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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 20 (Sep 10) Class Transcript - Analytic Geometry
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Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:29:23
Hi, everyone!

CalvinGarces
2021-09-10 19:29:49
hello!

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 19:29:49
hi

dan09
2021-09-10 19:29:49
Hello!

Bluepantzola1
2021-09-10 19:29:49
Hi!

Sunshine2016
2021-09-10 19:29:49
hi!

Colorcrazy
2021-09-10 19:29:49
hello!

pwr
2021-09-10 19:29:49
hi

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:29:49
hi!

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 19:29:49
Hello!

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:29:49
hello

Save_The_Elephants
2021-09-10 19:29:49
hi

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-10 19:29:49
hello

GarudS
2021-09-10 19:29:49
Hi! Ready for geometry

cwc28
2021-09-10 19:29:49
hello

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:29:52

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 1/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Introduction to Geometry

Week 20: Analytic Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:29:57
Analytic geometry is the study of geometry using coordinates. You're all familiar with the idea of graphing functions on x and y
axes; in this class, we'll see how to represent lines and circles using coordinates, and how coordinates can help us answer
questions about lines and circles.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:30:10
BASICS

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:30:16
We're going to start by solving some simple problems with lines. Hopefully this material is review for you, so we'll go pretty quickly.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:30:23
Any time we want to use analytic geometry in the plane, we use a coordinate system. We can create a coordinate system by
drawing two perpendicular lines and calling them the x and y axes. We call this coordinate system the Cartesian plane.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:30:38
Once we've done this, any point in the plane can be written as (x, y) for some real numbers x and y, where x and y are the
distances from the point to the axes (possibly with a minus sign depending on which side of the axes the point is on).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:30:53
2
Any line can be written as an equation relating x and y. For example, here's the graph of y =
3
x + 2. Every point (x, y) on the
line satisfies that equation, and every point satisfying the equation is on the line.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:30:56

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:31:22
To be sure we're all on the same page, here are a couple quick problems to review lines in the Cartesian plane.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:31:33
In the coordinate plane, what's the equation of the line that goes through (1, 3) and (2, 1)?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:31:38

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 2/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:31:43
Where do we start with figuring out the equation?

pwr
2021-09-10 19:32:12
find the slope

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 19:32:12
Find the slope

soohyun
2021-09-10 19:32:12
finding the slope

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 19:32:12
Find the slope!

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:32:12
find the slope

Teediv
2021-09-10 19:32:12
finding the slope of the line

Sarah010
2021-09-10 19:32:12
find the slope

dan09
2021-09-10 19:32:12
Find the slope of the line

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:32:16
To find the equation, we'll first talk about slope.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:32:27
The slope tells us the direction of the line. If (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) are any two distinct points on the line, we define the slope of
that line as

y2 − y1
Slope  = .
x2 − x1

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:32:38
This quantity comes out the same no matter which two points we choose on a line.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:32:48
Intuitively, this makes sense. For our line above, whenever the line goes left one unit, it goes up two units. So, we always go
upward 2 units for each 1 unit step we take to the left.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:33:18
We typically use the letter m to denote slope.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:33:22
For example, what is the slope of our line passing through the points (1, 3) and (2, 1)?

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 3/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Sarah010
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

Teediv
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 19:34:24
−2.

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

Brendangho
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

GarudS
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 19:34:24
−2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

dan09
2021-09-10 19:34:24
1−3 −2
= = −2
2−1 1

superhero2020
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 19:34:24
m = −2.

hchhaya
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

Suraahi
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

pwr
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

takolhe12
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

apple.xy
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

Sunshine2016
2021-09-10 19:34:24
-2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:34:34
From our formula for slope, we have

1 − 3
m = = −2.
2 − 1

How can we use the slope to find the equation whose graph is our line through (1, 3) and (2, 1)?

apple.xy
2021-09-10 19:35:36
Every point (x,y) on the line other than (2,1) must give a slope of -2 between (x,y) an d(2,1)

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 4/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:35:36
we use the ordered pair (x,y) and find the slope between this new point and one of (1,3) and (2,1) then we can write an equation

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:35:50
The slope is the same no matter which points we choose on the line.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:36:31
So, if the point (x, y) is any point on the line, what's the slope between (x, y) and (1, 3)?

Suraahi
2021-09-10 19:36:51
-2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 19:36:51
-2

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:36:51
-2

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-10 19:36:51
-2

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 19:36:51
-2

takolhe12
2021-09-10 19:36:51
-2

CalvinGarces
2021-09-10 19:36:51
-2

RollOver2020
2021-09-10 19:36:53
-2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:37:01
It is −2. What else?

cwc28
2021-09-10 19:38:24
(y-3)/(x-1)

pwr
2021-09-10 19:38:24
(3-y)/(1-x)

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:38:24
y−3

x−1

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 19:38:24
(y-3)/(x-1)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:38:37
y−3 3−y
It is x−1
, which , of course is the same as 1−x
.

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:38:53
y−3
= −2
x−1

apple.xy
2021-09-10 19:38:53
(3-y)/(1-x) = -2

Suraahi
2021-09-10 19:38:53
3 − y
= −2
1 − x

dan09
2021-09-10 19:38:53
3−y
= −2
1−x

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 5/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Brendangho
2021-09-10 19:38:53
(3 − y)/(1 − x) = −2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:39:02
So, we must have:

y − 3
−2 = ,
x − 1

since we know that the slope of the line through (x, y) and (1, 3) is −2.

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:39:19
then we multiply both sides by x - 1

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:39:22
Multiplying both sides of this by x − 1 gives −2x + 2 = y − 3, which we can write as

2x + y = 5.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:39:34
We sometimes write equations of lines in the form Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C are constants and A > 0 (if A is
nonzero).

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:39:55
standard form

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 19:39:55
Standard form!

Suraahi
2021-09-10 19:39:55
standard form

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:39:58
This is called the standard form of the equation for a line. In practice, when possible, it is usually good to look for a way to write all
three of the parameters A, B, C as integers because, as you know, integers are particularly simple to work with, algebraically
speaking.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:40:10
There are several other useful forms in which we can write equations of lines. What are some of those alternative forms, and when
would they be useful?

pwr
2021-09-10 19:41:32
point slope is y-y_1=m(x-x_1) and this is good when you have a point and a slope

hchhaya
2021-09-10 19:41:32
point slope form, when you have a point and the slope

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:41:36
If (x1 , y1 ) is on a line with slope m, then the equation is

y − y1 = m(x − x1 ).

