Chapter 10

STRAIGHT LINES

10.1 Overview
10.1.1 Slope of a line
If θ is the angle made by a line with positive direction of x-axis in anticlockwise direction,
then the value of tan θ is called the slope of the line and is denoted by m.
The slope of a line passing through points P(x1, y1) and Q (x2, y2) is given by

y2 − y1
m = tan θ =
x2 − x1
10.1.2 Angle between two lines The angle θ between the two lines having slopes m1 and
m2 is given by
(m1 − m2 )
tan θ = ±
1+ m1m2

m1 − m2
If we take the acute angle between two lines, then tan θ = 1+ m m
1 2

If the lines are parallel, then m1 = m2.

If the lines are perpendicular, then m1m2 = – 1.
10.1.3 Collinearity of three points If three points P (h, k), Q (x1, y1) and R (x2,y2)
y1 − k y2 − y1
are such that slope of PQ = slope of QR, i.e., =
x1 − h x2 − x1

or (h – x1) (y2 – y1) = (k – y1) (x2 – x1) then they are said to be collinear.

10.1.4 Various forms of the equation of a line

(i) If a line is at a distance a and parallel to x-axis, then the equation of the line is
y = ± a.
(ii) If a line is parallel to y-axis at a distance b from y-axis then its equation is
x=±b

18/04/18
 166 EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS – MATHEMATICS

(iii) Point-slope form : The equation of a line having slope m and passing through the
point (x0, y0) is given by y – y0 = m (x – x0)
(iv) Two-point-form : The equation of a line passing through two points (x1, y1) and
(x2, y2) is given by
y2 − y1
y – y1 = x − x (x – x1)
2 1

(v) Slope intercept form : The equation of the line making an intercept c on y-axis and
having slope m is given by
y = mx + c
Note that the value of c will be positive or negative as the intercept is made on
the positive or negative side of the y-axis, respectively.
(vi) Intercept form : The equation of the line making intercepts a and b on x- and y-
x y
axis respectively is given by + =1 .
a b
(vii) Normal form : Suppose a non-vertical line is known to us with following data:
(a) Length of the perpendicular (normal) p from origin to the line.
(b) Angle ω which normal makes with the positive direction of x-axis.
Then the equation of such a line is given by x cos ω + y sin ω = p
10.1.5 General equation of a line
Any equation of the form Ax + By + C = 0, where A and B are simultaneously not zero,
is called the general equation of a line.
Different forms of Ax + By + C = 0
The general form of the line can be reduced to various forms as given below:
(i) Slope intercept form : If B ≠ 0, then Ax + By + C = 0 can be written as

−A −C −A −C
y= x+ or y = mx + c, where m = and c =
B B B B

−C
If B = 0, then x = which is a vertical line whose slope is not defined and x-intercept
A
−C
is .
A

18/04/18
 STRAIGHT LINES 167

x y
(ii) Intercept form : If C ≠ 0, then Ax + By + C = 0 can be written as +
−C −C
A B

x y −C −C
= 1 or + = 1 , where a = and b = .
a b A B
If C = 0, then Ax + By + C = 0 can be written as Ax + By = 0 which is a line
passing through the origin and therefore has zero intercepts on the axes.
(iii) Normal Form : The normal form of the equation Ax + By + C = 0 is
x cos ω + y sin ω = p where,
A B C
cos ω = ± ,sin ω = ± and p = ± .
A 2 + B2 A 2 + B2 A + B2
2

Note: Proper choice of signs is to be made so that p should be always positive.

10.1.6 Distance of a point from a line The perpendicular distance (or simply distance)
d of a point P (x1, y1) from the line Ax + By + C = 0 is given by

Ax1 + By1 + C
d=
A 2 + B2
Distance between two parallel lines
The distance d between two parallel lines y = mx + c1 and y = mx + c2 is given by

c1 − c2
d= .
1+m 2

10.1.7 Locus and Equation of Locus The curve described by a point which moves
under certain given condition is called its locus. To find the locus of a point P whose
coordinates are (h, k), express the condition involving h and k. Eliminate variables if
any and finally replace h by x and k by y to get the locus of P.

10.1.8 Intersection of two given lines Two lines a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 and a2x + b2y +
c2 = 0 are
a1 b1
(i) intersecting if ≠
a2 b2

18/04/18
 168 EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS – MATHEMATICS

a1 b1 c1
(ii) parallel and distinct if = ≠
a2 b2 c2

a1 b1 c1
(iii) coincident if = =
a2 b2 c2
Remarks
(i) The points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are on the same side of the line or on the opposite
side of the line ax + by + c = 0, if ax1 + by1 + c and ax2 + by2 + c are of the same
sign or of opposite signs respectively.
(ii) The condition that the lines a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 and a2x + b2y + c = 0 are
perpendicular is a1a2 + b1b2 = 0.
(iii) The equation of any line through the point of intersection of two lines a1x + b1y +
c1 = 0 and a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 is a1x + b1y + c1 + k (ax2 + by2 + c2) = 0. The value
of k is determined from extra condition given in the problem.

10.2 Solved Examples

Short Answer Type
Example 1 Find the equation of a line which passes through the point (2, 3) and
makes an angle of 30° with the positive direction of x-axis.
1
Solution Here the slope of the line is m = tanθ = tan 30° = and the given point is
3
(2, 3). Therefore, using point slope formula of the equation of a line, we have
1
y–3= (x – 2) or x – 3y + (3 3 – 2) = 0.
3
Example 2 Find the equation of the line where length of the perpendicular segment
from the origin to the line is 4 and the inclination of the perpendicular segment with the
positive direction of x-axis is 30°.
Solution The normal form of the equation of the line is x cos ω + y sin ω = p. Here
p = 4 and ω = 30°. Therefore, the equation of the line is
x cos 30° + y sin 30° = 4

3 1
x +y =4 or 3 x+y=8
2 2

18/04/18
 STRAIGHT LINES 169

Example 3 Prove that every straight line has an equation of the form Ax + By + C = 0,
where A, B and C are constants.
Proof Given a straight line, either it cuts the y-axis, or is parallel to or coincident with
it. We know that the equation of a line which cuts the y-axis (i.e., it has y-intercept) can
be put in the form y = mx + b; further, if the line is parallel to or coincident with the y-
axis, its equation is of the form x = x1, where x = 0 in the case of coincidence. Both of
these equations are of the form given in the problem and hence the proof.
Example 4 Find the equation of the straight line passing through (1, 2) and perpendicular
to the line x + y + 7 = 0.
Solution Let m be the slope of the line whose equation is to be found out which is
perpendicular to the line x + y + 7 = 0. The slope of the given line y = (– 1) x – 7 is – 1.
Therefore, using the condition of perpendicularity of lines, we have m × (– 1) = – 1
or m = 1 (Why?)
Hence, the required equation of the line is y – 1 = (1) (x – 2) or y – 1 = x – 2 x–
y – 1 = 0.

Example 5 Find the distance between the lines 3x + 4y = 9 and 6x + 8y = 15.

Solution The equations of lines 3x + 4y = 9 and 6x + 8y = 15 may be rewritten as
15
3x + 4y – 9 = 0 and 3x + 4y − =0
2
Since, the slope of these lines are same and hence they are parallel to each other.
Therefore, the distance between them is given by
15
9−
2 3
=
2
3 +4 2 10

Example 6 Show that the locus of the mid-point of the distance between the axes of
1 1 4
the variable line x cosα + y sinα = p is 2
+ 2 = 2 where p is a constant.
x y p
Solution Changing the given equation of the line into intercept form, we have
x y p p
+ = 1 which gives the coordinates , 0 and 0, , where the
p p cos α sin α
cos α sin α
line intersects x-axis and y-axis, respectively.

18/04/18
 170 EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS – MATHEMATICS

Let (h, k) denote the mid-point of the line segment joining the points
p p
, 0 and 0, ,
cos α sin α

p p
Then h = and k = (Why?)
2cos α 2sin α

p p
This gives cos α = and sin α =
2h 2k

Squaring and adding we get

p2 p2 1 1 4
+ =1 or + 2 = 2.
4h 2 4k 2 h 2
k p

1 1 4
Therefore, the required locus is 2
+ 2 = 2.
x y p
Example 7 If the line joining two points A(2, 0) and B(3, 1) is rotated about A in
anticlock wise direction through an angle of 15°. Find the equation of the line in new
position.
1− 0
Solution The slope of the line AB is = 1 or tan 45° (Why?) (see Fig.). After
3− 2
rotation of the line through 15°, the slope of the line AC in new position is tan 60° = 3

Fig. 10.1

18/04/18
 STRAIGHT LINES 171

Therefore, the equation of the new line AC is

y–0= 3( x − 2) or y – 3x + 2 3 = 0

Long Answer Type

3
Example 8 If the slope of a line passing through the point A(3, 2) is , then find
4
points on the line which are 5 units away from the point A.
3
Solution Equation of the line passing through (3, 2) having slope is given by
4
3
y–2= (x – 3)
4
or 4y – 3x + 1 = 0 (1)
Let (h, k) be the points on the line such that
(h – 3)2 + (k – 2)2 = 25 (2) (Why?)
Also, we have
4k – 3h + 1 = 0 (3) (Why?)
3h − 1
or k= (4)
4
Putting the value of k in (2) and on simplifying, we get
25h2 – 150h – 175 = 0 (How?)
2
or h – 6h – 7 = 0
or (h + 1) (h – 7) = 0 ⇒ h = –1, h = 7
Putting these values of k in (4), we get k = –1 and k = 5. Therefore, the coordinates of
the required points are either (–1, –1) or (7, 5).

