Coordinate Geometry

What the page covers

This unit sits in the Functions and Graphs strand of Mathematics. Most of what is listed is about the basics of the (x,y) plane: plotting points, finding a midpoint, measuring distance and working out a gradient. From there it moves on to the equations of straight lines, parallel and perpendicular lines, and circles. A smaller group looks at parabolas, ellipses and polar graphs.

Where to start

Begin with a mind map to see the whole topic on one screen. The COORDINATE GEOMETRY map opens with everyday questions about locating a position, while the AQA Core 1 Maths map lists the key formulas: gradient, y = mx+c, y-y1 = m(x-x1), the perpendicular rule m1 * m2 = -1, the midpoint and the distance.

• Read one map from top to bottom.
• Move to the Formulae flashcards to learn each rule.
• Use Straight-Line Graphs for vertical and horizontal lines and lines through the origin.

Testing yourself

Quizzes turn the formulas into practice. The first quiz on the page asks you to find the midpoint of AB for A(2,12) and B(8,4). The MPM 2D Review Quiz mixes equivalent equations, midpoints and segment lengths. After each attempt, return to the map and look for the branch that caught you out.

1. Study a map or a flashcard deck.
2. Take a quiz without looking.
3. Check the branch behind every wrong answer.
4. Try again a day later.

Going further

Once lines feel comfortable, the deck Connecting Algebra and Geometry through Coordinates moves to circles centred at the origin, and Circle Exam Questions gives you slides to work through. Teachers can pick maps, notes and quizzes to set as revision tasks. Choose one resource that matches where you are and see how far it takes you.