Straight Line

Straight Line
COORDINATE GEOMETRY

It is the branch of geometry in which algebraic equations are used to denote points, lines and
curves.Rene Descartes a french mathematician and a greatest philosopher suggested use of algebra in
Geometry.The basic idea is that in Coordinate Geometry we use algebraic methods to study Geom-
etry without making direct reference to the actual figures.
Distance Formula: y
(a) Let A and B be two given points,
B(x2, y2)
whose coordinates are given by
A(x1, y1) and B(x2 , y2) respectively.
Then AB = (x1  x 2 ) 2  (y1  y 2 ) 2 A(x1, y1)
x
(b) Distance of (x1, y1) from origin : x12  y12 O

Section formula :
Coordinates of the point P dividing the line segment joining two points A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2)
internally in the given ratio 1 : 2
  2 x 1   1 x 2  2 y1   1 y 2  1 2
are P  , .
  2  1  2  1  A(x1,y1) P(x,y) B(x2,y2)

Coordinates of the point P dividing the join of two points A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2) externally in the
1
ratio of 1 : 2 are P   2 x 1  1 x 2 ,  2 y1  1 y 2  . 2
  2  1  2  1 
A(x1,y1) B(x2,y2) P(x,y)

In both the cases, 1/2 is positive.

Notes :
(i) If the ratio, in which a given line segment is divided, is to be determined, then sometimes, for
convenience (instead of taking the ratio 1 : 2), we take the ratio k : 1. If the value of k turns out to be
positive, it is an internal division otherwise it is an external division.
(ii) The coordinates of the mid-point of the line-segment joining the points A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2)
 x1  x 2 y1  y 2 
are  , .
 2 2 
Harmonic Conjugate :
If P is a point that divides AB internally in the ratio m1 : m2 and Q is another point which divides AB
externally in the same ratio m1 : m2, then the point P and Q are said to be Harmonic conjugate to each
other with respect to A and B.
A P B Q
1 1 2
i.e. AP , AB and AQ forms a HP  + AQ =
AP AB

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Inclination of a line :
It is a measure of the smallest non-negative angle which the line makes with +ve direction of the x-axis [angle
being measured in anti-clockwise direction]. 0  < 
y

 x


Slope of the line : If the inclination of line is  and   then its slope is defined as tan  and
2
denoted by ‘m’
(i) If  = 0, then m = 0 i.e. line parallel to x-axis.
(ii) If  = 90º, then m does not exist i.e. line parallel to y-axis

y 2  y1
(iii) Slope of line joining two points A(x1, y1) & B(x2, y2) is m  tan  
x 2  x1

(iv) If a line equally inclined with co-ordinate axes then slope is ± 1.

Intercepts :
The point where a line cuts the x-axis (or y-axis) is called its x-intercept (or y-intercept).
(i) Intercepts may be +ve, –ve or zero.
(ii) A line making an intercept of –a with y-axis means the line passing through (0,–a)
(iii) A line makes equal non-zero intercept with both co-ordinate axes then slope is –1.
(iv) A line makes non-zero intercept with both co-ordinate axes equal in magnitude then slope is ±1.
STANDARD EQUATIONS OF STRAIGHT LINES
(1) General Form : Any first degree equation of the form Ax + By + C = 0, where A, B, C are
constant always represents general equation of a straight line (at least one
y out of A and B is non zero.)
(2) Slope - Intercept Form :
y = mx + c
y = mx + c
where m = slope of the line = tan 
(0,c)
c = y intercept x
where m = tan

(3) Intercept Form :

x y y
 1
a b
(0,b)
x intercept = a x y
 1
a b

y intercept = b x
(a,0)

(4) Normal Form : y

x cos  + y sin  = p, where  is the angle which the

perpendicular to the line makes with the axis of x and
r is the length of the perpendicular from the origin to the line. p
 x
p is always positive

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(5) Slope Point Form :

Equation : y – y1 = m (x – x1), is the equation of line passing through the point (x1, y1) and having the
slope 'm'
y P L
r
A 
(h,k)
L’

x
(6) Two points Form :
y 2 – y1
Equation : y – y1 = x – x ( x – x 1 ) , is the equation of line passing through two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)
2 1

(7) Parametric Form :

To find the equation of a straight line which passes through a given point A(h, k) and makes a given angle
 with the positive direction of the x-axis. P(x, y) is any point on the line LAL'. Let
AP = r, x – h = r cos , y – k = r sin  P
y L
x–h y–k r
A 
 r is the equation of the straight line LAL'.
cos  sin  (h,k)
Any point on the line will be of the form L’
(h + r cos , k + r sin ), where |r| gives the
x
distance of the point P from the fixed point (h, k)

Note : If point P is taken relatively upward to A then r is positive otherwise negative. If line is parallel to x-
axis then for the point right to A, r is positive and for left to A, r is negative.
REDUCTION OF GENERAL EQUATION TO DIFFERENT STANDARD FORMS
(1) Slope - Intercept Form :
To reduce the equation Ax + By + C = 0 to the form y = mx + c
–A C
Given equation is Ax+ By + C = 0  y = , c = – (B  0)
B B

A  coefficient of x  C
Note : Slope of the line Ax + By + c = 0 is – .i.e –  coefficient of y  . y intercept the line  –
B   B

(2) Intercept Form :

x y
To reduce the equation Ax + By + C = 0 the form   1. This reduction is possible only when C  0
a b
Given equation is Ax + By = – C
x y x y
   1 which is the form   1 . where a = –C ,b=–
C
 –C   –C  a b A B
   
A  B

C C
Note : Intercept on the x-axis = – , intercept on the y-axis = – . Thus intercept of a straight line on the x-
A B
axis can be obtained by putting y = 0 in the equation of the line and then finding the value of x. similarly,
intercept on the y-axis can be obtained by putting x = 0 and solving for y.

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(3) Normal form :

To reduce the equation Ax + By + C = 0 to the form x cos  + y sin  = p
Given equation is Ax + By + C = 0 or, Ax + By = – C
A B –C
Case I : When – C > 0, then normal form is x+ y=
A B
2 2
A B
2 2
A 2  B2
A B –C
where cos = , sin  = ;p=
A  B2
2
A 2  B2 A 2  B2
Case II : When –C < 0, the write the equation as –Ax – By = C
–A –B C
x y
A B
2 2
A B
2 2
A  B2
2

–A –B C
where cos  = , sin   , p
A B2 2
A B
2 2
A  B2
2

Note : In the normal form x cos  + y sin  = p, p is always taken as positive.

Illustration.1
Reduce the line 2x – 3y + 5 = 0, in slope intercept, intercept and normal forms.
2x 5 2 5
Sol. Slope - Intercept Form : y =  , tan = m = , c =
3 3 3 3

3 –2 5
sin   , cos   ,p
13 13 13

x y 5 5 2x 3y 5
intercept Form :   1, a  – , b  . Normal Form : –  
 5 5 2 3 13 13 13
–   
 2   
3

Illustration.2
A rod of steel is fixed at A (4, 0) and a toy is placed on it at B (0, 4). Now rod is rotated about A
through an angle of 15° in clockwise direction, then find the new position of a toy.
Sol. Let new position of a toy be C.