Example 9 Find the equation to the straight line passing through the point of intersection
of the lines 5x – 6y – 1 = 0 and 3x + 2y + 5 = 0 and perpendicular to the line 3x – 5y +
11 = 0.
Solution First we find the point of intersection of lines 5x – 6y – 1 = 0 and 3x + 2y +
3
5 = 0 which is (– 1, – 1). Also the slope of the line 3x – 5y + 11 = 0 is . Therefore,
5
−5
the slope of the line perpendicular to this line is (Why?). Hence, the equation of the
3
required line is given by

18/04/18
 172 EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS – MATHEMATICS

−5
y+1= (x + 1)
3
or 5x + 3y + 8 = 0
Alternatively The equation of any line through the intersection of lines 5x – 6y – 1 = 0
and 3x + 2y + 5 = 0 is
5x – 6y – 1 + k(3x + 2y + 5) = 0 (1)
− (5 + 3k )
or Slope of this line is
– 6 + 2k

3
Also, slope of the line 3x – 5y + 11 = 0 is
5
Now, both are perpendicular
− (5 + 3k ) 3
so – 6 + 2k × 5 = –1

or k = 45
Therefore, equation of required line in given by
5x – 6y – 1 + 45 (3x + 2y + 5) = 0
or 5x + 3y + 8 = 0

Example 10 A ray of light coming from the point (1, 2) is reflected at a point A on the
x-axis and then passes through the point (5, 3). Find the coordinates of the point A.
Solution Let the incident ray strike x-axis at the point A whose coordinates be (x, 0).
From the figure, the slope of the reflected ray is given by
3
tan θ = (1)
5– x

Fig. 10.2

18/04/18
 STRAIGHT LINES 173

Again, the slope of the incident ray is given by

−2
tan (π – θ) = (Why?)
x −1
−2
or – tan θ = (2)
x −1
Solving (1) and (2), we get

3 2 13
= or x =
5− x x −1 5

13
Therefore, the required coordinates of the point A are ,0 .
5
Example 11 If one diagonal of a square is along the line 8x – 15y = 0 and one of its
vertex is at (1, 2), then find the equation of sides of the square passing through this
vertex.
Solution Let ABCD be the given square and the coordinates of the vertex D be (1, 2).
We are required to find the equations of its sides DC and AD.

Fig. 10.3
8
Given that BD is along the line 8x – 15y = 0, so its slope is
(Why?). The angles
15
made by BD with sides AD and DC is 45° (Why?). Let the slope of DC be m. Then

8
m−
15
tan 45° = (Why?)
8m
1+
15

18/04/18
 174 EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS – MATHEMATICS

or 15 + 8m = 15m – 8
23
or 7m = 23, which gives m =
7
Therefore, the equation of the side DC is given by
23
y–2= (x – 1) or 23x – 7y – 9 = 0.
7
Similarly, the equation of another side AD is given by
−7
y–2= (x – 1) or 7x + 23y – 53 = 0.
23
Objective Type Questions
Each of the Examples 12 to 20 has four possible options out of which only one option is
correct. Choose the correct option (M.C.Q.).
Example 12 The inclination of the line x – y + 3 = 0 with the positive direction of
x-axis is
(A) 45° (B) 135° (C) – 45° (D) –135°
Solution (A) is the correct answer. The equation of the line x – y + 3 = 0 can be
rewritten as y = x + 3 ⇒ m = tan θ = 1 and hence θ = 45°.
Example 13 The two lines ax + by = c and a′x + b′y = c′ are perpendicular if
(A) aa′ + bb′ = 0 (B) ab′ = ba′
(C) ab + a′b′ = 0 (D) ab′ + ba′ = 0
−a
Solution (A) is correct answer. Slope of the line ax + by = c is ,
b
−a′
and the slope of the line a′x + b′y = c′ is . The lines are perpendicular if
b′
3
tan θ = (1)
5– x
−a −a ′
= −1 or aa ′ + bb′ = 0 (Why?)
b b′
Example 14 The equation of the line passing through (1, 2) and perpendicular to
x + y + 7 = 0 is
(A) y – x + 1 = 0 (B) y – x – 1 = 0

18/04/18
 STRAIGHT LINES 175

(C) y – x + 2 = 0 (D) y – x – 2 = 0.
Solution (B) is the correct answer. Let the slope of the line be m. Then, its equation
passing through (1, 2) is given by
y – 2 = m (x – 1) (1)
Again, this line is perpendicular to the given line x + y + 7 = 0 whose slope is – 1 (Why?)
Therefore, we have m ( – 1) = – 1
or m= 1
Hence, the required equation of the line is obtained by putting the value of m in (1), i.e.,
y–2= x–1
or y–x–1= 0
Example 15 The distance of the point P (1, – 3) from the line 2y – 3x = 4 is
7
(A) 13 (B) 13 (C) 13 (D) None of these
13
Solution (A) is the correct answer. The distance of the point P (1, – 3) from the line
2y – 3 x – 4 = 0 is the length of perpendicular from the point to the line which is given
by

2(–3) – 3– 4
= 13
13
Example 16 The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular from the point (2, 3) on
the line x + y – 11 = 0 are
(A) (–6, 5) (B) (5, 6) (C) (–5, 6) (D) (6, 5)
Solution (B) is the correct choice. Let (h, k) be the coordinates of the foot of the
perpendicular from the point (2, 3) on the line x + y – 11 = 0. Then, the slope of the
k –3
perpendicular line is h − 2 . Again the slope of the given line x + y – 11 = 0 is – 1

(why?)
Using the condition of perpendicularity of lines, we have

k –3
(– 1) = – 1 (Why?)
h−2
or k–h= 1 (1)

18/04/18
 176 EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS – MATHEMATICS

Since (h, k) lies on the given line, we have,

h + k – 11 = 0 or h + k = 11 (2)
Solving (1) and (2), we get h = 5 and k = 6. Thus (5, 6) are the required coordinates of
the foot of the perpendicular.
Example 17 The intercept cut off by a line from y-axis is twice than that from x-axis,
and the line passes through the point (1, 2). The equation of the line is
(A) 2x + y = 4 (B) 2x + y + 4 = 0
(C) 2x – y = 4 (D) 2x – y + 4 = 0
Solution (A) is the correct choice. Let the line make intercept ‘a’ on x-axis. Then, it
makes intercept ‘2a’ on y-axis. Therefore, the equation of the line is given by
x y
+ =1
a 2a

It passes through (1, 2), so, we have

1 2
+ = 1 or a = 2
a 2a
Therefore, the required equation of the line is given by
x y
+ = 1 or 2x + y = 4
2 4
Example 18 A line passes through P (1, 2) such that its intercept between the axes is
bisected at P. The equation of the line is
(A) x + 2y = 5 (B) x – y + 1 = 0
(C) x + y – 3 = 0 (D) 2x + y – 4 = 0
Solution The correct choice is (D). We know that the equation of a line making
intercepts a and b with x-axis and y-axis, respectively, is given by
x y
+ =1 .
a b

a+0 0+b
Here we have 1= and 2 = , (Why?)
2 2
which give a = 2 and b = 4. Therefore, the required equation of the line is given by

