Q.Find the coordinate of the points which trisect the line segment joining the points A(2,1,−3) and B(5,−8,3).
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate Geometry: Where Algebra Meets Geometry
Imagine you're telling a friend where you left your book in a library. You don't say "near the window" — you say "third shelf, second row, fourth book from the left." You're using numbers to pin down an exact location.
Coordinate geometry does the same thing, but for points on a flat surface. It gives every point a precise address — a pair of numbers — so we can describe shapes, distances, and positions using algebra.
The Big Idea
Before coordinate geometry, geometry was about drawing shapes and proving things with logic alone. Algebra was about numbers and equations. These two worlds seemed separate.
Then René Descartes (a French mathematician) had a simple but revolutionary idea: draw two perpendicular number lines that cross at zero. Now every point on the plane has a unique pair of numbers — its coordinates.
That's it. That's the entire foundation.
The Coordinate System
Take a horizontal line — call it the x-axis. Take a vertical line — call it the y-axis. They cross at a point called the origin, labelled O.
Any point P is located by two numbers:
- Its x-coordinate: how far right (positive) or left (negative) from the origin
- Its y-coordinate: how far up (positive) or down (negative) from the origin
We write this as an ordered pair: (x,y).
The order matters. (3,5) is not the same point as (5,3). The first number is always the horizontal position; the second is always the vertical.
A Concrete Example
Plot the point A(2,3):
- Start at the origin (0,0).
- Move 2 units to the right along the x-axis.
- From there, move 3 units up (parallel to the y-axis).
- Mark the point.
Now plot B(−1,4):
- Start at the origin.
- Move 1 unit left (negative x-direction).
- Move 4 units up.
- Mark the point.
Every point on the plane has exactly one such address. And every pair of numbers corresponds to exactly one point. This one-to-one matching is what makes coordinate geometry powerful.
The Four Quadrants
The axes divide the plane into four regions, called quadrants:
| Quadrant | x-sign | y-sign | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | + | + | (2,3) |
| II | − | + | (−1,4) |
| III | − | − | (−3,−2) |
| IV | + | − | (5,−1) |
Points on the axes themselves (where either coordinate is zero) don't belong to any quadrant.
Why This Matters
Once every point has a number address, we can:
- Calculate distances between points using the Pythagorean theorem
- Find midpoints by averaging coordinates
- Describe lines with equations like y=mx+c
- Solve geometric problems using algebra instead of drawing
The distance between two points (x1,y1) and (x2,y2) is:
d=(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2
This is just the Pythagorean theorem in disguise.
The Precise Statement
Coordinate geometry (also called analytic geometry) is the study of geometry using a coordinate system. It establishes a correspondence between:
- Points on a plane and ordered pairs of real numbers
- Geometric figures (lines, circles, curves) and algebraic equations …
Concept: Section formula in three dimensions
When a point divides a line segment joining (x1,y1,z1) and (x2,y2,z2) in the ratio m:n, its coordinates are:
(m+nmx2+nx1,m+nmy2+ny1,m+nmz2+nz1)
Trisection means dividing into three equal parts, creating two points.
Point P (closer to A): Divides AB in ratio 1:2.
P=(31(5)+2(2),31(−8)+2(1),31(3)+2(−3))=(3,−2,−1) …
To trisect a line segment means to divide it into three equal parts using two points. Using the section formula in 3D with ratios 1:2 and 2:1, the trisecting points are P1(3,−2,−1) and P2(4,−5,1).
When we trisect a line segment, we're looking for the two points that divide it into three equal pieces. Think of cutting a rope into three equal lengths—you need two cuts, and those cut-points are what we're after.
The section formula is the natural tool here. If a point divides a line segment joining (x1,y1,z1) and (x2,y2,z2) in the ratio m:n internally, its coordinates are:
(m+nmx2+nx1,m+nmy2+ny1,m+nmz2+nz1)
For trisection, the first point P1 (closer to A) divides AB in the ratio 1:2, and the second point P2 divides AB in the ratio 2:1.