This is the point-slope form of the line, and it's just a rearrangement of our definition of slope:

y − y1
m = .
x − x1

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:42:09
another is slope-intercept form, useful for because it has both the slope and the y-coordinate of the y-intercept

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:42:13
If the point we have on the line is the y-intercept (which is the point where the line meets the y-axis), then we can write the
equation even more quickly with slope-intercept form, which is y = mx + b, where m is the slope of the line and b is the y-

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 6/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
coordinate of the y-intercept. Why is b the y-coordinate of the y-intercept?

dan09
2021-09-10 19:43:13
Because when x = 0, or when the line hits the y-axis, we have y = m(0) + b , so y = b

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:43:13
because when x = 0, mx = 0 so y = b

apple.xy
2021-09-10 19:43:13
when x=0, we have y=b

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:43:16
Any point on the y-axis has x = 0. Letting x = 0 in y = mx + b gives y = b, so (0, b) is the y-intercept of the line.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:43:24
As an exercise, on your own time, prove that m is indeed the slope of a line whose equation is written in the form y = mx + b.
(This is not just "true by definition"! We can prove it, just as we have proved that b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept.)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:44:01
(Note that the intercepts of a line are points, not numbers)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:44:15
Let's see a problem in which these ideas about equations for lines might be useful:

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:44:19
If I draw lines from (0, 4) to (5, 0), and from (0, 3) to (6, 0), where will they intersect?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:44:25

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:44:38
Our diagram shows why we shouldn't just trust diagrams for our answer: we can't read the precise answer directly from this
diagram. We'll need to do some computing to find the exact final answer.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:44:48
Where do we start with the problem?

pwr
2021-09-10 19:45:14
find the equation of the two lines first

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:45:14
we write equations for both lines

dan09
2021-09-10 19:45:14
Find the equations for both lines.

Brendangho
2021-09-10 19:45:14
find the equations of the two lines

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 19:45:17
Find the equations of the lines!

hchhaya
2021-09-10 19:45:17

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 7/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
find the equations of the lines

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:45:27
We first find equations for the two lines. There are many ways we could do this.

Sarah010
2021-09-10 19:45:35
find the slope

grayspider
2021-09-10 19:45:35
Find the slope for each line?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:45:56
What isthe slope of the line through (0, 4) and (5, 0)?

Brendangho
2021-09-10 19:46:50
-4/5

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 19:46:50
−4

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 19:46:50
-4/5

dan09
2021-09-10 19:46:50
0−4 −4
=
5−0 5

hchhaya
2021-09-10 19:46:50
-4/5

pwr
2021-09-10 19:46:50
-4/5

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:46:50
4

5

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 19:46:50
.
4

5

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:46:50
4

5

Teediv
2021-09-10 19:46:50
-4/5

tkubota
2021-09-10 19:46:50
4

5

cwc28
2021-09-10 19:46:50
-4/5

Sunshine2016
2021-09-10 19:46:50
-4/5

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:47:02
0 − 4 4
The slope of the line is = − .
5 − 0 5

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:47:15
Which form could we use now?

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:47:47
slope-intercept form

tkubota
2021-09-10 19:47:47
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 8/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
slope intercept form

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 19:47:47
slope-intercept form

Sarah010
2021-09-10 19:47:47
slope intercept

Teediv
2021-09-10 19:47:47
we could use point slope form

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:47:47
slope intercept form

Brendangho
2021-09-10 19:47:47
slope intercept form

Suraahi
2021-09-10 19:47:47
slope-intercept

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:48:27
Either is fine, of course, but we are given the y-intercept of the line already. Which point is it of the two?

pwr
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0,4)

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0,4)

takolhe12
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0,4)

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0,4)

dan09
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0, 4)

Teediv
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0,4)

cwc28
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0,4)

Suraahi
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0, 4)

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0,4)

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0, 4).

hchhaya
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0,4)

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-10 19:49:28
(0, 4)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:49:40
The y-intercept of the line is given as (0, 4).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:49:54
So, what is an equation of the line through (0, 4) and (5, 0)?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:51:07

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 9/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
(use parentheses, if needed, to avoid confusion about the formatting)

hchhaya
2021-09-10 19:51:19
y = (-4/5)x + 4

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:51:19
we have y
4x
= − + 4
5

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 19:51:19
4
y = − x + 4 .
5

Suraahi
2021-09-10 19:51:19
4
y = − x + 4
5

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 19:51:19
y=-(4/5)(x)+4

Brendangho
2021-09-10 19:51:19
y = -(4/5)x + 4

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:51:19
4
y = − x + 4
5

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 19:51:19
y=-4x/5+4

GarudS
2021-09-10 19:51:19
y = (−4/5)x + 4

tkubota
2021-09-10 19:51:19
4
y = − x + 4
5

grayspider
2021-09-10 19:51:19
4
y = − x + 5
5

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:51:38
So we can write the equation of the line in slope-intercept form:

4
y = − x + 4.
5

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:52:05
What about the slope of the line through (0, 3) and (6, 0)?

dan09
2021-09-10 19:53:26
0−3 −3 −1
= =
6−0 6 2

pwr
2021-09-10 19:53:26
-1/2

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 19:53:26
.
1

2

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:53:26
1
the slope is − 2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 19:53:26
-1/2

hchhaya
2021-09-10 19:53:26
-1/2

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 10/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Brendangho
2021-09-10 19:53:26
-1/2

Hridhaan
2021-09-10 19:53:26
-1/2

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:53:26
1

2

cwc28
2021-09-10 19:53:26
-1/2

Bluepantzola1
2021-09-10 19:53:26
-1/2

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 19:53:26
1

2

soohyun
2021-09-10 19:53:26
-1/2

Sarah010
2021-09-10 19:53:26
-1/2

Teediv
2021-09-10 19:53:26
1

2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:53:42
0 − 3 1
The slope of the line is = − .
6 − 0 2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:53:55
So, what is an equation of the line through (0, 3) and (6, 0)?

apple.xy
2021-09-10 19:54:50
y=-x/2 + 3

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:54:50
1
y = − x + 3
2

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:54:50
x
y = − + 3
2

Sarah010
2021-09-10 19:54:50
y=(-1/2)x+3

dan09
2021-09-10 19:54:50
−1
y = x + 3
2

Brendangho
2021-09-10 19:54:50
y = -(1/2)x + 3

takolhe12
2021-09-10 19:54:50
y=(-1/2)*x+3

pwr
2021-09-10 19:54:50
y=(-1/2)x+3

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 19:54:50
.
1
y = − x + 3
2

GarudS
2021-09-10 19:54:50
y = (−1/2)x + 3

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 11/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

tkubota
2021-09-10 19:54:50
1
y = − x + 3
2

Teediv
2021-09-10 19:54:50
y = (-1/2)x +3

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 19:54:50
y=-x/2+3

soohyun
2021-09-10 19:54:50
y=(-1/2)x+3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:55:03
The slope-intercept form of the line is

1
y = − x + 3.
2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:55:06
So, we now have equations for our lines:

4
y = − x + 4,
5
1
y = − x + 3.
2

Now what?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:55:52
(there are no "equal equations"; there are equal "expressions")

pwr
2021-09-10 19:56:04
solve for x and y

dan09
2021-09-10 19:56:04
Solve the system of equations for x and y

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:56:14
Since we are looking for a single point that satisfies both line equations, we can consider (x, y) to represent this point. We can
find x by setting the right hand sides equal, since the intersection point will have the same value of y for each line.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:56:58
We therefore have

