Straight Line-NIE Seminar November 2010.

Straight Lines

Straight Lines is a fundamental and an important topic under Co-ordinate Geometry.

Several methods have been developed by mathematicians to uniquely locate the position of the
points in space. The easiest and most widely used one is the Cartesian coordinate system, which
is based on mutually perpendicular axes. In this chapter you will learn about this system: locating
the points in this system and finding equations of line passing through these points.

If we say a line passes through two given points, we are imposing two conditions on this line.
The conditions can be imposed in several other manners also e.g. we may say that a line passes
through one point and is perpendicular to another line. These two conditions are sufficient to
uniquely known our line. In this chapter you will also learn various manners of imposing
conditions and finding the equation of line under those conditions.

Having known the line uniquely in space we shall try to do lots timings with it e.g. divide it in a
given ratio, find distances of other points or lines from it, find the angles, which this line make
with some straight line.

Topics Covered: 

 Distance between two points

 Centroid Incentre and Circum Centre
 Area of a triangle
 Standard equations of the Straight Line
 Different Forms of line
 Angle between two straight lines
 Examples on Angle Between two straight lines
 Length of the Perpendicular from a Point on a Line
 Distance between two parallel lines
 Family of lines
 Concurrency of Straight Lines
 Position of two points with respect to a given line
 Angle Bisectors
 Combined equations of the angle bisectors of the lines

Distance between two points

 

The distance between two points P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) is (see the figure
given below).

 Length PQ = √(x2 – x1)2 + (y2 – y1)2

 Proof:

Let P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) be the two points and let the distance between
them be d. Draw PA, QR parallel to y-axis and PR parallel to x-axis.

 Angle QRP = 90o 

 
                 ⇒ d2 = PR2 + RQ2 

                ⇒ d2 = (x2 – x1)2 + (y2 – y1)2

                ⇒ d = √(x2 – x1)2 + (y2 – y1)2. 

Section Formula  

Let us say we want to know the co-ordinates of point which divides a line
segment between two points A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2) in the ratio m : n. 

The coordinates of such a point are given by (nx1 + mx2/m+n, ny1 +

my2/m+n) (for internal division) 

 
Note: 
This is called section formula. 

Let P divide the line segment AB in the ratio m : n. If P is inside AB then it is

called internal division; if it is outside AB then it is called external division. 

However in each case AP/BP [or AP'/BP' or AP"/BP"] = m/n. 

 
 Note:  

m:n can be written as m/n or λ:1. So any point on line joining A and B will
be P(λx2+x1/λ+1.λy2+y1/λ+1). It is useful to assume λ:1 because it involves
only one variable. 

  
illustration: 

Find the ratio in which line segment A(2, –1) and B(5, 2) is divided by x-
axis.

Solution:  

Let x-axis intersect line at point P(xp, 0) such that AP/BP = λ/1
⇒ yP = 0 = λy2+1.ya/λ+1 = 2λ+(–1)/λ+1 Þ λ = 1/2
⇒ AP/BO = 1/2

 
Illustration: 

Prove that altitudes of a triangle are concurrent and prove that the co-
ordinates of the point of con-currency are 

(x1 tan A + x2 tan B + x3 tan C/tan A + tan B + tan C, y1 tan A + y2 tan B +

y3 tan C/tan A + tan B + tan C), 

 
Solution: 

In triangle A(x1, y1), B(x2, y2) and C(x3, y3), draw AD perpendicular to BC.
Our effort now should be to find the co-ordinates of the point D.

 
 To do that, we need to find BC/CD. (figure is given above) 

                tan B = AD/BD and tan C = AD/CD 

            ⇒ BD/DC = tan C/tan B

 
Now we apply section formulae. 

        xD = x2 tan B + x3 tan C/tan B + tan C                …… (i)

            yD = y2 tan B + y3 tan C/tan B + tan C               …… (ii)

 We know that orthocenter will lie on AD. We need to find this point and its
co-ordinates. 

We should select a point H1 on AD and take the ratio AH1/H1D in such a

manner so that xH1 and yH1 calculated form (i) should be symmetric in x1, x2,
x3, tan A, tan B and tan C. Think before you proceed 

Let    AH1/H1D = tan B + tan C/tan A

                         ⇒ xH1 = x1 tan A + x2 tan B + x3 tan C/tan A + tan B + tan

C

        and   ⇒ yH1 = y1 tan A + y2 tan B + y3 tan C/tan A + tan B + tan C 

Since the result is symmetric, this point H1 will lie on other altitude as well
i.e. the altitudes are concurrent

                         ⇒ xH = xH1 and yH = yH1 

 
Illustration: 
Prove analytically that in a right angled triangle the midpoint of the
hypotenuse is equidistant from the three angular points.