Finding the trisecting points
1. First trisecting point P1 (ratio 1:2 from A to B)
Here m=1, n=2, with A(2,1,−3) and B(5,−8,3).
For the x-coordinate:
x1=1+21⋅5+2⋅2=35+4=39=3
For the y-coordinate:
y1=31⋅(−8)+2⋅1=3−8+2=3−6=−2
For the z-coordinate:
z1=31⋅3+2⋅(−3)=33−6=3−3=−1
So P1=(3,−2,−1).
2. Second trisecting point P2 (ratio 2:1 from A to B)
Now m=2, n=1. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 60 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.4x−y−3=0 and x+4y−22=0 represent two sides of a square. If (27,25) is the point of intersection of its diagonals, then the sum of all the Y-coordinates of the vertices of that square is (A) 14 (B) 10 (C) 7 (D) 12
›Reveal solutionSolution
Two perpendicular lines through a vertex of a square, plus the diagonal-intersection (centre), fully determine all four vertices; the answer is 10.
Concept and Intuition
Two sides of a square meeting at a vertex are perpendicular lines. Their intersection is a vertex A; the opposite vertex C is the reflection of A in the centre O (since diagonals bisect each other). The remaining two vertices lie on the two given side-lines at the same distance from A as A is from O's reflection logic — found cleanly using the midpoint property of the other diagonal.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Slopes of 4x−y−3=0 and x+4y−22=0 are 4 and −1/4; product =−1, confirming they are two perpendicular sides of the square, meeting at a vertex.
- Solve simultaneously: from y=4x−3, substitute into x+4y=22: x+16x−12=22⇒17x=34⇒x=2, y=5. So A=(2,5).
- Centre O=(7/2,5/2) is the midpoint of both diagonals. Opposite vertex C=2O−A=(7−2,5−5)=(5,0).
- B lies on line 4x−y−3=0 at the same distance from A as the side length; parametrizing along direction (1,4) (unit length 17, matching side length 17 from A to O's geometry) gives candidates A±(1,4). Similarly D on x+4y−22=0 gives candidates A±(4,−1). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.Let A = (1, 3), B = (3, 1) be two fixed points. If C is a point on the line x+y+1=0, then the locus of the centroid of △ABC is (A) 3x+3y−7=0 (B) x+y=10 (C) y=4x (D) x+y=9
›Reveal solutionSolution
A locus problem: parametrize the moving point C on the given line, write the centroid in terms of the parameter, then eliminate the parameter to get the locus equation.
Concept and Intuition
Since C moves along a fixed line while A,B are fixed, the centroid of △ABC also traces a straight line (an affine image of the original line). The standard technique is to parametrize C using the line's equation, express the centroid's coordinates in terms of that parameter, and eliminate the parameter.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let C=(t,−1−t) since C lies on x+y+1=0⇒y=−1−x.
- Centroid of △ABC with A=(1,3), B=(3,1), C=(t,−1−t): G=(31+3+t,33+1+(−1−t))=(34+t,33−t) …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.If the orthocenter of the triangle having the lines x−2y+5=0 and x+y+2=0 as two of its sides is (−32,34), then the centroid of the triangle is (A) (0,0) (B) (1,3) (C) (2,−4) (D) (−2,−1)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Reconstruct the triangle's vertices from the two given side-lines and the orthocenter (using the perpendicularity of altitudes to opposite sides), then compute the centroid.
Concept and Intuition
Each altitude of a triangle passes through the opposite vertex, is perpendicular to the opposite side, and passes through the orthocenter. Since we're given two full side-lines (meeting at one vertex) and the orthocenter, we can find the other two vertices as intersections of "altitude through H" with the corresponding given side-line, then compute the centroid from all three vertices.
Step-by-Step Solution
- The two given lines x−2y+5=0 and x+y+2=0 meet at vertex C: solving simultaneously, x=2y−5; substitute: 2y−5+y+2=0⇒3y=3⇒y=1,x=−3. So C=(−3,1).
- Let side CA be the line x−2y+5=0 (slope 21) and side CB be the line x+y+2=0 (slope −1).
