Exploring the Cartesian coordinate plane in two-dimensional space is a pre-requisite skill

in calculus. On this part, graphing, finding distance and midpoint of two points in the cartesian
plane are the gist of this lesson. Moreover, modelling geometric figures in the cartesian plane will
also be tackled. A mastery of these skills is necessary before studying calculus.

1. Graph regions in the coordinate plane.

2. Find distance between two points using Distance Formula.
3. Find midpoint between two points using Midpoint Formula
4. Model and solve problems using a coordinate plane and geometric formulas

What is the application of plotting the points in Cartesian plane in real life?
Is the distance between two points can be applied in proving theorems in Geometry?
How can we solve problems using the coordinate plane?

CARTESIAN COORDINATE PLANE

Finding points in a cartesian plane is based on the two perpendicular lines intersecting at
the origin O (see figure 15). The vertical line is what we call 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 while the horizontal line is
called 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠. The upper vertical axis is positive while the lower vertical axis is negative. On the
other hand, the right horizontal axis is positive while the left horizontal axis is negative.
Furthermore, points in a cartesian plane is a set of ordered pairs (𝑎, 𝑏) in which point 𝑎 is called x
– coordinate or abscissa lies on the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 and point 𝑏 is called y – coordinate or ordinate lies
on the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠. The notation in which these ordered pairs lies is 𝑅 2, the superscript implies that
it’s a two-dimensional space.
For example, we have a point P with the coordinates (𝑎, 𝑏). In figure 15, lines are drawn
through P perpendicular to the two coordinate axes. If the lines meet the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 at 𝑎 and the

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𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 at 𝑏, then a is the x – coordinate of P, and b is the y – coordinate. The ordered pair (𝑎, 𝑏)
is the point’s coordinate pair.

The intersection of 𝑥 and 𝑦 axes divides the plane

into four quadrants. The first quadrant is where the 𝑥
and 𝑦 axes are positive, and the rest is
numbered in a counter-clockwise direction (see
figure 16). The signs for 𝑥 and 𝑦 coordinates of each
quadrant is also shown in the figure below.

Figure 16. Cartesian Coordinates from Thomas and Finney (1996)

Figure 17. The Four Quadrants from Thomas and Finney (1996)

The origin has the coordinates of (0,0). The y – coordinate of the values in the x – axis is
always 0. In like manner, the x – coordinate of the values in the y – axis is also 0. In addition, the
two-dimensional plane is somehow called as Rectangular coordinate system. You will surely
know why is it so.

Illustrative Example 17. Graphing Regions in the Coordinate Plane

Describe and sketch the regions given by each set.
a) {(𝑥, 𝑦)|𝑥 ≥ 0} b) {(𝑥, 𝑦)|𝑦 = 1} c){(𝑥, 𝑦)||𝑦| < 1}

SOLUTION:
a) The points whose x – coordinates are 0 or positive lie on the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 or the right of it, as
shown in Figure 17.

b) The set of all points with y – coordinate 1 is a horizontal line one unit above the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠,
as in Figure 18.

c) Recall on the properties of absolute value inequalities

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 |𝑦| < 1 if and only if −1 < 𝑦 < 1
Then, the given region consists of those points in the plane whose y – coordinates lie
between −1 and 1. Thus, the region consists of all points that lie between (but not on) the
horizontal lines 𝑦 = 1 and 𝑦 = −1. These lines are shown as broken lines in Figure 19 to indicate
that the points on these lines do not lie in the set.

Figure 18. Region a

Figure 19. Region b Figure 20. Region c

The application of plotting points in the plane indicates a location. For instance, in
a globe, to find the location of a place you need to determine first its coordinates. In
addition, if you are fond of watching sci-fi movies, when they locate a person they give
coordinates and provide a picture in a map where you can see a dot or a point that tells
the location of the person.

DISTANCE AND MIDPOINT FORMULA

We need to derive the formula for distance first, and to do that we need to have three
points. Let’s name it as A, B and C. We are going to assume coordinates for points A, B and C.
For point A, let’s say we have the coordinates (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ),for point B we have the coordinates
(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ),and finally for point C , we have the coordinates (𝑥2 , 𝑦1 ). The graph is shown in the figure
20 below.

