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The Use of Coordinates — Class 9 Maths Chapter 1 Notes

Complete NCERT notes with historical context, worked examples, exercise solutions, and interactive practice for Class 9 Maths Chapter 1.

Section 1.1

Historical Evolution & Prime Meridian Coordinate Grids

c. 4th Century BCE – Ujjayinī Meridian
Earth's Prime Meridian Reference

Ancient Indian Siddhāntas established the city of Ujjayinī as the prime longitude meridian (0° longitude) from which geographic locations were measured. Greek scholar Ptolemy (c. 150 CE) recorded coordinates of 'Ozine' (Ujjayinī).

c. 499 CE – Āryabhaṭa
Celestial Coordinates & Sine Tables

Āryabhaṭa introduced jyiā (sines) to replace Greek chords, enabling precise calculation of celestial body coordinates measured from the ecliptic (the Sun's path across the sky).

c. 628 CE – Brahmagupta
Formalisation of Zero and Negative Numbers

Brahmagupta defined zero and negative numbers as formal algebraic entities. Without negative numbers, the four-quadrant coordinate plane would be impossible!

c. 1000–1100 CE – Al-Bīrūnī & Ömar Khayyām
Astrolabes & Geometric Algebra

Brahmagupta's works were translated into Arabic (the Sindhind). The Ujjayinī meridian entered Arabic maps as 'Arin'. Al-Bīrūnī studied in India and perfected the astrolabe for celestial coordinate calculation. Ömar Khayyām solved algebraic equations using geometric coordinates.

1637 CE – René Descartes & Pierre de Fermat
The 2D Cartesian Plane

René Descartes formalised the fact that any point in a 2-D plane can be specified by two numbers representing perpendicular distances from two axes. Legend has it Descartes realized this while watching a fly crawl across his ceiling!

Sindhu-Sarasvatī Urban Grids (~2600 BCE) Baudhāyana Śulba Grids (~800 BCE) Āryabhaṭa Celestial Coords (499 CE) Brahmagupta Zero & Negatives (628 CE) Al-Bīrūnī Astrolabe (c. 1000 CE) René Descartes Cartesian Plane (1637 CE) Evolution of Global Grid-Based Thinking From Ancient Urban Planning to Modern 2-D Coordinate Geometry
Figure 1.1: Historical Evolution of Coordinate Geometry across Civilisations
Practice Grid Thinking Exercises Interactive NCERT exercise questions on grid history and room mapping
Section 1.2

Settling In: Practical Floor Mapping & Spatial Dimensions

In this narrative scenario, Reiaan and his sister Shalini move to a new city. Shalini helps visually impaired Reiaan navigate his bedroom by creating a tactile grid map using a wooden board, pins, and thick wool strings.

1
Scale Mapping

Shalini used a scale of 1 cm : 1 foot. Every unit on the grid graph represented 1 foot in real room space.

2
Pins & Wool Strings

Key points (corners of the bed, table, doors) were marked with pins, and thick wool thread was tied between pins so Reiaan could feel the positions with his fingers.

Key Spatial Limitation: Why Windows Cannot Be Marked

A floor map is 2-Dimensional (\( x \)-axis = length, \( y \)-axis = breadth). Windows require a 3rd dimension (height above floor), so their elevation cannot be represented on a 2D floor plan alone!

O (0,0) A (16,0) B (16,9) C (0,9) D1 (9, 0) R1 (11.5, 0) B1 (0, 1.5) B2 (0, 4) BED X-axis Y-axis
Figure 1.2: Tactile Floor Map of Reiaan's Room with Coordinate Axes & Entry Points
Practice Room Mapping & Coordinates Interactive NCERT exercise questions on room coordinates and floor plans
Section 1.3

The 2-D Cartesian Coordinate System & Quadrants

Unlike a 1-dimensional line (the standard number line), a two-dimensional space (2-D space) requires two mutually perpendicular lines called coordinate axes to locate any point uniquely.