4–0
Slope of AB =  –1   = 135°
0–4

Rod is rotated through 15° in clockwise

new = 135° – 15° = 120°

AB = 4 2  h = 4, k = 0

Hence C = (h + r cos , k = r sin ) = (4 + 4 2 cos 120°, 0 + 4 2 sin 120°) = ( 4 – 2 2, 2 6 )

Illustration.3
Find the equations of the lines which pass through the point (3, 4) and the sum of their respective
intercepts on the axes is 14.

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x y
Sol. Let the equation of the line be  1 ...(i)
a b

3 4
This passes through (3, 4) therefore  1 ...(ii)
a b

It is given that a + b = 14  b = 14 – a

3 4
Putting b = 14 – a in (ii), we get   1  a2 – 13a + 42 = 0
a 14 – a

 (a – 7) (a – 6) = 0  a = 7, 6  two such lines are there.

For a = 7, b = 14 – 7 = 7 and for a = 6, a = 14 – 6 = 8
Putting the values of a and b in (i), we get the equations of lines

x y x y
  1 and   1 or x + y = 7 and 4x + 3y = 24.
7 7 6 8

Illustration.4
If the straight line through the point P(3, 4) makes an angle /6 with the x-axis and meets the line
12x + 5y + 10 = 0 at Q, find the length of PQ.
Sol. The equation of a line passing through P(3, 4) and making an angle = /6 with the x-axis is
x–3 y–4

  = r, where r represents the distance of any point on this line from the given point
cos sin
6 6   

P(3, 4). The co-ordinates of any point Q on this line are  r cos  3, r sin  4  y
 6 6  C
If Q lies on 12x +15y + 10 = 0, B(0,4)

  –132 132 15°

then 12  13  r 3   5  4  r   10  0  r   length PQ=
 
2   2 12 3  5 12 3 5 x

O A(4, 0)
Illustration.5

1
A canal is 4 kms from a place and the shortest route from this place to the cenal is exactly north-east.
2

A village is 3 kms north and 4 kms east from the place. Does it lie on canal?

Sol. Let AB be the canal and O be the given place.

Let L be the foot of perpendicular from O to AB. Y
North
Given, OL = 9/2. And AOL = 45°
B
9 L
xcos45° + ysin45° =
2
45° East
9 O X
or x + y = ...(1) A
2

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9
Let S be the given village, then S = (4, 3). Putting x = 4 and y = 3 in equation (1), we get 4 + 3 = , which
2

is not true. Thus the co-ordinates of S doesn't satisfy equation (1) and hence the given village does not lie
on the canal.

Special points in a triangle :

(1) Centroid (G) : The point of intersection of the medians of a triangle is called the centroid of the triangle.
(i) G divides median into 2 : 1.
(ii) G always lies inside the triangle.

(iii) Co-ordinates of G is 
 x1  x 2  x 3 y1  y 2  y3 
,
 x1
 or  ,
  y 
1

 3 3   3 3 
P(x1, y1)

N M
G

(x2, y2) Q R(x3, y3)

L
(2) Incentre (I) : The point of concurrency of the internal bisectors of the angles of a triangle is called the
incentre of the triangle. P

N M
r r
.
I
r
(i)I always lies inside the triangle Q R
L
(ii)Internal angle bisector divides the
base in the ratio of adjacent sides.

 ax1  bx 2  cx 3 ay1  by 2  cy 3 
(iii)Co-ordinates of I is  , 
 abc abc 
where a, b, c are the lengths of the sides of the 
(3) Ex-centr es (I 1, I2, I3) :
The centre of the escribed circle which is opposite to vertices.
To get I1 (or I2 or I3) replace a by –a (b by –b or c by –c) in formula of coordinate of I
(4) Circumcentre (P) :
The point of concurrency of the perpendicular bisectors of the sides of a triangle is called circumcentre
of the triangle. A
(i) For acute angle   lies inside
(ii) For obtuse angle   lies outside
B P C
(iii) For right angle   Mid point of hypotenuse
(iv) Co-ordinates of circumcentre is

 x1 sin 2A  x 2 sin 2B  x 3 sin 2C y1 sin 2A  y2 sin 2B  y3 sin 2C 

 , 
 sin 2A  sin 2B  sin 2C sin 2A  sin 2B  sin 2C 

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(5) Orthocentre (H) :The point of concurrency of the altitudes of a triangle is called the orthocentre of
the triangle. P
(i) For acute angle  lies inside M
N
(ii) For obtuse angle  lies outside
H
(iii) For right angle  vertex at ar
(iv) Co-ordinates of orthocentre is Q L R

 x1 tan A  x 2 tan B  x 3 tan C y1 tan A  y 2 tan B  y3 tan C 

 , 
 tan A  tan B  tan C tan A  tan B  tan C 

Notes :
(i) In any triangle H, G, P are collinear.
(ii) In any triangle G divides the line joining H & P in ratio 2 : 1.
(iii) In an equilateral triangle H, G, P, I are coincident.
(iv) In an isosceles triangle H, G, P, I are collinear.

Illustration.6
If midpoints of the sides of a triangle are (0, 4), (6, 4) and (6, 0), then find the vertices of triangle,
centroid and circumcentre of triangle.
Sol. Let points A(x1, y1), B(x2, y2) and C(x3, y3) be vertices of ABC.
x1 + x3 = 0, y1 + y3 = 8 A(x1, y1)

x2 + x3 = 12, y2 + y3 = 8
x1 + x2 = 12, y1 + y2 = 0 (6, 0) (0, 4)

Solving we get A(0, 0), B (12, 0) and C(0, 8).

B(x2, y2) (6, 4) C(x3, y3)
Hence ABC is right angled triangle A = /2.
 Circumcentre is midpoint of hypotenuse which is (6, 4) itself and
 x1  x 2  x 3 y1  y 2  y3   8 
centroid   ,    4,  .
 3 3   3
Illustration.7
Prove that the incentre of the triangle whose vertices are given by A(x1, y1), B(x2, y2), C(x3, y3) is
 ax1  bx 2  cx 3 ay1  by 2  cy 3 
 ,  where a, b, and c are the sides opposite to the angles A, B and C
 abc abc 

respectively.
BD AB
Sol. By geometry, we know that  (since AD bisects A).
DC AC
BD AB c
If the length of the sides AB, BC and AC are c, a and b respectively, then  = .
DC AC b
 bx 2  cx 3 by 2  cy3 
 Coordinates of D are  , 
 bc bc  A(x1, y1)
BD c ac
Since = , BD =
DC b bc F F
 ac  l
 
ID BD ac a
B bisects B, Hence   
IA BA c cb B(x2, y2) C(x3, y3)

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Let the coordinates of I be ( x, y ) .