 Solution: 

While proving a problem analytically take most convenient co-ordinates of

known points. 

In the present case triangle is assumed as AOB with coordinates as shown

in figure given below, C is midpoint of AB.

 So co-ordinates of C will be (a/2, b/2) 

Now AB = √a2 + b2
 CA = CB = AB/2 (C is mid point of AB) 

        = √a2 + b2 

and, we know that the distance between two points C and O is given by 

CO = √(a/2 – 0)2 + (b/2 – 0)2 = √a2 + b2/2 

Hence CA = CB = CO 

Coordinates of the point P dividing the join of two points A(x 1, y1) and

B(x2, y2) internally in the given ratio λ1 : λ2 i.e., AP/BP = λ1/λ2 are
P(λ2x1+λ1x2/λ2+λ1, λ2y1+λ1y2/λ2+λ1). 

Coordinates of the point P dividing the join of two points A(x 1, y1) and B(x2,
y2) externally in the ratio λ1 : λ2 i.e., Ao/BP = λ1/λ2 are P(λ2x1+λ1x2/λ2–
λ1, λ2y1+λ1y2/λ2–λ1).

Centroid of Triangle

The centroid of a triangle is the point of concurrency of the medians. The centroid G of the
triangle ABC, divides the median AD, in the ratio of 2 : 1.
 
Illustration:
 
Find the centroid of the triangle the coordinates of whose vertices are given by A(x 1, y1), B(x2,
y2) and C(x3, y3) respectively.
 
 

 
Solution:
 
             AG/AD = 2/1
 
 Since D is the midpoint of BC, coordinates of D are (x2+x3/2, y2+y3/2)
 
 Using the section formula, the coordinates of G are
 
             (2(x2+x3/2)+1.x1/2+1, 2(y2+y3/2)+1.y1/2+1)
 
         ⇒ Coordinates of G are (x1+x2+x3/3, y1+y2+y3/3).
 
 Incentre of Triangle 
The incentre ‘I’ of a triangle is the point of concurrency of the bisectors of the angles of the
triangle.
 
Illustration:
 
Find the incentre of the triangle the coordinates of whose vertices are given by A(x1, y1), B(x2,
y2), C(x3, y3).
  
Solution:
 
By geometry, we know that BD/DC = AB/AC (since AD bisects ÐA).
 
If the lengths of the sides AB, BC and AC are c, a and b respectively, then BD/DC = AB/AC =
c/b.
 
Coordinates of D are (bx2+cx3/b+c, by2+cy3/b+c)
 
IB bisects ÐB. Hence ID/IA = BD/BA = (ac/b+c)/c = a/c+b.
                                                     –  –
Let the coordinates of I be (x, y).
        –                                                –
Then x = ax1+bx2+cx3/a+b+c, y = ay1+by2+cy3/a+b+c.
  
Circum Centre of Triangle 
 
This the point of concurrency of the perpendicular bisectors of the sides of the triangle. This is
also the centre of the circle, passing through the vertices of the given triangle.
  
Orthocentre of Triangle
 
This is the point of concurrency of the altitudes of the triangle.
  
Excentre
 
Excentre of a triangle is the point of concurrency of bisectors of two exterior and third interior
angle. Hence there are three excentres I1, I2 and I3 opposite to three vertices of a triangle.
  
If A(x1, y1), B(x2, y2) and C(x3, y3) are the vertices of a triangle ABC,
  
coordinates of centre of ex-circle opposite to vertex A are given as
 
             I1(x, y) = (–ax1+bx2+cx3/a+b+c/–a+b+c, –ay1+by2+cy3/–a+b+c).
 
Similarly co-ordinates of centre of I2(x, y) and I3(x, y) are
 
             I2(x, y) = (ax1–bx2+cx3/a–b+c, ay1–by2+cy3/a–b+c)
 

             I3(x, y) = (ax1+bx2–cx3/a+b–c, ay1+by2–cy3/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
 

|1/2[x1(y2 – y3) + x2(y3 + y1) + x3(y1 – y2)]| = .

 
It follows that the three points (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) will be collinear if

= 0.
 
Area of a polygon of n sides
 
First of all we plot the points and see their actual order. Let A1(x1, y1),
A(x2, y2), …, An(xn, yn) be the vertices of the polygon in anticlockwise order.
 