4 1
− x + 4 = − x + 3.
5 2

So what is x?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:57:17
(x =?)

hchhaya
2021-09-10 19:58:06
x=10/3

dan09
2021-09-10 19:58:06
10
x =
3

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:58:06
x=10/3

Suraahi
2021-09-10 19:58:06

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 12/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
x = 10/3

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 19:58:06
10
x = .
3

Brendangho
2021-09-10 19:58:06
x = 10/3

pwr
2021-09-10 19:58:06
x=10/3

grayspider
2021-09-10 19:58:06
x = 10/3

cwc28
2021-09-10 19:58:06
x=10/3

Sarah010
2021-09-10 19:58:06
x=10/3

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:58:06
10
x =
3

joeshu60091
2021-09-10 19:58:06
x=10/3

GarudS
2021-09-10 19:58:06
x = 10/3

tkubota
2021-09-10 19:58:06
10
x =
3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:58:08
10
Multiplying both sides by 10 gets rid of the fractions and gives us −8x + 40 = −5x + 30, and we find x = .
3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:58:15
So what is y?

hchhaya
2021-09-10 19:59:12
y=4/3

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:59:12
y=4/3

dan09
2021-09-10 19:59:12
4
y =
3

pwr
2021-09-10 19:59:12
y=4/3

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 19:59:12
4
y = .
3

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 19:59:12
4
y =
3

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-10 19:59:12
y= 4/3

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 19:59:12
y=4/3

Brendangho
2021-09-10 19:59:12

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 13/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
y = 4/3

Sarah010
2021-09-10 19:59:12
y=4/3

Suraahi
2021-09-10 19:59:12
y = 4/3

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 19:59:12
4
y =
3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:59:16
10 4
Substituting x = in either of the original equations gives y = . Substituting into both equations gives a good check of your
3 3
work!

Achilleas
2021-09-10 19:59:33
So, where do the two lines intersect?

pwr
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3, 4/3)

dan09
2021-09-10 20:00:26
10 4
( , )
3 3

apple.xy
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3,4/3)

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3, 4/3)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3, 4/3)

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:00:26
( 10 , )
4

3 3

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3, 4/3)

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3, 4/3)

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3, 4/3)

Sunshine2016
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3, 4/3)

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3, 4/3)

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:00:26
10 4
( , )
3 3

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3,4/3)

joeshu60091
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3,4/3)

max_z
2021-09-10 20:00:26
they intersect at (10/3,4/3)

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:00:26

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 14/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

.
10 4
( , )
3 3

takolhe12
2021-09-10 20:00:26
10 4
( , )
3 3

Teediv
2021-09-10 20:00:26
(10/3, 4/3)

RyanL2019
2021-09-10 20:00:33
(10/3, 4/3)

Hridhaan
2021-09-10 20:00:33
(10/3,4/3)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:00:35
10 4
So, the lines intersect at ( , ).
3 3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:00:45
From the diagram, we can see that this answer makes sense; they intersect at an x value a little more than 3, and a y value a little
more than 1. One of the main uses of the diagram is to help us check our answers. Here, we can see early on that both slopes are
negative, as well as checking our final answer.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:00:58
PERPENDICULAR AND PARALLEL LINES

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:01:06
What's the relationship between the slopes of two lines that are perpendicular?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:01:52
They multiply to −1

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 20:01:52
they multiply to be -1

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:01:52
The product of both slopes is −1

pwr
2021-09-10 20:01:52
they have a product of -1

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:01:52
the slopes of two lines that are perpendicular have a product of −1

takolhe12
2021-09-10 20:01:52
the slopes multiply to -1

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:01:52
I think the product of their slopes is -1

tkubota
2021-09-10 20:01:52
their product is −1

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:02:09
If neither line is vertical, then their slopes multiply to −1.

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:02:13
m and −1/m

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:02:13
m_1*m_2=-1

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:02:16
For example, here are the lines y and y
1
= 2x = − x.
2

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 15/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:02:22

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:02:41
Remember this; it will be important later. You can walk through a proof of this fact in the textbook.

Sunshine2016
2021-09-10 20:02:48
what if one of the lines if vertical?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:03:02
Good question. What if one of the lines is vertical?

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:03:26
the other is horizontal

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:03:26
then the other must be horizontal...

Sunshine2016
2021-09-10 20:03:26
then the other must be horizontal

pwr
2021-09-10 20:03:26
then the other line has to be horizontal

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:03:38
How about their slopes, though?

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:03:47
vertical lines have an undefined slope

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:04:08
Vertical lines have no slope. How about horizontal lines?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:04:57
0

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-10 20:04:57
0

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:04:57
0

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:04:57
they have slope of 0

pwr
2021-09-10 20:04:57
0

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:04:57

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 16/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
horizontal lines have a slope of 0

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:04:57
They have slopes of zero.

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:04:57
horizontal lines have a slope of 0

Teediv
2021-09-10 20:04:57
they have a slope of 0

soohyun
2021-09-10 20:04:57
slope of 0

grayspider
2021-09-10 20:04:57
the slope of horizontal lines is 0

dan09
2021-09-10 20:04:57
They have a slope of 0

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:05:04
The slope of a horizontal line is 0.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:05:50
If m1 is the slope of line 1 and m2 is the slope of line 2 and the two lines are perpendicular, then

m1 ⋅ m2 = −1.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:06:04
What about parallel (non-vertical) lines? How are their slopes related?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:06:43
They are equal

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:06:43
parallel lines have the same slope

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:06:43
Parallel lines have same slopes

Sunshine2016
2021-09-10 20:06:43
the slopes are equal

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:06:43
parallel lines have the same slope

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:06:43
Parallel lines slopes are equal

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 20:06:43
their slopes are the same

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:06:43
They have the same value.

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:06:43
they're the same

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:06:43
parallel lines slopes' are the same

pwr
2021-09-10 20:06:43
they are the same

Teediv
2021-09-10 20:06:43
they have equal slopes
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 17/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:06:45
Parallel lines on the Cartesian plane have the same slope.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:06:54
The converses are also true: if the slopes of two lines multiply to −1, they are perpendicular, and if two lines have the same slope,
they are parallel.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:07:06
Any questions about our review of lines before we move on to circles?

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:07:27
no

dan09
2021-09-10 20:07:27
Nope!

pwr
2021-09-10 20:07:27
nope

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:07:27
no!

hchhaya
2021-09-10 20:07:27
no sir

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:07:27
nope

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:07:29
Alright!

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:07:30
CIRCLES

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:07:36
What's the geometric definition of a circle? (I'm not looking for an equation yet. We'll get to that in a minute. Phrase your answer to
my question in plain English for now.)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:09:35
The set of all points equidistant from a single point.

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:09:35
A circle is the set of all points equidistant from a central point.