Then x  ax1  bx 2  cx 3 , y  ay1  by 2  cy 3 (using section formula).

abc abc

AREA OF A TRIANGLE
Let (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) respectively be the coordinates of the vertices A, B, C of a triangle
ABC. Then the area of triangle ABC, is
1
[x 1 (y 2 – y 3 )  x 2 (y 3 – y1 )  x 3 (y1 – y 2 )] ...(1)
2
x1 y1 1
1
= 2 x2 y2 1
...(2)
x3 y3 1
While using formula (1) or (2). order of the points (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) has not been taken
into account. If we plot the points A(x1, y1), B (x2, y2) and C(x3, y3), then the area of the triangle as
obtained by using formula (1) or (2) will be positive or negative as the points A, B, C are in anti-
clockwise or clockwise directions.
A

A A
– +
B D C B C C B

So, while finding the area of triangle ABC, we use the formula :
x1 y1 1
1
x2 y2 1
Area of ABC = = Modulus of 2
x3 y3 1
Notes :
x1 y1 1

(i) If three points (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) are collinear, then x 2 y 2 1  0
x3 y3 1
x y 1
1 0
(ii) Equation of straight line passing through (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by x1 y1
x2 y2 1
(iii) In case of polygon with (x1, y1), (x2, y2) ............ (xn, yn) the area is given by

1
| (x 1 y 2 – y1x 2 )  (x 2 y 3 – y 2 x 3 )  .........  (x n –1 y n – y n –1 x n )  (x n y1 – y n x 1 ) |
2

Illustration.8
The vertices of quadrilateral in order are (–1, 4), (5, 6), (2, 9) and (x, x2). The area of the quadrilateral

15
is sq. units, then find the point (x, x2)
2

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Sol. Area of quadrilateral

1 –1 4 5 6 2 9 x x2 1 1 15
=     –26  33  2x 2 – 9x  4x  x 2  3x 2 – 5x  7 =
2 5 6 2 9 x x 2
–1 4 2 2 2

 3x2 – 5x + 7 = ± 15

8
 3x2 – 5x – 8 = 0, 3x2 – 5x + 22 = 0  x = , x = –1
3

 8 64 
Hence point is  ,  or (–1, 1). But (–1, 1) will not form a quadrilateral as per given order of
3 9 

 8 64 
the points. Hence the required point is  , 
3 9 

Locus :
When a point moves in a plane under certain geometrical conditions, the point traces out a path. This
path of a moving point is called its locus.
Note :
All those points which satisfy the given geometrical condition will definitely lie on the locus. But
converse is not true always.
Equation of Locus :
The equation to a locus is the relation which exists between the coordinates of any point on the
path, and which holds for no other point except those lying on the path.
Procedure for finding the equation of the locus of a point
(i) If we are finding the equation of the locus of a point P, assign coordinates (h, k) to P.
(ii) Express the given conditions as equations in terms of the known quantities to facilitate calculations.
We sometimes include some unknown quantities known as parameters.
(iii) Eliminate the parameters. so that the eliminate contains only h, k and known quantities.
(iv) Replace h by x, and k by y, in the eliminate. The resulting would be the equation of the locus of P.
(v) If x and y coordinates of the moving point are obtained in terms of a third variable
t (called the parameter), eliminate 't' to obtain the relation in x and y and simplify this relation.
This will give the required equation of locus.

Illustration.9
Find the locus of the middle points of the segment of a line passing through the point of intersection of the
lines ax + by + c = 0 and lx + my + n = 0 and intercepted between the axes

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Sol. Any line (say L = 0) passing through the point of intersection of ax + by + c = 0 and lx + my + n = 0 is (ax
+ by + c) +  (lx + my + n) = 0, where  is any real number.

 c  n   c  n 
Point of intersection of L = 0 with axes are  – , 0  and  0, – 
 a  l   b  m 

1  c  n 
Let the mid point be (h, k). Then h  – 1  c  n  and k  –  
2  a  l  2  b  m 

2ah  c 2kb  c
Eliminating , we get = .
2hl  c 2km  c

The required locus is : 2(am – lb) = (lc – an) x + (nb – mc)y.

y = m1x + c1
ANGLE BETWEEN TWO STRAIGHT LINES
180 – 

If  is the acute angle between two lines, then tan   m1 – m 2 

1  m1m 2
where m1 and m2 are the slopes of the two lines and are finite.
y = m2x + c2
Notes :
(i) If the two lines are perpendicular to each other then m1m2 = –1
(ii) Any line perpendicular to ax + by + c = 0 is of the form bx – ay + k = 0
(iii) If the two lines are parallel or coincident, then m1= m2
(iv) Any line parallel to ax + by + c = 0 is of the form ax + by + k = 0
(v) If any of the two lines is perpendicular to x-axis, then the slope of that line is infinite.
m2
1–
m1 – m 2 m1
1
Let m1 = , Then tan     or  = |90° –  |, where tan  = m2
1  m1m 2 1 m2
 m2
m1

i.e. angle  is the complimentary to the angle which the oblique line makes with the x-axis.
(vi) If lines are equally inclined to the coordinate axis then m1 + m2 = 0

Illustration.10
Find the equation to the straight line which is perpendicular bisector of the line segment AB, where A, B
are (a,b) and (a', b') respectively.
b'– b
Sol. Equation of AB is y – b = (x – a) i.e. y (a' – a) – x (b' – b) = a'b – ab'.
a '– a

Equation to the line perpendicular to AB is of the form (b' – b)y + (a' – a)x + k = 0 ....(1)

 b  b'  a a'
Since the midpoint of AB lies on (1), (b'– b)    (a '– a)  k 0
 2   2 

Hence the required equation of the straight line is 2(b'–b)y  2(a'–a)x  (b' 2 –b 2  a' 2 –a 2 )

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(1) Equation of straight Lines passing through a given point and equally inclined to a given line :
Let the straight passing through the point (x1, y1) and make equal angles with the given straight line y = mx
+ c.
If m is the slope of the required line and  is the angle which this line makes with the given line

m1 – m
then tan    1  m m
1

The above expression for tan, given two values of m, say mA and mB.
The required equations of the lines through the point (x1, y1) and making equal angles  with the given
line are
y – y1 = mA(x – x1), y – y1 = mB (x – x1)
(x1, y1)




Illustration.11
Find the equation to the sides of an isosceles right-angled triangled, the equation of whose hypotenuse is
3x + 4y = 4 and the opposite vertex is the point (2, 2).
Sol. The problem can be restarted as :
Find the equation to the straight lines passing through the given point (2, 2) and making equal

3
angles of 45° with the given straight line 3x + 4y – 4 = 0. Slope of the line 3x + 4y – 4 = 0 is m1 = –
(2, 2) 4

m – m1 m 3/4
 tan 45   1  m m , i.e., 1   45°
1 3
1– m
4 45° 3x + 4y = 4

1
mA = , and mB = – 7
7

Hence the required equations of the two lines are

y – 2 = mA(x – 2) and y – 2 = mB (x – 2)  7y – x – 12 = 0 and 7x + y = 16.

Position of a point w.r. to a line L : Ax + By + C = 0

(i) If the points P(x 1 , y 1 ) & Q(x 2 , y 2 ) lies on the same side of the line Ax + By + C = 0
then the expressions Ax1 + By1 + C & Ax2 + By2 + C have same sign otherwise if P and Q
lies on opposite side then Ax 1 + By1 + C and Ax 2 + By2 + C will have opposite sign.
(ii) If only one point is given then position of that point is checked w.r. to origin.

