COURSE CODE: MTH 112

COURSE TITLE: VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY

NUMBER OF UNITS: 3 Units
COURSE DURATION: Three hours per week
COURSE LECTURER: ALHASSAN CHARITY
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this course, students are expected to:
1. Define the concept of vectors, and state the types of vectors

2 .Understand the concept of Addition of vectors with examples

3. Understand the concept of two dimensional coordinate geometry
4. Define circle with solved examples.
5. Solve problems on parabola and ellipse.
COURSE DETAILS:
Week 1-2.Introduction to the concept of vectors, types of vectors
Week 3-4. Concept of addition of vectors with examples.
Week 5-6 .Introduction to two dimensional coordinate Straight lines, angles and
distance between two lines and point
Week 7-8 Introduction to circles, equation of a circle and tangent to the point of a
circle
Week 9-10.concept of parabola, equation of a parabola, tangent to the point of a
parabola.
Week 11 Introduction to ellipse, equation of an ellipse
Week 12.Revision

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] Page |1

RESOURCES
Lecturer’s Office Hours:
 Alhassan Charity Tuesdays 8-10am
 Enoyoze Esosa Wednesday 12-2pm
 Course lecture Notes: http://www.edouniversity.edu.ng/oer/maths/mth112.pdf
 Books
 Pure mathematics for advanced level…
 2nd Edition by Bunday, B.D. and Mulholland,H. 2004
 Introduction to Fundamental Mathematics by kuhe, David Adugh 2011
Edition.ISBN:978-978-911-464-1
 Homework ~30% of final grade
 Exams:
 Final, comprehensive(according to university schedule):~70% of final grade
 Assignment and grading
 Academic Honesty: All classwork should be done and submitted to the
course representative
 You may take the assignment home to be taught but make sure you write the
solution yourself.
 NO LATE HOMEWORK
 All homework should be done at the start of class
 Late assignment will not be accepted but penalized accordingly.

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] Page |2

PREAMBLE
A quantity that has magnitude as well as direction is called a vector. In our day to
day life, we come across many queries such as – What is your height? How should
a football player hit the ball to give a pass to another player of his team? Observe
that a possible answer to the first query may be 1.6 meters, a quantity that involves
only one value (magnitude) which is a real number. Such quantities are called
scalars.
However, an answer to the second query is a quantity (called force) which involves
muscular strength (magnitude) and direction (in which another player is positioned).
Such quantities are called vectors.
In mathematics, physics and engineering, we frequently come across with both types
of quantities, namely, scalar quantities such as length, mass, time, distance, speed,
area, volume, temperature, work, money, voltage, density, resistance etc. and vector
quantities like displacement, velocity acceleration, force, weight, momentum,
electric field intensity etc.
Types of Vectors

1. Free vectors: These have magnitude and direction but have no particular
position associated with them e.g Displacement
A displacement vector 20km north is the same in Kano, lagos, or anywhere.
2. Time related vectors :These are located along a straight line e.g force acting
on a rigid body always moves along their lines of action without changing its
effect on the body
3. Point located vectors: This is a vector whose position in space is fixed in
addition to its magnitude and direction e.g a position vector
4. Position vector: A position vector has magnitude and direction as well as a
particular position associated with it.in the diagram below a vector directed
from p to q shows the position of q relative to a fixed point p as the origin. →
𝑃𝑄
is the position vector of Q relative to P.A vector which is not associated
with any specific position is called a free vector

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] Page |3

Remark
The vectors defined above are such that any of them may be subject to its parallel
displacement without changing its magnitude and direction. Such vectors are called
free vectors.
Example 1.Classify the following measures as scalars and vectors
i. 5 seconds
ii. 1000𝑐𝑚3
iii. 10 Newtons
iv. 30km/hr
v. 10g/𝑐𝑚3
vi. 20m/s towards north
Solution
i) Time –scalar ii) Volume-scalar iii) Force-vector

Iv) Speed-scalar v) Density-scalar vi) 20m/s towards north

Addition of vectors
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ A simply means the displacement from a point A to the point
A vector 𝐴𝐵
B .Now consider a situation that a boy moves from A to B and then from
B to C (Fig 10.7).The displacement made by the boy from A to C, is given
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ and expressed as 𝐴𝐶
by the vector 𝐴𝐶 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐶 .This is known as the
triangle law of vector addition C

A B

Fig ( 10.5)

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] Page |4

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] Page |5
[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] Page |6
Vectors –one is the velocity imparted to the boat by its engine and other one is the
velocity of the flow of river water. Under the simultaneous influence of these two
velocities, the boat in actual starts travelling with a different velocity. To have a
precise idea about the effective speed and direction
(i.e., the resultant velocity) of the boat, we have
the following law of vector addition.