The X-Axis (Abscissa)

The horizontal line. Distances to the right of the origin \( O \) are positive (\( +x \)), while distances to the left are negative (\( -x \)).

The Y-Axis (Ordinate)

The vertical line. Distances upward from the origin \( O \) are positive (\( +y \)), while distances downward are negative (\( -y \)).

Intersection of Axes = Origin \( O(0, 0) \)

The reference starting point where \( x = 0 \) and \( y = 0 \)

Points on Coordinate Axes

The Four Quadrants of the Cartesian Plane

The coordinate axes divide the Cartesian plane into four regions called Quadrants, numbered counter-clockwise starting from the top-right:

Quadrant Position x-coordinate y-coordinate Sign Pair \( (x, y) \) Example Point
Quadrant I Top-Right Positive (\( x > 0 \)) Positive (\( y > 0 \)) \( (+, +) \) \( A(3, 4) \)
Quadrant II Top-Left Negative (\( x < 0 \)) Positive (\( y > 0 \)) \( (-, +) \) \( Q(-5, 3) \)
Quadrant III Bottom-Left Negative (\( x < 0 \)) Negative (\( y < 0 \)) \( (-, -) \) \( M(-3, -4) \)
Quadrant IV Bottom-Right Positive (\( x > 0 \)) Negative (\( y < 0 \)) \( (+, -) \) \( S(3, -5) \)
QUADRANT I (+, +) QUADRANT II (-, +) QUADRANT III (-, -) QUADRANT IV (+, -) O (0,0) Q (-5, 3) S (3, -5) x-axis y-axis
Figure 1.3: Structure of the 2-D Cartesian Coordinate Plane showing Quadrants and Points Q(-5, 3) & S(3, -5)
Geometric Meaning of Coordinates \( P(x, y) \)

x-coordinate (Abscissa): Perpendicular distance of point \( P \) from the y-axis (measured along the x-axis).
y-coordinate (Ordinate): Perpendicular distance of point \( P \) from the x-axis (measured along the y-axis).

Practice Cartesian Plane & Quadrants Interactive NCERT exercise questions on plotting points and quadrant signs
Section 1.4

Distance Between Two Points & Geometric Reflections

If two points lie on a line parallel to the \( x \)-axis, their distance is simply the absolute difference between their \( x \)-coordinates \( |x_2 - x_1| \). If they lie on a line parallel to the \( y \)-axis, their distance is \( |y_2 - y_1| \).

For any two arbitrary points \( A(x_1, y_1) \) and \( D(x_2, y_2) \) where the segment is slanted, we construct a right-angled triangle and apply the Baudhāyana–Pythagoras Theorem.

Distance Formula: \( d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} \)
A (x1, y1) = (3, 4) D (x2, y2) = (7, 1) C (x2, y1) = (7, 4) Horizontal distance: |x2 - x1| = 7 - 3 = 4 Vertical: |y2 - y1| = 3 Distance AD = √(4² + 3²) = 5 units
Figure 1.4: Derivation of the Baudhāyana-Pythagoras Distance Formula using Right Triangle ADC

Step-by-Step Worked Example: Triangle ADM

Consider Triangle \( ADM \) in Quadrant I with vertices \( A(3, 4) \), \( D(7, 1) \), and \( M(9, 6) \):

Calculating Lengths of Sides AD, DM, and MA

1. Length of Side AD:

\[ \Delta x = 7 - 3 = 4, \quad \Delta y = 1 - 4 = -3 \]

\[ AD = \sqrt{4^2 + (-3)^2} = \sqrt{16 + 9} = \sqrt{25} = 5 \text{ units} \]

2. Length of Side DM:

\[ \Delta x = 9 - 7 = 2, \quad \Delta y = 6 - 1 = 5 \]

\[ DM = \sqrt{2^2 + 5^2} = \sqrt{4 + 25} = \sqrt{29} \approx 5.39 \text{ units} \]