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:09:35
A circle is a shape consisting of all points in a plane that are at a given distance from a given point, the center

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:09:35
the set of all points the same distance away from a given center

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:09:35
a circle is the set of all points equidistant from a certain point on a plane

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:09:45
A circle is the set of points in the plane that are some fixed distance from a given point. The distance is the radius and the point is
the center.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:10:17
(it is the set of ALL such points, not some of them of course)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:10:29
So, we'll need to be able to handle distance in the Cartesian plane. How?

hchhaya
2021-09-10 20:11:13

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 18/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
distance formula

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:11:13
Distance formula??

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:11:13
distance formula

pwr
2021-09-10 20:11:13
distance formula

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:11:16
We use the distance formula. And what geometric concept is that basically the same as?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:11:41
the Pythagorean theorem!!!

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:11:41
Pythagorean theorem

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:11:41
pythagorean theorem

hchhaya
2021-09-10 20:11:41
pythagorean theorem

grayspider
2021-09-10 20:11:41
The Pythagorean Theorem!

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:11:41
The Pythagorean Theorem?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:11:41
The pythagorean theorem!

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:11:45
It's the same thing as the Pythagorean Theorem. Suppose our center point has coordinates (h, k) and our generic point lying on
the rim of our circle has coordinates (x, y).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:11:54
Now let's quickly sketch that situation to see how to extract our desired formula:

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:11:58

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:12:10
The horizontal distance between A and B is |x − h| and the vertical distance between them is |y − k|. So, we can build a right
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
triangle with AB as the hypotenuse, and the Pythagorean Theorem tells us this hypotenuse has length

2 2
√(x − h) + (y − k) .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:12:27
And that's all there is to distance! No sweat.

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 19/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:12:32
Now that we have distance, we can use that idea to describe circles analytically in terms of equations.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:12:53
Let's see a specific example.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:12:57
Find an equation for the circle of radius 2 centered at (−1, 2).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:13:03
Here's the graph:

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:13:03

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:13:40
If (x, y) is on the graph of this circle, then what equation must be true?

pwr
2021-09-10 20:13:52
(x+1)^2+(y-2)^2=4

dan09
2021-09-10 20:13:52
2 2
(x + 1) + (y − 2) = 4

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 20:13:52
(x+1)^2 + (y-2)^2 = 4

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:13:52
(x+1)^2+(x-2)^2=4

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:14:08
How do we find this equation?

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:14:13
we can use the distance formula!

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:14:18
We can use the definition of a circle: the graph of our circle is all the points (x, y) exactly 2 away from (−1, 2). We can write down
this condition directly.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:14:41
What's the distance between a point (x, y) and (−1, 2)?

grayspider
2021-09-10 20:15:14
√(x + 1)2 + (y − 2)2

dan09
2021-09-10 20:15:14
√(x + 1)2 + (y − 2)2

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 20/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:15:26
It is

2 2
√(x − (−1)) + (y − 2) .

(Again, this is just the Pythagorean Theorem.)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:15:41
What else is this equal to, as well?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:16:04
2

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:16:04
2

Hridhaan
2021-09-10 20:16:04
2

CalvinGarces
2021-09-10 20:16:04
2

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:16:04
this is equal to 2

dan09
2021-09-10 20:16:04
It equals 2

hchhaya
2021-09-10 20:16:04
the radius, 2

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:16:04
2

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:16:04
2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:16:14
This distance must be 2.

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:16:28
√(x + 1)2 + (y − 2)2 =2

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:16:28
√(x + 1)2 + (y − 2)2 = 2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:16:34
So we have

2 2
√(x − (−1)) + (y − 2) = 2.

Of course, that's an annoying equation to look at. How can we clean it up?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:17:03
Square both sides

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:17:03
square both sides

superhero2020
2021-09-10 20:17:03
square both sides

grayspider
2021-09-10 20:17:03
Square each side
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 21/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:17:03
square both sides of the equation

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:17:03
square both sides!!

KindKitty
2021-09-10 20:17:03
Square both sides

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:17:03
square both sides

takolhe12
2021-09-10 20:17:03
square each side

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:17:03
Square both sides

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:17:03
squaring both sides

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:17:23
We square both sides to get

2 2 2
(x − (−1)) + (y − 2) = 2 ,

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:17:27
2 2
(x + 1) + (y − 2) = 4

grayspider
2021-09-10 20:17:27
2 2 2
(x + 1) + (y − 2) = 2 = 4

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:17:29
or, simplified, we have

2 2 2
(x + 1) + (y − 2) = 2 .

More generally, what can we say about the equation of a circle of radius r, with center (h, k)?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:19:23
2 2 2
(x − h) + (y − k) = r

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:19:23
2 2 2
(x − h) + (y − k) = r

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:19:23
(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=r^2

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:19:23
(x – h)^2 + (y – k)^2 = r^2

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:19:23
2 2 2
(x − h) + (y − k) = r

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:19:23
2 2 2
(x − h) + (y − k) = r

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:19:23
2 2 2
(x − h) + (y − k) = r

takolhe12
2021-09-10 20:19:23
(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=r^2

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 22/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:19:35
In order for (x, y) to be on the circle with center (h, k) and radius r, the distance between (x, y) and (h, k) must be r, so we
have:

2 2
√(x − h) + (y − k) = r.

Squaring this gives us

2 2 2
(x − h) + (y − k) = r .

This way of writing the equation for a circle is known as the standard form for the equation of a circle.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:19:57
As with anything new we learn, if we learn how to do it "forwards" (given the center and radius, find an equation) we should try to
figure out how to do it "backwards" (given an equation, find the center and radius).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:20:15
Find the center and radius of the circle whose graph is described by the following equation:

2 2
x + y − 2x − 10y + 10 = 0.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:20:29
How can we approach this?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:20:50
First, get it into standard form.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:20:52
Let's try to put it in standard form first. If we can do that, we'll be able to just read off the center and radius. Any ideas how to turn
the equation above into standard form?

pwr
2021-09-10 20:21:30
complete the square

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:21:30
complete the square

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:21:30
Complete the square!!!

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:21:30
complete the square

pwr
2021-09-10 20:21:30
complete the square

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:21:30
split the ten to complete the square

dan09
2021-09-10 20:21:30
Complete the square in both x and y

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:21:30
complete the square

Sarah010
2021-09-10 20:21:30
complete the square

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:21:30
we can complete the square

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:21:36

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 23/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
The funny equation above is what we would get by expanding out and simplifying the standard form equation
(x − h) + (y − k) = r for certain values of h, k, and r. To turn it back into standard form, we can "un-expand" it by
2 2 2

completing the square on the x and y terms separately.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:21:59
For those of you who haven't had much practice with completing the square, here's a crash course.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:22:04
We'll start with: Expand (x + a)2 .

pwr
2021-09-10 20:23:04
x^2+2ax+a^2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:23:04
x^2+2xa+a^2

Sarah010
2021-09-10 20:23:04
x^2+2xa+a^2

takolhe12
2021-09-10 20:23:04
x^2+2ax+a^2

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:23:04
2 2
x + 2ax + a

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:23:04
2 2
x + 2xa + a

max_z
2021-09-10 20:23:04
x^2+2ax+a^2

Hridhaan
2021-09-10 20:23:04
x^2+2xa+a^2

takolhe12
2021-09-10 20:23:04
2 2
x + 2ax + a

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:23:04
x^2 + 2ax + a^2

Teediv
2021-09-10 20:23:04
x^2 + a^2 + 2ax

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:23:04
2 2
x + 2ax + a

grayspider
2021-09-10 20:23:04
2 2
x + 2ax + a

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:23:07
We have

2
(x + a) = x(x + a) + a(x + a)

2 2
= x + 2ax + a .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:23:17
Notice how the coefficient of x and the last term are related: halve the coefficient of x, square it, and you get the last term, a
2
.