Illustration.12

11
 Straight Line
Find the range of  in the interval (0, ) such that the points (3, 5) and (sin , cos ) lie on the same side
of the line x + y – 1 = 0

 1   3 
Sol. Here 3 + 5 – 1 = 7 > 0. Hence sin + cos – 1 > 0  sin(  )     0<<
4 2 4 4 4 2

DISTANCE BETWEEN POINT & LINE AND TWO PARALLEL LINES

(1) Length of the Perpendicular from a Point on a Line :

ax1  by1  c
The length of the perpendicular from P(x1, y1) on ax + by + c = 0 is
a 2  b2

c
The length of the perpendicular from origin on ax + by + c = 0 is
a  b2
2

(2)The distance between two parallel lines :

| c1 – c 2 |
The distance between two parallel lines : ax + by + c1 = 0 and ax + by + c2 = 0 is
a 2 – b2
(3) Area of parallelogram with given sides :
D y = m1x + C2 C

y = m2x + d2 p1 y = m2x + d1
(C 1  C 2 ) (d 1  d 2 )
Area  p2
m1  m 2
A y = m1x + C1 B

(4)Condition of parallelogram as shown becomes a rhombus :

c1  c2 d1  d2
p1  p2  
a b
2 2
a 2  b2

(5) Reflection (Image) of a point P() about a line (ax + by + c = 0)

P(, ) ( Given )
x  y 2 (a   b   c) A 0 B
 
a b a2  b2
Q(h,k) reflection)

(6) Foot of perpendicular from a point (, ) to a given line  ax + by + c = 0

y Y
x  y (a   b   c)
  P(x1 y)
a b a 2  b2
y–b
a x a
X' X
(7) Shifting of the origin : (a,b)
y b
x, y  old co-ordinates axes x
x' x
X, Y  New co-ordinate axes (0,0) O

X=0x–a=0x=a
y' Y'

12
 Straight Line
Y=0y–b=0y=b
Slope and area of closed figure remains
unchanged under the translation of co-ordinate axes.

Illustration.13
Three lines x + 2y + 3 = 0, x + 2y – 7 = 0 and 2x – y – 4 = 0 form 3 sides of two squares. Find the
equation of remaining sides of these squares.
|73|
Sol. Distance between the two parallel lines is 2 5.
5
x + 2y + 3 = 0
The equations of sides A and C are of the form
2x – y + k = 0. Since distance between sides A and 2x–y–4 = 0
A B C
B = distance between sides
| k – (–4) | k4
B and C 2 5   2 5  k = 6, –14 x + 2y – 7 = 0
5 5

Hence the fourth sides of the two squares are (i) 2x – y + 6 = 0, (ii) 2x – y – 14 = 0
Illustration.14
Find the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the point (2, 3) to the line 3x – 4y + 5 = 0. Also, find
the image of (2, 3) in the given line.
Sol. Let AB  3x – 4y + 5 = 0, P  (2, 3) and PM  AB .

3 4
Slope of AB   slooe of PM   tan  (say)
4 3

4 3 4 3
 sin   , cos    tan  (say)  sin   , cos  
5 3 5 5
P(2, 3)

A M B

Q
Now,
3  2  4  3  5 6  12  5 1
rp  
9  16 5 5

 1 1 
 53 71 
Which is the foot of the perpendicular.  M   2  cos , 3  sin     , 
 5 5   25 25 

Let Q be the image of P  2 2   56 67 

 Q   2  cos , 3  sin     , 
 5 5   25 25 

13
 Straight Line
BISECTORS OF THE ANGLES BETWEEN TWO GIVEN LINES
Angular bisector is the locus of a point which moves in such a way so that its distance from two intersect-
ing lines remains same.
The equation of the two bisectors of the angles between the lines a 1x + b1y + c1 = 0 and

a 2 x + b 2y + c2 = 0 are a1x  b1 y  c1   a 2 x  b 2 y  c 2 .
2
a1  b1
2 2
a 2  b2
2

If the two given lines are not perpendicular i.e. a1 a2 + b1 b2  0, then one of these equation is the
equation of the bisector of the acute angle and the other that of the obtuse angle.
Note : Whether both lines are perpendicular or not but the angular bisectors of these lines will always be
mutually perpendicular.
(1)The bisectors of the acute and the obtuse angles :
Take one of the lines angle let its slope be m1 and take one of the bisectors and let its slope be m2.

m1  m 2
If  be the acute angle between them, then find tna  .
1  m1m 2

If tan   1 then the bisector taken is the bisector of the obtuse angle and the other one will be the
bisector of the acute angle. If 0  tan   1 then the bisector taken is the bisector of the acute angle
and the other one will be the bisector of the obtuse angle.

a1 x  b1 y  c1 a 2 x  b2 y  c2
If two lines are a1x  b1y  c 1  0 and a 2 x  b2 y  c 2  0 , then  will rep-
a b
2
1
2
1 a 22  b 22

resent the equation of the bisector of the acute or obtuse angle between the lines according as
c1c 2 (a1a 2  b1b 2 ) is negative or positive.

C
N

A P(x, y)
M
B

(2) The equation of the bisector of the angle containing the origin
Write the equations of the two lines so that the constants c1 and c2 become positive. Then

a1 x  b1 y  c1 a 2 x  b2 y  c2
the equation  is the equation of the bisector containing the origin.
a b
2
1
2
1 a 22  b 22

Notes :(i) If a1a 2  b1b 2  0 , then the origin will lie in the acute angle and if a1a 2  b1b 2  0 , then
origin will lie in the obtuse angle.
(ii) The note (i) is helpful in finding the equation of bisector of the obtuse angle or acute angle directly.
(3) The equation of the bisector of the angle which contains a given point

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 Straight Line
The equation of the bisector of the angle between the two lines containing the point

a1x  b1y  c1  a x b yc  a xb yc 

  2 2 2
 a1x  b1y  c1
(, ) is or  – 2 2 2

a12  b12  a 2
 b 2  a1  b1
2 2  a 2
 b 2 
 2 2   2 2 

according as a1   b1   c1 and a 2   b 2   c 2 are of the same sings or of opposite signs.