Then area of the polygon = .

 
Illustration:
 
Calculate area of a triangle shown in figures given below.
 
Solution:
 
Using the just derived formula
 
Area of a triangle
 
           1/2 [3(2 – 4) + (1) (4 – 6) + 5 (6 – 2)]
 
           = 1/2 [– 6 – 2 + 20] = 6

 
Similarly, area of the triangle shown in the figure given above.
 
Area of a ?ABC is
 
           = 1/2 [3(4 – 2) + (5) (2 – 6) + (1) (6 – 4)]
 
           =1/2 [6 – 20 + 2] = – 6
 
Caution:
 
Thus we observe that the area of a triangle is positive vertices are taken in the anticlockwise
direction and negative when the vertices are taken the clockwise direction.
 
 
Note:
 

Area of a triangle can also be expressed as = 1/2

 
           = 1/2 [x1 y2 – y1 x2 + x2 y3 – y2 x3 + x3 y1 – y3 x1]
 
This form is important. It can be used to find area of a quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon and
polygons.
  
Important:
 
If three points P1, P2 and P3 are collinear then the determinant at must vanish i.e. the area of
triangle formed must be zero.
 
 
Note:
 
If the vertices are in clockwise order then take modulus.
 
Illustration:
 
Prove that the area of the 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 triangle is
 
          

which remains constant for all values of p.

Straight Line

Any equation of first degree of the form Ax + By + C = 0, where A, B, C are

constants always represents a straight line (at least one out of A and B is
non zero).
 
Slope
 If θ is the angle at which a straight line is inclined to the positive direction of the x-axis, then m
= tanθ, (0 < θ < 180o) is the slope of the line.

 Standard equations of the Straight Line

 
Slope Intercept From:
 
        y = mx + c, where
  
        m = slope of the line
 
        c = y intercept
 
 

 
  Intercept Form:
      x/a + y/b = 1
           x intercept = a
        y intercept = b 
 
  Slope point form
 
 (a)    One point on the straight line
 
 (b)    The gradient of the straight line i.e., the slope m of the line

Equation:  

        y – y1 = m(x – x1), where (x1, y1) is a point on the straight line.
 
Illustration:

            

Pause:
Equation of line in figure (ii) is x = 3, because x-co-ordinate of each point on the line is 3.
Equation of line in figure (iv) is y = 2, because y-co-ordinate of each point on the line is 2.
 
Although every line satisfied the above given basic definition, a line can be represented in many
forms, some of which are given hereunder.
  
Two points form:
Let there be two points A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2) in a co-ordinate plane. If any point P(x, y) lies on
the line joining A and b then m = tan θ = y–y1/x–x2 = y2 – y1/x2 – x1,  (see figure given below).
 
 y – y1 = y2 – y1/x2 – x1 (x – x1) which is the equation of the given line.
Equation of line can also be written as
 y – y2 = y2 – y1/x2 – x1 (x – x2) or

= 0.

Examples based on straight line

Illustration:  

Reduce 3x – 4y + 5 = 0 to all other forms. 

 
Solution: 
(a)    Slope intercept form 
 
         y = 3/4 x + 5/4 
        where, m = slope = 3/4 
        c = 5/4 (y – intercept)
 
(b)    Intercept form 
        3x – 4y = –5 
        ⇒ 3x/–5 + 4y/5 = 1 
        x/–5/3 + y/5/4 = 1 (intercept form) 
        x – intercept = –5/3 
        y – intercept = 5/4 
 
(c)    point – slope form 
 
       Let x = 1, then y = 3/4 + 5/4 = 2 
        y – 2 = 3/4 (x – 1)
 
(d)    parametric form 
 
        x–1/cos θ = r, where tan θ = 3/4 
 

 
        ⇒ x–1/4/5 = y–2/3/5 = r
 
(e)    Normal form
 

        3x – 4y = – 5 
        –3x + 4y = 5
        Dividing by ((–3)2 + 4)½   
        ⇒ –3/5 x + 4/5 y = 5/5 = 1 
        ⇒ x cos α + y sin α = p, p > 0 
        Where cos α = –3/5, sin α = 4/5, p = 1
 
 
Illustration: 
The straight line drawn through the point P(0, 3) and making an angle of 30 o
with positive x-axis, meets the line x + y = 6 at Q. Find the length PQ.
Solution:
Method 1. 
Equation of the line through the point P is
        x–0/cos 30 = y – 3/sin 30 = r 
        ⇒ xQ = √3/r r, yQ = 3 + r/2, r = distance PQ
Point Q lies on x + y = 6 
 