3. Length of Side MA:

\[ \Delta x = 9 - 3 = 6, \quad \Delta y = 6 - 4 = 2 \]

\[ MA = \sqrt{6^2 + 2^2} = \sqrt{36 + 4} = \sqrt{40} = 2\sqrt{10} \approx 6.32 \text{ units} \]

Geometric Reflections & Preservation of Length (Isometry)

When Triangle \( ADM \) is reflected across the \( y \)-axis to form Triangle \( A'D'M' \):

A (3, 4) D (7, 1) M (9, 6) A' (-3, 4) D' (-7, 1) M' (-9, 6) Y-AXIS (MIRROR LINE)
Figure 1.5: Reflection of Triangle ADM across the y-axis showing Preservation of Distance (Isometry)
Practice Distance Formula & Reflections Interactive NCERT exercise questions on distance calculation, midpoint, and reflections
Solutions

Exercise Set 1.1: Reiaan's Room Map (Fully Solved)

(i) If \( D_1 R_1 \) represents the room door, how far is the door from the left wall (\( y \)-axis)? How far is the door from the \( x \)-axis?

Solution:

• Point \( D_1 \) has \( x \)-coordinate \( 9 \). Therefore, the door starts 9 feet away from the left wall (\( y \)-axis).

• The door lies directly on the bottom wall (\( x \)-axis), so its distance from the \( x \)-axis is 0 feet.

(ii) What are the coordinates of \( D_1 \)?

Solution: Since \( D_1 \) lies on the \( x \)-axis at 9 units to the right of origin \( O(0,0) \), its coordinates are \( D_1(9, 0) \).

(iii) If \( R_1 \) is the point \( (11.5, 0) \), how wide is the door? Is this width comfortable for a person in a wheelchair?

Solution:

\[ \text{Door Width } = R_1 - D_1 = 11.5 - 9 = 2.5 \text{ feet} = 30 \text{ inches} \]

Standard wheelchairs require a clear passage width of at least 32 inches (approx. 2.67 ft). While 30 inches allows standard ambulatory passage, it is tight for wheelchairs. A recommended comfortable width for wheelchair access is 3 feet (36 inches).

(iv) If \( B_1(0, 1.5) \) and \( B_2(0, 4) \) represent the ends of the bathroom door, is it narrower or wider than the room door?

Solution:

\[ \text{Bathroom Door Width } = 4 - 1.5 = 2.5 \text{ feet} \]

Both the room door (\( 2.5 \) ft) and the bathroom door (\( 2.5 \) ft) have exactly the same width.

Solutions

Exercise Set 1.2: Furniture Placement & Spatial Planning

1. Rectangular Study Table with 3 feet at \( (8, 9) \), \( (11, 9) \), and \( (11, 7) \):

(i) Fourth foot coordinates: To form a rectangle, the 4th foot must have \( x = 8 \) and \( y = 7 \). Thus, the 4th foot is at \( (8, 7) \).

(ii) Suitability of spot: Yes, it is placed neatly against the top wall (\( y = 9 \)), clear of door pathways.

(iii) Dimensions:
• \( \text{Width} = 11 - 8 = 3 \text{ feet} \)
• \( \text{Length} = 9 - 7 = 2 \text{ feet} \)
Height: Cannot be determined from a 2D floor map because height is along the 3rd (z) dimension.

2. Bathroom door hinge at \( B_1(0, 1.5) \) opening into bedroom:

Solution: The door arc radius is \( 2.5 \) ft. If opened inwards into the bedroom, it swings towards \( y \in [1.5, 4] \) and \( x \in [0, 2.5] \). If wardrobe lies in this swing area, it will collide. Widening the door to 3 ft increases the swing arc to \( x = 3 \) ft, requiring wardrobe relocation.

3. Bathroom & Sanitary Spaces Layout:

(i) Bathroom Corners: Origin \( O(0, 0) \), \( F(6, 0) \), \( R(6, 6) \), \( P(0, 6) \).

(ii) Showering Area SHWR: Forms a rectangle/square in the corner, e.g. \( (3, 3), (6, 3), (6, 6), (3, 6) \).