Illustration.15
For the straight line 4 x  3 y  6  0 and 5x  12y  9  0 , find the equation of the
(i) bisector of the obtuse angle between them.
(ii) bisector of the actus angle between them.
(iii) bisector of the angle which contains (1, 2).
Sol. Equations of bisectors of the angles between the given lines are
4x  3y  6 5x  12y  9
  9x  7y  41  0 and 7x  9y  3  0 .
4 3
2 2
52  122
If  is the acute angle between the line 4x  3y  6  0 and the bisector 9x  7y  41  0 , then
4 9
 
tan   3 7  11  1
 4  9 3
1  
 3 7
Hence
(i) The bisector of the obtuse angle is 9x  7y  41  0
(ii) The bisector of the acute angle is 7 x  9 y  3  0
–4x – 3y  6 5x  12y  9
(iii) The bisector of the angle containing the origin   7x  9y  3  0
( 4)  (3)
2 2
52  122
(i) For the point (1, 2), 4x + 3y – 6 = 4 × 1 + 3 × 2 – 6 > 0  5x + 12y + 9
= 5 × 1 + 12 × 2 + 9 > 0
Hence equation of the bisector of the angle containing the point (1, 2) is
4x  3y  6 5x  12y  9
  9x  7y  41  0
5 13
Alternative : 5 lines. Similarly bisector of obtuse angle is 9x – 7y – 41 = 0.
The equation of reflected ray :
Let L1  a1x  b1y  c 1  0 be the incident ray in the line mirror L 2  a 2 x  b 2 y  c 2  0
Let L3 be the reflected ray from the line L2. Clearly L2 will be one of the bisectors of the angles
between L1 and L3. Since L3 passes through A, so L3  L1 + L2 = 0.
Let (h, k) be a point on L2. Then,
| a1h  b1k  c1 | | a 1h  b1k  c1   (a 2 h  b 2 k  c 2 ) |

a b
2
1
2
1 (a1  a 2 ) 2  (b1  b 2 ) 2
A (h, k) L2
Since (h, k) lies on L2, a2h + b2k + c2 = 0
L3
 a12  a 22 2  2a1a 2   b12  b 222  2b1b 2  a12  b12 L1

2(a1a 2  b1b 2 )
   0 or  
a 22  b 22

15
 Straight Line

2(a 1a 2  b1b 2 )
But  = 0 gives L3 = L1. Hence L3  L1  a 22  b22
L2  0 .

Note : Some times the reflected ray L3 is also called the mirror image of L1 in L2.

FAMILY OF LINES
The general equation of the family of lines through the point of intersection of two given lines is
L + L' = 0, where L = 0 and L' = 0 are the two given lines, and  is a parameter. Conversely, any line of
the form L1 + . L2 = 0 passes through a fixed point which is the point of intersection of the lines
L1 = 0 and L2 = 0.
The family of lines perpendicular to a given line ax + by + c = 0 is given by bx – ay + k = 0, where k is
a parameter. The family of lines parallel to a given line ax + by + c = 0 is given by ax + by + k = 0, where k is
a parameter.

Illustration.16
Show that all the chords of the curve 3x2 – y2 – 2x + 4y = 0, which subtend a right angle at the
origin pass through a fixed point. Find that the point.
Sol. Let the equation of chord be lx + my = 1. So equation of pair of straight line joining origin to the
points of intersection of chord and curve.
3x2 – y2 – 2x (lx + my) + 4y(l + my) = 0, which subtends right angle at origin.
 (3 – 2l + 4m – 1) = 0  1 = 2m + 1. Hence chord becomes (2m + 1)x + my = 1
x – 1) + m(2x + y) = 0
L1 L2
Which will pass through point of intersection of L1 = 0 and L2 = 0.
 x = 1, y = – 2. Hence fixed point is (1, – 2).

(1) One Parameter Family of Straight Lines

If a linear expression L1 contains an unknown coefficient, then the line L1 = 0 can not be a fixed line.
Rather it represents a family of straight lines known as one parameter family of straight lines. e.g. family
of lines parallel to the x-axis i.e. y = c and family of straight lines passing through the origin i.e. y = mx.
Each member of the family passes a fixed point. We have two methods to find the fixed point.
Method (i) :
Let the family of straight lines of the form ax + by + c = 0 where a, b, c are variable parameters satisfying
the condition al + bm + cn = 0, where I, m, n, are given and n  0. Rewriting the condition as a
 1  m 
   b  + c = 0 and comparing with the given family of straight lines, we find that each member of
n  n 
1 m
it passes through the fixed point  n , n 
 

Illustration.17
If the algebraic sum of perpendiculars from n given points on a variable straight line is zero then prove
that the variable straight line passes through a fixed point.
Sol. Let n given points be (x1, y1) where i = 1, 2 .......... n and the variable line is ax + by + c = 0, Given

16
 Straight Line
n  ax1  by1  c  x y
that 
i 1  a 2  b2 
 = 0.  ax1 + ay1 + cn = 0 a
n
i
b
n
i
+ c = 0.

  xi  yi 
Hence the variable straight line always passes through the fixed point  n . n  .
 

Method (ii) :
If a family of straight lines can be written as L1 + L2 = 0 where L1, L2 are two fixed lines and  is a
parameter, then each member of it will pass through a fixed point given by point of intersection of L1 = 0
and L2 = 0.
Note : If L1= 0 an L2 = 0 are parallel lines, they will meet at infinity.

Illustration.18
Prove that each member of the family of straight lines
(3 sin + 4 cos )x + (2 sin  – 7cos) + (sin +2cos) = 0 ( is a parameter)
passes through a fixed point.
Sol. The given family of straight lines can be rewritten as (3x + 2y + 1) sin +(4x – 7y + 2) cos  = 0
or, (4x – 7y + 2) + tan  (3x + 2y + 1) = 0 which is of the form L1 +  L2 = 0
Hence each member of it will pass through a fixed point which is the intersection of 4x – 7y + 2 = 0 and
3x + 2y + 1 = 0 i.e.

(2) Concurrency of Straight Lines : The condition for 3 lines a1x + b1y + c1 = 0, a2x + b2y + c2 = 0,
a3x + b3x + c3 = 0 to be concurrent is

a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2  0
(i)
a3 b3 c3

(ii) There exist 3 constants a, b, c (not all zero at the same time) such that aL1 + bL2 + cL3 = 0,
where L1 = 0, L2 = 0 and L3 = 0 ar the three given straight lines.
(iii) the three lines are concurrent if any one of the lines passes through the pint of intersection of the
other two lines.
PAIR OF STRAIGHT LINES
The combined equation of pair of straight lines L1 = a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 and L2 = a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 is
(a1x + b1y + c1) (a2x + b2y + c2) = 0 i.e. L1L2 = 0. Opening the brackets and comparing the terms with
the terms of general equation of 2nd degree ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, we can get all the
following results for a pair of straight lines.
The general equation of second degree ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 represents a pair of straight
a h g

lines if = h b f = 0 and h2  ab. abc + 2fgh – af2 – bg2 – ch2 = 0 and h2  ab.
g f c

The homogeneous second degree equation ax2 + 2hxy + by2 = 0 represents a pair of straight lines

17
 Straight Line

through the origin if h2  ab.