(This only works when we are squaring something of the form x + a.)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:23:24
Let's look at another: Expand (x − 4)2 .

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 24/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

dan09
2021-09-10 20:24:00
2
x − 8x + 16

hchhaya
2021-09-10 20:24:00
x^2 - 8x + 16

pwr
2021-09-10 20:24:00
x^2-8x+16

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:24:00
x^2 - 8x + 16

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:24:00
x^2-8x+16

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:24:00
2
x − 8x + 16

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:24:00
x^2-8x+16

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:24:00
2
x − 8x + 16

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:24:00
2
x − 8x + 16

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-10 20:24:00
x^2 - 8x + 16

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:24:00
2
x − 8x + 16

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 20:24:00
x^2 - 8x + 16

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:24:03
We have

2 2 2
(x − 4) = x + 2(−4)(x) + (−4)

2
= x − 8x + 16.

Note: Halve −8, square it, and you get 16.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:24:06
So, next question: what do you add to x2 + 18x in order to get a perfect square of the form (x + a)2 ?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:24:42
81

pwr
2021-09-10 20:24:42
81

hchhaya
2021-09-10 20:24:42
81

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:24:42
81

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:24:42
add 81

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:24:42
81.

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 25/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:24:42
81

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:24:42
81

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 20:24:42
81

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:24:42
81

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:24:44
We compare x2 + 18x to x2 + 2ax + a ,
2
and see that a = 9, so we want to add a2 = 81, and we see that
2 2
x + 18x + 81 = (x + 9) .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:24:51
We can also think geometrically: We want to build stuff onto an x by x square to make a bigger square. We therefore split the 18
by x rectangle into two equal 9 by x rectangles. That leaves a little 9 by 9 hole!

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:24:52

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:25:13
That's completing the square: we rewrite x2 + 18x as (x + 9)2 − 81 , where we have completed the square to make the perfect
square part (x + 9) 2
.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:25:54
Back to our example:

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:26:25
The terms involving x are x2 − 2x. What can we add to get a square?

pwr
2021-09-10 20:26:51
1

dan09
2021-09-10 20:26:51
Add 1

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:26:51
1

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:26:51
1

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 26/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:26:51
1

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:26:51
1

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-10 20:26:51
1

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:26:57
And what is the square?

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:27:34
(x-1)^2

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:27:34
2
(x − 1)

hchhaya
2021-09-10 20:27:34
(x-1)^2

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-10 20:27:34
(x-1)^2

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:27:34
2
(x − 1)

dan09
2021-09-10 20:27:34
2
(x − 1)

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:27:34
2
(x − 1)

tkubota
2021-09-10 20:27:34
2
(x − 1)

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:27:34
2
(x − 1)

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 20:27:34
(x-1)^2

pwr
2021-09-10 20:27:34
(x-1)^2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:27:36
We add 1 to get x
2 2
− 2x + 1 = (x − 1) .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:27:38
In other words, we can see that x2 − 2x = (x − 1)
2
− 1.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:27:55
The terms involving y are y 2 − 10y. What do we get when we complete the square on these?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:28:10
(A moment ago, we completed the square on x2 − 2x and got (x − 1)2 − 1. So your answer should look something like that.)

dan09
2021-09-10 20:28:55
2
(y − 5) − 25

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:28:55
2
(y − 5) − 25

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:28:55

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 27/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
2
(y − 5) − 25

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:28:55
2
(y − 5) − 25

hchhaya
2021-09-10 20:28:55
(y-5)^2 - 25

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:28:55
2
(y − 5) − 25

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:28:58
We get y 2 − 10y = y
2
− 10y + 25 − 25 = (y − 5)
2
− 25.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:29:17
So we found that

2 2
x − 2x = (x − 1) − 1,

2 2
y − 10y = (y − 5) − 25.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:29:24
What does the original equation become when we substitute in the expressions we got from completing the square?

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:30:48
2 2
(x − 1) + (y − 5) + 10 − 26 = 0

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:30:48
2 2
(x − 1) + (y − 5) − 26 + 10 = 0

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:30:56
Then the original equation becomes

2 2
(x − 1) − 1 + (y − 5) − 25 + 10 = 0,

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:31:08
2 2
(x − 1) + (y − 5) = 16

dan09
2021-09-10 20:31:08
2 2 2
(x − 1) + (y − 5) = 4

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:31:08
(x-1)^2+(y-5)^2=16

superhero2020
2021-09-10 20:31:08
2 2
(x − 1) + (y − 5) − 16 = 0

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:31:08
(x − 1)
2
+ (y − 5)
2
− 16 = 0 .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:31:11
or

2 2
(x − 1) + (y − 5) = 16.

What does this tell us about our circle?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:32:19
The center is (1, 5) and the radius is 4

pwr
2021-09-10 20:32:19
center is (1,5) and radius is 4

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 28/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:32:19
the center is (1,5) and the radius is 4

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:32:19
we have a circle with radius 4 and center(1,5)

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:32:19
That the radius is 4 and the centre is at (1,5)

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:32:19
It is centered at the point (1, 5), and has a radius of √16 = 4 .

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:32:19
the radius is 4 and the center is (1, 5)

superhero2020
2021-09-10 20:32:19
its center is at (1, 5) and it has a radius of 4

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:32:23
This last equation is the equation for a circle in standard form. The center is (1, 5), because we can compare with the equation for
a circle centered at (h, k) :

2 2 2
(x − h) + (y − k) = r .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:32:34
We see that h must be 1 and k must be 5. So, the center is (1, 5).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:32:36
And similarly, the radius must be 4.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:32:46
How should we check that this is really the right equation?

iejake
2021-09-10 20:34:04
plug in some points

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:34:12
We could plug in a point on our new circle into our original equation.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:34:15
That's right, let's plug some points into the original equation. Can we plug in the center, (1, 5)?

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:34:41
no

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:34:41
no

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:34:41
No

iejake
2021-09-10 20:34:41
no

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:34:41
no

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:34:41
no, it's not on the circle

Sarah010
2021-09-10 20:34:41
no

TThB0501
2021-09-10 20:34:41

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 29/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
I dont think so

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:34:45
No, that's actually not a good idea -- the center shouldn't (and doesn't) satisfy either equation! What are some points we can see to
plug in?