         ⇒ r√3/2 + (3 + r/2) = 6
        ⇒ r = 6/√3+1
 
Method 2. 
Equation of the line through the point P is y = 1/√3 x + 3
[because here m = tan 30o = –1/√3, c = 3]
 
Solving this line, with x + y = 6, we get
 
        xQ = 3√3/√3+1, yQ = 3√3+6/√3+1
        distance PQ = √(xQ – xP)2 + (yQ – yP)2
 
                         = 6/√3+1
Illustration: 
Find the equation of the line whose perpendicular distance from the origin is
4 units and the angle which the normal makes with positive direction of x-
axis is 15o.
 
Solution:  
Here, we are given p = 4 and ω = 15o.
Now cos 15o = √3+1/2√2
and sin 15o = √3–1/2√2
By the normal form, the equation of the line is

x cos 15o + y sin 15o = 4 or √3+1/2√2 x + √3–1/2√2 y = 4

or (√3 + 1) x + (√3 – 1)y = 8√2.
 
This is the required equation.
 
Illustration: 
Given a line 2x – 3y + 5 = 0. Write various forms of the line.
Solution:
 
Slope intercept form:
        y = 2x/3 + 5/3, C = 5/3

        and m = – (coeffcient of x/coefficient of y) = 2/3

Intercept Form: 
        x/(–5/3) + y/(5/3) = 1, a = –5/2; b = + 5/3. 
Normal Form: 
        sin α = 3/√13, cos α = –2√13 
        ⇒ –2/√13 ⇒ p = 5/√13.
Illustration:
 
Find the equation to the straight line which passes through the point (–5, 4)
and is such that the position of it between the axes is divided by the give
point in the ratio 1 : 2. 
 
Solution:  
Let the required straight line be (x/a) + (y/b) = 1. 
Using the given conditions, P (2a+1.0/2+1, 2.0+1.b/2+1) is the point which
divides (a, 0) and (0, b) internally in the ratio 1 : 2.
  
But P is (–5/4)
Hence –5 = 2a/3, 4 = b/3 ⇒ a = –15/2, b = 12.
  
Hence the required equation is x/(–15/2) + y/2 < θ < π.
⇒ tan θ = –√8 = slope of line.
We know that the equation of the straight line passing through the point (x 1,
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.
Illustration:
Find the equation of the line joining the points (–1, 3) and (4, –2).
Solution:
Equation of the line passing through the points (x 1, y1) and (x2, y2) is
        y – y1 = y1–y2/x1–x2 (x – x1)
Hence equation of the required line will be
        y – 3 = 3+2/–1–4 (x + 1) ∝ x + y – 2 = 0.
Illustration: 
Represent the straight-line y = x + 2 in the parametric form.
Solution: 
Slope of the given line is = 1 = tan π/4.
Equation of the straight line can be written as y – 2 = x.
or y–2/1/√2 = x/1/√2= r.
Any point on the line is (r/√2, 2 + r/√2).
The point (x, y) is at a distance r from the point (0, 2).
Illustration: 
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 o. 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 BAB(m) = 1 ⇒ m = tanθ = 1 ⇒ θ = 45o.
                         = tan (60o) (because angle between AB and AC = 15o).
Also AB = AC = √2 and A is (2, 0).
 
 
Hence equation of the line AC is
        x–2/cos60o = y–0/sin 60o
  
        or x–2/1/2 = y/√3/2 = r = √2
        ⇒ C is (2 + √2.1/2, 0 + √2.√3/2) i.e. C is (2 + 1/√2, √3/√2).
 

Angle between two straight lines

Angle bisector of two lines (the line which bisects the angle between the two
lines) is the locus of a point which is equidistant (having equal perpendicular
distance) from the two lines. 
 