Note from fig 10.9,using the triangle law ,one may note that
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂𝐴 + 𝐴𝐶⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂𝐶
or ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑂𝐵
(since𝐴𝐶 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ )
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂𝐴 + 𝑂𝐵 𝑂𝐶
Which is parallelogram law.Thus, we may say that the two laws of vector addition
are equivalent to each other

Properties of vector addition

Property 1 For any vectors⃗⃗⃗𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏⃗
𝑎 +𝑏⃗-𝑏⃗+𝑎 (commutative property)

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] Page |7

 Then 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ − 𝑃𝑄
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + 𝑄𝑅
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑃𝑅

and 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐 − 𝑄𝑅
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + 𝑅𝑆
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑄𝑆
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

so (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) + 𝑐 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑃𝑅 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑅𝑆 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑃𝑆

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] Page |8

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] Page |9
Figure 1

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 10

Class work
Given the vectors , R1= 3i-2j+k; R2=2i-4j-3k, R3=-i+2j+2k, find the magnitude.
1.
ANS:4√2
2. Consider the vectors V1=2i-j, V2=i+3j,v3=-2i+j. find scalers,𝛂, 𝛃 such that V3=
𝛂V1 + 𝛃V2.. ANS =-1 , 𝛃=0
3. If E=3i-j-2k, and F=2i+3j+k find|ExF|. ANS: √195
4. Consider the following vectors G=i+3j-2k and H=4i-2j+4k, evaluate |3G+2H|.
ANS: √150

5. Find the angle between the vectors C=2i+2j-k and D=6i-3j+2k. ANS:= 79o
6. Evaluate (2i-j)(3i+k). ANS=6
7. If A= 2i-3j-k, B=I+4j-2k, evaluate the cross product BxA. ANS=-10i-3j-11k
8. Given the vectors R1=3i-2j+k , R2=2i-4j-3k, R3=-i+2j+2k, find the magnitudes
of 2R1-3R2-5R3. ANS:√30
9. What is the magnitude of the vector 3i+2j-k ;ANS= √14
10. Add the following vectors A=3i+4j-12k, B=i+12k,C=i-j+k ANS: =5i+3j+k
11. Find the angle between vectors M=2i+3j+4k and N= 4i-3j+2k, ANS= 76.03o
Two Dimensional Co-ordinate Geometry 1
Definition: A variable is anything that varies or changes values according to a given
or prevailing situation.

Definition: Independent variable is a variable whose values are independent of those

taken by the dependent variable e.g Teacher’s competency is independent of
student’s performance.

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 11

Definition: Dependent variable is a variable whose values depend on another
variable. e.g the level of students performance clearly depends on the competency
of their teachers; here student’s performance is a dependent variable.

Definition: A function is a relationship among variable such that any given values
assigned to certain variable determine the values of other variables

Definition: A linear function is one which only the first power of the independent
variable appears in the equation. The graph of a linear function is a straight line
graph e.g. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 4.

Note: 𝑦 is a dependent variable while 𝑥 is the independent variable

Distance between two point.

Let 𝑍(𝑥1 𝑦1 ) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃(𝑥2 𝑦2 ) be the two points, then the distance between 𝑍𝑃 and is
given as = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2 .
Example
1. Find the distance between the point 𝑍(−1,5)𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃(−2,1)
Solution:
Using the distance formula, the required distance between Z and P is
𝑍𝑃 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
𝑥1 = −1 𝑥2 = −2
𝑦1 = −5 𝑦2 = 6
𝑍𝑃 = √(−2 − 1)2 + (1 − 5)2
= √9 + 16
= √25 =5

To find the co-ordinates of the point which divides joins of two given points
(𝑥1 𝑦1 ) and (𝑥2 𝑦2 ) in the ratio m1:m2. Two divisions are involved which are:
Internal Division

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 12

Let Z and P be the two given points with co-ordinates (𝑥1 𝑦1 ) and (𝑥2 𝑦2 )
respectively and let 𝑅(𝑥, 𝑦) be the points which divides ZP in the ratio. m1 : m2
internally.
𝑚1 𝑥2 + 𝑚2 𝑥1 𝑚1 𝑦2 + 𝑚2 𝑦1
Then 𝑥 = similarly 𝑦 =
𝑚1 + 𝑚2 𝑚1 + 𝑚 2

The Co-ordinate of R is
𝑚1 𝑥2 + 𝑚2 𝑥1 , 𝑚1 𝑦2 + 𝑚2 𝑦1
( 𝑚1 + 𝑚2 𝑚1 + 𝑚 2
)
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 , 𝑦1 + 𝑦2
Corollary if R is the middle point of ZP, we have 𝑥 = 𝑦=
2 2

Then, the co-ordinate of the middle point of the line joining the points (𝑥1 𝑦1 ) and
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 , 𝑦1 + 𝑦2
(𝑥2 𝑦2 ) are ( ).
2 2

External Division
If R now divide ZP externally in the ratio 𝑚1 : 𝑚2 then
𝑚1 𝑥2 − 𝑚2 𝑥1
𝑥= similarly
𝑚 1 − 𝑚2
𝑚1 𝑦2 − 𝑚2 𝑦1
𝑦=
𝑚 1 − 𝑚2

Example 1
Find the co-ordinates of the point which divides the line joining the point
(8,9) and (−7,4) internally in the ratio 2:3.
Solution 𝒙𝟏 = 𝟖 𝒙𝟐 = −𝟕 𝒚𝟏 = 𝟗, 𝒚𝟐 = 𝟒
The co-ordinates of the point is obtained by substitution.
2(−7)+ 3×8
𝑥= =2
2+3
2(4)+ 3×9
𝑦= =7
2+3

2. Find the co-ordinates of the point which divides the line joining the point
(2,1) and (3,5) externally in the ratio 2:3).