(iii) Washbasin (\( 3\times 2 \) ft) & Toilet (\( 2\times 3 \) ft): Washbasin corner coordinates: \( (0, 4), (3, 4), (3, 6), (0, 6) \). Toilet corner coordinates: \( (4, 0), (6, 0), (6, 3), (4, 3) \).

4. Dining Room Extension & Centered Table:

(i) Dining Room Corners (\( 18\text{ ft} \times 15\text{ ft} \)): Extending from \( P(0, 6) \) to \( A(16, 0) \): corners are \( (0, 0), (18, 0), (18, 15), (0, 15) \).

(ii) Centered Table (\( 5\times 3 \) ft): Center of dining room is \( (9, 7.5) \). Table feet coordinates are \( (6.5, 6), (11.5, 6), (11.5, 9), (6.5, 9) \).

Comprehensive Practice

End-of-Chapter Exercises (All 16 Problems Fully Solved)

Problem 1: What are the x-coordinate and y-coordinate of the point of intersection of the two axes?

Answer: Both coordinates are 0. The point of intersection is the Origin \( O(0, 0) \).

Problem 2: Point \( W \) has x-coordinate equal to -5. Predict coordinates of point \( H \) on line through \( W \) parallel to y-axis. Which quadrants can \( H \) lie in?

Answer: The line parallel to the \( y \)-axis through \( W \) has equation \( x = -5 \). Thus, point \( H \) must have \( x = -5 \), so \( H = (-5, y) \). Depending on whether \( y > 0 \) or \( y < 0 \), \( H \) lies in Quadrant II (\( y > 0 \)) or Quadrant III (\( y < 0 \)).

Problem 3: Consider points \( R(3, 0) \), \( A(0, -2) \), \( M(-5, -2) \), and \( P(-5, 2) \). Predict:

(i) Two perpendicular sides: Side \( AM \) (along line \( y = -2 \)) and Side \( MP \) (along line \( x = -5 \)) are perpendicular (\( \perp \)) to each other.

(ii) Side parallel to an axis: Side \( AM \) is parallel to the \( x \)-axis (\( y = -2 \)), and side \( MP \) is parallel to the \( y \)-axis (\( x = -5 \)).

(iii) Points that are mirror images: Points \( M(-5, -2) \) and \( P(-5, 2) \) are mirror images of each other across the x-axis.

Problem 4: Plot point \( Z(5, -6) \). Construct right triangle \( IZN \) and find side lengths.

Answer: Choose \( I(5, 0) \) on \( x \)-axis and \( N(0, -6) \) on \( y \)-axis. Then \( \Delta IZN \) is right-angled at \( I(5, 0) \) or origin:
• \( IZ = |-6 - 0| = 6 \) units
• \( IN = \sqrt{(5-0)^2 + (0 - (-6))^2} = \sqrt{25 + 36} = \sqrt{61} \) units
• \( ZN = \sqrt{(5-0)^2 + (-6 - (-6))^2} = 5 \) units.

Problem 5: Coordinate system without negative numbers: Can it locate all points in 2-D space?

Answer: No. Without negative numbers, we are restricted entirely to Quadrant I (\( x \ge 0, y \ge 0 \)). We would be unable to represent points to the left of or below the origin.

Problem 6*: Are points \( M(-3, -4) \), \( A(0, 0) \), and \( G(6, 8) \) on the same straight line? Suggest a non-plotting method.

Answer (Slope / Distance Method):
• Slope of \( MA = \frac{0 - (-4)}{0 - (-3)} = \frac{4}{3} \)
• Slope of \( AG = \frac{8 - 0}{6 - 0} = \frac{8}{6} = \frac{4}{3} \)
Since Slope(\( MA \)) = Slope(\( AG \)) and they share point \( A \), the points \( M, A, G \) are collinear (lie on the same straight line \( y = \frac{4}{3}x \)).

Problem 7*: Check if \( R(-5, -1) \), \( B(-2, -5) \), and \( C(4, -12) \) are collinear.