18/04/18
 STRAIGHT LINES 177

x y
+ = 1 or 2x + y – 4 = 0
2 4
Example 19 The reflection of the point (4, – 13) about the line 5x + y + 6 = 0 is
(A) (– 1, – 14) (B) (3, 4) (C) (0, 0) (D) (1, 2)
Solution The correct choice is (A). Let (h, k) be the point of reflection of the given point
(4, – 13) about the line 5x + y + 6 = 0. The mid-point of the line segment joining points (h, k)
and (4, – 13) is given by

h + 4 k −13
, (Why?)
2 2
This point lies on the given line, so we have

h+4 k − 13
5 + +6=0
2 2
or 5 h + k + 19 = 0 (1)
k + 13
Again the slope of the line joining points (h, k) and (4, –13) is given by h − 4 . This line

k +3
is perpendicular to the given line and hence ( −5) = –1 (Why?)
h−4
This gives 5k + 65 = h – 4
or h – 5k – 69 = 0 (2)
On solving (1) and (2), we get h = –1 and k = –14. Thus the point (–1, – 14) is the
reflection of the given point.
Example 20 A point moves such that its distance from the point (4, 0) is half that of
its distance from the line x = 16. The locus of the point is
(A) 3x2 + 4y2 = 192 (B) 4x2 + 3y2 = 192
(C) x2 + y2 = 192 (D) None of these
Solution The correct choice is (A). Let (h, k) be the coordinates of the moving point.
Then, we have

1 h −16
( h – 4)2 + k 2 = (Why?)
2 12 + 0

18/04/18
 178 EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS – MATHEMATICS

1
(h – 4)2 + k2 = (h – 16)2
4
4 (h2 – 8h + 16 + k2) = h2 – 32h + 256
or 3h2 + 4 k2 = 192
Hence, the required locus is given by 3x2 + 4y2 = 192

10.3 EXERCISE
Short Answer Type Questions
1. Find the equation of the straight line which passes through the point (1, – 2) and
cuts off equal intercepts from axes.
2. Find the equation of the line passing through the point (5, 2) and perpendicular to
the line joining the points (2, 3) and (3, – 1).
3. Find the angle between the lines y = (2 – 3 ) (x + 5) and y = (2 + 3 ) (x – 7).
4. Find the equation of the lines which passes through the point (3, 4) and cuts off
intercepts from the coordinate axes such that their sum is 14.
5. Find the points on the line x + y = 4 which lie at a unit distance from the line
4x + 3y = 10.
x y x y
6. Show that the tangent of an angle between the lines + = 1 and − = 1 is
a b a b
2ab
.
a − b2
2

7. Find the equation of lines passing through (1, 2) and making angle 30° with
y-axis.
8. Find the equation of the line passing through the point of intersection of 2x + y =
5 and x + 3y + 8 = 0 and parallel to the line 3x + 4y = 7.
9. For what values of a and b the intercepts cut off on the coordinate axes by the
line ax + by + 8 = 0 are equal in length but opposite in signs to those cut off by the
line 2x – 3y + 6 = 0 on the axes.
10. If the intercept of a line between the coordinate axes is divided by the point (–5,
4) in the ratio 1 : 2, then find the equation of the line.
11. Find the equation of a straight line on which length of perpendicular from the
origin is four units and the line makes an angle of 120° with the positive direction
of x-axis.

18/04/18
 STRAIGHT LINES 179

[Hint: Use normal form, here ω =30°.]

12. Find the equation of one of the sides of an isosceles right angled triangle whose
hypotenuse is given by 3x + 4y = 4 and the opposite vertex of the hypotenuse is
(2, 2).
Long Answer Type
13. If the equation of the base of an equilateral triangle is x + y = 2 and the vertex is
(2, – 1), then find the length of the side of the triangle.
[Hint: Find length of perpendicular (p) from (2, – 1) to the line and use p = l sin
60°, where l is the length of side of the triangle].
14. A variable line passes through a fixed point P. The algebraic sum of the
perpendiculars drawn from the points (2, 0), (0, 2) and (1, 1) on the line is zero.
Find the coordinates of the point P.
[Hint: Let the slope of the line be m. Then the equation of the line passing
through the fixed point P (x1, y1) is y – y1 = m (x – x1). Taking the algebraic sum
of perpendicular distances equal to zero, we get y – 1 = m (x – 1). Thus (x1, y1)
is (1, 1).]
15. In what direction should a line be drawn through the point (1, 2) so that its point
6
of intersection with the line x + y = 4 is at a distance from the given point.
3
16. A straight line moves so that the sum of the reciprocals of its intercepts made on
axes is constant. Show that the line passes through a fixed point.
x y 1 1 1
[Hint: + = 1 where + = constant = (say). This implies that
a b a b k
k k
+ =1 line passes through the fixed point (k, k).]
a b
17. Find the equation of the line which passes through the point (– 4, 3) and the
portion of the line intercepted between the axes is divided internally in the ratio
5 : 3 by this point.
18. Find the equations of the lines through the point of intersection of the lines
7
x – y + 1 = 0 and 2x – 3y + 5 = 0 and whose distance from the point (3, 2) is .
5
19. If the sum of the distances of a moving point in a plane from the axes is 1, then
find the locus of the point. [Hint: Given that x + y = 1 , which gives four sides
of a square.]

18/04/18
 180 EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS – MATHEMATICS

20. P1, P2 are points on either of the two lines y – 3 x = 2 at a distance of 5 units
from their point of intersection. Find the coordinates of the foot of perpendiculars
drawn from P1, P2 on the bisector of the angle between the given lines.
[Hint: Lines are y = 3 x + 2 and y = – 3 x + 2 according as x ≥ 0 or x < 0.
y-axis is the bisector of the angles between the lines. P1, P2 are the points on
these lines at a distance of 5 units from the point of intersection of these lines
which have a point on y-axis as common foot of perpendiculars from these
points. The y-coordinate of the foot of the perpendicular is given by 2 + 5 cos30°.]
x y
21. If p is the length of perpendicular from the origin on the line + = 1 and a2,
a b
p2, b2 are in A.P, then show that a4 + b4 = 0.

Objective Type Questions

Choose the correct answer from the given four options in Exercises 22 to 41
22. A line cutting off intercept – 3 from the y-axis and the tengent at angle to the x-
3
axis is , its equation is
5
(A) 5y – 3x + 15 = 0 (B) 3y – 5x + 15 = 0
(C) 5y – 3x – 15 = 0 (D) None of these
23. Slope of a line which cuts off intercepts of equal lengths on the axes is
(A) – 1 (B) – 0
(C) 2 (D) 3
24. The equation of the straight line passing through the point (3, 2) and perpendicular
to the line y = x is
(A) x – y = 5 (B) x + y = 5
(C) x + y = 1 (D) x – y = 1
25. The equation of the line passing through the point (1, 2) and perpendicular to the
line x + y + 1 = 0 is
(A) y – x + 1 = 0 (B) y – x – 1 = 0
(C) y – x + 2 = 0 (D) y – x – 2 = 0
26. The tangent of angle between the lines whose intercepts on the axes are a, – b
and b, – a, respectively, is

18/04/18
 STRAIGHT LINES 181

a 2 − b2 b2 − a2
(A) (B)
ab 2

b2 − a2
(C) (D) None of these
2ab

x y
27. If the line + = 1 passes through the points (2, –3) and (4, –5), then (a, b) is
a b
(A) (1, 1) (B) (– 1, 1) (C) (1, – 1) (D) (– 1, –1)
28. The distance of the point of intersection of the lines 2x – 3y + 5 = 0 and 3x + 4y = 0
from the line 5x – 2y = 0 is
130 13 130
(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
17 29 7 29 7
29. The equations of the lines which pass through the point (3, –2) and are inclined at
60° to the line 3 x + y = 1 is
(A) y + 2 = 0, 3x–y–2–3 3 =0
(B) x – 2 = 0, 3 x–y+2+3 3 =0

(C) 3 x–y–2–3 3 =0
(D) None of these

3
30. The equations of the lines passing through the point (1, 0) and at a distance
2
from the origin, are
(A) 3x+ y– 3 = 0, 3x– y– 3 =0
(B) 3x+ y+ 3 = 0, 3x– y + 3 =0
(C) x + 3 y – 3 = 0, x – 3 y – 3 =0
(D) None of these.
31. The distance between the lines y = mx + c1 and y = mx + c2 is
c1 − c2 | c1 − c2 | c2 − c1
(A) (B) (C) (D) 0
m2 + 1 1 + m2 1 + m2

18/04/18
182 EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS – MATHEMATICS

32. The coordinates of the foot of perpendiculars from the point (2, 3) on the line
y = 3x + 4 is given by

37 −1 −1 37 10 2 1
(A) , (B) , (C) , − 10 (D) ,−
10 10 10 10 37 3 3
33. If the coordinates of the middle point of the portion of a line intercepted between
the coordinate axes is (3, 2), then the equation of the line will be
(A) 2x + 3y = 12 (B) 3x + 2y = 12 (C) 4x – 3y = 6 (D) 5x – 2y = 10
34. Equation of the line passing through (1, 2) and parallel to the line y = 3x – 1 is
(A) y + 2 = x + 1 (B) y + 2 = 3 (x + 1)
(C) y – 2 = 3 (x – 1) (D) y – 2 = x – 1
35. Equations of diagonals of the square formed by the lines x = 0, y = 0, x = 1 and
y = 1 are
(A) y = x, y + x = 1 (B) y = x, x + y = 2
1
(C) 2y = x, y + x = (D) y = 2x, y + 2x = 1
3
36. For specifying a straight line, how many geometrical parameters should be known?
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 3
37. The point (4, 1) undergoes the following two successive transformations :
(i) Reflection about the line y = x
(ii) Translation through a distance 2 units along the positive x-axis
Then the final coordinates of the point are