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 13

Solution

Let R (𝑥, 𝑦) be the required point, then we have 𝑚1 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚2 = 3

Using the formula for external division we have
𝑚1 𝑥2 − 𝑚2 𝑥1 2 × 3 − 3 ×2
𝑥= = =0
𝑚1 − 𝑚2 2−3
𝑚1 𝑦2 − 𝑚2 𝑦1 2 𝑥 5 −3 ×1
𝑦= = = −7
𝑚1 − 𝑚2 2−3

So R is the point(0, −7).

The straight line

Equation of a straight line
The equation of a straight line is the relation between x and y which is satisfied by
the co-ordinates of each and every point on the line and by those of no other point.

Gradient of a straight line

The gradient of a line passing through 𝑍(𝑥1 𝑦2 ) is defined as the ratio
𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑦−𝑐𝑜−𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑖𝑛 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑥−𝑐𝑜−𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒

From one point to another on the line.

T S
Let on be the gradient of the line ZP, then
𝑃𝑅 𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑀= =
𝑍𝑅 𝑥2 − 𝑥1

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 14

Angle of slope
y

x
Z R

Line ZP makes an angle with the positive 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 is called the angle of slope of
the line
𝑃𝑅
Gradient of the line 𝑍𝑃 = = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃.
𝑍𝑃

Hence the gradient of a line = tangent of the angle the line makes with the positive
x-axis.

Example 1
Find the gradient of the line joining (5,4) and (7,8) and the angle of slope of the
line.

Solution
Let m be the gradient of the line.
𝑦2 − 𝑦1 8−4 4
Then 𝑚 = = = =2
𝑥2 𝑥1 7−5 2

Let 𝜃 be the angle of slope of the line, thus

𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 2
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 (2)
𝜃 = 63.43°
Angles Between two lines
The angles between two lines whose inclination to the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 are 𝜃1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜃2
respectively.

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 15

Let 𝜃 and x be the interior and exterior angles between the given lines, then.
𝜃1 = 𝜃 + 𝜃2
𝜃 = 𝜃1 − 𝜃2
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃1 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃2
∴ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = tan(𝜃1 − 𝜃2 ) =
1+𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃1 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃2

If we put 𝑚1 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚2 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃2

𝑚1 − 𝑚2
We have 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 =
1+𝑚1 𝑚2

But if we consider x to be the exterior angle between the line then

𝑚1 − 𝑚2
tan 𝑥 = tan(𝐴 − 𝜃) = −𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 =
1+ 𝑚1 𝑚2

x
0

Hence the angle becomes

𝑚 𝑚2
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = ± ( 1 )
1+ 𝑚 1 𝑚2

Example
Find the angle between the lines whose slopes are −2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 4
Solution
If the angle is 𝜃, then
−2−(−4) −2+4 2 2
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = = = = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 =𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 0.222 = 12.50
1+(−2)(−4) 1+8 9 9

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 16

Parallel and perpendicular lines
Condition for parallelism
If the two lines are parallel, the angle between them is zero, hence 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 0 and
hence 𝑚1 = 𝑚2 .
Example
𝐼𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑗𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑄𝑅
(a) B(3,1), D(4,3), Q(4,6) R(5,8)
Solution
Let 𝑚1 be the gradient of the line joining B and D let me be the gradient of the line
joining Q and R
3−1 2 8−6 2
(a) 𝑚1 = = =2, 𝑚2 = = =2
4−3 1 5−4 1

Since 𝑚1 = 𝑚2 𝐵𝐷 // 𝑄𝑅.
Condition for perpendicularity
If the lines are perpendicular, then angle between them is a right angle that is 𝜃 =
90° 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = ∞
∴ The denominator 1 + 𝑚1 𝑚2 = 0 or 𝑚1 𝑚2 = −1 => 𝑚2 = −1⁄𝑚1
Hence two lines are perpendicular if the products of their slopes is −1 that is
𝑚1 𝑚2 = −1
Example 2
The perpendicularity of lines 𝐵𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑄𝑅
𝐵(5, −1) (3,2) (2,4) 𝑅(5,6).
2−(−1) −3
𝑚1 = =
3−5 2
−3 2
𝑚2 = × = −1
2 3

Since 𝑚1 𝑚2 = −1, 𝐵𝐷 ⊥ 𝑄𝑅 [𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝐵𝐷 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑄𝑅].

The circle

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 17

A circle is a closed plane curve consisting of all point at a given distance or a locus
of points equidistant from a given point. The two main part of the circle is (i) the
Centre (ii) the radius
Equation of a circle with Centre at the origin and radius r
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2

(h,k)
r

y P(x,y)
r y-k
k)

R
h,
Z(

x-h x

A circle Centre (h,k) radius r consider ∆𝑍𝑃𝑅

𝑍𝑅 = 𝑥 − ℎ
𝑅𝑃 = 𝑦 − 𝑘
Since ∆𝑍𝑃𝑅 is a right-angled ∆1 we have
𝑍𝑅2 + 𝑅𝑄2 = 𝑃𝑄2
Hence (𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2
Equation 1 is the equation of a circle Centre (ℎ, 𝑘) radius r.

