Coordinate Geometry

How do pilots keep their aircraft on course? How are algebra and geometry related? Coordinate Geometry, also known as analytic geometry, establishes a connection between geometric curves and algebraic equations. In M154 Coordinate Geometry, you will reason and use algebra to do geometry, and use geometry to do algebra. As you learn coordinate geometry, you will investigate and make sense of conic sections, produce equations and graphs for circles, ellipses, and hyperbolas, and solve simple systems algebraically and with technology systems consisting of linear and quadratic equations. Using coordinates to answer questions about shapes in the coordinate plane will strengthen your ability to compute perimeters of polygons and areas of triangles and rectangles and to determine the equation of a line parallel or perpendicular to a given line. You will strategically use technology to explore the graphs of geometric curves and the related algebraic equations. For example, when designing an architectural arch, you might use graphing technology to manipulate an equation and see the result. Coordinate Geometry is useful for careers in a variety of fields, like computer graphics in games and films, space science, aviation, and engineering.