If the lines through the origin whose joint equation is ax2 + 2hxy + by2 = 0,
are y = m 1x and y = m2x, then
2h a
y2 – (m1 + m2) xy + m1m2x2 = 0 and y2 + xy  x 2  0 are identical,
b b
2h a
so that m1 + m2 = – , m1m2 =
b b
If  be the angle between two lines,
(m1  m 2 ) 2  4m1m 2 2 h 2  ab
through the origin, then tan = ± =±
1  m1m 2 ab
The lines are perpendicular if a + b = 0 and coincident if h2 = ab.
In the more general case, the lines represented by ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 will be
perpendicular if a + b = 0, parallel if the terms of second degree make a perfect square i.e.
ax2 + 2hxy + by2 gets converted into (l1x ± m1y)2, coincident if the whole equation makes a perfect square
i.e. ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c can be written as (lx + my + n)2.
Note : Point of intersection of the two lines represented by ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy +c = 0 is obtained by
f f f
solving the equations = ax + hy + g = 0 and y = hx + by + f = 0 where denotes the
x x
derivative of f with respect to y, keeping x constant. The fact can be used in splitting ax2 + by2 + 2hxy +
2gx + 2fy + c = 0 into equations of two straight lines. With the above method, the point of intersection
can be found. Now only the slopes need to be determined.
If should be noted that the line ax + hy + g = 0 and hx + by + f = 0 are not the lines represented by
ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0.
These are the lines concurrent with the lines represented by given equation.
(Homogenization) Joint equation of pair of lines joining the origin and the points of intersection of a
curve and a line :
If the line lx + my + n = 0, ((n  0) i.e. the line does not pass through origin) cuts the curve
ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 at two points A and B, then the joint equation of straight lines
passing through A and B and the origin is given by homogenizing the equation of the curve by the
equation of the line. i.e.
A
 x  my   x  my 
2

ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + (2gx + 2gy)    c  =0

 n   n  B
is the equation of the line OA and OB.
O
Illustration.19
If the lines ax + y + 1 = 0, x + by + 1 = 0 and x + y + c = 0(a, b and c being distinct and different from 1)

1 1 1
are concurrent, then prove that   = 1.
1 a 1 b a  c

18
 Straight Line

a 1 1
Sol. Since the given lines are concurrent 1 b 1 = 0.
1 1 c

a 1 a 1 a
Operating C2  C2 – C1 and C3  C3 – C1 , we get 1 b  1 0 =0
1 0 c 1
 a (b – 1) (c – 1) – (b – 1) (1 – a) –(c – 1) (1 – 0) = 0
a 1 1
a 1 1
   = 0  1 b 1 = 0.
1 a a  b 1 c 1 1 c
Illustration.20
The chord 6 y = 8 x + 2 of the curve y2 + 1 = 4x subtends a right angle at origin then find the
value of .
Sol. 3 y  2x = 1 is the given chord. Homogenizing the equation of the curve, we get,

y2 – 4x( 3 y – 2x) + ( 3 y – 2x)2 = 0  (42 + 8)x2 + (+ 3)y2 – 4 3 xy – 4 3 xy = 0

Now, angle at origin is 90º

 coefficient of x2 + coefficient of y2 = 0
 42 + 8 + + 3 = 0  42 + 9 + 3 = 0
 9  81  48  9  33
   .
8 8

SOME SOLVED EXAMPLES

Example # 1.
Show that the points (a, b + c), (b, c + a) and (c, a + b) lie on a straight line.

Solution: Let the points be A(a, b + c), B(b, c + a), C(c, a + b).
Then AB = (b  a)2  (c  a  b  c)2  (b  a)2  (a  b)2  2 b  a ,

BC = (c  b)2  (a  b  c  a)2  2 c  b ,

AC = (c  a)2  (a  b  b  c)2  2(c  a) .

We find that AB + BC = 2 (c  a) = AC.
Hence A, B, C are collinear.
 Three noncollinear points always form a triangle.

Example # 2. Prove that the area of triangle with vertices at (p – 4, p + 5), (p + 3, p – 2) and (p, p) remains
constant as p varies.

Solution: The area of the given triangle is

p4 p5 1 4 5 0
1 1
p3 p2 1  3 2 0
2 2 (R1 R1 – R3, R2  R-2 –R3)
p p 1 p p 1

1 7
= 2 (8  15)  2 sq units ,

19
 Straight Line
which remains constant for all values of p.
Alternative:
1
= (p  4)(p  2  p)  (p  p  5)  p(p  5  p  2)
2

1 1 7
= 2  2(p  4)  5(p  3)  7p  2 8  15  2 .

Example # 3. The vertices of a triangle are A (5,  1), B ( 1, 5) and C (6, 6).
Find the coordinates of its
(i) centroid
(ii) circumcentre
(iii) incentre

Solution: Comparing with A (x1, y1), B (x2, y2), C (x3, y3),

we have x1 = 5, y1 =  1, x2 =  1, y2 = 5, x3 = 6, y3 = 6
and a = BC = 49  1  5 2 , b = CA = 5 2 , c = AB = 6 2 .
(i)
The centroid of the triangle is given by
 x1  x 2  x 3 y1  y 2  y3   5  1  6 1  5  6 
G (x, y) =  ,  , 
 3 3   3 3 

 10 10 
= 3 , 3  .
 
(ii)
Let P (x, y) be the circumcentre of the triangle ABC.
From PA = PB = PC, we get
PA2 = PB2 = PC2
 (x  5)2 + (y + 1)2 = (x + 1)2 + (y  5)2
or x2  10x + 25 + y2 + 2y + 1 = x2 + 2x + 1 + y2  10y + 25
or x  y = 0 … (1)
and (x + 1)2 + (y  5)2 = (x  6)2 + (y  6)2
or 7x + y  23 = 0. … (2)
From (1) and (2), we get
23
x=  y.
8

 23 23 
Hence the coordinates of the circumcentre are  8 , 8  .
 
(iii)
The coordinates of the incentre I (x, y) are
 ax1  bx 2  cx 3 ay1  ay 2  ay3 
I (x, y) =  , 
 abc abc 

 5 2  5  5 5 1 6 2  6 5 2  1  5 2  5  6 2  6 
=  , 
 5 2 5 2 6 2 5 2 5 26 2 

 25  5  36 5  25  36   7 7 
=  ,    , .
 16 16   2 2

20
 Straight Line
Example # 4. The ends of a rod of length  move on two mutually perpendicular lines. Find the locus of the
point on the rod, which divides it in the ratio 2: 1.

Solution: Suppose the two perpendicular lines are the coordinate axes, and let the end of the rod lie at
the points (0, a) and (b, 0).
The point P has coordinates given by
b  2.0 2.a  1.0
h= ,k=
2 1 2 1
3k
x
a= , b = 3h.
2

(0, a)
Also 2 = a2+b 2 1:2
2
 3k  P
  2      3h  .
2

 2 
Thus the required locus is y
O (b, 0)
y 2
 2
x2 +  , which represents an ellipse.
4 9

Example # 5. Find the locus of the point of intersection of the lines

xcos + ysin = a and xsin – ycos = b, where  is a variable.

Solution: Let P(h, k) be the point of intersection of the given lines.

Then hcos + ksin = a. …. (1)
hsin – kcos = b. …. (2)
Here  is a variable. So we have to eliminate . Squaring and adding (1) and (2), we get (hcos +
ksin)2 + (hsin – kcos)2 = a2 + b2
 h + k2 = a2 + b2.
2

Hence locus of (h, k) is x2 + y2 = a2 + b2.

Example # 6. Given a line 2x – 3y + 5 = 0, write various forms of the line.

2x 5 5
Solution: Slope Intercept Form: y   , c=
3 3 3

 coefficient of x 
2
and m =   coefficient of y  = .
  3

x y 5 5
  1,a   ;b  
Intercept Form:   5   5  2 3.
 2 3

3 2 2x 3y 5 5
Normal Form: sin   , cos       p= .
13 13 13 13 13 13

Example # 7. Find the equation to the straight line which passes through the point (-5, 4) and is such that the
portion of it between the axes is divided by the given point in the ratio 1: 2.