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 18

If the Centre of the circle is the origin (𝑂, 𝑂), then eqn 1

P
r y
xR

In ∆𝑂𝑃𝑅,
𝑂𝑅2 + 𝑅𝑃2 = 𝑂𝑃2
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 𝑟2
Examples
1. Find the equation of the circle Centre (2-1) radius 2 units
Solution
1. The equation of the circle is (𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2
(𝑥 − 2)2 + (𝑦 + 1)2 = 4
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 + 1 = 4
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 1 = 0
2. Find the equation of the circle origin, radius 5 units
Solution
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 𝑟2
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 52
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 25
3. Find the equation of the circle whose Centre is (1, −2) and passes
through(−2, 2).
Solution
Let r be the radius of the circle, then
𝑟 2 = 𝑍𝑃 2

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 19

 z(1, -2)
r
(-2, 2) = (1 − (−2)2 + (−2 − 2)2
= (1 + 2)2 + (−4)2
= 32 + 42
= 9 + 16
𝑟 2 = 25, 𝑟=5
Hence the equation of the circle Centre (1, − 2) and radius 5 units is
(𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 52
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 1) + (𝑦 + 2)(𝑦 + 2) = 25
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 + 2𝑦 + 4 = 25
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 + 4 = 25
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 5 = 25
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 5 − 25 = 0
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 20 = 0

General equation of the circle

Recall that the equation of the circle Centre (h, k) radius r is (𝑥 − ℎ)2 +
(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2
We have
(𝑥 − ℎ)(𝑥 − ℎ) + (𝑦 − 𝑘)(𝑦 − 𝑘) = 𝑟 2
𝑥 2 − 𝑥ℎ − 𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 + 𝑦 2 − 𝑦𝑘 − 𝑦𝑘 + 𝑘 2 = 𝑟 2
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑦𝑘 + 𝑘 2 = 𝑟 2
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥ℎ − 2𝑦𝑘 + ℎ2 + 𝑘 2 − 𝑟 2 = 0
Putting −ℎ = 𝑔, −𝑘 = 𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = ℎ2 + 𝑘 2 − 𝑟 2
The above equation can be written as

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 20

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0
Thus the equation
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0 is called the general equation of the circle.
Observe that the equation of the circle
1. Have coefficients of 𝑥 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 2 being equal.
2. Has no 𝑥𝑦 term
3. Is a second degree equation in 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦.
So given the Centre and radius of a circle, we can easily find the general equation
and also find the radius and Centre of the circle, by the method of completing the
squares.
Examples
Find the general of a circle Centre (1,4) radius 3 units
Solution
The equation of a circle Centre (1,4) radius 3 units is
(𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 − 4)2 = 32
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝑦 2 − 8𝑦 + 16 = 9
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 − 8𝑦 + 17 = 9
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 − 8𝑦 + 8 = 0

2. Find the Centre and radius of a circle whose equation is

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 3 = 0
Solution
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 3 = 0
𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 = 3
𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 32 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 + 22 = 3 + 32 + 22

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 21

Complete the square
(𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 16
(𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 42
Hence the Centre is (3, −2) 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 = 4 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠.

Equation of the Tangent at the point (𝒙𝟏 𝒚𝟏 ) on the circle.

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0

Let the equation of the circle be

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0
At (𝑥1 𝑦1 )
𝑥12 + 𝑦12 + 2𝑔𝑥1 + 2𝑓𝑦1 + 𝑐 = 0
𝐶 = −(𝑥12 + 𝑦12 + 2𝑔𝑥1 + 2𝑓𝑦1 ) … …. (1)
From
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝐶 = 0
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
2𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 2𝑔 + 2𝑓 =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑥+𝑦 + 𝑔+𝑓 =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
(𝑦 + 𝑓) + 𝑥+𝑔=0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
∴ (𝑦 + 𝑓) = −(𝑥 + 𝑔)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 −𝑥+𝑔
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑦+𝑓
𝑑𝑦 −(𝑥1 +𝑔)
At (𝑥1 𝑦1 ), =
𝑑𝑥 𝑦1 + 𝑓

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 22

The equation of the tangent is
𝑦−𝑦1 −(𝑥1 +𝑔)
=
𝑥−𝑥1 𝑦1 + 𝑓

(𝑦 − 𝑦1 )(𝑦1 + 𝑓) = −(𝑥1 + 𝑔)(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )

𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑦𝑓 − 𝑦12 − 𝑦1 𝑓 = −(𝑥1 𝑥 − 𝑥12 + 𝑥𝑔 − 𝑥1 𝑔)
∴ 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑦𝑓 − 𝑦12 − 𝑦1 𝑓 = −𝑥1 𝑥 + 𝑥12 − 𝑥𝑔 + 𝑥1 𝑔
∴ 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑦𝑓 + 𝑥1 𝑥 + 𝑥𝑔 = 𝑦12 + 𝑦1 𝑓 + 𝑥12 + 𝑥1 𝑔
𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑥𝑔 + 𝑦𝑓 = 𝑥12 + 𝑦12 + 𝑥1 𝑔 + 𝑦1 𝑓 … … … (2)
Adding 𝑥1 𝑔 + 𝑦1 𝑓 to both sides of (2), we have
𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑥𝑔 + 𝑥1 𝑔 + 𝑦𝑓 + 𝑦1 𝑓 = 𝑥12 + 𝑦12 + 2𝑥1 𝑔 + 2𝑦1 𝑓
𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 + (𝑥 + 𝑥1 )𝑔 + (𝑦 + 𝑦1 )𝑓 = 𝑥12 + 𝑦12 + 2𝑥1 𝑔 + 2𝑦1 𝑓
From (1), 𝑥12 + 𝑦12 + 2𝑥1 𝑔 + 2𝑦1 𝑓 = −𝑐
∴ 𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 + (𝑥 + 𝑥1 )𝑔 + (𝑦 + 𝑦1 )𝑓 + 𝑐 = 0
Hence, the equation of the tangent to the circle
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 at the point (𝑥1 𝑦1 ) on the circle is 𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 +
𝑔(𝑥 + 𝑥1 ) + 𝑓(𝑦 + 𝑦1 ) + 𝑐 = 0.
Example
Show that the point (2,3)lies on the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 19 = 0. Hence
or otherwise, determine the equation of tangent to the circle at the point (2,3).
Solution
Substituting the co-ordinate (2,3) into the equation
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 19 = 0
𝐿𝐻𝑆 22 + 32 − 3(2) + 4(3) − 19
4 + 9 − 6 + 12 − 19
19 − 19 = 0
= 𝑅𝐻𝑆.
Hence the point (2,3) lies on the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 19 = 0

