Line Segment

A line segment is a part of a line that is bounded by two distinct end points, and contains every
point on the line between its end points.

closed line segment includes both endpoints

open line segment excludes both endpoints
half-open line segment includes exactly one of the endpoints

Midpoint of a Line Segment

Let P (x, y) be the midpoint of the segment joining the points P1(x1, y1) and P2(x2, y2)
then

x1 + x2)

and

y1 + y2)

Division of a Line Segment

Let P(x, y) be a point in the straight line through P1(x1, y1) and P2(x2, y2). If the segments P1P, PP2
are such that
lies in the segment

the point P is said to divide the segment

; externally if P lies in the segment

If the point

in the ratio

produced (in either direction).

) divides the segment joining

) and

in the ratio

internally if P

) internally or externally

and

Note: Ratio must be negative in the case of external division

Line
A line is often defined as the set of points whose coordinates satisfy a given linear equation.
Slope of a Line

Inclination of a Line

Equations of a Line

General Equation:
Point-Slope Form:
Slope-Intercept Form:

Two-Point Form:

Intercept Form:

)
)

Slopes of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Two lines are parallel if they have the same slopes while two lines are perpendicular if and only
if their slopes are negative reciprocals.

Examples:
1. What is the midpoint between P1 (6, 5) and P2 (7, 3)?
Soln:
=

x1 + x2)

y1 + y2)

-6 + 7)

5 + 3)

= 4

Ans. (1/2, 4)
2. M is the midpoint of line segment CD. The coordinates M(-1,1) and C(1,-3) are given. Find the
coordinates of point D.
Soln:
M(-1,1), C(1,-3) and D(x,y)
Substitute into the Midpoint Formula:

3. The segment joining

hence,

) and
)

) is trisected. Find the point of trisection

)

and

4. Find the equation of a line with slope equal to 2 and passes through (1, 1). Ans. y = 2x -1
5. Find the slope of a line whose equation is 3x + 4y = 8. Ans. -3/4
Exercises:
Find the point midway between the given points:
1. (5, 6), (3, -2)
2. (4, 8), (-4, -3)

3. (3, 0), (-1/2, 4)

4. (3/2, -6), (-1/3, 1/2)

Problems:
1. The segment of joining (5, 11) and (-3, -1) is to be divided into four equal parts. Find the points
of division.
2. Determine the coordinates of the point which is 3/5 of the way from the point (2, -5) to (-3, 5).
Ans. (-1, 1)
3. The segment from (-1, 4) to (2, -2) is extended three times its own length. Find the terminal
point. Ans. (11, -20)
4. The segment joining (-2, -3) and (6, 1) is extended each way a distance equal to one-fourth its
own length. Find the terminal points. Ans. (8, 2); (-4, -4)
5. Given the equation 3x + 2y + 1 = 0, determine which of the following is perpendicular to it. Ans. C
a. 10x + 15y - 2 =0
c. 9x 6y + 12 = 0
b. 2x + y 4 = 0
d. None of the above

6. What is the x-intercept of a line passing through (1, 4) and (4, 1)? Ans. 5
7. A point (x, 2) is equidistant from points (-2, 9) and (4, -7). What is the value of x? Ans. x = 11/3
8. Find the equation of a line passing through (3, -2) and is perpendicular to line 2x + 3y + 4 = 0.
Ans. 3x 2y 13 = 0