- The altitude from A is perpendicular to CB (slope −1), so it has slope 1, and passes through H=(−32,34): y−34=1⋅(x+32)⇒y=x+2.
- A lies on both this altitude and line CA (x−2y+5=0): substitute y=x+2: x−2(x+2)+5=0⇒−x+1=0⇒x=1,y=3. So A=(1,3).
- The altitude from B is perpendicular to CA (slope 21), so slope −2, through H: y−34=−2(x+32)⇒y=−2x. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.If the equation of the line passing through the orthocenter and circumcenter of △ABC, whose vertices are A(3,1),B(3,3),C(6,1) is 2x+by+c=0, then b+c= (A) −6 (B) 6 (C) 0 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The triangle is right-angled at A (since AB is vertical and AC is horizontal), so the orthocenter is A itself and the circumcenter is the midpoint of the hypotenuse BC. The line joining them gives b+c=−6 — option (A).
Concept and Intuition
For any right triangle:
- The orthocenter (intersection of altitudes) is exactly the right-angle vertex, because the two legs of the right angle are themselves two of the altitudes.
- The circumcenter (equidistant from all three vertices) is the midpoint of the hypotenuse, since the hypotenuse subtends a right angle and the circle with the hypotenuse as diameter (Thales' theorem) passes through all three vertices.
Recognizing the right angle first turns this into simple coordinate geometry rather than needing to solve for altitudes and perpendicular bisectors from scratch.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Vertices: A(3,1), B(3,3), C(6,1).
- AB has both x-coordinates equal to 3 → AB is the vertical line x=3.
- AC has both y-coordinates equal to 1 → AC is the horizontal line y=1.
- Since AB⊥AC, the triangle has a right angle at vertex A.
- Orthocenter = the right-angle vertex = A=(3,1).
- Circumcenter = midpoint of hypotenuse BC (the side opposite the right angle): Midpoint of BC=(23+6,23+1)=(4.5,2). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.The circumcenter of a triangle lies at the origin and its centroid is the midpoint of the line segment joining the points (a2+1,a2+1) and (2a,−2a), a=0. Then for any a, the line that passes through its orthocentre is (A) y−2ax=0 (B) y−(a2+1)x=0 (C) x+y=0 (D) (a−1)2x−(a+1)2y=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using O at the origin, the Euler line gives H=3G; substituting the computed G shows only option (D) is satisfied identically for every a. Answer: (D).
Concept and Intuition
For any triangle, the circumcenter O, centroid G, and orthocentre H are collinear on the Euler line, with OG:GH=1:2. That means H−O=3(G−O). Since O is the origin here, this simplifies beautifully to H=3G — we don't even need to know the triangle's actual vertices, just its centroid.
Step-by-Step Solution
- The centroid G is the midpoint of (a2+1,a2+1) and (2a,−2a):
G=(2a2+1+2a,2a2+1−2a)=(2(a+1)2,2(a−1)2)
- Since O=(0,0) is the circumcenter, Euler's relation gives H=3G−2O=3G:
H=(23(a+1)2,23(a−1)2)
- Test option (D): (a−1)2x−(a+1)2y=0 at H:
(a−1)2⋅23(a+1)2−(a+1)2⋅23(a−1)2=0
This holds identically for every value of a — the line always passes through H. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.A variable plane which is at a distance of 4 units from the origin meets the X, Y, Z coordinate axes at P,Q,R respectively. Equation of the locus of the centroid of △PQR is (A) x21+y21+z21=1 (B) x2+y2+z2=9 (C) x21+y21+z21=169 (D) x21+y21+z21=2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The centroid locus of the axis-triangle cut by a plane at fixed distance 4 from the origin is x21+y21+z21=169.
Concept and Intuition
A plane cutting intercepts p,q,r on the three axes can be written px+qy+rz=1, and its perpendicular distance from the origin has the clean formula 1/p2+1/q2+1/r21. Relating the centroid coordinates back to p,q,r (each is one-third of the intercept) converts the distance condition into a locus equation.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Plane: px+qy+rz=1, intercepts P=(p,0,0), Q=(0,q,0), R=(0,0,r).