7 7
(A) (4, 3) (B) (3, 4) (C) (1, 4) (D) ,
2 2
38. A point equidistant from the lines 4x + 3y + 10 = 0, 5x – 12y + 26 = 0 and
7x + 24y – 50 = 0 is
(A) (1, –1) (B) (1, 1) (C) (0, 0) (D) (0, 1)
39. A line passes through (2, 2) and is perpendicular to the line 3x + y = 3. Its y-
intercept is
1 2 4
(A) (B) (C) 1 (D)
3 3 3

18/04/18
 STRAIGHT LINES 183

40. The ratio in which the line 3x + 4y + 2 = 0 divides the distance between the lines
3x + 4y + 5 = 0 and 3x + 4y – 5 = 0 is
(A) 1 : 2 (B) 3 : 7 (C) 2 : 3 (D) 2 : 5
41. One vertex of the equilateral triangle with centroid at the origin and one side as
x + y – 2 = 0 is
(A) (–1, –1) (B) (2, 2) (C) (–2, –2) (D) (2, –2)
[Hint: Let ABC be the equilateral triangle with vertex A (h, k) and let D (α, β)
2α + h 2β + k
be the point on BC. Then = 0= . Also α + β – 2 = 0 and
3 3

k −0
× ( − 1) = − 1 ].
h−0

Fill in the blank in Exercises 42 to 47.

42. If a, b, c are in A.P., then the straight lines ax + by + c = 0 will always pass
through ____.
43. The line which cuts off equal intercept from the axes and pass through
the point (1, –2) is ____.
44. Equations of the lines through the point (3, 2) and making an angle of 45° with
the line x – 2y = 3 are ____.
45. The points (3, 4) and (2, – 6) are situated on the ____ of the line 3x – 4y – 8 = 0.
46. A point moves so that square of its distance from the point (3, –2) is numerically
equal to its distance from the line 5x – 12y = 3. The equation of its locus is ____.
47. Locus of the mid-points of the portion of the line x sin θ + y cos θ = p intercepted
between the axes is ____.
State whether the statements in Exercises 48 to 56 are true or false. Justify.
48. If the vertices of a triangle have integral coordinates, then the triangle can not be
equilateral.
49. The points A (– 2, 1), B (0, 5), C (– 1, 2) are collinear.
50. Equation of the line passing through the point (a cos3θ, a sin3θ) and perpendicular
to the line x sec θ + y cosec θ = a is x cos θ – y sin θ = a sin 2θ.
51. The straight line 5x + 4y = 0 passes through the point of intersection of the
straight lines x + 2y – 10 = 0 and 2x + y + 5 = 0.
52. The vertex of an equilateral triangle is (2, 3) and the equation of the opposite side is
x + y = 2. Then the other two sides are y – 3 = (2 ± 3 ) (x – 2).

18/04/18
 184 EXEMPLAR PROBLEMS – MATHEMATICS

53. The equation of the line joining the point (3, 5) to the point of intersection of the
lines 4x + y – 1 = 0 and 7x – 3y – 35 = 0 is equidistant from the points (0, 0) and
(8, 34).
x y 1 1 1
54. The line + = 1 moves in such a way that 2 + 2 = 2 , where c is a constant.
a b a b c
The locus of the foot of the perpendicular from the origin on the given line is
x2 + y2 = c2.
55. The lines ax + 2y + 1 = 0, bx + 3y + 1 = 0 and cx + 4y + 1 = 0 are concurrent if
a, b, c are in G.P.
56. Line joining the points (3, – 4) and (– 2, 6) is perpendicular to the line joining the
points (–3, 6) and (9, –18).
Match the questions given under Column C1 with their appropriate answers given
under the Column C2 in Exercises 57 to 59.
57.
Column C1 Column C2
(a) The coordinates of the points (i) (3, 1), (–7, 11)
P and Q on the line x + 5y = 13 which
are at a distance of 2 units from the
line 12x – 5y + 26 = 0 are

1 11 4 7
(b) The coordinates of the point on the line (ii) − , , ,
3 3 3 3
x + y = 4, which are at a unit distance
from the line 4x + 3y – 10 = 0 are

12 16
(c) The coordinates of the point on the line (iii) 1, , –3,
5 5
joining A (–2, 5) and B (3, 1) such
that AP = PQ = QB are
58. The value of the λ, if the lines
(2x + 3y + 4) + λ (6x – y + 12) = 0 are
Column C1 Column C2
3
(a) parallel to y-axis is (i) λ = −
4

18/04/18
 STRAIGHT LINES 185

1
(b) perpendicular to 7x + y – 4 = 0 is (ii) λ=−
3

17
(c) passes through (1, 2) is (iii) λ=−
41
(d) parallel to x axis is (iv) λ = 3

59. The equation of the line through the intersection of the lines 2x – 3y = 0 and
4x – 5y = 2 and
Column C1 Column C2
(a) through the point (2, 1) is (i) 2x – y = 4
(b) perpendicular to the line (ii) x + y – 5 = 0
x + 2y + 1 = 0 is
(c) parallel to the line (iii) x – y –1 = 0
3x – 4y + 5 = 0 is
(d) equally inclined to the axes is (iv) 3x – 4y – 1 = 0

18/04/18
 Chapter 9
STRAIGHT LINES

vG eometry, as a logical system, is a means and even the most powerful

means to make children feel the strength of the human spirit that is
of their own spirit. – H. FREUDENTHALv

9.1 Introduction
We are familiar with two-dimensional coordinate geometry
from earlier classes. Mainly, it is a combination of algebra
and geometry. A systematic study of geometry by the use
of algebra was first carried out by celebrated French
philosopher and mathematician René Descartes, in his book
‘La Géométry, published in 1637. This book introduced the
notion of the equation of a curve and related analytical
methods into the study of geometry. The resulting
combination of analysis and geometry is referred now as
analytical geometry. In the earlier classes, we initiated
the study of coordinate geometry, where we studied about René Descartes
coordinate axes, coordinate plane, plotting of points in a (1596 -1650)
plane, distance between two points, section formulae, etc. All these concepts are the
basics of coordinate geometry.
Let us have a brief recall of coordinate geometry done in earlier classes. To
recapitulate, the location of the points (6, – 4) and
(3, 0) in the XY-plane is shown in Fig 9.1.
We may note that the point (6, – 4) is at 6 units
distance from the y-axis measured along the positive
x-axis and at 4 units distance from the x-axis
measured along the negative y-axis. Similarly, the
point (3, 0) is at 3 units distance from the y-axis
measured along the positive x-axis and has zero
distance from the x-axis.
We also studied there following important Fig 9.1
formulae:

2024-25
152 MATHEMATICS

I. Distance between the points P (x1, y1) and Q (x2, y2) is

(x – x1 ) + ( y2 – y1 )
2
PQ =
2
2

For example, distance between the points (6, – 4) and (3, 0) is

( 3 − 6 )2 + ( 0 + 4 )2 = 9 + 16 = 5 units.
II. The coordinates of a point dividing the line segment joining the points (x1, y1)
 m x 2 + n x1 m y 2 + n y1 
and (x2, y2) internally, in the ratio m: n are  , .
 m+n m + n 
For example, the coordinates of the point which divides the line segment joining
1.( − 3) + 3.1
A (1, –3) and B (–3, 9) internally, in the ratio 1: 3 are given by x = =0
1+ 3
1.9 + 3. ( –3)
and y = = 0.
1+ 3
III. In particular, if m = n, the coordinates of the mid-point of the line segment
 x1 + x2 y1 + y 2 
joining the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are  , .
 2 2 
IV. Area of the triangle whose vertices are (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) is
1
x1 ( y 2 − y 3 ) + x 2 ( y 3 − y 1) + x 3 ( y1 − y 2 ) .
2
For example, the area of the triangle, whose vertices are (4, 4), (3, – 2) and (– 3, 16) is
1 − 54
4( −2 − 16) + 3(16 − 4) + (−3)(4 + 2) = = 27.
2 2
Remark If the area of the triangle ABC is zero, then three points A, B and C lie on
a line, i.e., they are collinear.
In the this Chapter, we shall continue the study of coordinate geometry to study
properties of the simplest geometric figure – straight line. Despite its simplicity, the
line is a vital concept of geometry and enters into our daily experiences in numerous
interesting and useful ways. Main focus is on representing the line algebraically, for
which slope is most essential.
9.2 Slope of a Line
A line in a coordinate plane forms two angles with the x-axis, which are supplementary.

