NCERT Class 10 Mathematics Mathematics: Chapter 7 — 1 Introduction
This chapter, Coordinate Geometry, introduces students to the algebraic study of geometry. It builds upon Class IX concepts of coordinate axes, abscissa, and ordinate to locate points on a plane. The chapter revisits graphical representations of linear equations and quadratic functions. A key focus is on developing tools to study geometry using algebra and vice versa. Students will learn to find the distance between two points using the distance formula and explore how to determine the coordinates of a point that divides a line segment in a given ratio. This foundational chapter is crucial for understanding various applications in science, engineering, and art.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Mathematics |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — 1 Introduction |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 763 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of coordinates and their role in locating points.
- Recall graphical representations of linear and quadratic equations.
- Learn to apply the distance formula to find the distance between two points.
- Understand the concept of dividing a line segment in a given ratio.
- Prepare for CBSE Class 10 Mathematics exams with foundational coordinate geometry concepts.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Coordinate axes | A pair of perpendicular lines (x-axis and y-axis) used to locate points on a plane. |
| Abscissa | The distance of a point from the y-axis (x-coordinate). |
| Ordinate | The distance of a point from the x-axis (y-coordinate). |
| Linear equation | An equation of the form ax + by + c = 0, which represents a straight line when graphed. |
| Parabola | The U-shaped graph of a quadratic function y = ax^2 + bx + c. |
| Distance Formula | A formula used to calculate the distance between two points in a coordinate plane. |
| Pythagoras Theorem | In a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. |
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Practice questions
- What are the coordinates of a point on the x-axis? Answer: A point on the x-axis has coordinates of the form (x, 0).
- What are the coordinates of a point on the y-axis? Answer: A point on the y-axis has coordinates of the form (0, y).
- What is the x-coordinate of a point called? Answer: The x-coordinate is also called the abscissa.
- What is the y-coordinate of a point called? Answer: The y-coordinate is also called the ordinate.
- Which theorem is used to find the distance between two points in coordinate geometry? Answer: The Pythagoras Theorem is used.
Frequently asked questions
What is coordinate geometry?
Coordinate geometry is a branch of mathematics that uses a coordinate system to represent and study geometric figures algebraically.
What are the x and y coordinates?
The x-coordinate (abscissa) is the distance of a point from the y-axis, and the y-coordinate (ordinate) is the distance of a point from the x-axis.
What is the purpose of the distance formula?
The distance formula is used to calculate the exact distance between two points in a coordinate plane.
How are linear equations represented graphically?
A linear equation in two variables, when represented graphically, gives a straight line.
What shape is the graph of y = ax^2 + bx + c?
The graph of y = ax^2 + bx + c (where a is not zero) is a parabola.
Where is coordinate geometry applied?
Coordinate geometry is widely applied in fields like physics, engineering, navigation, seismology, and art.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 10 Mathematics — Mathematics — Chapter 7 — 1 Introduction. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.