- Distance from origin to this plane: d=p21+q21+r211=4, so p21+q21+r21=161.
- Centroid of △PQR: (X,Y,Z)=(3p,3q,3r), so p=3X,q=3Y,r=3Z.
- Substitute: 9X21+9Y21+9Z21=161. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.If (α,β) is the image of the centroid of the triangle formed by the points (1,3),(3,1) and (2,4) with respect to the line 2x+3y−2=0, then α+β= (A) −39118 (B) 4315 (C) 5116 (D) 3932
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests finding a centroid, then reflecting a point about a line using the standard foot-of-perpendicular / image formula. Answer: α+β=−39118.
Concept and Intuition
The image (reflection) of a point (x1,y1) about the line ax+by+c=0 is obtained by moving twice the signed perpendicular distance along the line's normal direction (a,b). The formula ax′−x1=by′−y1=a2+b2−2(ax1+by1+c) packages this in one step.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Centroid of the triangle: (31+3+2,33+1+4)=(2,38).
- Line: 2x+3y−2=0, so a=2,b=3,c=−2; a2+b2=13.
- d=ax1+by1+c=2(2)+3(38)−2=4+8−2=10.
- Common ratio: t=−132d=−1320.
- α=x1+at=2+2(−1320)=2−1340=−1314. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.O(0,0,0) and A(2,1,−3) are vertices of a triangle OAB. If (−1,2,1) is the mid point of the side AB, and the perimeter of the triangle is 2(k+l7+m13) then k+l+m= (A) 7 (B) 8 (C) 5 (D) 6
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests 3D distance formula and the midpoint relation to recover a vertex. Computing all three side lengths and matching the perimeter's given form gives k+l+m=8.
Concept and Intuition
Given the midpoint of a segment and one endpoint, the other endpoint is found from M=2A+B⇒B=2M−A. The triangle's perimeter is then just the sum of the three pairwise 3D distances, which we match to the given surd form term by term.
Step-by-Step Solution
- B=2(−1,2,1)−(2,1,−3)=(−2,4,2)−(2,1,−3)=(−4,3,5).
- OA=22+12+(−3)2=4+1+9=14=2⋅7.
- OB=(−4)2+32+52=16+9+25=50=52.
- AB=(2−(−4))2+(1−3)2+(−3−5)2=36+4+64=104=226=22⋅13. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.A(−4 , 9 , k), B(−1 , k , k), C(0 , 7 , 10) form an isosceles right-angled triangle. If AB = BC and AC is an integer then the perimeter of △ABC is (A) 4(1+2) (B) 14(2+2) (C) 10(2+2) (D) 6(1+2)
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests using AB = BC (isosceles) plus the integer-hypotenuse condition to pin down k, then verifying the right angle at B to get the perimeter 6(1+2).
Concept and Intuition
In an isosceles right triangle with the equal legs meeting at the right angle, if AB = BC are the legs then AC is the hypotenuse and AC=2AB. We first use AB=BC to solve for k, using the integer-AC condition to choose between the two algebraic roots, and then confirm the right angle actually sits at B.
Step-by-Step Solution
- AB2=(−1+4)2+(k−9)2+02=9+(k−9)2.
- BC2=(0+1)2+(7−k)2+(10−k)2=1+(7−k)2+(10−k)2.
- Setting AB2=BC2: 9+k2−18k+81=1+49−14k+k2+100−20k+k2 ⇒k2−18k+90=2k2−34k+150⇒k2−16k+60=0⇒k=10 or 6.
- AC2=16+4+(10−k)2=20+(10−k)2. For k=10: AC2=20 (not a perfect square). For k=6: AC2=20+16=36⇒AC=6 (integer) — so k=6. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-FN1 markMCQQ.P(6, 4) is a point on the line x−y−2=0. If A(α,β) and B(γ,δ) are two points on this line lying on either side of P at a distance of 4 units from P, then α2+β2+γ2+δ2= (A) 136 (B) 285 (C) 23+25 (D) 52
›Reveal solutionSolution
Two points 4 units from P(6,4) along the line x−y−2=0 are found using the line's unit direction vector; their coordinates' squares sum to 136 (the surd terms cancel).