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 153

The angle (say) θ made by the line l with positive

direction of x-axis and measured anti clockwise
is called the inclination of the line. Obviously
0° ≤ θ ≤ 180° (Fig 9.2).
We observe that lines parallel to x-axis, or
coinciding with x-axis, have inclination of 0°. The
inclination of a vertical line (parallel to or
coinciding with y-axis) is 90°.
Definition 1 If θ is the inclination of a line
l, then tan θ is called the slope or gradient of
the line l. Fig 9.2
The slope of a line whose inclination is 90° is not
defined.
The slope of a line is denoted by m.
Thus, m = tan θ, θ ≠ 90°
It may be observed that the slope of x-axis is zero and slope of y-axis is not defined.
9.2.1 Slope of a line when coordinates of any two points on the line are given
We know that a line is completely determined when we are given two points on it.
Hence, we proceed to find the slope of a
line in terms of the coordinates of two points
on the line.
Let P(x 1, y 1 ) and Q(x 2, y 2 ) be two
points on non-vertical line l whose inclination
is θ. Obviously, x1 ≠ x2, otherwise the line
will become perpendicular to x-axis and its
slope will not be defined. The inclination of
the line l may be acute or obtuse. Let us
take these two cases.
Draw perpendicular QR to x-axis and
PM perpendicular to RQ as shown in
Figs. 9.3 (i) and (ii).
Fig 9. 3 (i)
Case 1 When angle θ is acute:
In Fig 9.3 (i), ∠MPQ = θ. ... (1)
Therefore, slope of line l = m = tan θ.
MQ y2 − y1
But in ∆MPQ, we have tan θ = = . ... (2)
MP x2 − x1

2024-25
154 MATHEMATICS

From equations (1) and (2), we have

y2 − y1
m= .
x2 − x1

Case II When angle θ is obtuse:

In Fig 9.3 (ii), we have
∠MPQ = 180° – θ.
Therefore, θ = 180° – ∠MPQ.
Now, slope of the line l
Fig 9. 3 (ii)

m = tan θ
= tan ( 180° – ∠MPQ) = – tan ∠MPQ

MQ y −y y2 − y1
= − =− 2 1 = .
MP x1 − x2 x2 − x1
Consequently, we see that in both the cases the slope m of the line through the points
y2 − y1
(x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by m = .
x2 − x1

9.2.2 Conditions for parallelism and perpendicularity of lines in terms of their

slopes In a coordinate plane, suppose that non-vertical lines l1 and l2 have slopes m1
and m2, respectively. Let their inclinations be α and
β, respectively.
If the line l1 is parallel to l2 (Fig 9.4), then their
inclinations are equal, i.e.,
α = β, and hence, tan α = tan β
Therefore m1 = m2, i.e., their slopes are equal.
Conversely, if the slope of two lines l1 and l2
is same, i.e.,
m1 = m2.
Fig 9. 4
Then tan α = tan β.
By the property of tangent function (between 0° and 180°), α = β.
Therefore, the lines are parallel.

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 155

Hence, two non vertical lines l1 and l2 are parallel if and only if their slopes
are equal.
If the lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular (Fig 9.5), then β = α + 90°.
Therefore, tan β = tan (α + 90°)
1
= – cot α = −
tan α
1
i.e., m2 = − m or m1 m2 = – 1
1

Conversely, if m1 m2 = – 1, i.e., tan α tan β = – 1.

Then tan α = – cot β = tan (β + 90°) or tan (β – 90°)
Fig 9. 5
Therefore, α and β differ by 90°.
Thus, lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular to each other.
Hence, two non-vertical lines are perpendicular to each other if and only if
their slopes are negative reciprocals of each other,
1
i.e., m2= − or, m1 m2 = – 1.
m1
Let us consider the following example.

Example 1 Find the slope of the lines:

(a) Passing through the points (3, – 2) and (–1, 4),
(b) Passing through the points (3, – 2) and (7, – 2),
(c) Passing through the points (3, – 2) and (3, 4),
(d) Making inclination of 60° with the positive direction of x-axis.

Solution (a) The slope of the line through (3, – 2) and (– 1, 4) is

4 − ( −2) 6 3
m= = =− .
−1 − 3 −4 2
(b) The slope of the line through the points (3, – 2) and (7, – 2) is
–2 – (–2) 0
m= = = 0.
7–3 4
(c) The slope of the line through the points (3, – 2) and (3, 4) is

2024-25
156 MATHEMATICS

4 – (–2) 6
m = =, which is not defined.
3–3 0
(d) Here inclination of the line α = 60°. Therefore, slope of the line is
m = tan 60° = 3.

9.2.3 Angle between two lines When we think about more than one line in a plane,
then we find that these lines are either intersecting or parallel. Here we will discuss the
angle between two lines in terms of their slopes.
Let L1 and L2 be two non-vertical lines with slopes m1 and m2, respectively. If α1
and α2 are the inclinations of lines L1 and L2, respectively. Then
m1 = tan α1 and m2 = tan α2 .
We know that when two lines intersect each other, they make two pairs of
vertically opposite angles such that sum of any two adjacent angles is 180°. Let θ and
φ be the adjacent angles between the lines L1 and L2 (Fig 9.6). Then
θ = α2 – α1 and α1, α2 ≠ 90°.
tan α 2 − tan α1 m − m1
Therefore tan θ = tan (α2 – α1) = = 2 (as 1 + m1m2 ≠ 0)
1 + tan α1 tan α 2 1 + m1m2
and φ = 180° – θ so that
m2 − m1
tan φ = tan (180° – θ ) = – tan θ = – , as 1 + m1m2 ≠ 0
1 + m1m2

Fig 9. 6
Now, there arise two cases:

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 157

m 2 – m1
Case I If is positive, then tan θ will be positive and tan φ will be negative,
1 + m1m 2
which means θ will be acute and φ will be obtuse.
m 2 – m1
Case II If is negative, then tan θ will be negative and tan φ will be positive,
1 + m1m 2
which means that θ will be obtuse and φ will be acute.
Thus, the acute angle (say θ) between lines L1 and L2 with slopes m1 and m2,
respectively, is given by
m 2 − m1
tan θ = , as 1 + m1m 2 ≠ 0 ... (1)
1 + m1m 2
The obtuse angle (say φ) can be found by using φ =1800 – θ.
π 1
Example 2 If the angle between two lines is and slope of one of the lines is , find
4 2
the slope of the other line.
Solution We know that the acute angle θ between two lines with slopes m1 and m2
m2 − m1
is given by tan θ = ... (1)
1 + m1m 2

1 π
Let m1 = , m2 = m and θ = .
2 4
Now, putting these values in (1), we get

1 1
m− m−
π 2 2
tan = or 1 = ,
4 1 1
1+ m 1+ m
2 2

1 1
m− m−
2 = 1 or 2 = –1.
which gives 1 1
1+ m 1+ m
2 2

2024-25
158 MATHEMATICS

1
Therefore m = 3 or m = − .
3
Hence, slope of the other line is
1
3 or − . Fig 9.7 explains the
3
reason of two answers.

Fig 9.7

Example 3 Line through the points (–2, 6) and (4, 8) is perpendicular to the line
through the points (8, 12) and (x, 24). Find the value of x.

Solution Slope of the line through the points (– 2, 6) and (4, 8) is

8−6 2 1
m1 = = =
4 − ( −2 ) 6 3
Slope of the line through the points (8, 12) and (x, 24) is
24 − 12 12
m2 = =
x−8 x −8
Since two lines are perpendicular,
m1 m2 = –1, which gives
1 12
× = −1 or x = 4 .
3 x −8

EXERCISE 9.1
1. Draw a quadrilateral in the Cartesian plane, whose vertices are (– 4, 5), (0, 7),
(5, – 5) and (– 4, –2). Also, find its area.
2. The base of an equilateral triangle with side 2a lies along the y-axis such that the
mid-point of the base is at the origin. Find vertices of the triangle.