Answer:
• Slope of \( RB = \frac{-5 - (-1)}{-2 - (-5)} = \frac{-4}{3} \)
• Slope of \( BC = \frac{-12 - (-5)}{4 - (-2)} = \frac{-7}{6} \)
Since \( \frac{-4}{3} \neq \frac{-7}{6} \), the points \( R, B, C \) are NOT collinear.

Problem 8*: Plot vertices using origin \( O(0,0) \) as one vertex:

(i) Right-angled isosceles triangle: Vertices \( O(0,0) \), \( A(4,0) \), and \( B(0,4) \). \( OA = OB = 4 \), \( \angle AOB = 90^\circ \).

(ii) Isosceles triangle with vertices in Quad III & IV: Vertices \( O(0,0) \), \( P(-3, -4) \) (Quad III), and \( Q(3, -4) \) (Quad IV). Length \( OP = OQ = \sqrt{3^2 + (-4)^2} = 5 \).

Problem 9*: Midpoint Table Verification (\( M = (\frac{x_S + x_T}{2}, \frac{y_S + y_T}{2}) \)):

SMTIs M Midpoint?Reason
(-3, 0)(0, 0)(3, 0)Yes\( \frac{-3+3}{2} = 0, \frac{0+0}{2} = 0 \)
(2, 3)(3, 4)(4, 5)Yes\( \frac{2+4}{2} = 3, \frac{3+5}{2} = 4 \)
(0, 0)(0, 5)(0, -10)NoActual midpoint is \( (0, -5) \), not \( (0, 5) \)
(-8, 7)(0, -2)(6, -3)NoActual midpoint is \( (-1, 2) \), not \( (0, -2) \)

General Formula: Midpoint \( M = \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right) \).

Problem 10*: Find coordinates of B given midpoint \( M(-7, 1) \) of \( A(3, -4) \) and \( B(x, y) \).

Solution:

\[ \frac{3 + x}{2} = -7 \implies 3 + x = -14 \implies x = -17 \]

\[ \frac{-4 + y}{2} = 1 \implies -4 + y = 2 \implies y = 6 \]

Coordinates of \( B \) are \( (-17, 6) \).

Problem 11*: Find trisection points P & Q for \( A(4, 7) \) and \( B(16, -2) \).

Solution:
Point \( P \) divides \( AB \) in ratio \( 1:2 \): \[ P = \left( \frac{1(16) + 2(4)}{3}, \frac{1(-2) + 2(7)}{3} \right) = \left( \frac{24}{3}, \frac{12}{3} \right) = (8, 4) \] Point \( Q \) is midpoint of \( PB \) (or ratio \( 2:1 \)): \[ Q = \left( \frac{2(16) + 1(4)}{3}, \frac{2(-2) + 1(7)}{3} \right) = \left( \frac{36}{3}, \frac{3}{3} \right) = (12, 1) \] Trisection points are \( P(8, 4) \) and \( Q(12, 1) \).

Problem 12*: Circle K centered at origin O(0,0):

(i) Points \( A(1, -8), B(-4, 7), C(-7, -4) \):
• \( OA = \sqrt{1^2 + (-8)^2} = \sqrt{65} \)
• \( OB = \sqrt{(-4)^2 + 7^2} = \sqrt{65} \)
• \( OC = \sqrt{(-7)^2 + (-4)^2} = \sqrt{65} \)
Since \( OA = OB = OC = \sqrt{65} \), all three points lie on Circle \( K \) with radius \( r = \sqrt{65} \).

(ii) Points \( D(-5, 6) \) and \( E(0, 9) \):
• \( OD = \sqrt{(-5)^2 + 6^2} = \sqrt{61} < \sqrt{65} \implies \) Point \( D \) lies INSIDE Circle \( K \).
• \( OE = \sqrt{0^2 + 9^2} = 9 = \sqrt{81} > \sqrt{65} \implies \) Point \( E \) lies OUTSIDE Circle \( K \).