 

Say, we have two lines

           L1 : A1x + B1y + C1 = 0
           L2 : A2x + B2y + C2 = 0
 
If point R(p, q) lies on the bisector, then length of perpendicular from P to
be both lines should be equal.
 
        i.e.
 
generalizing for any point (x, y) the equation of the angle bisector is
obtained as:
        A1x+B1y+C1/√A12 + B12 = + A2x+B2y+C2/√A22 + B22
 
Note:

1. This equation gives two bisectors: one-acute angle bisector and the other
obtuse bisector.
 
2. Rule to decide the particular bisector
 
To determine a bisector which lies in the same relative position with respect
to the lines as a given point S(x 3, y3) does, make the signs of the
expressions A2x3 + B1y3 + C1 and A2x3 + B2y3 + C2 identical. (say positive)
then A1x+B1y+C1/√A12 + B12 = + A2x+B2y+C2/√A22 + B22 gives the bisector
towards this point. If the signs are different multiply one of the equations
with ‘–1’ throughout, so that positive sign is obtained. Then above equation
with changed equations of lines will given the required bisector.
 
3. If (x3, y3) ≡ (0, 0) and A2A1 + B2B1 > 0 then the bisector towards the
origin is the obtuse angle bisector.
 
4. Alternative method: to determine whether the bisector is of the obtuse or
acute angle, determines both the bisectors and calculate angle between one
of them and the initial line. The bisector for which |tan θ| > 1 is the obtuse
angle bisector.
 

Length of the Perpendicular from a Point on a Line

 
The distance of a point from a line is the length of the perpendicular drawn from the point on the
line. Given the equation of the line are different forms, the length of the perpendicular can be
obtained in different forms.
 
First form:
 
The normal equation helps us in finding the distance of a point from a straight line. Suppose we
have to find the distance of the point P(x1, y1) from the line l1 whose equation is x cos α + y sin α
= p. Let l2 be the line through P parallel to the line l 1. Let d be the distance of P from l 1. Then, the
normal from O to l2 is of length p + d. Hence the equation of l2 is
 
x cos α + y sin α = p + d.
 
Since P(x1, y1) lies on it.
 
        ∴ x1 cos α + y1 sin α = p + d
 
        ∴ d = x1 cos α + y1 sin α – p.
 
Note:
 
1.     Rule to find the perpendicular distance of a given point from a given line in normal form.
 
        In the left side of the equation (right side being zero), substitute the coordinates of the point.
The result gives the perpendicular distance.
 

 
2.     Complete distance formula. If the point P and the origin O, instead of lying on the opposite
sides of l as in figure given above, lie on the same side of line l 1 it may be proved by proceeding
exactly in the same manner that
 

 
  
 
                d = –(x1 cos α + y1 sin α – p)
 
        Hence, the complete distance formula is
 
                d = + (x1 cos α + y1 sin α – p)
 
 
 
The distance of a point from a line is the length of the perpendicular drawn from the point to the
line. Let L : Ax + By + C = 0 be a line, whose distance from the point P(x 1, y1) is d. Draw a
perpendicular PM from the point P to the line L. If the line meets the x and y-axes at the points Q
and R respectively, then coordinates of the points are Q(–C/A, 0) and R(0, – C/B). Thus the area
of the triangle PQR is given by
 
area(?PQR) = 1/2 PM × QR, which gives PM = 2 are (PQR)/QR                 … (1)
 
also, area (?PQR) = 1/2 |x1 (0 + C/B) + (–C/A) (–C/B – y1) + 0(y1 – 0)|
 
= 1/2 |x1 C/B + y1 C/A + C2/AB|
 

 
Or 2 area (?PQR) = |C/AB| |Ax1 + By1 + C| and
 
QR = √(0 + C/A)2 + (C/B – 0)2 = |C/AB| √A2 + B2
 
Substituting the values of area (?PQR) and QR in (1), we get
 
        PM = |Ax1+By1+C|/√A2+B2.
 
        Or d = |Ax1+By1+C|/√A2+B2.
 
Thus the perpendicular distance (d) of a line Ax + By + C = 0 from a point
 
(x1, y1) is given by d = |Ax1+By1+C|/√A2+B2.
 Family of lines

 
The general equation of the family of lines through the point of intersection of two given lines is
L + λL’ = 0, where L = 0 and L’ = 0 are the two given lines, and λ is a parameter.
 
 
Illustration:
 
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 midpoint of the variable line AB.
 
        The equation of the variable line AB is
 
               (bx + ay – ab) + λ(ax + by – ab) = 0
 

 
        Coordinates of A are (ab(1+λ)b+λa).
 
        Coordinate of B are (0, ab(1+λ)b+λa).
 
        Mid point of AB is (ab(1+λ)2(b+λa), ab(1+λ)2(a+λb))
 
                ⇒ h = ab(1+λ)2(b+λa); k = ab(1+λ)2(a+λb) ⇒ 1/2h = b+λa/ab(1+λ); 1/2k =
a+λb/ab(1+λ)
 
                ⇒ 1/2h + 1/2k = a+b/ab ⇒ (h + k)ab = 2hk (a + b).
 
