ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY
Analytical Geometry
Analytical Geometry is a branch of mathematics in which the algebraic methods are used to
study the geometrical concepts. De Cartes (1596-1650), a French mathematician invented
this idea and hence analytical geometry is called as Cartesian Geometry, named after the
inventor, who is considered as the father of analytical geometry.
- Angle of inclination
If a line makes an angle θ with the positive direction of the x-axis, then^ θ is called
the angle of inclination.
The idea needs verbal explanation along with the provision of an embossed diagram
depicting the angle of inclination formed.
- Slope of a line
The tangent of the angle of inclination, that is tan^ θ is called the slope of the line
or the gradient of the line. The slope of the line is denoted by m. That is slope =
m=tan θ
Note:
- The angle θ is measured from the positive direction of the x-axis towards the line
in the anti-clockwise direction. - The slope of any line parallel to x-axis is zero since tan 0^0 = 0.
- The slope of any line perpendicular to x-axis is infinity since tan90^0 = undefined.
- If the angle θ is acute, then the slope tan θ is positive.
- If the angle θ is obtuse, then the slope tan θ is negative.