Solution: Let the required straight line be (x/a) + (y/b) = 1.

 2a  1.0 2.0+1.b 
Using the given conditions, P  2  1 , 2+1 
 is the point which divides (a, 0) and (0, b)

internally in the ratio 1:2.

21
 Straight Line
But P is (– 5, 4)
Hence -5 = 2a/3, 4 = b/3  a = -15/2, b = 12.
x y
Hence the required equation is  15 / 2  12  1.

Example # 8. Find the equation of the straight line which passes through the point (1, 2) and makes an angle
1
 with the positive direction of the x-axis where cos  = – .
3

1 
Solution: Here cos = – (a negative number) so that <  <   tan  = – 8 = slope of line.
3 2
We know that the equation of the straight line passing through the point (x1, y1) having slope m is
y – y1 = m(x –x1).
Therefore the equation of the required line is y –2 = – 8 (x –1)  8 x + y – 8 –2 = 0.

Example # 9. Find the equation of the line joining the points (–1, 3) and (4, –2).
Solution: Equation of the line passing through the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is
y1  y 2
y –y1 = x  x (x –x1)
1 2

Hence equation of the required line will be

32
y –3 =  x  1  x + y –2 = 0.
1  4

Example # 10. Represent the straight-line y = x + 2 in the parametric form.


Solution: Slope of the given line is = 1 = tan .
4
y2 x
 r
Equation of the straight line can be written as y - 2 = x or 1 1 .
2 2

 r r 
Any point on the line is  , 2 .
 2 2
The point (x, y) is at a distance r from the point (0, 2).

Example # 11. A line joining two points A(2, 0) and B(3, 1) is rotated about A in the anticlockwise direction
through an angle of 15°. Find the equation of the line in the new position. If B goes to C, what
will be the coordinates of C, in the new position?
Solution: Slope of AB(m) = 1
 m = tan = 1   = 45°
so that slope of AC = tan(45° + 15°) y
= tan(60°) (because angle between AB and AC = 15°).
C
Also AB = AC = 2 and A is (2, 0). 
Hence equation of the line AC is
x2

y 0 x2

y
r = 
0 0 or 1/ 2 2 15° B(3, 1)
cos 60 sin 60 3/2

A(2, 0) x
 1 3  1 3
 C is  2  2  , 0 2  i.e. C is  2  2 , .
 2 2   2 

22
 Straight Line
Example # 12. Find the equation to the straight line which bisects, and is perpendicular to the straight line
joining the points A(a, b) and B(a, b).

b  b
Solution: Equation of AB is y – b =   x  a 
a a
i.e. y(a – a) – x(b – b) = ab – ab.
Equation to the line perpendicular to AB is of the form
(b – b)y + (a – a)x + k = 0. .… (1)
Since the midpoint of AB lies on (1),
b  b   a  a 
b   b      a  a  k  0.
 2   2 
Hence the required equation of the straight line is
2(b – b)y + 2(a – a)x = (b2 – b2 + a2 – a2).

Example # 13. Three lines x + 2y + 3 = 0, x + 2y - 7 = 0 and 2x - y - 4 = 0 form 3 sides of two squares.

Find the equations of remaining sides of these squares.
73
Solution: Distance between the two parallel lines is  2 5 . The equations of the sides forming the
5
square are of the form 2x - y + k = 0.

A B 2x - y - 4 = 0 C

Since the distance between sides A and B = distance between sides B and C,
k   4  k4
2 5  2 5  k = 6, -14.
5 5
Hence the fourth side of the two squares is
(i) 2x - y + 6 = 0, or (ii) 2x - y - 14 = 0
Example # 14. The coordinates of the vertices A, B, C of a triangle are (6, 3), (-3, 5) and (4, -2)
respectively and P is any point (x, y). Show that the ratio of the areas of the triangles PBC
and ABC is |x + y – 2| : 7.
Solution: Equation of the line BC is x + y - 2 = 0. Let PG and AD be perpendiculars from P and A on
1
.BC.PG
2 PG

BC. Ratio of areas of triangles PBC and ABC is 1 AD . But PG is the length of the
.BC.AD
2
perpendicular from P(x, y) on x + y - 2 = 0 and AD is the length of the perpendicular from A(6, 3) on
x + y - 2 = 0.
 Ratio of the areas of PBC and ABC

P(x, y)
A(6, 3)

xy2 632 xy2

= = 7
.
2 2
(-3,5) B G C (4,-2)
D

23
 Straight Line
Example # 15. A variable line through the point of intersection of the lines x/a + y/b = 1 and x/b + y/a = 1
meets the coordinate axes in A and B. Show that the locus of the midpoint of AB is the curve
2xy(a + b) = ab(x + y).
Solution: Let (h, k) be the mid point of the variable line AB.
The equation of the variable line AB is B
(bx + ay - ab) + (ax + by - ab) = 0.  ab1 +   
 0, 
 ab 1      a + b 
Coordinates of A are  b  a ,0  .
 
 ab 1+  
Coordinate of B are  0, a+b  . A
 
O  ab1    
 ,0
 ab 1    ab 1+    b  a 
Mid point of AB is  2  b  a  , 2  a+b  
 

ab 1    ab 1    1 b  a 1 a  b
 h = 2 b  a ; k = 2 a  b  2h  ab 1   ; 2k  ab 1  
       
1 1 ab
    (h + k)ab = 2hk (a + b).
2h 2k ab
Hence the locus of the mid-point of AB is (x + y) ab = 2xy (a + b).

Example # 16. Find the equations to the sides of an isosceles right-angled triangle, the equation of whose
hypotenuse is 3x + 4y = 4 and the opposite vertex is the point (2, 2).
Solution: The problem can be restated as :
Find the equations to the straight lines passing through the given point (2, 2) and making equal angles
of 45° with the given straight line 3x + 4y - 4 = 0.
Slope of the line 3x + 4y – 4 = 0 is (2,2)
m1 = -3/4
3
m+
m  m1 4
, i.e., 1= 
 tan 45° =  1  m1m 3
1 m 45°
1 4 45°
so that mA = , and mB =  7. 3x + 4y = 4
7
Hence the required equations of the two lines are
y - 2 = mA (x - 2) and y - 2 = mB(x - 2)
 7y - x - 12 = 0 and 7x + y = 16.