        Hence the locus of the midpoint of AB is (x + y) ab = 2xy (a + b).
 
 
To find the equation to the straight lines which pass through a given point (x 1, y1) and make
equal angles with the given straight line y = m1x + c.
 
If m is the slope of the required line and α is the angle which this line makes with the given line,
then tana = + m1–m/1+m1m.
 

 
 
(i)     The above expression for tanα, gives two values of m, say mA and mB.
 
 
(ii)    The required equations of the lines through the point (x 1, y1) and making equal angles α
with the given line are y – y1 = mA (x – x1), y – y1 = mB(x – x1).
 
 
Illustration:
 
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 45o with the given straight line 3x + 4y – 4 = 0
 
        Slope of the line 3x + 4y – 4 = 0 is m1 = –3/4
 

 
                ⇒ tan 45o = + m1–m/1+m1m, i.e., 1 = + m+3/4/1–3/4m
 
        So that mA = 1/7,           and   mB = –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.
 
 
Illustration:
 
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 is an isosceles right angled triangle.
 
        The required equation is of the form y – 2 = m(x – 1)              … (1)
 
                with tan 45o = + m+3/4/1–3m/4 = + m–4/3/1+4m/3
 
                ⇒ 1 = + m+3/4/1–3m/4 = + m–4/3/1+4m/3 ⇒ m = – 7, 1/7.
 
        Substitute the value of m in (1). We get the required equations.
 
 
Illustration:
 
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–c2/√a2+b2| = 12–3/√16+9 = 9/5.
 

 
        Let AB be the intercept of length 3 units.
 
        ⇒ BC = 12/5. If θ is the angle between BC and AB, then tanθ = 9/12 = 3/4.
 
        Slope of the parallel lines = –4/3 = m2.
 
If m1 is the slope of the required line, then tanθ = m1–m/1+m1m ⇒ 3/4 = + m1–4/3/1+4/3m1
 
i.e. m1 + 4/3 = 3/4 (1 – 4/3 m1) and m1 + 4/3 = 3/4 (1 – 4/3 m1).
 
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:
 
Equation of the line, through P(–2, 7) and making angle θ with the x-axis, is x+2/cosθ = y+7/sin
θ = r.
 
If this line intersects the given lines at A and B, with AB = 3, the points A and B are A(–2 + r 1
cos θ, – 7 + r1 sin θ) and B (–2 + (r1 + 3) cos θ, – 7 + (r1 + 3) sin θ).
 
Since A and B lie on the lines 4x + 3y = 3 and 4x + 3y = 12, we have
 
4r1 cos θ + 3r1 sin θ = 32 and
 
4r1 cos θ+ 3r1 sin θ + 12 cos θ + 9 sin θ = 41, so that
 
12 cos θ + 9 sin θ = 0 or 4 cos θ + 3 sin θ = 3.
 
Solving this equation we find that θ = π/2 and tan θ = –7/24.
 
Hence the required lines are x + 2 = 0
 

and y + 7 = –7/24 (x + 2) i.e. 7x + 24y + 182 = 0.

Concurrency of Straight Lines

 
The condition for 3 lines a1x + b1y + c1 = 0, a2x + b2y + c2 = 0,
a3x + b3y + c3 = 0 to be concurrent is
 

        (i)      = 0.
 
 
(ii)    There exist 3 constants l, m, n (not all zero at the same time) such that IL1 + mL2 + nL3 = 0,
where L1 = 0, L2 = 0 and L3 = 0 are the three given straight lines.
 
 
(iii)    The three lines are concurrent if any one of the lines passes through the point of
intersection of the other two lines.
 
Illustration:
 
        Check if lines
 
                a1 x + b1 y + c1 = 0                                             …… (1)
 
                a2 x + b2 y + c2 = 0                                             …… (2)
 
                (2a1 – 3a2)x + (2b1 – 3b2)y + (2c1 – 3c2) = 0           …… (3)
 
        are concurrent?
Solution:
        We can try to find α, ß and γ by observation as follow:
 
                L3 – 2L1 + 3L2 = 0
 
Enquiry:    many lines can pass through the intersection of two lines. Can we find a general
equation of these lines?
 