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 23

Equation of the tangent at (𝑥1, 𝑦1 ) is
𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 + (𝑥 + 𝑥1 )𝑔 + (𝑦 + 𝑦1 )𝑓 + 𝑐 = 0
From 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 19 = 0
−3
𝑔= , 𝑓 = 2, 𝑐 = −19
2

Hence the equation of the tangent at (2,3) is

3
2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − (𝑥 + 2) + 2(𝑦 + 3) − 19 = 0
2

This simplifies to
𝑥 + 10𝑦 − 32 = 0
Hence the equation of the tangent at (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) to the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑟 2 on it is given
by 𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 = 𝑟 2
Equation of Normal to a circle
To find the equation of the normal to a circle at any point (𝑥1 𝑦1 ) on the circle 𝑥 2 +
𝑦2 = 𝑟2.
Let P be the point (𝑥1, 𝑦1 ), equation of the tangent at P is 𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 = 𝑟 2 .
𝑥1 𝑦1
Now slope of tangent = and slope of normal =
𝑦1 𝑥1
𝑦1
Hence equation of normal at (𝑥1, 𝑦1 ) is 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = (𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) or 𝑦𝑥1 − 𝑥𝑦1 = 0
𝑥1

If the equation of the circle is given to be 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0

The equation of normal at any point on the circle will be𝑦(𝑥1 + 𝑔) − 𝑥(𝑦1 + 𝑓) +
𝑓𝑥1 − 𝑔𝑦1 = 0.
Example
Find the equation of tangent and the normal to the circle 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 − 5𝑦 +
3 = 0 at(1, 1).
Solution
5 3
The equation of the circle can be written as 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 𝑥 − 𝑦+ =0
2 2

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 24

Here 𝑔 = 1⁄2 𝑓 = −5⁄4 𝑐 = 3⁄2
The equation of the tangent at (1, 1) is
𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑔(𝑥 + 𝑥1 ) + 𝑓(𝑦 + 𝑦1 ) + 𝐶 = 0
1 5 3
𝑥 × 1 + 𝑦 × 1 − (𝑥 + 1) − (𝑦 + 1) + =0 𝑜𝑟 2𝑥 − 𝑦 − 1 = 0
2 4 2

The equation of normal is of the form𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 𝐾, it passes through (1, 1) 𝑖𝑓 1 +

2 = 𝐾 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝐾 = 3
Hence the equation of the normal is 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 3.

Define Parabola
A Parabola is a locus of points, equidistant from a given point, called the focus and
from a given line called the directrix.
y
P(x,y)
R
B(-a,y)

V x
A(-a,o) F(a,o)

Q
The line 𝐴𝐵 a distance of 𝑎 from the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 is called the directrix
The line 𝐴𝐹 is called the axis of symmetry.
Since 𝐵𝑃 = 𝐹𝑃
𝐵𝑃2 = 𝐹𝑃2
∴ (𝑥 + 𝑎)2 = (𝑥 − 𝑎)2 + (𝑦 − 0)2
∴ 𝑥 2 + 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎2 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎2 + 𝑦 2
2𝑎𝑥 = −2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑦 2
4𝑎𝑥 = 𝑦 2

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 25

Hence the equation of parabola is 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥
The line segment through the focus, and ⊥ to the axis symmetry and with end points
𝑅 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑄 𝑜𝑛 the parabola, is called the LATUS RECTUM. The point V is called the
Vertex of the parabola. Length of latus rectum= 4𝑎.
(a)
y

x
f=(a,0)

(b)

x
f= (-a ,0 )

(c)

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 26

 y

f=(0,b)

Directrix

(d)
y

Directrix

x
f=(0,-b)

If the vertex of the parabola 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥 is translated to the point (𝑥1 𝑦1 ), the equation
of the corresponding parabola becomes.
(𝑦 + 𝑦1 )2 = 4𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ).
The above equation is said to be in the standard or canonical form
Example
1) Find the focus and directrix of the parabola 𝑦 2 = 16𝑥
Solution
By comparing 𝑦 2 = 16𝑥 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 27

 16𝑥 = 4𝑎𝑥
16𝑥
𝑎=
4𝑥
𝑎 = 4 Hence, the focus is (4,0) while the directirx is 𝑥 = −4