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:35:24
(1, 9)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:35:24
(1,9)

TThB0501
2021-09-10 20:35:24
four units above it, or (1,9)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:35:49
Any other points? By the way, how many points would we need to check to be sure?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:36:37
Three points

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:36:37
we should check three points

Hridhaan
2021-09-10 20:36:37
three

KindKitty
2021-09-10 20:36:37
3

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:36:37
3

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:36:37
3?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:36:44
I'd need to check three. One, of course, is not good enough -- there are tons of circles through a single given point. There are also
many circles through two given points P , Q. As we've argued in another class, the center can be anywhere on the perpendicular
bisector of P and Q. However, given three points P , Q, and R, there's at most one point the same distance from all three of them.
Is there always one?

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:37:16
no

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:37:20
Why not?

CalvinGarces
2021-09-10 20:37:38
collinear

dan09
2021-09-10 20:37:38
If they are co-linear then they can't be on a circle

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:37:48
Right! If P , Q, R are collinear, then there's no circle going through all three of them. But otherwise there's exactly one, so we can
say that three points determine a circle.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:38:25
So, which other points other than (1, 9) could we plug in?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:39:01
(a couple more, in one post, would be great!)

dan09
2021-09-10 20:40:01

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 30/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
,
(1, 1) (5, 5) , or (−3, 5)

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:40:01
(1,1) and (-3,5)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:40:01
(5,5) (1,1)

Sunshine2016
2021-09-10 20:40:01
(1, 1) (5, 5)

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:40:01
(1, 1), (5, 5), (-3, 5)

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:40:01
(1, 1), (5, 5).

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:40:01
(−3, 5); (5, 5) and (1, 1)

iejake
2021-09-10 20:40:01
(5,5), (-3,5), (1,1)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:40:13
The four most obvious ones are (1, 9), (1, 1), (5, 5), and (−3, 5). These are the "north, south, east, and west" poles of our circle,
like so:

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:40:16

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:40:22
It's easy to see that these four points satisfy the equation (x − 1)2 + (y − 5)2 = 16, since plugging in x = 1 or y = 5 makes
one of the squared terms disappear. Make sure you see this yourself! This sort of thing is critical for working with any equations
more complicated than a line, as you've probably seen when studying quadratics.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:40:32
Do these four points satisfy the original equation?

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:40:44
yes

Sunshine2016
2021-09-10 20:40:44
yes

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:40:44
yes

dan09
2021-09-10 20:40:44
Yes!

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 31/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

iejake
2021-09-10 20:40:44
yes

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:40:44
yes

Bluepantzola1
2021-09-10 20:40:47
yes

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:40:54
Yes! The easiest one to check is (1, 1) : we get 12 + 1
2
− 2 ⋅ 1 − 10 ⋅ 1 + 10 = 0, as we hoped. That's probably enough to
satisfy us in practice.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:41:15
Our next problem will be to find the center of a circle passing through three given points.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:41:19
Find the center of the circle that passes through the points (−6, 4), (5, −7), and (6, −2).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:41:31
We'll solve this problem two different ways. First, a direct approach using the equation for a circle. How can we set this problem up
algebraically?

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:42:08
use the standard form of a circle

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:42:13
We suppose the circle has center (h, k) and radius r, so that the equation of the circle is

2 2 2
(x − h) + (y − k) = r .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:42:16
Now, what's one of the equations we can write?

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:43:04
2 2 2
(−6 − h) + (4 − k) = r

pwr
2021-09-10 20:43:04
(-6-h)^2+(4-k)^2=r^2

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 20:43:04
(-6-h)^2 + (4-k)^2 = r^2

Sarah010
2021-09-10 20:43:04
(-6-h)^2+(4-k)^2=r^2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:43:09
Because the circle with radius r and center (h, k) passes through (−6, 4), we have

2 2 2
(−6 − h) + (4 − k) = r .

This is simply plugging the point (x, y) = (−6, 4) into our standard form of a circle,

2 2 2
(x − h) + (y − k) = r .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:43:49
What equation do we get from the fact that the circle passes through the point (5, −7)?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:44:30
2 2 2
(5 − h) + (−7 − k) = r

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:44:30
(5-h)^2 + (-7-k)^2 = r^2
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 32/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:44:30
2 2 2
(5 − h) + (−7 − k) = r

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:44:30
(5-h)^2+(-7-k)^2=r^2

pwr
2021-09-10 20:44:30
(5-h)^2+(-7-k)^2=r^2

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:44:30
2 2 2
(5 − h) + (−7 − k) = r

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:44:30
(5-h)^2+(-7-k)^2=r^2

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:44:30
2 2 2
(5 − h) + (−7 − k) = r

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:44:44
How about using the point (6, −2)?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:45:22
2 2 2
(6 − h) + (−2 − k) = r

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:45:22
(6-h)^2 + (-2-k)^2 = r^2

grayspider
2021-09-10 20:45:22
And from (6, −2), we get (6 − h)2 + (−2 − k)
2
= r
2

RyanL2019
2021-09-10 20:45:22
(6-h)^2+(-2-k)^2=r^2

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:45:22
2 2 2
(6 − h) + (−2 − k) = r

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:45:22
2 2 2
(6 − h) + (−2 − k) = r

Sarah010
2021-09-10 20:45:22
(6-h)^2+(-2-k)^2=r^2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:45:31
Nice!

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:45:35
We can use the points (5, −7) and (6, −2) to make two more equations. Putting these with our first equation, we have the system

2 2 2
(−6 − h) + (4 − k) = r ,

2 2 2
(5 − h) + (−7 − k) = r ,

2 2 2
(6 − h) + (−2 − k) = r .

That looks pretty scary at first. We have three equations with three variables, and if we expand the left side, we'll have some
squared variables and some not squared. Yikes! Does anyone see anything interesting we can do with these equations?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:46:25
(we cannot set "equations" equal; only "expressions")

Sarah010
2021-09-10 20:46:38
we can eliminate r

Hridhaan
2021-09-10 20:46:38

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 33/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Cancel the r^2?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:46:43
We can eliminate r2 by subtracting one equation from another and that also ends up eliminating h2 and k2 . Let's get a closer look
at how this works by expanding the left sides of the first two equations.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:46:59
They were

2 2 2
(−6 − h) + (4 − k) = r ,

2 2 2
(5 − h) + (−7 − k) = r .

Expanding the left sides gives

2 2 2
36 + 12h + h + 16 − 8k + k = r ,
2 2 2
25 − 10h + h + 49 + 14k + k = r .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:47:08
Aha! Now, it's clear that we can do a lot of canceling. Subtracting the second equation from the first leaves

22h − 22k − 22 = 0.

Dividing both sides by 22 gives h − k − 1 = 0.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:47:21
That's not so bad!

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:47:27
Now what do we do?