If L1 = 0 and L2 = 0 are two lines then equation of family of lines passing through their
intersection is given by
 
L1 + λ L2 = 0                                                       …… (A)
 
Where ‘λ’ is any parameter. (Equation A is satisfied by the point of intersection of L1 = 0 and L2
= 0)
 
Note:
 
To determine a particular line one more condition is required so as to determine or eliminate λ .
 
Illustration:
 
        If x (2q + p) + y(3q + p) = 0
 
        (x + y – 1) + q/p (2x + 3y – 1) = 0, p ≠ 0
Solution:
This equation represents the family of lines passing through the intersection of lines x + y – 1 = 0
and 2x + 3y – 1 = which is fixed point i.e. (2, –1).
 
        If p = 0 then equation becomes
 
                q(2x + 3y – 1) = 0
 
        this also represents a line which passes through fixed points (2, –1).
 
Hence the given equation represents family of lines passing through a fixed point (2, –1) for
variable p, q.
 
Illustration:
 
Find the equation of a line, through the intersection of 2x + 3y – 7 = 0 and x + 3y – 5 = 0 and
having distance from origin as large as possible.
 

 
Point of intersection of two lines is A(2, 1)
 
Now, with OA as radius and O itself as centre draw a circle.
 
        There will be infinitely many lines through A and each except one of them produces a chord
of circle and hence their distance from origin i.e. centre of circle is less than OA i.e. radius of
circle.
 
        But the exceptional one which infact is a tangent to circle at A will be at a distance OA
from O.
 
        Thus, tangent to circle at A will be the line through A and is farthest from origin.
 
Now, OA ⊥ tangent at A.
 
∴ (slope of OA) × (slope of tangent at A) = –1
 
Or, 1–0/2–0 (slope of tangent at A) = –2
 
∴ equation of required line is
 
        (y – 1) = –2(x – 2)
 
Or     2x + y – 5 = 0
 
Illustration:
 
Find the point of concurrency of the altitudes drawn from the vertices (at1t2, a(t1 + r2)), (at2t3, a2t2
+ t3)) and (at3t1, a(t3 + t1)) respectively of a triangle ABC.
 
 
Solution:
 
        Slope of AD = –t3.
 
        Equation of AD is y – a(t1 + t2) = –t3(x + at1t2).                … (1)
 
        Equation of CF is y – a(t3 + t1) = –t2(x – at3t1).                 … (2)
 

 
        Subtracting (1) from (2), we get
 
                x = –a Þ y = a(t1 + t2 + t1t2t3).
 
        Hence the point of concurrency of the altitudes is
 
        (–a, a(t1 + t2 + t3 + t1t2t3)).

Position of two points with respect to a given line

 
Let the line be ax + by + c = 0 and P(x1, y1), Q(x2, y2) be two points.
 
 
Case 1:
 
If P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) are on the opposite sides of the line
ax + by + c = 0, then the point R on the line ax + by + c = 0 divides the line PQ internally in the
ratio m1 : m2, where m1/m2 must be positive.
 
Co-ordinates of R
 
        are (m1x2+m2x1/m1+m2, m1y2+m2y1/m1+m2).
 
Point R lies on the line ax + by + c = 0.
 
        ⇒ m1/m2 = ax1+by1+c/ax2+by2+c > 0
 

 
So that ax1 + by1 + c and ax2 + by2 + c should have opposite signs.
 
 
Case 2:
 
If ax1 + by1 + c and ax2 + by2 + c have the same signs then m1/m2 = –ve, so that the point R on the
line ax + by + c = 0 will divide the line PQ externally in the ratio m1 : m2 and the points P(x1, y1)
and Q(x2, y2) are on the same side of the line ax + by + c = 0.
 
 
Illustration:
 
Find the range of θ in the interval (0, π) such that the points (3, 5) and (sinθ, cosθ) lie on the
same side of the line x + y – 1 = 0.
 
 
Solution:
 
        3 + 5 – 1 =7 > 0 ⇒ sinθ + cosθ – 1 > 0
 
        ⇒ sin(π/4 + θ) > 1/√2
 
        ⇒ π/4 < π/4 + θ < 3π/4
 
        ⇒ 0 < θ < π/2.
 
 
Illustration:
 
        Find a, if (α, α2) lies inside the triangle having sides along the lines
 
                2x + 3y = 1, x + 2y – 3 = 0, 6y = 5x – 1.
 
 
Solution:
 
        Let A, B, C be vertices of the triangle.
 
        A ≡ (–7, 5), B ≡ (5/4, 7/8),
 
        C ≡ (1/3, 1/9).
 
        Sign of A w.r.t. BC is –ve.
 