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 Figure 21. Distance Formula Derivation

Recalling your knowledge about horizontal distance of two points, its just simply
subtracting the two numbers. Based on the figure you will see the horizontal distance as |𝑥2 − 𝑥1 |,
the notation for absolute value is used to indicate that it will always be positive. On the other hand,
the vertical distance as |𝑦2 − 𝑦1 |. Our main goal here is to find the distance of AB. As you can see
a right triangle is formed and so, we can use the concept of Pythagorean Theorem considering
also that we already have the lengths of the hypotenuse. Thus, the distance of AB
(𝑑(𝐴𝐵))2 = (𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2 Simplify
𝑑(𝐴𝐵) = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
There we have it, the formula for the distance of two points.

DEFINITION 1. THE DISTANCE FORMULA

The distance between the points 𝐴(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ),and 𝐵(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ), in the plane is
𝑑(𝐴𝐵) = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2

Illustrative Example 18
Which of the points𝐴(6,7) or 𝐵(−5,8) is closer to the origin?
SOLUTION:
The coordinates of the origin are at 𝑂(0,0). First, we need to find the distance of 𝑑(𝑂𝐴)
then next is the distance of 𝑑(𝑂𝐵)
𝑑(𝑂𝐴) = √(6 − 0)2 + (7 − 0)2
= √(6)2 + (7)2
= √36 + 49

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 = √85

𝑑(𝑂𝐵) = √(−5 − 0)2 + (8 − 0)2

= √(−5 − 0)2 + (8 − 0)2

= √25 + 64
= √89

Since, the 𝑑(𝑂𝐴) < 𝑑(𝑂𝐵), we can say that point A is closer to the origin.

Now let’s observe the figure below.

Figure 22. Midpoint

Formula Derivation

We need to
find the
coordinates of
the point
𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) which is
the midpoint of
the line
segment that
connects points
𝐴(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and
𝐵(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ). In
geometry, when
we say
midpoint, it divides the line segment into two equal parts as per figure 21 𝐴𝑀 ≅ 𝑀𝐵, or 𝐴𝑀 = 𝑀𝐵.
Based on the figure also, the ∆𝐴𝑃𝑀 ≅ ∆𝑀𝑄𝑃, because 𝑑(𝐴𝑀) = 𝑑(𝑀𝐵) and the corresponding
angles are equal. It follows that 𝑑(𝐴𝑃) = 𝑑(𝑀𝑄) so,
𝑥 − 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥
𝑥 + 𝑥 − 𝑥1 + 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 − 𝑥 + 𝑥 + 𝑥1 Add x to both sides and 𝑥1

2𝑥 = 𝑥2 + 𝑥1 Simplify
1
𝑥 = (𝑥2 + 𝑥1 ) Multiply ½ to both sides
2
𝑥1 +𝑥2
Or 𝑥 =
2
𝑦1 +𝑦2
Similarly, 𝑦 =
2
DEFINITION 2. THE MIDPOINT FORMULA

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 The midpoint of the line segment from 𝐴(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )to 𝐵(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ), is
𝑥1 +𝑥2 𝑦1 +𝑦2
( , )
2 2

Illustrative Example 19. Applying the Midpoint Formula

Show that the triangle with vertices 𝐴(0,2), 𝐵(−3, −1), and 𝐶(−4,3) is an isosceles.
SOLUTION:
To show that the vertices formed an isosceles triangle we can find the distance of all
sides or check if the medians of this triangle are congruent.

To find the median we need to find first the midpoints of the legs, then show that it’s
equal. On the figure below the orange lines indicate medians.
0+(−4) 2+3
Midpoint of AC= ( 2
),( 2 )
5
= (−2, 2)
(−3)+(−4) −1+3
Midpoint of BC= ( ),( )
2 2
7
= (− , 1)
2

5
𝑀1 = √(−3 − (−2))2 + (−1 − (2))2

7
= √(−1)2 + (− )2
2

49
= √1 +
4

√53
= 2
√53
The length of the 𝑀1 from point 𝐵(−3, −1) to the midpoint of AC is 2
.

7
𝑀2 = √(− 2 − 0)2 + (1 − 2)2

7
= √(− 2)2 + (−1)2

49
= √4 +1

√53
= 2

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 √53
The length of the 𝑀2 from point 𝐴(0,2) to the midpoint of BC is 2
.
Therefore, the polygon is an isosceles triangle because the medians are equal see figure 22.

Figure 23. Triangle ABC from geogebra.org

APPLICATION PROBLEMS OF DISTANCE AND MIDPOINT FORMULA

Problem 1. If M (6,8) is the midpoint of the line segment AB and if A has coordinates (2,3) , find
the coordinates of B.