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:47:44
do something similar for another pair of equations

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:47:46
We do the same thing with another pair of equations. If a strategy makes progress in a problem, but doesn't finish it, take a
moment to look for a way to apply that strategy again.

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:47:56
do the same thing with the second and third equation

Sarah010
2021-09-10 20:47:56
do the same on the second and third equations

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:47:59
We take the first and third equations (we could take the second and third, too):

2 2 2
(−6 − h) + (4 − k) = r ,

2 2 2
(6 − h) + (−2 − k) = r .

Expanding these gives

2 2 2
36 + 12h + h + 16 − 8k + k = r ,
2 2 2
36 − 12h + h + 4 + 4k + k = r .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:48:09
Subtracting the second from the first gives 24h − 12k + 12 = 0, and dividing this by 12 gives 2h − k + 1 = 0.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:48:16

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 34/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
So, now we have two equations:

h − k − 1 = 0,

2h − k + 1 = 0.

Now what?

pwr
2021-09-10 20:48:35
solve for k and h

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:48:35
solve for k and h

grayspider
2021-09-10 20:48:35
Solve for h and k !

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:48:35
we solve for h and k

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:48:37
Solve for h or k.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:48:49
What do we find for h and k?

dan09
2021-09-10 20:49:41
h = −2, k = −3

Sarah010
2021-09-10 20:49:41
h=-2 and k=-3

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:49:41
(h,k) = (-2,-3)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:49:41
h=-2, k=-3

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 20:49:41
h=-2,k=-3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:49:44
Subtracting the first from the second gives h + 2 = 0, so h = −2.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:49:54
Substituting this back into either equation gives k = −3.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:50:00
So, the center of the circle is (−2, −3).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:50:05
Let's now look at a second way to solve the problem that uses more of our knowledge of geometry.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:50:08

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 35/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:50:13
What might we have done if we were scared off by those equations earlier?

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:50:51
drawn a diagram

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:50:53
How is the circle we seek related to the triangle formed by connecting the given vertices?

GarudS
2021-09-10 20:51:28
its the circumcircle

dan09
2021-09-10 20:51:28
It is the circumcircle of the triangle

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:51:28
that circle is the triangle's circumcircle

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:51:28
it is the circumcircle of the triangle formed by connecting the given vertices

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:51:28
The circle is the cirrcumcircle of the triangle.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:51:38
The circle we seek is the circumcircle of the triangle formed by connecting the given vertices. So, the center we want is the
circumcenter of the triangle.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:51:42
How can we find the circumcenter of a triangle?

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:51:55
Find where two of the perpendicular bisectors of the sides of the triangle meet. The center of the circumcircle.

dan09
2021-09-10 20:52:01
The circumcenter of a triangle is where the perpendicular bisectors of the sides intersect

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:52:04
The circumcenter of a triangle is the intersection of the perpendicular bisectors of the sides. Now, we have a plan.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:52:22

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 36/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
We'll start with the side that connects (−6, 4) and (6, −2). How do we find the equation whose graph is the perpendicular
bisector of this side?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:52:30
What do we need?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:53:05
the slope of the line.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:53:11
We need to find a point on the line and its slope. What is the slope of the perpendicular bisector?

pwr
2021-09-10 20:54:08
2

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 20:54:08
2

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:54:08
2

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:54:08
2.

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:54:08
2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:54:12
The slope of this side is

4 − (−2) 6 1
= = − .
−6 − 6 −12 2

So the slope of the perpendicular bisector is

−1
= 2.
−1/2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:54:28
Now we just need a point. Is there any point that we know must be on the perpendicular bisector?

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:55:18
the midpoint of (-6, 4) and (6, -2)

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:55:18
the midpoint of the segment with endpoints (-6,4) and (6,-2)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:55:21
We know the midpoint of the side must be on the perpendicular bisector! So, we want to find the coordinates of the midpoint.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:55:24
Fortunately, there's a handy formula for finding the midpoint of a segment in coordinates: just average the coordinates of the
a + c b + d
endpoints. That is, the midpoint of the segment from (a, b) to (c, d) is ( , ). You can find a proof that this works in
2 2

the book.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:55:36
So, what is the midpoint of our side from (−6, 4) to (6, −2)?

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 20:55:59
(0,1)

pwr
2021-09-10 20:55:59
(0,1)

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 37/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

dan09
2021-09-10 20:55:59
(0, 1)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 20:55:59
(0,1)

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:55:59
(0, 1)

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:55:59
(0, 1)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:56:01
−6 + 6 4 − 2
The midpoint of the side is: ( , ) = (0, 1).
2 2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:56:05
So, what is our desired equation for this perpendicular bisector?

pwr
2021-09-10 20:56:40
y=2x+1

max_z
2021-09-10 20:56:40
y=2x+1

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:56:40
y=2x+1

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:56:40
y = 2x +1

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 20:56:40
y = 2x + 1.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:56:42
We have a slope of 2 and a y-intercept of (0, 1), so our equation is

y = 2x + 1.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:56:46
(Maybe that equation looks familiar. Recall the equation 2h − k + 1 = 0 we found earlier. Is this a coincidence? Think about that
later on your own )

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:56:50
Now let's find the perpendicular bisector of the side connecting (−6, 4) and (5, −7). We can use the same strategy: find the slope
and the midpoint of the side, so we can write a point-slope equation.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:56:55
What's the midpoint of this side?

Suraahi
2021-09-10 20:57:26
(−0.5, −1.5)

pwr
2021-09-10 20:57:26
(1/2, -3/2)

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 20:57:26
(-1/2, -3/2)

Hridhaan
2021-09-10 20:57:26
(-1/2,-3/2)

Brendangho
2021-09-10 20:57:26
(-1/2, -3/2)

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 38/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:57:29
(-1/2, -3/2)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:57:31
The average of −6 and 5 is −0.5 and the average of 4 and −7 is −1.5, so the midpoint is (−0.5, −1.5).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:57:35
And what is the slope of the perpendicular bisector of the side connecting (−6, 4) and (5, −7)?

max_z
2021-09-10 20:58:16
1

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:58:16
1

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:58:16
1

Sarah010
2021-09-10 20:58:16
1

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:58:20
The slope of the side is

4 − (−7)
= −1.
−6 − 5

So the slope of the perpendicular bisector is 1.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:58:29
The perpendicular bisector has slope 1 and passes through (−0.5, −1.5), so point-slope form gives us an equation of

y − (−1.5) = 1 ⋅ (x − (−0.5)).

This simplifies as x − y − 1 = 0 , or y = x − 1 .

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:58:35
Another familiar equation. Recall the equation h − k − 1 = 0 that we found earlier.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:58:47
We now have y = 2x + 1 and x − y − 1 = 0. We can solve this system of equations as before to find (x, y) = (−2, −3).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:58:50
I'll leave the question of why our two methods generate the same linear equations as a puzzle for you to solve!

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:59:10
One more example before we call it a day?

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 20:59:26
ok!