2) Find the equation of the parabola whose vertex is the origin and whose focus
is the point 𝐹(5,0)
Solution
Let the equation of parabola be 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥
The focus 𝐹(𝑎, 0) = (5,0)
∴𝑎=5
Hence the equation of the parabola is 𝑦 2 = 20𝑥
3) Write down the equation of the parabola 𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 − 12𝑥 + 40 = 0 in its
canonical form and hence find
i) The vertex ii) The focus (iii) the directrix of the parabola
Solution
Given 𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 − 12𝑥 + 40 = 0
𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4 − 12𝑥 + 36 = 0
𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4 = 12𝑥 − 36
(𝑦 − 2)2 = 12(𝑥 − 3)
i) Hence, the vertex is (3, 2)
ii) Since 4𝑎 = 12 ⇒ 𝑎 = 3, The focus is 3 + 3,2) = (6,2)
iii) The directrix is 𝑥 = 3 − 3 = 0
Equation of the Tangent to 𝒚𝟐 = 𝟒𝒂𝒙 at the point (𝒙𝟏 𝒚𝟏 )
𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥
By differentiating implicitly
𝑑𝑦
2𝑦 = 4𝑎
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 4𝑎
=
𝑑𝑥 2𝑦

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 28

 2𝑎
= At the point (𝑥1 𝑦1 )
𝑦
𝑑𝑦 2𝑎
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑦1

∴ 𝑦1 (𝑦 − 𝑦1 ) = 2𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )
𝑦1 𝑦 = 𝑦12 = 2𝑎𝑥 − 2𝑎𝑥1
Since (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is on 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥, it implies that 𝑦12 = 4𝑎𝑥1
Thus 𝑦𝑦1 − 4𝑎𝑥1 = 2𝑎𝑥 − 2𝑎𝑥1
𝑦𝑦1 = 2𝑎𝑥 − 2𝑎𝑥1 + 4𝑎𝑥1
𝑦𝑦1 = 2𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑥1 )
Equation of Normal to 𝒚𝟐 = 𝟒𝒂𝒙 at the point (𝒙𝟏 𝒚𝟏 )
Recall that the normal to a curve at the point (𝒙𝟏 , 𝒚𝟏 ) is ⊥ to the tangent at the point
(𝑥1 𝑦1 ).
2𝑎 −𝑦
Since the gradient of the tangent at (𝑥1 𝑦1 ) 𝑖𝑠 , the gradient of normal is thus
𝑦1 2𝑎

the equation of the normal becomes

𝑦−𝑦1 −𝑦1
=
𝑥−𝑥1 2𝑎

∴ 2𝑎𝑦 − 2𝑎𝑦1 + 𝑥1 𝑦1 is the equation of the normal to the parabola 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥 at

the point (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) on the parabola.
Example
4) Find the equation of the tangent to parabola 𝑦 2 = 12𝑥 at the point (3,6)
Solution
By comparing 𝑦 2 = 12𝑥 with 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥, 𝑎 = 3
The equation of the tangent at (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is
𝑦𝑦1 = 2𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑥1 ), since (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) = (3,6)
Equation of tangent is
6𝑦 = 2 × 3(𝑥 + 3) ⇒ 6𝑦 = 6(𝑥 + 3)
Thus 6𝑦 − 6𝑥 − 18 = 0 or 𝑦 − 𝑥 − 3 = 0

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 29

5 The equation of the normal to parabola 𝑦 2 = 16𝑥 at the point
Comparing 𝑦 2 = 16𝑥 with 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥 ⇒ 𝑎 = 4
The equation of the normal at the point (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is 2𝑎𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦1 = 𝑥𝑦1 + 𝑥1 𝑦1
Hence the equation of the normal at (1, −4) is
2(4)𝑦 − 4𝑥 = 2(4)(−4) + (1) × (−4)
8𝑦 − 4𝑥 = −32 − 4
8𝑦 − 4𝑥 = −36
8𝑦 − 4𝑥 + 36 = 0
2𝑦 − 𝑥 + 9 = 0
6 The tangent and the normal to the parabola 𝑦 2 = 20𝑥 at the point meet the x-axis
at the point A and B respectively. Show 𝐴𝐵2 = 𝐴𝑇 2 + 𝑇𝐵2
y

)
( 5, 10
T

x
O B

Comparing 𝑦 2 = 20𝑥 with 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥

𝑎=5
Equation of the tangent to the parabola 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥 at (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is
𝑦𝑦1 = 2𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑥1 )
Hence, the equation of the tangent to 𝑦 2 = 20𝑥 at (5,10) is
10𝑦 = 10(𝑥 + 5)
∴𝑦=𝑥+5

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 30

When 𝑦 = 0, 𝑥 = −5. Hence the point A has coordinates (−5,0)
Equation of the normal to 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥 at the point (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is
2𝑎𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦1 = 2𝑎𝑦1 + 𝑥1 𝑦1
Hence the equation of the normal at (5,10) is
10𝑦 + 10𝑥 = 10(10) + 5 × 10
10𝑦 + 10𝑥 = 150
When 𝑦 = 0, 𝑥 = 15
Hence the points B has coordinates (15,0)
𝐴𝐵2 = (15 + 5)2 + 02
= 202 = 400
𝐴𝑇 2 = (5 + 5)2 + (10 − 0)2
252 + 102 = 200
𝑇𝐵2 = (15 − 5)2 + (0 − 10)2
102 + 102 = 200
𝐴𝑇 2 + 𝑇𝐵2 = 200 + 200 = 400
Hence 𝐴𝐵2 = 𝐴𝑇 2 + 𝑇𝐵2
The Ellipse
An eclipse is the locus of a point P, moving in a plane such that the sum of it distance
from two fixed point 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 called Foci, is a constant.