Problem 13*: Midpoints of triangle ABC are \( D(5, 1) \), \( E(6, 5) \), and \( F(0, 3) \). Find vertices A, B, C.

Solution: Let \( D \) be midpoint of \( AB \), \( E \) of \( BC \), \( F \) of \( AC \).
• \( x_A + x_B = 10, x_B + x_C = 12, x_C + x_A = 0 \implies x_A + x_B + x_C = 11 \).
Solving gives \( x_C = 1, x_A = -1, x_B = 11 \).
• \( y_A + y_B = 2, y_B + y_C = 10, y_C + y_A = 6 \implies y_A + y_B + y_C = 9 \).
Solving gives \( y_C = 7, y_A = -1, y_B = 3 \).
Vertices are \( A(-1, -1) \), \( B(11, 3) \), \( C(1, 7) \).

Problem 14: City street grid (\( 10\times 10 \) streets, 200m apart):

(a) Intersections named (4, 3): Exactly 1 unique street intersection (intersection of 4th N-S street and 3rd E-W street).

(b) Intersections named (3, 4): Exactly 1 unique street intersection (intersection of 3rd N-S street and 4th E-W street).

Problem 15: Computer Graphics Screen Coordinates (\( 800 \times 600 \) Viewport):

Circle A: center \( (100, 150) \), \( r = 80 \). Circle B: center \( (250, 230) \), \( r = 100 \).

(i) Screen boundary check:
Circle A bounds: \( x \in [20, 180] \), \( y \in [70, 230] \) (completely within \( [0, 800] \times [0, 600] \)).
Circle B bounds: \( x \in [150, 350] \), \( y \in [130, 330] \) (completely within \( [0, 800] \times [0, 600] \)).
Neither circle lies outside the screen!

(ii) Circle Intersection Check:
Distance between centers \( d = \sqrt{(250-100)^2 + (230-150)^2} = \sqrt{150^2 + 80^2} = \sqrt{28900} = 170 \) pixels.
Sum of radii \( R_1 + R_2 = 80 + 100 = 180 \) pixels.
Since \( d = 170 < 180 \), the two circles INTERSECT each other at two points.

Problem 16: Prove \( A(2, 1), B(-1, 2), C(-2, -1), D(1, -2) \) forms a square and find its area.

Proof:
1. Side lengths: \( AB = \sqrt{(-3)^2 + 1^2} = \sqrt{10} \), \( BC = \sqrt{(-1)^2 + (-3)^2} = \sqrt{10} \), \( CD = \sqrt{3^2 + (-1)^2} = \sqrt{10} \), \( DA = \sqrt{1^2 + 3^2} = \sqrt{10} \). All 4 sides are equal!
2. Diagonals: \( AC = \sqrt{(-4)^2 + (-2)^2} = \sqrt{20} \), \( BD = \sqrt{2^2 + (-4)^2} = \sqrt{20} \). Diagonals are equal!
Since all 4 sides are equal and diagonals are equal, \( ABCD \) is a SQUARE.
3. \( \text{Area } = (\text{side})^2 = (\sqrt{10})^2 = \mathbf{10 \text{ square units}} \).

Interactive Suite

Interactive Practice & Explorer Widgets

Widget 1: Interactive Point & Quadrant Inspector

Enter coordinates \( (x, y) \) to instantly visualize the point on the 2D Cartesian plane, quadrant, and perpendicular distances.

Interactive 2D Cartesian Plane (-6 to +6)
Widget 2: Distance & Midpoint Calculator

Enter two points \( A(x_1, y_1) \) and \( B(x_2, y_2) \) to calculate exact distance, midpoint, and slope.

Widget 3: Instant Self-Assessment Quiz

Q1. Which quadrant does the point \( (-5, 3) \) lie in?

A) Quadrant I
B) Quadrant II
C) Quadrant III
D) Quadrant IV

Q2. What is the perpendicular distance of point \( P(7, -4) \) from the y-axis?

A) 7 units
B) -4 units
C) 4 units
D) 11 units
Key Takeaways

Chapter Summary & Quick Reference Sheet