SOLUTION:
𝑥1 +𝑥2 𝑦1 +𝑦2
The equation for a midpoint is given by, ( , ) and the given points M(6,8) for
2 2
the midpoint, A(2,3) and we will let point B as (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ). Solving for 𝑥2 and 𝑦2 we have
𝑥1 +𝑥2 𝑦1 +𝑦2
6= 2
8= 2
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 = 12 𝑦1 + 𝑦2 = 16
𝑥2 = 12 − 𝑥1 𝑦2 = 16 − 𝑦1
𝑥2 = 12 − 2 𝑦2 = 16 − 3
𝑥2 = 10 𝑦2 = 13

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 Therefore, the coordinates of point B is (10,13).
To check,
𝑥1 +𝑥2 𝑦1 +𝑦2 2+10 3+13 12 16
, = , = , = (6,8)
2 2 2 2 2 2
Thus, our answer is correct.

Problem 2. Plot the points 𝐴(1,0), 𝐵(5,0), 𝐶(4,3), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷(2,3), and on a coordinate plane. Draw
the segments AB, BC, CD, and DA. What kind of quadrilateral is ABCD, and what is its area?

SOLUTION:

Figure 24. Problem 2 Illustration from geogebra.org

Based on the figure, the quadrilateral is a trapezoid. To find its area we are going to use
the formula
1
𝐴 = 2 (𝑏1 + 𝑏2 )ℎ
𝑏1 = |4 − 2| = |2| = 2 units 𝑏1 is the line segment DC
𝑏2 = |5 − 1| = |4| = 4 units 𝑏2 is the line segment AB
ℎ = |3 − 0| = |3| = 3 units ℎ is the line segment in orange

Remember, if you are going to find the horizontal distance, simply subtract the x values
you don’t need to use the distance formula. Similarly, if you find the vertical distance, just subtract
the y – values to have brief solutions.
Substituting the values,
1
𝐴 = 2 (𝑏1 + 𝑏2 )ℎ

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 1
𝐴 = 2 (2 + 4)(3)
1
= 2 (6)(3)
18
= 2

= 9 square units
Alternative solution
Divide the quadrilateral into three parts, 2 triangles and 1 rectangle refer to figure 24.

Figure 25. Trapezoid divided into Three parts from geogebra.org

For the rectangle with coordinates (2,3), (4,3), (4,0) and (2,0). The formula for area is 𝐴 = 𝐿𝑊 =
(2 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠)(3 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠) = 6 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
For the area of triangle 1 with the coordinates (5,0), (4,3), (4,0). To solve the area we can use a
matrix
1 𝑥1 𝑦1
[ 1 𝑥2 𝑦2 ]
1 𝑥3 𝑦3

Substituting the vertices of the first triangle, we have

1 5 0
𝐴=[ 1 4 3 ]
1 4 0
1
To find the area of the triangle the formula is 𝐴1 = (2) det (𝐴)
1
𝐴1 = ( ) det (𝐴)
2
The formula for the det(𝐴) = [(1)( 𝑥2 )( 𝑦3 ) + (1)(𝑥3 )( 𝑦1 ) + (1)(𝑥1 )(𝑦2 ) − (1)( 𝑥2 )(𝑦1 ) −
(𝑥3 )(𝑦2 )(1) − (𝑦3 )(1)(𝑥1 )]
1
𝐴1 = ( ) [(1)(4)(0) + (1)(4)(0) + (1)(5)(3) − (1)(4)(0) − (4)(3)(1) − (0)(1)(5)]
2

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 1
𝐴1 = ( ) [0 + 0 + 15 − 0 − 12 − 0]
2
1
= ( ) [3]
2
3
= 2 square units
For the area of triangle 2 with the coordinates (2,0), (2,3), (1,0). To solve the area we can use a
matrix
1 2 0
𝐵=[ 1 2 3 ]
1 1 0

Remember, in writing the vertices of a triangle follow a counter clockwise direction to

ensure that you will derive a positive area, because there is no such thing as negative area.

1
𝐴2 = (2) det (𝐵)
1
= ( ) [(1)(2)(0) + (1)(1)(0) + (1)(2)(3) − (1)(2)(0) − (1)(3)(1) − (0)(1)(2)]
2
1
𝐴2 = (2) [0 + 0 + 6 − 0 − 3 − 0]
1
𝐴2 = ( ) [3]
2
3
𝐴2 = 2 square units

3 3
The area of the trapezoid is the sum of the three areas that is 6 + 2 + 2 = 9 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠.