Example # 17. The straight lines 3x + 4y = 5 and 4x - 3y = 15 intersect at the point A. On these lines points
B and C are chosen so that AB = AC. Find the possible equations of the line BC passing
through (1, 2).
Solution: The two given straight lines are at right angles.
Since AB = AC, the triangle ABC is an isosceles right angled triangle.
The required equation is of the form y  2 = m(x  1) … (1)
m  3/4 m4
with tan 45   and tan 450   3
1 3m 1 4m
4 3

m3 m4
4 and 1   3
1=  m = –7, 1/7.
1  3m 1  4m
4 3
Substitute the value of m in (1). We get the required equations.
24
 Straight Line
Example # 18. Find the equation of the straight line passing through (-2, -7) and having intercept of length 3
units between the straight lines 4x + 3y = 12 and 4x+3y= 3.
Solution: Distance AC between the two given parallel lines
c1  c 2 (-2,-7)
12  3 9 A
= = = .
a2  b2 16  9 5
3 9/5
Let AB be the intercept of length 3 units. 
B
12/5 C
12 9 3
 BC = . If  is the angle between BC and AB, then tan =  .
5 12 4
Slope of the parallel lines = 4/3 = m2.
If m1 is the slope of the required line, then
4
m1 
m1  m2 3 3

tan =  1  m m  4 4
1 2 1 m1
3

4 3  4  4 3 4 
i.e. m1 +   1  m1  and m1     1  m1  .
3 4  3  3 4 3 
The slopes are
(i) m1 = –7/24 (ii) m1 = (the line is parallel to the y - axis).
The required equations of the lines are 7x + 24y + 182 = 0 and x + 2 = 0.
Alternative solution:
x2 y7
Equation of the line, through P (2, 7) and making angle  with the x-axis, is  = r..
cos  sin 
If this line intersects the given lines at A and B, with AB = 3, the points A and B are
A (2 +r1 cos ,  7 + r1 sin ) and B (2 + (r1 +3) cos ,  7 + (r1+3)sin ).
Since A and B lie on the lines 4x + 3y = 3 and 4x + 3y = 12, we have
4r1 cos  + 3r1 sin  = 32
and 4r1 cos  + 3r1 sin  + 12 cos  + 9 sin  = 41, so that
12 cos  + 9 sin  = 9
or 4 cos  + 3 sin  = 3.
Solving this equation we find that
 7
= and tan  =  .
2 24
Hence the required lines are x + 2 = 0
7
and y + 7 =  (x + 2)
24
i.e. 7x + 24y + 182 = 0.

Example # 19. Find the point of concurrency of the altitudes drawn from the vertices
(at1t2, a(t1 +t2)), (at2t3, a(t2 +t3)) and (at3t1, a(t3 + t1)) of a triangle ABC.
1
Solution: Slope of BC = t so that A
3

slope of AD = -t3.
Equation of AD is y - a(t1 + t2) = -t3(x - at1t2). ... (1) F E

Equation of CF is y - a(t3 + t1) = -t2(x - at3t1). ... (2)

Subtracting (1) from (2), we get
B D C

25
 Straight Line
x = a  y = a(t1 + t2 + t3 + t1t2t3).
Hence the point of concurrency of the altitudes is
( a, a(t1 + t2 + t3 + t1t2t3)).

Example # 20. Find the range of  in the interval (0, ) such that the points (3, 5) and (sin, cos) lie on the
same side of the line x + y  1 = 0.
Solution: 3 + 5  1 = 7 > 0  sin + cos  1 > 0
 sin(/4 + ) > 1/2  /4 < /4 +  < 3/4  0 <  < /2.

Example # 21. Find , if (, 2) lies inside the triangle having sides along the lines 2x + 3y = 1,
x + 2y  3 = 0, 6y = 5x – 1.
A
Solution: Let A, B, C be the vertices of the triangle.
A  (7, 5), B  (5/4, 7/8), x + 2y = 3 2x + 3y = 1
C  (1/3, 1/9). 2
P(, )
Sign of A w.r.t. BC is -ve.
B C
5x - 6y = 1
If P lies in-side the ABC, then sign of P will be the same as sign of A w.r.t the line B
 5  62  1 < 0. … (1)
Similarly 2 + 32  1 > 0. … (2)
And,  + 22  3 < 0. … (3)
Solving, (1), (2) and (3) for  and then taking intersection,
we get   (1/2, 1)  (3/2, 1).

Example # 22.To which point the origin should be shifted so that terms linear in x and y in the equation x2 +
y2 + 2x  6y + 8 = 0 are eliminated.

Solution: Let the origin (0, 0) be shifted to the point (h, k). Substituting
x = x + h, y = y + k in the given equation, we get
(x + h)2 + (y + k)2 + 2 (x + h)  6 (y + k) + 8 = 0
or x2 + y2 + (2h + 2) x + (2k  6) y + h2 + k2 + 2h  6k + 8 = 0.
Setting the coefficients of x and y equal to zero, we have
h =  1, k = 3 so that origin in shifted to ( 1, 3).
In the new coordinates the given equation becomes x2 + y2 = 2.

Example # 23. Two fixed points A and B are taken on the co-ordinate axes such that OA = a and OB = b.
Two variable points A and B are taken on the same axes such that OA + OB = OA + OB.
Find the locus of the point of intersection of AB and AB.
Solution: Let A  (a, 0), B  (0,b), A  (a, 0), B  (0, b).
x y
Equation of AB is   = 1 ….(1)
a b
x y
and equation of AB is  = 1. ….(2)
a b
 1 1  1 1
Substracting (1) from (2), we get, x  a  a  + y  b   b  = 0
   
x a   a  y b  b 
 + =0 [Using a - a = b - b]
aa  bb 

x y a a  b y
 a  b  b   a   bb  = 0  b = . …. (3)
ay  bx

26
 Straight Line
ay
From (2) bx + ay = ab  b = . ….(4)
ax
Equating (3) and (4) we get x + y = a + b
which is the required locus.

Example # 24. For the straight lines 4x + 3y – 6 = 0 and 5x + 12y + 9 = 0, find the equation of the
(i) bisector of the obtuse angle between them,
(ii) bisector of the acute angle between them,
(iii) bisector of the angle which contains (1, 2).

Solution: Equations of bisectors of the angles between the given lines are
4x  3y  6 5x  12y  9

2 2
4 3 52  122
 9x – 7y – 41 = 0 and 7x + 9y – 3 = 0.
If  is the angle between the line 4x + 3y – 6 = 0 and the bisector 9x–7y– 41 = 0, then

4 9
 
3 7 11
 1
tan  =  4  9 3 .
1  
 3  7

Hence
(i) The bisector of the obtuse angle is 9x – 7y – 41 = 0.
(ii) The bisector of the acute angle is 7x + 9y – 3 = 0.
For the point (1, 2)
4x + 3y – 6 = 4  1 + 32 – 6 > 0,
5x + 12y + 9 = 5  1 + 12  2 + 9 > 0.
Hence equation of the bisector of the angle containing the point (1, 2) is
4x  3y  6 5x  12y  9
  9x – 7y – 41 = 0.
5 13

Example # 25. Prove that the straight lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of the straight line
hx + ky = 2hk and the curve (x-k)2 + (y-h)2 = c2 are at right angles if h2 + k2 = c2.

Solution: Making the equation of the curve homogeneous with the help of that of the line, we get
2
 hx  ky  2  hx  ky 
x2  y 2  2(kx  hy)  2 2
  (h  k  c )  2hk   0
 2hk   
or 4h2k2x2 + 4h2k2y2 – 4hk2x(hx + ky) – 4h2ky(hx + ky)
+ (h2 + k2  c2)(h2x2 + k2y2 + 2hxy) = 0.
This is the equation of the pair of lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of the
given line and the curve. They will be at right angles if
coefficient of x2 + coefficient of y2 = 0 i.e
(h2 + k2) (h2 + k2 – c2) = 0
 h2 + k2 = c2 (since h2 + k2  0).

27