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 31

 y

The point 𝑣1 , 𝑣2 , 𝑣3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣4 are called the vertices of the ellipse.

The line segment 𝑣1 , 𝑣2 is called the major axis while the line segment 𝑣3 𝑣4 is called
the minor axis.
The point 0 is called the Centre of the ellipse
From the figure above,
𝑣1 , 𝑣2 = 2𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣3 , 𝑣4 = 2𝑏
Also,
From the locus condition we want
𝑓2 𝑃 + 𝑃𝑓1 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
Then P is on 𝑣1
𝑓2 𝑃 + 𝑃𝑓1 = 𝑓2 𝑣1 + 𝑣1 𝑓1
= 𝑓2 𝑣1 + 𝑣2 𝑓2
= 𝑣1 𝑓1 + 𝑓2 𝑣2
= 𝑣1 𝑣2 = 2𝑎

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 32

Thus 𝑓2 𝑃 + 𝑃𝑓1 = 2𝑎
∴ √(𝑥 + 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 + √(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 =2a

∴ √(𝑥 + 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 = 2𝑎 − √(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2

(𝑥 + 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 = (2𝑎 − √(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 )2

= 4𝑎2 − 4𝑎√(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 + (𝑥 + 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2

∴ 𝑥 2 + 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2
= 4𝑎2 − 4𝑎√(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 2 − 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2

∴ 2𝑐𝑥 = 4𝑎2 − 4𝑎√(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑐𝑥

4𝑎√(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎2 − 4𝑐𝑥

𝑎√(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑐𝑥
𝑐𝑥
∴ √(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎 −
𝑎
𝑐2
(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 − 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑥2
𝑎2
𝑐2
∴ 𝑥 2 − 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 − 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑥2
𝑎2
𝑐2
∴ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑥2
𝑎2
𝑐2
∴ 𝑥2 − 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2
𝑎2
𝑎2 −𝑐 2
( 𝑎2
) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2

Dividing through by 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 , we have

𝑥2 𝑦2
2
+ = 1 -------------(1)
𝑎 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2

From ∆𝑂𝑃𝐹1 in the above figure,

𝑎2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2
𝑏 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 ----------------(2)
Substituting 𝑏 2 and 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 in equation (1), we have

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 33

 𝑥2 𝑦2
[ 2
+ = 1] (𝑎 > 𝑏)--------------- (3)
𝑎 𝑏2

Equation (3) is the canonical or standard equation of an ellipse with major axis
horizontal.
Similarly, if the major axis is vertical, it can be shown that
𝑥2 𝑦2
2
+ = 1 Gives the equation of the ellipse.
𝑎 𝑏2

Example
𝑥2 𝑦2
1) Find four vertices and foci of the ellipse + =1
4 16

Solution
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2
By comparing + = 1 with 2
+ =1
4 16 𝑎 𝑏2

We have,
𝑏 2 = 4, ⇒ 𝑏 = ±2
𝑎2 = 16, ⇒ 𝑎 = ±4
Hence the four vertices are 𝑣1 (0,4), 𝑣2 (0, −4), 𝑣3 (2,0), 𝑣4 (−2,0).
Since 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 16 − 4 = 12 ⇒ 𝑐 = ±3.46
Hence the foci are 𝑓1 (0,3.46) and 𝑓2 (0, −3.46)
Change or Origin
Recall that, the canonical form of the equation of an ellipse Centre origin is
𝑥2 𝑦2
2
+ = 1 (with major axis on x-axis)
𝑎 𝑏2

If the Centre of the ellipse is transferred to the point (𝑥 ′ , 𝑦 ′ ) in such a way that the
axes are parallel to the 𝑥 and 𝑦 axes, then the new canonical form of equation of
the ellipse becomes.
(𝑥−𝑥 ′ )2 (𝑦−𝑦 ′ )2
+ = 1 (With major axis horizontal)
𝑎2 𝑏2
(𝑥−𝑥 ′ )2 (𝑦−𝑦 ′ )2
+ = 1 (With major axis vertical)
𝑏2 𝑎2

Example

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 34

 2) Find the equation of the ellipse 25𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 − 50𝑥 − 16𝑦 − 59 = 0 in the
canonical form and hence,
Determine
i. The coordinates of the Centre of the ellipse;
ii. The four vertices of the ellipse
iii. The two foci of the ellipse
Solution
25𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 − 50𝑥 − 16𝑦 − 59 = 0
25𝑥 2 + 50𝑥 + 4𝑦 2 − 16𝑦 = 59
25(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥) + 4(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦) = 59
25(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 − 1) + 4(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4 − 4) = 59
25(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1) + 4(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4) − 25 − 16 = 59
25(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1) + 4(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4) − 41 = 59
25(𝑥 − 1)2 + 4(𝑦 − 2)2 = 100
(𝑥−1)2 (𝑦−2)2
∴ + =1
4 25