Problem 3. Find a point on the y-axis that is equidistant from the points (5, −5) and (1,1).

SOLUTION:
In this problem, the clue word is equidistant meaning to say the unknown point on the y
– axis let’s say the point X(0, 𝑦) and point (5, −5) have the same distance with point (1,1) and
(0, 𝑦). Thus the equation will be,

√(5 − 0)2 + (−5 − 𝑦)2 = √(0 − 1)2 + (𝑦 − 1)2 Substitution

√(5)2 + (−5 − 𝑦)2 = √(−1)2 + (𝑦 − 1)2 Simplify

√25 + 25 + 10𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = √1 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑦 + 1 Special Products

2 2
(√25 + 25 + 10𝑦 + 𝑦 2 ) = (√1 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑦 + 1) Extracting the square roots

50 + 10𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = 2 − 2𝑦 + 𝑦 2 Simplify

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50 + 10𝑦 = 2 − 2𝑦 Cancellation
10𝑦 + 2𝑦 = 2 − 50 Addition property of equality
12𝑦 = −48 Simplify
𝑦 = −4 Multiplication Property of equality
Therefore, the point on the y – axis is (0, −4).
To check, we have
√(5 − 0)2 + (−5 − (−4))2 = √(0 − 1)2 + ((−4) − 1)2
√(5)2 + (−1)2 = √(−1)2 + (−5)2
√25 + 1 = √1 + 25
√26 = √26
We arrived with equal quantities; hence our answer is correct.

Problem 4.
A. Sketch the parallelogram with vertices 𝐴(−2, −1), 𝐵(4,2), 𝐶(7,7) and 𝐷(1,4).
B. Find the midpoints of the diagonals of this parallelogram.
C. From part (B) show that the diagonals bisect each other.

Solution:
A.

Figure 26. A Parallelogram from geogebra.org

B. The first diagonal is the line segment BD see figure 25 with the coordinates 𝐵(4,2)
and 𝐷(1,4), using the midpoint formula, we have
𝑥1 +𝑥2 𝑦1 +𝑦2
𝑀(𝐵𝐷) = 𝑀(𝑑1 ) = ( 2
, )
2
4+1 2+4
=( 2 , )
2

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 5
= ( , 3)
2
The second diagonal is the line segment AC with the coordinates 𝐴(−2, −1) and
𝐶(7,7), using the midpoint formula we have,
𝑥1 +𝑥2 𝑦1 +𝑦2
𝑀(𝐴𝐶) = 𝑀(𝑑2 ) = ( 2
, )
2
−2+7 −1+7
=(
2
, )
2
5
= ( , 3)
2

5
C. The diagonals bisect each other because they intersect at its midpoint of ( , 3) as
2
shown in part B.

Problem 5.
Plot the points 𝑃(−1, −4), 𝑄(1,1) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅(4,2) on a coordinate plane. Where should the
point S be located so that the figure PQRS is a parallelogram?

Figure 27.
PQRS Parallelogram
from geogebra.org

Solution:
To find the coordinates of
point S (𝑥, 𝑦), we need to recall the
properties of parallelogram in
geometry that we can use. For
instance, the diagonals of a
parallelogram bisect each other,
hence based on the name of the
parallelogram PQRS, we can say
that the diagonals will be the line
segment connecting point P and R
since its non-consecutive vertices
and another line segment
connecting point Q and S. Thus, we
can use the midpoint formula to
find the coordinates of point S. The
two diagonals intersect at its
midpoint.
Solving for the midpoint of QS, we have,
𝑥 +𝑥2 𝑦1 +𝑦2
𝑀(𝑄𝑆) = ( 1 2 , )
2
1+𝑥 1+𝑦
=( 2
, 2 )

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Solving for the midpoint of PR,
𝑥 +𝑥2 𝑦1 +𝑦2
𝑀(𝑃𝑅) = ( 1 2 , )
2
−1+4 −4+2
=(
2
, )
2
3
= ( , −1)
2
Solving for 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦, we will equate
3 1+𝑥 1+𝑦
= −1 =
2 2 2

(2)(1 + 𝑥) = 6 (1 + 𝑦) = −2
2 + 2𝑥 = 6 1 + 𝑦 = −2
2𝑥 = 6 − 2 𝑦 = −2 − 1
2𝑥 = 4 𝑦 = −3
𝑥=2

Therefore, point S lies in quadrant IV at point (2, −3).

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