Concept and Intuition
Points at a fixed distance r from P along a line with direction angle θ are P±r(cosθ,sinθ). Since the line x−y−2=0 has slope 1 (i.e. θ=45∘), its unit direction vector is (21,21).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Line: x−y−2=0, slope =1, so direction angle θ=45∘, unit vector =(21,21).
- Points at distance 4 from P(6,4): (6±4⋅21, 4±4⋅21)=(6±22, 4±22).
- Let A=(6+22,4+22)=(α,β) and B=(6−22,4−22)=(γ,δ).
- α2=(6+22)2=36+242+8=44+242; β2=(4+22)2=16+162+8=24+162. α2+β2=68+402.
- γ2=(6−22)2=44−242; δ2=(4−22)2=24−162. γ2+δ2=68−402.
- Total: α2+β2+γ2+δ2=(68+402)+(68−402)=136.
Common Mistakes …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-FN1 markMCQQ.G(1,0,1) is the centroid of the triangle ABC. If A = (1, -4, 2) and B = (3,1,0) then AG2+CG2= (A) BG2 (B) 2BG2 (C) 6BG2 (D) 5BG2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Find the third vertex C from the centroid formula, compute the three squared distances AG2,BG2,CG2 directly, and match AG2+CG2 against a multiple of BG2.
Concept and Intuition
The centroid of a triangle with vertices A,B,C satisfies G=3A+B+C, so knowing G and two vertices immediately gives the third: C=3G−A−B. Once all four points (A,B,C,G) are known explicitly, the required distances are just direct 3D distance computations — no special theorem is needed here, only correct algebra with coordinates.
Step-by-Step Solution
- G=(1,0,1), A=(1,−4,2), B=(3,1,0).
- C=3G−A−B:
Cx=3(1)−1−3=−1,Cy=3(0)−(−4)−1=3,Cz=3(1)−2−0=1.
So C=(−1,3,1).
3. AG2=(1−1)2+(0−(−4))2+(1−2)2=0+16+1=17.
4. CG2=(1−(−1))2+(0−3)2+(1−1)2=4+9+0=13.
5. BG2=(1−3)2+(0−1)2+(1−0)2=4+1+1=6.
6. AG2+CG2=17+13=30.
7. Compare to multiples of BG2=6: 5×6=30. So AG2+CG2=5BG2.
Common Mistakes …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-AN1 markMCQQ.If A(0, 1, 2), B(2, -1, 3) and C(1, -3, 1) are the vertices of a triangle, then the distance between its circumcentre and orthocentre is (A) 23 (B) 23 (C) 3 (D) 29
›Reveal solutionSolution
Recognize the triangle is right-angled (via the side lengths), which immediately locates both the orthocenter (the right-angle vertex) and the circumcenter (midpoint of the hypotenuse) without any further computation. Answer: 23.
Concept and Intuition
Rather than computing the circumcenter and orthocenter from scratch (which is messy in 3D), check first whether the triangle is a right triangle — this simplifies both centers dramatically: the orthocenter of a right triangle is the vertex at the right angle, and its circumcenter is the midpoint of the hypotenuse (since the hypotenuse subtends a right angle, it's a diameter of the circumcircle).
Step-by-Step Solution
- A(0,1,2), B(2,−1,3), C(1,−3,1).
- AB=(2,−2,1)⇒AB2=4+4+1=9⇒AB=3.
- BC=(−1,−2,−2)⇒BC2=1+4+4=9⇒BC=3.
- AC=(1,−4,−1)⇒AC2=1+16+1=18⇒AC=32.
- Check Pythagoras: AB2+BC2=9+9=18=AC2 ✓ — right angle at B (the vertex between the two legs AB,BC; AC is the hypotenuse).
- Orthocenter of a right triangle = the right-angle vertex: H=B=(2,−1,3). …
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