Hence
i. The coordinates of the Centre (1,2)
(𝑥−1)2 (𝑦−2)2 (𝑥−𝑥 ′ )2 (𝑦−𝑦 ′ )2
ii. Comparing + with + = 1, we have 𝑏 2 = 4, 𝑏=
4 25 𝑏2 𝑎2

±2, 𝑎2 = 25, 𝑎 = ±5
Hence, the vertices on the vertical axes are
𝑉1 (0 + 𝑥 ′ , 𝑎 + 𝑦 ′ ) = 𝑉1 (1,7) 𝑎𝑛𝑑
𝑉2 (0 + 𝑥 ′ , −𝑎 + 𝑦 ′ ) = 𝑉2 (1, −3)
The vertices on the horizontal axes are
𝑉3 (𝑏 + 𝑥 ′ , 0 + 𝑦 ′ ) = 𝑉3 (3,2) and
𝑉4 (−𝑏 + 𝑥 ′ , 0 + 𝑦 ′ ) = 𝑉4 (−1,2)
Since 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2
25 − 4
= 21

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 35

 iii. The two foci are
𝐹1 (0 + 𝑥 ′ , 𝑐 + 𝑦 ′ ) = 𝐹1 (1, √21 + 2)𝑎𝑛𝑑

𝐹2 (0 + 𝑥 ′ , 𝑐 + 𝑦 ′ ) = 𝐹2 (1, −√21 + 2)
Equation of the tangent at (𝒙𝟏 , 𝒚𝟏 ) 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔𝒆
𝑥2 𝑦2
+ = 1 Differentiating implicitly
𝑎2 𝑏2
2𝑥 2𝑦 𝑑𝑦
+ =0
𝑎2 𝑏 2 𝑑𝑥
2𝑦 𝑑𝑦 −2𝑥
=
𝑏 2 𝑑𝑥 𝑎2
𝑑𝑦 −2𝑥 𝑏2
∴ = ∙ 2𝑦
𝑑𝑥 𝑎2

−𝑏2 𝑥
= 𝑎2 𝑦

𝑑𝑦 −𝑏2 𝑥1
At the point (x1 , y1 ); 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑎2 𝑦1

The equation of the tangent becomes

𝑦−𝑦1 −𝑏 2 𝑥1
=
𝑥−𝑥1 𝑎2 𝑦1

𝑎2 𝑦1 (𝑦 − 𝑦1 ) = −𝑏 2 𝑥1 (𝑥 − 𝑥1 )
2
𝑎2 𝑦𝑦1 − 𝑎2 𝑦1 = −𝑏 2 𝑥1 𝑥 + 𝑏 2 𝑥1
2
𝑎2 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑏 2 𝑥𝑥1 − 𝑎2 𝑦1 − 𝑏 2 𝑥1 = 0 ----------- (1)
As the point (x1 , y1 ) is on the ellipse
𝑥1 2 𝑦2
+ 𝑏2 = 1 or
𝑎2

𝑏 2 𝑥12 + 𝑎2 𝑦12 − 𝑎2 𝑏 2 ------------ (2)

From equation (1)
𝑎2 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑏 2 𝑥𝑥1 − (𝑎2 𝑦12 + 𝑏 2 𝑥12 ) = 0 --------(3)
Substituting 𝑎2 𝑏 2 in (2) for 𝑎2 𝑦12 + 𝑏 2 𝑥12 in (3)
𝑎2 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑏 2 𝑥𝑥1 − 𝑎2 𝑏 2 = 0
∴ 𝑎2 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑏 2 𝑥𝑥1 − 𝑎2 𝑏 2 ----------- (4)
Dividing equation (4) through by 𝑎2 𝑏 2
𝑦𝑦1 𝑥𝑥1
+ = 1 or
𝑏2 𝑎2
𝑥𝑥1 𝑦𝑦1
+ =1
𝑎2 𝑏2

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 36

 𝑥2 𝑦2
Hence, the equation of the tangent to the ellipse 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 = 1 at point (𝑥1 𝑦1 ) on the ellipse is
𝑥𝑥1 𝑦𝑦1
+ =1
𝑎2 𝑏2

PRACTICAL WORK
ACTIVITY ONE:
1) Find the equation of the tangent to parabola 𝑦 2 = 12𝑥 at the point (3,6)
ACTIVITY TWO:
2) Find the vector parallel to the resultant of the vectors 𝑃1 = 2𝑖 + 4𝑗 − 5𝑘,
𝑃2 = 𝑖 + 2𝑗 + 3𝑘...
3) If A=2i-3j-k and B=i+4j-2k, Evaluate the cross product AxB:
ACTIVITY THREE
4) Find the equation of the circle whose Centre is (1, −2) and passes
through(−2, 2).
5) Find the resultant of the vectors ̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅ and −𝐹𝐷
𝐵𝐶 ,−𝐷𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ . ANS: ̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐹
1
6) If the cosine of the angle between 𝑈 = 𝑖 + 2𝑗 + 2𝑘 and 𝑉 = 𝑖 − 4𝑗 + 𝑃𝑘 is .
3

Find the value of the parameter p

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 37

VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY by ALHASSAN CHARITY is licensed under a creative common
Attribution-Noncommercial-share Alike 4.0 International License

[VECTOR AND COORDINATE GEOMETRY, EDO UNIVERSITY, IYAMHO] P a g e | 38