Hridhaan
2021-09-10 20:59:26
ok

pwr
2021-09-10 20:59:26
sure

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 20:59:26
Sure!

cwc28
2021-09-10 20:59:26
okay

dan09
2021-09-10 20:59:26
Sure!

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 39/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:59:33
MORE GEOMETRIC CONSTRUCTIONS WITH COORDINATES

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:59:35
Let k denote the line y = 3x − 5. What point on line k is closest to the point (−1, −2)? Using this information, how far away is
line k from the point (−1, −2)?

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:59:46
Note about terminology: The "distance" from a point P to a line k is, by definition, the distance from point P to the point on line k
that comes closest to P . More succinctly, it's the shortest distance from point P to a point on line k.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:59:55
The first part will help us answer the second part, so we'll tackle that first. Here's a picture.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 20:59:56

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:00:06
Let's first think about what this question means geometrically. How do we find the closest point to (−1, −2) on line k
geometrically?

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 21:00:36
we use perpendicular lines

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 21:00:36
a perpendicular line from (-1, -2) to line k

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:00:38
We want to draw a new line through (−1, −2), perpendicular to line k. Wherever these two lines meet will be the closest point of k
to (−1, −2).

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:00:44
OK, so going back to analytic geometry terms, how can we find the equation of this perpendicular line?

pwr
2021-09-10 21:01:09
we need the slope and one point on it

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:01:36
We need the slope of the line and one point on it. Do we know any of it?

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 21:01:57
We have a point

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:02:02
What's the point?

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 21:02:23
we know a point (-1,-2)

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 40/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 21:02:23
We have a point (−1, −2)

pwr
2021-09-10 21:02:23
yes it has to be through (-1,-2)

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 21:02:23
(−1, −2).

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 21:02:23
(-1,-2)

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 21:02:23
(-1, -2)

GarudS
2021-09-10 21:02:23
(−1, −2)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 21:02:28
(-1,-2)

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:02:31
Well, obviously (−1, −2) is on the line.

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 21:02:38
we know the slope of the line

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:02:50
What's the slope of the given line y = 3x − 5 ?

pwr
2021-09-10 21:03:13
3

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 21:03:13
3

cwc28
2021-09-10 21:03:13
3

tkubota
2021-09-10 21:03:13
3

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 21:03:13
the slope of k is 3

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 21:03:13
3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:03:41
The given line y = 3x − 5 has slope 3. So, what's the slope of the perpendicular to it through (−1, −2)?

pwr
2021-09-10 21:04:43
-1/3

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 21:04:43
-1/3

MathNinja7
2021-09-10 21:04:43
−1

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 21:04:43
-1/3

tkubota
2021-09-10 21:04:43

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 41/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
1

3

grayspider
2021-09-10 21:04:43
−1/3

Teediv
2021-09-10 21:04:43
-1/3

Sirahulania
2021-09-10 21:04:43
the slope is − 3
1

cwc28
2021-09-10 21:04:43
-1/3

dan09
2021-09-10 21:04:43
−1

hchhaya
2021-09-10 21:04:43
-1/3

TheIdentityProperty
2021-09-10 21:04:43
-1/3

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 21:04:43
.
1

3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:04:50
The slope of the perpendicular line is − 1 .
3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:04:51
So what's the equation of the perpendicular line?

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 21:06:06
y = −
1
(x + 1) − 2 .
3

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 21:06:06
y+2=-(x+2)/3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:06:15
Since this line goes through (−1, −2) and has slope −1/3, its equation is y + 2 .
1
= − (x + 1)
3

Hridhaan
2021-09-10 21:06:29
y=-x/3-7/3

hchhaya
2021-09-10 21:06:29
y = (-1/3)x - 7/3

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 21:06:29
.
1 7
y = − x −
3 3

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 21:06:29
y = (-1/3)x - 7/3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:06:31
Rearranging this equation gives

1 7
y = − x − .
3 3

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:06:37
Now how do we find the point on the line y = 3x − 5 that is closest to (−1, −2)?

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 21:07:07

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 42/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
you solve the two line equations

shenpinyi
2021-09-10 21:07:07
we find where the two lines intersect

pwr
2021-09-10 21:07:07
system of equations

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 21:07:07
By finding the point where our two lines intersect.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:07:11
The point on k that lies closest to (−1, −2) lies on two lines, whose equations we now know to be

y = 3x − 5

and

1 7
y = − x − .
3 3

We can use substitution or elimination to solve this system.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:07:15
1 7
We substitute the expression for y from the former equation in the latter and we have 3x − 5 = − x − . What do we find for
3 3
x?

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 21:07:54
x = 4/5

hchhaya
2021-09-10 21:07:54
x = 4/5

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 21:07:54
4
x =
5
.

grayspider
2021-09-10 21:07:54
4
x =
5

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:07:56
4
We multiply by 3 to get rid of fractions, and we have 9x − 15 = −x − 7, so 10x = 8, which gives us x = .
5

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:07:57
And y?

Vitah2008
2021-09-10 21:08:36
y = -13/5

dan09
2021-09-10 21:08:36
−13
y =
5

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-10 21:08:36
y=-13/5

Rinnypig
2021-09-10 21:08:36
.
13
y = −
5

Suraahi
2021-09-10 21:08:36
y = −13/5

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:08:38
13
Substituting this value of x into y = 3x − 5 gives y = − .
5

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 43/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:08:40
Here's the picture with this closest point drawn in.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:08:41

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:08:44
This sketch helps convince us that we haven't made a mistake.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:08:53
The second part of the question was the distance from (−1, −2) to k.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:09:00
This is just the distance between (−1, −2) and ( 4 , − 13 ) . We can get this from the Pythagorean Theorem (i.e., the distance
5 5

formula):

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:09:05
The distance is

2 2 2 2
4 13 9 3
√(−1 − ) + (−2 + ) = √( ) + ( )
5 5 5 5

√90
=
5

3
= √10.
5

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:09:18
You can find a full discussion of the distance between a point and a line problem in the text, including a formula for the distance
between a given point and a given line.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:09:26
That formula, for an equation in standard form Ax + By + C = 0 and a point (h, k) is

|Ah + Bk + C|
d = .
√ A 2 + B2

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:09:51
Checking our work on this problem with 3x − y − 5 = 0 and (−1, −2) gives

|3(−1) − (−2) − 5| 6 6√10 3


= = = √10.
√10 10 5
2
√3 + (−1)
2

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40748 44/45
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:10:18
SUMMARY

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:10:20
Today, we started our study of analytic geometry, which is the study of geometry using coordinates from the Cartesian plane.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:10:29
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
2021-09-10 21:10:43
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
2021-09-10 21:10:50
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
2021-09-10 21:10:58
We applied these concepts to a variety of geometric problems. Next week, we'll apply them to more challenging geometry
problems.

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:11:09
Thank you for staying over!

Achilleas
2021-09-10 21:11:24
Have a wonderful weekend! See you next time.

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