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 159

3. Find the distance between P (x1, y1) and Q (x2, y2) when : (i) PQ is parallel to the
y-axis, (ii) PQ is parallel to the x-axis.
4. Find a point on the x-axis, which is equidistant from the points (7, 6) and (3, 4).
5. Find the slope of a line, which passes through the origin, and the mid-point of the
line segment joining the points P (0, – 4) and B (8, 0).
6. Without using the Pythagoras theorem, show that the points (4, 4), (3, 5) and
(–1, –1) are the vertices of a right angled triangle.
7. Find the slope of the line, which makes an angle of 30° with the positive direction
of y-axis measured anticlockwise.
8. Without using distance formula, show that points (– 2, – 1), (4, 0), (3, 3) and
(–3, 2) are the vertices of a parallelogram.
9. Find the angle between the x-axis and the line joining the points (3,–1) and (4,–2).
10. The slope of a line is double of the slope of another line. If tangent of the angle
1
between them is , find the slopes of the lines.
3
11. A line passes through (x1, y1) and (h, k). If slope of the line is m, show that
k – y1 = m (h – x1).
9.3 Various Forms of the Equation of a Line
We know that every line in a plane contains infinitely many points on it. This relationship
between line and points leads us to find the solution of the following problem:
How can we say that a given point lies on the given line? Its answer may be that
for a given line we should have a definite condition on the points lying on the line.
Suppose P (x, y) is an arbitrary point in the XY-plane and L is the given line. For the
equation of L, we wish to construct a statement or condition for the point P that is
true, when P is on L, otherwise false. Of course the statement is merely an algebraic
equation involving the variables x and y. Now, we will discuss the equation of a line
under different conditions.
9.3.1 Horizontal and vertical lines If a horizontal line L is at a distance a from the x-
axis then ordinate of every point lying on the line is either a or – a [Fig 9.8 (a)].
Therefore, equation of the line L is either y = a or y = – a. Choice of sign will depend
upon the position of the line according as the line is above or below the y-axis. Similarly,
the equation of a vertical line at a distance b from the y-axis is either x = b or
x = – b [Fig 9.8(b)].

2024-25
160 MATHEMATICS

Fig 9.8

Example 4 Find the equations of the lines

parallel to axes and passing through
(– 2, 3).
Solution Position of the lines is shown in the
Fig 9.9. The y-coordinate of every point on the
line parallel to x-axis is 3, therefore, equation
of the line parallel tox-axis and passing through
(– 2, 3) is y = 3. Similarly, equation of the line
parallel to y-axis and passing through (– 2, 3)
is x = – 2.
9.3.2 Point-slope form Suppose that Fig 9.9
P0 (x0, y0) is a fixed point on a non-vertical
line L, whose slope is m. Let P (x, y) be an
arbitrary point on L (Fig 9.10).
Then, by the definition, the slope of L is given
by
y − y0
m= , i.e., y − y 0 = m ( x − x 0 )
x − x0
...(1)
Since the point P0 (x0 , y0) along with
all points (x, y) on L satisfies (1) and no other
point in the plane satisfies (1). Equation (1)
is indeed the equation for the given line L. Fig 9.10

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 161

Thus, the point (x, y) lies on the line with slope m through the fixed point (x0, y0),
if and only if, its coordinates satisfy the equation
y – y0 = m (x – x0)
Example 5 Find the equation of the line through (– 2, 3) with slope – 4.
Solution Here m = – 4 and given point (x0 , y0) is (– 2, 3).
By slope-intercept form formula
(1) above, equation of the given
line is
y – 3 = – 4 (x + 2) or
4x + y + 5 = 0, which is the
required equation.
9.3.3 Two-point form Let the
line L passes through two given
points P1 (x1, y1) and P2 (x2, y2).
Let P (x, y) be a general point
on L (Fig 9.11).
The three points P1, P2 and P are Fig 9.11
collinear, therefore, we have
slope of P1P = slope of P1P2
y − y1 y 2 − y1 y − y1
i.e., = , or y − y 1 = 2 ( x − x1 ).
x − x1 x 2 − x1 x 2 − x1
Thus, equation of the line passing through the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by
y 2 − y1
y − y1 = ( x − x1) ... (2)
x 2 − x1
Example 6 Write the equation of the line through the points (1, –1) and (3, 5).
Solution Here x1 = 1, y1 = – 1, x2 = 3 and y2 = 5. Using two-point form (2) above
for the equation of the line, we have
5 – ( –1)
y – ( –1) = ( x – 1)
3 –1
or –3x + y + 4 = 0, which is the required equation.
9.3.4 Slope-intercept form Sometimes a line is known to us with its slope and an
intercept on one of the axes. We will now find equations of such lines.

2024-25
162 MATHEMATICS

Case I Suppose a line L with slope m cuts

the y-axis at a distance c from the origin
(Fig 9.12). The distance c is called the y-
intercept of the line L. Obviously,
coordinates of the point where the line meet
the y-axis are (0, c). Thus, L has slope m
and passes through a fixed point (0, c).
Therefore, by point-slope form, the equation
of L is
Fig 9.12
y − c = m ( x − 0 ) or y = mx + c
Thus, the point (x, y) on the line with slope m and y-intercept c lies on the line if and
only if
y = mx +c ...(3)
Note that the value of c will be positive or negative according as the intercept is made
on the positive or negative side of the y-axis, respectively.
Case II Suppose line L with slope m makes x-intercept d. Then equation of L is
y = m(x – d) ... (4)
Students may derive this equation themselves by the same method as in Case I.
1
Example 7 Write the equation of the lines for which tan θ = , where θ is the
2
3
inclination of the line and (i) y-intercept is – (ii) x-intercept is 4.
2
1 3
Solution (i) Here, slope of the line is m = tan θ = and y - intercept c = – .
2 2
Therefore, by slope-intercept form (3) above, the equation of the line is
1 3
y= x − or 2 y − x + 3 = 0 ,
2 2
which is the required equation.
1
(ii) Here, we have m = tan θ = and d = 4.
2
Therefore, by slope-intercept form (4) above, the equation of the line is
1
y= ( x − 4) or 2 y − x + 4 = 0 ,
2
which is the required equation.

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 163

9.3.5 Intercept - form Suppose a line L makes x-intercept a and y-intercept b on the
axes. Obviously L meets x-axis at the point
(a, 0) and y-axis at the point (0, b) (Fig .9.13).
By two-point form of the equation of the line,
we have
b−0
y−0= (x − a) or ay = −bx + ab ,
0−a
x y
i.e., + = 1.
a b
Thus, equation of the line making intercepts
Fig 9.13
a and b on x-and y-axis, respectively, is
x y
+ =1 ... (5)
a b
Example 8 Find the equation of the line, which makes intercepts –3 and 2 on the
x- and y-axes respectively.
Solution Here a = –3 and b = 2. By intercept form (5) above, equation of the line is
x y
+ = 1 or 2 x − 3 y + 6 = 0 .
−3 2
Any equation of the form Ax + By + C = 0, where A and B are not zero simultaneously
is called general linear equation or general equation of a line.

EXERCISE 9.2
In Exercises 1 to 8, find the equation of the line which satisfy the given conditions:
1. Write the equations for the x-and y-axes.
1
2. Passing through the point (– 4, 3) with slope .
2
3. Passing through (0, 0) with slope m.
( )
4. Passing through 2, 2 3 and inclined with the x-axis at an angle of 75o.
5. Intersecting the x-axis at a distance of 3 units to the left of origin with slope –2.
6. Intersecting the y-axis at a distance of 2 units above the origin and making an
angle of 30o with positive direction of the x-axis.

2024-25
164 MATHEMATICS

7. Passing through the points (–1, 1) and (2, – 4).

8. The vertices of ∆ PQR are P (2, 1), Q (–2, 3) and R (4, 5). Find equation of the
median through the vertex R.
9. Find the equation of the line passing through (–3, 5) and perpendicular to the line
through the points (2, 5) and (–3, 6).
10. A line perpendicular to the line segment joining the points (1, 0) and (2, 3) divides
it in the ratio 1: n. Find the equation of the line.
11. Find the equation of a line that cuts off equal intercepts on the coordinate axes
and passes through the point (2, 3).
12. Find equation of the line passing through the point (2, 2) and cutting off intercepts
on the axes whose sum is 9.
2π
13. Find equation of the line through the point (0, 2) making an angle with the
3
positive x-axis. Also, find the equation of line parallel to it and crossing the y-axis
at a distance of 2 units below the origin.
14. The perpendicular from the origin to a line meets it at the point (–2, 9), find the
equation of the line.
15. The length L (in centimetre) of a copper rod is a linear function of its Celsius
temperature C. In an experiment, if L = 124.942 when C = 20 and L= 125.134
when C = 110, express L in terms of C.
16. The owner of a milk store finds that, he can sell 980 litres of milk each week at
Rs 14/litre and 1220 litres of milk each week at Rs 16/litre. Assuming a linear
relationship between selling price and demand, how many litres could he sell
weekly at Rs 17/litre?
17. P (a, b) is the mid-point of a line segment between axes. Show that equation
x y
of the line is + = 2.
a b
18. Point R (h, k) divides a line segment between the axes in the ratio 1: 2. Find
equation of the line.
19. By using the concept of equation of a line, prove that the three points (3, 0),
(– 2, – 2) and (8, 2) are collinear.
9.4 Distance of a Point From a Line
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 (x1, y1) is d. Draw a perpendicular PM from the point P to the line L (Fig 9.14). If the

