Definitions [3]
Definition: Equation of Locus
The equation of the locus of a point is the algebraic relation which is satisfied by the coordinates of every point on the locus of the point.
Definition: Locus
Locus is the path traced by a moving point, which moves so as to satisfy a certain given condition/conditions.
Definition: Linear Equation
An equation of the form ax + by + c = 0 represents a straight line and is known as a linear equation.
Formulae [1]
Formula: Slope & Intercept
From general form:
- Slope (m) = −a / b
- Y-intercept = −c / b
Key Points
Key Points: Locus
- Step I: Take any point P(x, y) on the locus.
- Step II: Write down the geometrical condition of the locus.
- Step III: Convert the geometrical condition into an algebraic equation involving x and y.
- Step IV: Simplify the equation to get the required “equation of the locus”.
Key Points: Equations of Line in Different Forms
| Form | Formula |
|---|---|
| X-axis | y = 0 |
| Y-axis | x = 0 |
| Parallel to the X-axis | y = b or y = -b |
| Parallel to the Y-axis | x = a or x = -a |
| Slope-point form | y − y₁ = m(x − x₁) |
| Two-point form | \[\frac{y-y_{1}}{y_{1}-y_{2}}=\frac{x-x_{1}}{x_{1}-x_{2}}\] |
| Slope-intercept form | y = mx + c |
| Intercept form | \[\frac{x}{\mathrm{a}}+\frac{y}{\mathrm{b}}=1\] |
| Normal form | x cosα + y sinα = p |
| Parametric form | \[\frac{x-x_{1}}{\cos\theta}=\frac{y-y_{1}}{\sin\theta}=r\] |
Position of a Point:
For line: ax₁ + by₁ + c
- If ax₁ + by₁ + c = 0 → Point lies on the line
- If ax₁ + by₁ + c < 0 → Point lies on one side (origin side)
- If ax₁ + by₁ + c > 0 → Point lies on other side
