Chapter

Geometry with Coordinates and Vectors

This module teaches how to choose convenient coordinates and use vectors, the dot product, line equations, and circle equations to prove geometric facts.
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Theory

Key Idea

Coordinates and vectors in olympiad geometry are not meant for blind computation. They are a language choice. With good axes, parallelism, perpendicularity, lengths, midpoints, and circles become short calculations.

The main principle is: first understand the geometry of the configuration, then choose the origin, axes, and scale so that as many points as possible have simple coordinates.

Basic Facts

If \(A(x_1,y_1)\), \(B(x_2,y_2)\), then \(\overrightarrow{AB}=(x_2-x_1,y_2-y_1)\), and \(AB^2=(x_2-x_1)^2+(y_2-y_1)^2\).

The dot product is \((u_1,u_2)\cdot(v_1,v_2)=u_1v_1+u_2v_2\). Two vectors are perpendicular if and only if their dot product is \(0\).

The midpoint of \(AB\) has coordinates \(\left(\frac{x_1+x_2}{2},\frac{y_1+y_2}{2}\right)\). A point dividing \(AB\) in ratio \(m:n\) is often easiest to write using a parameter.

A circle has equation \(x^2+y^2+ux+vy+w=0\). A line has equation \(ax+by+c=0\). For a circle through the origin, usually \(w=0\), which greatly shortens the computation.

When to Use This Method

The coordinate method is especially useful when a problem contains right angles, parallel lines, midpoints, ratios on segments, a circle with a convenient diameter, or a need to prove that a point lies on a line or circle.

Vectors are useful for proving parallelism, midpoint statements, concurrence of medians, and problems where one wants to avoid heavy angle chasing.

How to Recognise the Method

If one can put a side on the \(Ox\)-axis, another side on the \(Oy\)-axis, the centre of a circle at the origin, or a midpoint at the origin, coordinates may simplify the problem strongly.

Phrases such as “Prove perpendicularity”, “Find a length”, “The point lies on a circle”, and “Find a ratio” often point toward the dot product, the distance formula, or the equation of a circle.

Typical Mistakes

The first mistake is choosing coordinates that are too general, for instance three arbitrary points instead of \(A(0,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(C(u,v)\). The second is proving equality of lengths by using lengths themselves, when comparing squares is enough.

The third mistake is forgetting that a coordinate solution must justify the coordinate choice. If the choice does not simplify the problem, the method loses its value.

Mini-Checklist

Before calculating, ask: where should the origin be? Which axes create zero coordinates? Can lengths be replaced by squared lengths? Is there perpendicularity that can be checked by the dot product? Can a circle be written as \(x^2+y^2+ux+vy+w=0\)?

Examples

Example 1. A Good Choice of Axes

This example shows how an axis of symmetry turns a proof into one line.

Problem. In an isosceles triangle \(CA=CB\), prove that the median from \(C\) to the base \(AB\) is an altitude.

Solution.

Set \(A(-1,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(C(0,h)\). The midpoint of \(AB\) is \(M(0,0)\). Then \(CM\) is vertical and \(AB\) is horizontal, so \(CM\perp AB\).

Comment. The coordinates were chosen so that the symmetry is immediately visible.

Example 2. The Dot Product

Perpendicularity is often easier to prove by a zero dot product than by angles.

Problem. Let \(A(0,0)\), \(B(a,b)\), \(C(-b,a)\). Prove that \(AB\perp AC\) and \(AB=AC\).

Solution.

We have \(\overrightarrow{AB}=(a,b)\), \(\overrightarrow{AC}=(-b,a)\). Then \(\overrightarrow{AB}\cdot\overrightarrow{AC}=a(-b)+ba=0\), hence \(AB\perp AC\). Also, \(AB^2=a^2+b^2\) and \(AC^2=(-b)^2+a^2=a^2+b^2\), so \(AB=AC\).

Example 3. A Circle Through the Origin

If one point of the circle is the origin, the equation becomes shorter.

Problem. Find the circle through \(A(0,0)\), \(B(a,0)\), \(C(0,b)\), where \(a,b\ne 0\).

Solution.

Let the circle have equation \(x^2+y^2+ux+vy+w=0\). From \(A(0,0)\), we get \(w=0\). From \(B(a,0)\): \(a^2+ua=0\), so \(u=-a\). From \(C(0,b)\): \(b^2+vb=0\), so \(v=-b\). Hence the circle is \(x^2+y^2-ax-by=0\).

Example 4. The Midpoint of the Hypotenuse

A classical statement becomes a direct check of squared distances.

Problem. In the right triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(m,0)\), \(C(0,n)\), prove that the midpoint of the hypotenuse is equidistant from all three vertices.

Solution.

The midpoint of \(BC\) is \(M\left(\frac m2,\frac n2\right)\). Then \(MA^2=\frac{m^2+n^2}{4}\), \(MB^2=\left(\frac m2\right)^2+\left(\frac n2\right)^2\), and \(MC^2=\left(\frac m2\right)^2+\left(\frac n2\right)^2\). All three squares are equal, so \(MA=MB=MC\).