 
If p lies in-side the ¦ABC, then sign of P will be the same as sign of a w.r.t. the line BC
 
⇒     5α – 6α2 – 1 < 0.                         …… (1)
 
        Similarly    2α + 3α2 – 1 > 0.                                …… (2)
 
        And,          α + 2α2 – 3 < 0.                          …… (3)
 
        Solving, (1), (2) and (3) for α and then taking intersection,
 
        We get      α ? (1/2, 1) ∪ (–3/2, –1).
 
 
Illustration:
 
The equations of the perpendicular bisectors of the sides AB and AC of a triangle ABC are
respectively x – y + 5 = 0 and x + 2y = 0. If the co-ordinates of A are (1, –2), find the equation of
BC.
 
 
Solution:
 
        From the figure,
 
        E ≡ (x1+1/2, y1–2/2),
 
        F ≡ (x2+1/2, y2–2/2).

 
Alt text : equations of the perpendicular bisectors of sides of triangle
       
Since E and F lie on OE and OF respectively,
 
                x1 – y1 + 13 = 0                                  … (1)
 
        and   x2 + 2y2 – 3 = 0                                  … (2)
 
        Also, slope of AB = –1 and slope of AC is 2, so that
 
                x1 + y1 + 1 = 0.                                  … (3)
 
        And   2x2 – y2 – 4 = 0                                  … (4)
 
        Solving these equations, we get the co-ordinates of B and C as
 
                B ≡ (–7, 6) and C ≡ (11/5, 2/5)
 
⇒ Equation of BC is 14x + 23y – 40 = 0.
 
 
Illustration:
 
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’).
 
        Equation of A’B is x/a' + y/b' = 1.                                          …. (1)
 
        and equation of AB’ is x/a + y/b'  = 1.                                    …. (2)
 
        Subtracting (1) from (2), we get, x (1/a – 1/a') + y(1/b' – 1/b) = 0.
 
        ⇒ x(a'–a)/aa' + y(b–b')/bb' = 0.                             [Using a’ – a = b – b’]
 
        ⇒ x/a(b–b'+a) + y/bb', 0 ⇒ b’ = a(a+b)y/ay–bx.                              ….. (3)
 
        From (2) b’x + ay = (4) we get x + y = a + b
 
        which is the required locus.
Angle Bisectors
 
To find the equations of the bisectors of the angle between the lines
 
        a1x + b1y+ c1 = 0 and a2x + b2y + c2 = 0.
 
A bisector is the locus of a point, which moves such that the perpendiculars drawn from it to the
two given lines, are equal.
 
The equations of the bisectors are
 
        a1x+b1y+c1/√a12+b12 = + a2x+b2y+c2/√a22+b22.
 
AP is the bisector of an acute angle if,
 
Tan (∠PAN) = tan (θ/2) is such that |tan θ/2| < 1.
 
AP is an obtuse angle bisector if,
 
Tan (∠PAN) = tan (θ/2) is such that |tan θ/2| > 1.
 
 
Notes :
 
• When both c1 and c2 are of the same sign, evaluate a1a2 + b1b2. If negative, then acute angle
bisector is a1x+b1y+c1/√a12+b12 = + a2x+b2y+c2/√a22+b22.
 
 
• When both c1 and c2 are of the same sign, the equation of the bisector of the angle which
contains the origin is a1x+b1y+c1/√a12+b12 = + a2x+b2y+c2/√a22+b22.
 
 
• Bisectors of the angle containing the point (α, ß) is a1x+b1y+c1/√a12+b12 = +
a2x+b2y+c2/√a22+b22 if a1α + b1ß + c1 and a2α + b2ß + c2 have the same sign.
 
 
• Bisectors of the angle containing the point (α, ß) is a1x+b1y+c1/√a12+b12 = +
a2x+b2y+c2/√a22+b22 if a1α + b1ß + c1 and a2α + b2ß + c2 have the opposite sign.
 
 
Illustration:
 
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/√42+32 = + 5x+12y+9/√52+122
 
⇒     9x – 7y – 41 = 0 and 7x + 9y – 3 = 0.
 
If θ is the angle between the line 4x + 3y – 6 = 0 and the bisector 9x – 7y – 41 = 0, then tan θ =
> 1.
 
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 = 12 × 12 + 9 > 0.
 
Hence equation of the bisector of the angle containing the point (1, 2) is 4x+3y–6/5 =
5x+12y+9/13 ⇒ 9x – 7y – 41 = 0.