Chapter 3

Coordinate Geometry

Gradient, midpoint, distance and the equation of a straight line — with an interactive exercise.

Coordinate Geometry works with points and lines on the $x$–$y$ plane.

Key formulae

Gradient $= \dfrac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$ · Midpoint $= \left(\dfrac{x_1+x_2}{2}, \dfrac{y_1+y_2}{2}\right)$ · Distance $= \sqrt{(\Delta x)^2 + (\Delta y)^2}$

Example: the distance from $(0,0)$ to $(3,4)$ is $\sqrt{3^2+4^2} = 5$.

Remember

  • Gradient = rise ÷ run.
  • Midpoint = average of the coordinates.

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