Example 5. A Ratio on a Side

Coordinates are convenient for points defined by segment ratios.

Problem. In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(6,0)\), \(C(0,6)\), let \(P(2,1)\). Lines \(AP\), \(BP\), \(CP\) meet the opposite sides at \(D,E,F\). Find the ratios \(BD:DC\), \(CE:EA\), \(AF:FB\).

Solution.

Line \(AP\) has equation \(y=\frac{x}{2}\), while \(BC\) has equation \(x+y=6\). Thus \(D(4,2)\), so \(BD:DC=1:2\). Line \(BP\) gives \(E(0,\frac32)\), hence \(CE:EA=3:1\). Line \(CP\) meets \(AB\) at \(F(\frac{12}{5},0)\), hence \(AF:FB=2:3\).

Example 6. A Vector Proof of the Midline

Vectors work especially well with midpoints.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), points \(M,N\) are the midpoints of \(AB\) and \(AC\). Prove that \(MN\parallel BC\) and \(MN=\frac12BC\).

Solution.

Denote the position vectors of \(A,B,C\) by \(a,b,c\). Then \(m=\frac{a+b}{2}\), \(n=\frac{a+c}{2}\). Therefore \(\overrightarrow{MN}=n-m=\frac{c-b}{2}=\frac12\overrightarrow{BC}\). Hence \(MN\parallel BC\) and \(MN=\frac12BC\).

Example 7. Lying on a Circle

Sometimes it is enough to substitute coordinates into the equation of a circle.

Problem. Prove that points \(A(-3,0)\), \(B(3,0)\), \(C(2,2)\), \(D(-2,2)\) lie on one circle.

Solution.

Check the circle \(x^2+\left(y+\frac14\right)^2=\frac{145}{16}\). For \(A\) and \(B\), we get \(9+\frac{1}{16}=\frac{145}{16}\). For \(C\) and \(D\), we get \(4+\left(\frac94\right)^2=4+\frac{81}{16}=\frac{145}{16}\). Thus all four points lie on one circle.

Example 8. Coordinates as a Strong Method

A general result can be proved by computation if the coordinates are chosen carefully.

Problem. In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(C(u,v)\), \(v\ne 0\), prove that the orthocenter has coordinates \(H\left(u,\frac{u(1-u)}{v}\right)\).

Solution.

The altitude from \(C\) is perpendicular to \(AB\), so it has equation \(x=u\). Line \(AC\) has direction vector \((u,v)\), so the altitude from \(B\) has direction vector \((v,-u)\). Its equation is \(y=-\frac{u}{v}(x-1)\). At \(x=u\), we get \(y=-\frac{u}{v}(u-1)=\frac{u(1-u)}{v}\). Hence \(H\left(u,\frac{u(1-u)}{v}\right)\).

Problems

Problems

#9.1
#9.1

A Coordinate Rotation

Perpendicularity Grade 8 Grade 9 ★☆☆☆☆

Let \(A(0,0)\), \(B(a,b)\), \(C(-b,a)\), where \((a,b)\ne (0,0)\). Prove that triangle \(ABC\) is right isosceles.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P001
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Perpendicularity
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.2
#9.2

A Circle with Diameter

Coordinate Method Grade 8 Grade 9 ★☆☆☆☆

Let \(A(-1,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(P(x,y)\), with \(P\ne A,B\). Prove that \(AP\perp BP\) if and only if \(x^2+y^2=1\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P002
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Coordinate Method
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.3
#9.3

Midpoint of the Hypotenuse

Distance Grade 8 Grade 9 ★☆☆☆☆

In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(m,0)\), \(C(0,n)\), where \(m,n>0\), point \(M\) is the midpoint of \(BC\). Prove that \(MA=MB=MC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P003
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Distance
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.4
#9.4

Diagonals of a Parallelogram

Parallel lines Grade 8 Grade 9 ★☆☆☆☆

Let \(A(0,0)\), \(B(u,v)\), \(D(p,q)\), \(C(u+p,v+q)\). Prove that diagonals \(AC\) and \(BD\) are bisected by the same point.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P004
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Parallel lines
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.5
#9.5

Midline by Vectors

Parallel lines Grade 8 Grade 9 ★☆☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), points \(M,N\) are the midpoints of \(AB\) and \(AC\). Prove by vectors that \(MN\parallel BC\) and \(MN=\frac12BC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P005
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Parallel lines
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.6
#9.6

Diagonals of an Isosceles Trapezoid

Quadrilateral Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

In an isosceles trapezoid, choose coordinates \(A(-a,0)\), \(B(a,0)\), \(D(-b,h)\), \(C(b,h)\), where \(a>b>0\), \(h>0\). Prove that \(AC=BD\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P006
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.7
#9.7

The Median Formula

Distance Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Let \(A(-1,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(C(u,v)\), and let \(M\) be the midpoint of \(AB\). Prove that \(CA^2+CB^2=2CM^2+2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P007
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Distance
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.8
#9.8

