and pick a and b
appropriately.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:52:31
Now, when we try to prove the original statement about right triangles, we may assume that the vertices of the triangle are at these
positions. That may be helpful when doing the proof.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:52:42
Here's a picture:

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:52:43

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:52:54
Remember what we're trying to prove: the midpoint of the hypotenuse is the circumcenter of the triangle. This is the same as
saying that the midpoint of the hypotenuse is equidistant from the three vertices. Now that we have coordinates, we can just find
the coordinates of the midpoint, and the statement will be easy to check.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:53:01
Where is the midpoint of the hypotenuse?

Hridhaan
2021-09-17 20:53:33
(a/2,b/2)

pwr
2021-09-17 20:53:33
(a/2,b/2)

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:53:33
(a/2, b/2)
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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

MathNinja7
2021-09-17 20:53:33
at (a/2,b/2)

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:53:33
a b
( , )
2 2

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:53:33
a b
At ( 2 , 2
) .

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:53:36
b
The midpoint of the hypotenuse is halfway between A and B, at ( a , ).
2 2

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:53:38

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:53:49
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Call it M . We already know that AM = BM since M is the midpoint of AB, so we just need to show that AM = CM . What is
AM ?

pwr
2021-09-17 20:54:35
sqrt((a/2)^2+(b/2)^2)

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:54:37
We can just plug into the distance formula:

2
2 b
a 1
AM = √( − a) + ( − 0) = √a 2 + b 2 .
2 2 2

1
We could also first compute that AB 2
= √a + b
2
using the distance formula and observe that AM =
2
AB.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:07
Similarly,

2
2 b
a 1
CM = √( ) + ( ) = √a 2 + b 2 .
2 2 2

Hey, that's the same as we got for AM !

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:13
So for any a and b, we have AM = BM = CM . That means that for any right triangle, M (the midpoint of the hypotenuse) is
the circumcenter.

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:24
So there's our first example of constructing a geometric proof with coordinates.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:27
Let's look at one more!

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:35
Now we'll go back to another topic we've studied before without coordinates, Power of a Point.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:39
Recall that for a point P and a circle C, the power of P with respect to C is defined as P A ⋅ P B, where A and B are the
intersections of C with any line through P .

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:42
Here's a couple of the possible pictures.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:43

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:44

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:53
Recall that the Power of a Point Theorem says that this quantity doesn't depend on which chord or secant we draw through P . In
other words, for a given point P and circle C, P A ⋅ P B is constant.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:57
First, an easy problem:

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:55:58
What is the power of the point (3, 5) with respect to the circle x2 + y
2
= 4 ?

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:56:02
Here's the circle and the point.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:56:03

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 39/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:56:11
As you might have expected, the point lies outside the circle, so we need to draw a secant. Any suggestions for what secant we
should take?

dan09
2021-09-17 20:56:37
The secant through O

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:56:37
we should make it pass through O

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:56:39
Let's try the one through the center of the circle, which in this case is the origin.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:56:40

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:56:45
How can we find AP or BP ?

cwc28
2021-09-17 20:57:22
maybe right triangles?

GarudS
2021-09-17 20:57:35
Mr. Distance formula

pwr
2021-09-17 20:57:35
distance formula

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

iejake
2021-09-17 20:57:35
distance formula

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:57:44
This could work. What would we use it for?

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:58:00
To find PO

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:58:02
We first find OP , and add or subtract the radius of the circle (which is 2).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:58:05
What is OP ?

Rinnypig
2021-09-17 20:58:30
OP = √34 .

pwr
2021-09-17 20:58:30
sqrt(34)

Vitah2008
2021-09-17 20:58:30
sqrt(34)

RyanL2019
2021-09-17 20:58:30
√34

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:58:30
sqrt(34)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:58:30
sqrt(34)

Suraahi
2021-09-17 20:58:30
√34

dan09
2021-09-17 20:58:33
√34

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:58:34
By the distance formula, OP
2 2
= √3 + 5 = √34.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:58:43
So P A = √34 + 2 and P B = √34 − 2.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:58:55
What is the power of P with respect to this circle then?

shenpinyi
2021-09-17 20:59:43
30

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-17 20:59:43
30

grayspider
2021-09-17 20:59:43
30

GarudS
2021-09-17 20:59:43
30

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:59:45
The power of P is

P A ⋅ P B = (√34 + 2)(√34 − 2) = 34 − 4 = 30.

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 41/42
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
That was a kind of neat factorization there. We can see that a more general statement is true:

Achilleas
2021-09-17 20:59:50
The power of a point P with respect to a circle with center O and radius r is (OP − r)(OP + r) = OP
2 2
− r . (Note: This is for
P outside the circle. If P is inside the circle you can show the power of a point P is r 2
− OP
2
. )

Achilleas
2021-09-17 21:00:07
Now you've seen how to write geometry proofs with coordinates. This is a very powerful technique, especially if you're a computer.
Unfortunately, if you're not a computer, the algebra can get very messy very quickly. So you shouldn't overdo it. Often it's better to
use pure geometry if you have a choice between that and coordinatizing (using coordinates).

Achilleas
2021-09-17 21:00:19
In general, I only reach for coordinates in geometry problems when either (a) it's obvious that I'll be able to get the answer pretty
quickly with them or (b) I'm hopelessly stuck and can't think of anything else to do.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 21:00:28
SUMMARY

Achilleas
2021-09-17 21:00:30
Today we looked at a few more advanced applications of analytic geometry. Specifically, we spent much of the time applying
analytic techniques to problems that look like pure geometry problems.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 21:00:35
Three main lessons to take from these problems:

Achilleas
2021-09-17 21:00:39
1) Only try coordinates when a problem can be conveniently set up on a coordinate plane. Lots of right angles are a clue that this
might work. See the textbook for some other clues that coordinates might be a good approach.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 21:00:46
2) When setting up a problem on a coordinate plane, choose the coordinate system to make your algebra as simple as possible.
Specifically, in practice, this usually means you should try to set things up to make as many coordinates as possible be equal to 0.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 21:00:53
3) When using analytic geometry for a proof, make sure your coordinate set-up for the proof is general enough to cover all possible
configurations for the problem!

Achilleas
2021-09-17 21:00:58
I'll finish with one strong word of warning about analytic geometry: A lot of students tend to use analytic geometry as a crutch, and
attempt to use it to solve almost every geometry problem they see. This is a very dangerous habit, as it can turn easy geometry
problems into very hard algebra problems. I generally only break out analytic geometry when either I see the route to the solution
right away, or when I'm pretty stuck trying any other method.

Achilleas
2021-09-17 21:01:30
Thank you all! Have a wonderful week. See you next time.

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https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40749 42/42