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 165

Fig 9.14

line meets the x-and y-axes at the points Q and R, respectively. Then, coordinates of
 C   C
the points are Q  − , 0  and R  0 , −  . Thus, the area of the triangle PQR is
 A   B
given by
1 2 area (∆PQR)
area (∆PQR) = PM.QR , which gives PM = ... (1)
2 QR

1  C   C  C 
Also, area (∆PQR) = x1  0 +  +  −  − − y1  + 0 ( y 1 − 0 )
2  B   A  B 

1 C C C2
= x1 + y 1 +
2 B A AB

C
or 2 area (∆PQR) = . A x1 + B y 1 + C , and
AB

( )
2 2
 C C C
QR =  0 +  + − 0 = A +B
2 2
 A B AB
Substituting the values of area (∆PQR) and QR in (1), we get
A x1 + B y1 + C
PM =
A +B
2 2

2024-25
166 MATHEMATICS

A x1 + B y1 + C
or d= .
A +B
2 2

Thus, the perpendicular distance (d) of a line Ax + By+ C = 0 from a point (x1, y1)
is given by
A x1 + B y1 + C
d= .
A +B
2 2

9.4.1 Distance between two

parallel lines We know that slopes of
two parallel lines are equal.
Therefore, two parallel lines can be
taken in the form
y = mx + c1 ... (1)
and y = mx + c2 ... (2)
Line (1) will intersect x-axis at the point
 c1 
A  − m , 0  as shown in Fig 9.15.
  Fig 9.15
Distance between two lines is equal to the length of the perpendicular from point
A to line (2). Therefore, distance between the lines (1) and (2) is

( −m)  −
c1 
 + ( −c2 ) c1 − c2
 m .
or d =
1 + m2 1 + m2

Thus, the distance d between two parallel lines y = mx + c1 and y = mx + c2 is given by

c1 − c2
d= .
1 + m2
If lines are given in general form, i.e., Ax + By + C1 = 0 and Ax + By + C2 = 0,
C1 − C 2
then above formula will take the form d =
A 2 + B2
Students can derive it themselves.

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 167

Example 9 Find the distance of the point (3, – 5) from the line 3x – 4y –26 = 0.
Solution Given line is 3x – 4y –26 = 0 ... (1)
Comparing (1) with general equation of line Ax + By + C = 0, we get
A = 3, B = – 4 and C = – 26.
Given point is (x1, y1) = (3, –5). The distance of the given point from given line is

Ax1 + By1 + C 3.3 + ( –4 )( –5 ) – 26 3

d= = = .
A 2 + B2 32 + ( –4 ) 5
2

Example 10 Find the distance between the parallel lines 3x – 4y +7 = 0 and

3x – 4y + 5 = 0
Solution Here A = 3, B = –4, C1 = 7 and C2 = 5. Therefore, the required distance is
7–5 2
d= = .
3 + ( –4 ) 5
2 2

EXERCISE 9.3
1. Reduce the following equations into slope - intercept form and find their slopes
and the y - intercepts.
(i) x + 7y = 0, (ii) 6x + 3y – 5 = 0, (iii) y = 0.
2. Reduce the following equations into intercept form and find their intercepts on
the axes.
(i) 3x + 2y – 12 = 0, (ii) 4x – 3y = 6, (iii) 3y + 2 = 0.
3. Find the distance of the point (–1, 1) from the line 12(x + 6) = 5(y – 2).
x y
4. Find the points on the x-axis, whose distances from the line + = 1 are 4 units.
3 4
5. Find the distance between parallel lines
(i) 15x + 8y – 34 = 0 and 15x + 8y + 31 = 0 (ii) l (x + y) + p = 0 and l (x + y) – r = 0.
6. Find equation of the line parallel to the line 3 x − 4 y + 2 = 0 and passing through
the point (–2, 3).
7. Find equation of the line perpendicular to the line x – 7y + 5 = 0 and having
x intercept 3.
8. Find angles between the lines 3 x + y = 1and x + 3 y = 1.
9. The line through the points (h, 3) and (4, 1) intersects the line 7 x − 9 y − 19 = 0.
at right angle. Find the value of h.

2024-25
168 MATHEMATICS

10. Prove that the line through the point (x1, y1) and parallel to the line Ax + By + C = 0 is
A (x –x1) + B (y – y1) = 0.
11. Two lines passing through the point (2, 3) intersects each other at an angle of 60o.
If slope of one line is 2, find equation of the other line.
12. Find the equation of the right bisector of the line segment joining the points (3, 4)
and (–1, 2).
13. Find the coordinates of the foot of perpendicular from the point (–1, 3) to the
line 3x – 4y – 16 = 0.
14. The perpendicular from the origin to the line y = mx + c meets it at the point
(–1, 2). Find the values of m and c.
15. If p and q are the lengths of perpendiculars from the origin to the
lines x cos θ − y sin θ = k cos 2θ and x sec θ + y cosec θ = k, respectively, prove
that p2 + 4q2 = k2.
16. In the triangle ABC with vertices A (2, 3), B (4, –1) and C (1, 2), find the equation
and length of altitude from the vertex A.
17. If p is the length of perpendicular from the origin to the line whose intercepts on
1 1 1
the axes are a and b, then show that 2
= 2 + 2.
p a b

Miscellaneous Examples
Example 11 If the lines 2 x + y − 3 = 0 , 5 x + ky − 3 = 0 and 3 x − y − 2 = 0 are
concurrent, find the value of k.
Solution Three lines are said to be concurrent, if they pass through a common point,
i.e., point of intersection of any two lines lies on the third line. Here given lines are
2x + y – 3 = 0 ... (1)
5x + ky – 3 = 0 ... (2)
3x – y – 2 = 0 ... (3)
Solving (1) and (3) by cross-multiplication method, we get
x y 1
= = or x = 1, y = 1 .
–2 – 3 –9 + 4 –2 – 3
Therefore, the point of intersection of two lines is (1, 1). Since above three lines are
concurrent, the point (1, 1) will satisfy equation (2) so that
5.1 + k .1 – 3 = 0 or k = – 2.

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 169

Example 12 Find the distance of the line 4x – y = 0 from the point P (4, 1) measured
along the line making an angle of 135° with the positive x-axis.
Solution Given line is 4x – y = 0 ... (1)
In order to find the distance of the
line (1) from the point P (4, 1) along
another line, we have to find the point
of intersection of both the lines. For
this purpose, we will first find the (1, 4)
equation of the second line
(Fig 9.16). Slope of second line is
tan 135° = –1. Equation of the line
with slope – 1 through the point
P (4, 1) is

Fig 9.16
y – 1 = – 1 (x – 4) or x + y – 5 = 0 ... (2)
Solving (1) and (2), we get x = 1 and y = 4 so that point of intersection of the two lines
is Q (1, 4). Now, distance of line (1) from the point P (4, 1) along the line (2)
= the distance between the points P (4, 1) and Q (1, 4).

= (1 − 4)2 + ( 4 − 1)2 = 3 2 units .

Example 13 Assuming that straight lines work as the plane mirror for a point, find
the image of the point (1, 2) in the line x – 3y + 4 = 0.
Solution Let Q (h, k) is the image of the point P (1, 2) in the line
x – 3y + 4 = 0 ... (1)
Therefore, the line (1) is the perpendicular bisector of line segment PQ (Fig 9.17).