Coordinates of the Orthocenter

Perpendicularity Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(p,0)\), \(C(q,r)\), where \(p,r\ne 0\), find the coordinates of the orthocenter.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P008
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Perpendicularity
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.9
#9.9

Circle of a Right Triangle

Distance Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Find the equation of the circle through \(A(0,0)\), \(B(a,0)\), \(C(0,b)\), and prove that its centre is the midpoint of \(BC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P009
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Distance
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.10
#9.10

Varignon Parallelogram

Midpoint Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

In an arbitrary quadrilateral \(ABCD\), points \(P,Q,R,S\) are the midpoints of \(AB,BC,CD,DA\). Prove that \(PQRS\) is a parallelogram.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P010
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Midpoint
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.11
#9.11

Equal Ratios

Parallel lines Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(C(0,1)\), points \(P\in AB\), \(Q\in AC\) satisfy \(AP:PB=AQ:QC=m:n\). Prove that \(PQ\parallel BC\) and \(PQ:BC=m:(m+n)\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P011
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Parallel lines
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#9.12
#9.12

Euler Line with Numbers

Orthocenter Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(6,0)\), \(C(2,4)\), find the circumcenter \(O\), the orthocenter \(H\), and the centroid \(G\). Prove that \(O,G,H\) are collinear and \(OG:GH=1:2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P012
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Orthocenter
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.13
#9.13

Median or Altitude

Distance Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Let \(A(-1,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(C(u,v)\), where \(v\ne 0\), and let \(M\) be the midpoint of \(AB\). Prove that \(CM\perp AB\) if and only if \(CA=CB\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P013
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Distance
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.14
#9.14

Projection onto a Side

Ratios Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(6,0)\), \(C(2,5)\), point \(P\) is the foot of the perpendicular from \(A\) to \(BC\). Find the ratio \(BP:PC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P014
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Ratios
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.15
#9.15

A Locus by Sum of Squares

Locus Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Let \(A(-1,0)\), \(B(1,0)\). Find the locus of points \(P(x,y)\) for which \(PA^2+PB^2=10\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P015
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Locus
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.16
#9.16

An Isosceles Trapezoid Is Cyclic

Cyclic quadrilateral Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Prove that points \(A(-3,0)\), \(B(3,0)\), \(C(2,2)\), \(D(-2,2)\) lie on one circle.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P016
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Cyclic quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.17
#9.17

A Rhombus from Coordinates

Quadrilateral Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Let \(A(-a,0)\), \(B(0,b)\), \(C(a,0)\), \(D(0,-b)\), where \(a,b>0\). Prove that \(ABCD\) is a rhombus and its diagonals are perpendicular.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P017
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.18
#9.18

Three Cevians Through One Point

Ratios Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(6,0)\), \(C(0,6)\), points \(D\in BC\), \(E\in CA\), \(F\in AB\) are chosen so that \(BD:DC=1:2\), \(CE:EA=3:1\), \(AF:FB=2:3\). Prove by coordinates that lines \(AD\), \(BE\), \(CF\) are concurrent.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P018
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Ratios
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.19
#9.19

Reflection of the Orthocenter

Orthocenter Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(C(u,v)\), where \(v\ne 0\), the orthocenter is \(H\left(u,\frac{u(1-u)}{v}\right)\). Prove that the point \(H'\), the reflection of \(H\) across \(AB\), lies on the circumcircle \((ABC)\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P019
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Orthocenter
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.20
#9.20

Two Altitudes and One Circle

Cyclic quadrilateral Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(C(u,v)\), \(v\ne 0\), point \(D\) is the foot of the altitude from \(C\) to \(AB\), and \(E\) is the foot of the altitude from \(B\) to \(AC\). Prove that \(B,C,D,E\) lie on one circle.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P020
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Cyclic quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.21
#9.21

A Vector Formula for the Orthocenter

Orthocenter Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

In triangle \(A(0,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(C(u,v)\), \(v\ne 0\), let \(O\) be the circumcenter and \(H\) the orthocenter. Prove that \(\overrightarrow{OH}=\overrightarrow{OA}+\overrightarrow{OB}+\overrightarrow{OC}\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P021
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Orthocenter
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.22
#9.22

Chord Length from Distance to Centre

Distance Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

The circle \(x^2+y^2=25\) intersects the line \(3x+4y=20\) at points \(A\) and \(B\). Find the midpoint of \(AB\) and the length \(AB\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P022
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Distance
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.23
#9.23

Newton Line

Midpoint Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

In quadrilateral \(ABCD\), lines \(AB\) and \(CD\) meet at \(E\), while \(AD\) and \(BC\) meet at \(F\); assume these intersections are finite. Prove by coordinates that the midpoints of \(AC\), \(BD\), and \(EF\) lie on one line.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P023
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Midpoint
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#9.24
#9.24

The General Euler Line

Orthocenter Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

In an arbitrary triangle choose coordinates \(A(0,0)\), \(B(1,0)\), \(C(u,v)\), \(v\ne 0\). Prove that the circumcenter \(O\), centroid \(G\), and orthocenter \(H\) lie on one line, and \(OG:GH=1:2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M09-P024
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Orthocenter
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10

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