Fig 9.17
2024-25
170 MATHEMATICS

−1
Hence Slope of line PQ = ,
Slope of line x − 3 y + 4 = 0

so that k − 2 = −1 or 3h + k = 5 ... (2)

h −1 1
3

 h +1 k + 2 
and the mid-point of PQ, i.e., point  ,  will satisfy the equation (1) so that
 2 2 
h +1  k + 2  ... (3)
− 3  + 4 = 0 or h − 3k = −3
2  2 
6 7
Solving (2) and (3), we get h = and k = .
5 5
6 7
Hence, the image of the point (1, 2) in the line (1) is  ,  .
5 5
Example 14 Show that the area of the triangle formed by the lines

(c –c )
2
1 2
y = m x + c , y = m x + c and x = 0 is .
1 1 2 2
2 m1 − m 2
Solution Given lines are
y = m1 x + c1 ... (1)
y = m2 x + c2 ... (2)
x=0 ... (3)
We know that line y = mx + c meets
the line x = 0 (y-axis) at the point
(0, c). Therefore, two vertices of the
triangle formed by lines (1) to (3) are
P (0, c1) and Q (0, c2) (Fig 9.18).
Third vertex can be obtained by solving
equations (1) and (2). Solving (1) and
(2), we get

Fig 9.18

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 171

x=
( c2 − c1 ) and y =
( m1c2 − m2c1 )
( m1 − m2 ) ( m1 − m2 )
 ( c2 − c1 ) ( m1c2 − m2 c1 ) 
Therefore, third vertex of the triangle is R  m − m , 
( 1 2) ( m1 − m2 )  .
Now, the area of the triangle is

( )
2

1  m c − m2 c1  c −c  m c − m2 c1  c 2 − c1
= 0  1 2 − c2  + 2 1 ( c2 − c1 ) + 0  c1 − 1 2  =
2  m1 − m2  m1 − m2  m1 − m2  2 m1 − m 2
Example 15 A line is such that its segment
between the lines
5x – y + 4 = 0 and 3x + 4y – 4 = 0 is bisected at
the point (1, 5). Obtain its equation.
Solution Given lines are
5x – y + 4 = 0 ... (1)
3x + 4y – 4 = 0 ... (2)
Let the required line intersects the lines (1) and
(2) at the points, (α1, β1) and (α2, β2), respectively
(Fig 9.19). Therefore
5α1 – β1 + 4 = 0 and
3 α2 + 4 β 2 – 4 = 0
4 – 3α 2
or β1 = 5α1 + 4 and β 2 = .
4 Fig 9.19
We are given that the mid point of the segment of
the required line between (α1, β1) and (α2, β2) is (1, 5). Therefore

α1 + α 2 β + β2
= 1 and 1 = 5,
2 2
4 – 3α 2
5α1 + 4 +
or α1 + α 2 = 2 and 4 = 5,
2
or α1 + α2 = 2 and 20 α1 – 3 α2 = 20 ... (3)
Solving equations in (3) for α1 and α2, we get

2024-25
172 MATHEMATICS

26 20 26 222
α1 = and α 2 = and hence, β1 = 5. +4 = .
23 23 23 23
Equation of the required line passing through (1, 5) and (α1, β1) is
222
β −5 −5
y −5 = 1 ( x − 1) or y − 5 = 23 (x − 1)
α1 − 1 26
−1
23
or 107x – 3y – 92 = 0,
which is the equation of required line.
Example 16 Show that the path of a moving point such that its distances from two
lines 3x – 2y = 5 and 3x + 2y = 5 are equal is a straight line.
Solution Given lines are
3x – 2y = 5 … (1)
and 3x + 2y = 5 … (2)
Let (h, k) is any point, whose distances from the lines (1) and (2) are equal. Therefore
3h − 2k − 5 3h + 2k − 5
= or 3h − 2k − 5 = 3h + 2k − 5 ,
9+4 9+4
which gives 3h – 2k – 5 = 3h + 2k – 5 or – (3h – 2k – 5) = 3h + 2k – 5.
5
Solving these two relations we get k = 0 or h = . Thus, the point (h, k) satisfies the
3
5
equations y = 0 or x = , which represent straight lines. Hence, path of the point
3
equidistant from the lines (1) and (2) is a straight line.

Miscellaneous Exercise on Chapter 9

1. Find the values of k for which the line (k–3) x – (4 – k2) y + k2 –7k + 6 = 0 is
(a) Parallel to the x-axis,
(b) Parallel to the y-axis,
(c) Passing through the origin.
2. Find the equations of the lines, which cut-off intercepts on the axes whose sum
and product are 1 and – 6, respectively.

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 173

x y
3. What are the points on the y-axis whose distance from the line + = 1 is
3 4
4 units.
4. Find perpendicular distance from the origin to the line joining the points (cosθ, sin θ)
and (cos φ, sin φ).
5. Find the equation of the line parallel to y-axis and drawn through the point of
intersection of the lines x – 7y + 5 = 0 and 3x + y = 0.
x y
6. Find the equation of a line drawn perpendicular to the line + = 1 through the
4 6
point, where it meets the y-axis.
7. Find the area of the triangle formed by the lines y – x = 0, x + y = 0 and x – k = 0.
8. Find the value of p so that the three lines 3x + y – 2 = 0, px + 2 y – 3 = 0 and
2x – y – 3 = 0 may intersect at one point.
9. If three lines whose equations are y = m1x + c1, y = m2x + c2 and y = m3x + c3 are
concurrent, then show that m1(c2 – c3) + m2 (c3 – c1) + m3 (c1 – c2) = 0.
10. Find the equation of the lines through the point (3, 2) which make an angle of 45o
with the line x – 2y = 3.
11. Find the equation of the line passing through the point of intersection of the lines
4x + 7y – 3 = 0 and 2x – 3y + 1 = 0 that has equal intercepts on the axes.
12. Show that the equation of the line passing through the origin and making an angle
y m ± tan ‚
θ with the line y = mx + c is x = 1 ∓ m tan ‚ .

13. In what ratio, the line joining (–1, 1) and (5, 7) is divided by the line x + y = 4?
14. Find the distance of the line 4x + 7y + 5 = 0 from the point (1, 2) along the line
2x – y = 0.
15. Find the direction in which a straight line must be drawn through the point (–1, 2)
so that its point of intersection with the line x + y = 4 may be at a distance of
3 units from this point.
16. The hypotenuse of a right angled triangle has its ends at the points (1, 3) and
(– 4, 1). Find an equation of the legs (perpendicular sides) of the triangle which
are parallel to the axes.
17. Find the image of the point (3, 8) with respect to the line x +3y = 7 assuming the
line to be a plane mirror.
18. If the lines y = 3x +1 and 2y = x + 3 are equally inclined to the line y = mx + 4, find
the value of m.
19. If sum of the perpendicular distances of a variable point P (x, y) from the lines
x + y – 5 = 0 and 3x – 2y +7 = 0 is always 10. Show that P must move on a line.

2024-25
174 MATHEMATICS

20. Find equation of the line which is equidistant from parallel lines 9x + 6y – 7 = 0
and 3x + 2y + 6 = 0.
21. A ray of light passing through the point (1, 2) reflects on the x-axis at point A and the
reflected ray passes through the point (5, 3). Find the coordinates of A.
22. Prove that the product of the lengths of the perpendiculars drawn from the

points ( ) ( ) x
a 2 − b 2 ,0 and − a 2 − b2 ,0 to the line
a
y
cosθ + sin θ = 1is b 2 .
b
23. A person standing at the junction (crossing) of two straight paths represented by
the equations 2x – 3y + 4 = 0 and 3x + 4y – 5 = 0 wants to reach the path whose
equation is 6x – 7y + 8 = 0 in the least time. Find equation of the path that he
should follow.

Summary
® Slope (m) of a non-vertical line passing through the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)
y 2 − y1 y1 − y 2
is given by m = = , x 1 ≠ x 2.
x 2 − x1 x1 − x 2
® If a line makes an angle á with the positive direction of x-axis, then the
slope of the line is given by m = tan α, α ≠ 90°.
® Slope of horizontal line is zero and slope of vertical line is undefined.
® An acute angle (say θ) between lines L1 and L2 with slopes m1 and m2 is
m2 – m1
given by tanθ = 1 + m m ,1 + m1 m2 ≠ 0 .
1 2

® Two lines are parallel if and only if their slopes are equal.
® Two lines are perpendicular if and only if product of their slopes is –1.
® Three points A, B and C are collinear, if and only if slope of AB = slope of BC.
® Equation of the horizontal line having distance a from the x-axis is either
y = a or y = – a.
® Equation of the vertical line having distance b from the y-axis is either
x = b or x = – b.
® The point (x, y) lies on the line with slope m and through the fixed point (xo, yo),
if and only if its coordinates satisfy the equation y – y o = m (x – xo).
® Equation of the line passing through the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by
y 2 − y1
y − y1 = ( x − x1).
x 2 − x1

2024-25
 STRAIGHT LINES 175

® The point (x, y) on the line with slope m and y-intercept c lies on the line if and
only if y = mx + c.
® If a line with slope m makes x-intercept d. Then equation of the line is
y = m (x – d).
® Equation of a line making intercepts a and b on the x-and y-axis,
x y
respectively, is + = 1.
a b
® Any equation of the form Ax + By + C = 0, with A and B are not zero,
simultaneously, is called the general linear equation or general equation of
a line.
® The perpendicular distance (d) of a line Ax + By+ C = 0 from a point (x1, y1)
Ax1 + B y1 + C
is given by d = .
A +B
2 2

® Distance between the parallel lines Ax + By + C1 = 0 and Ax + By + C2 = 0,

C1 − C 2
is given by d = .
A +B
2 2

2024-25