. Introduction Coordinate geometry, also called Analytical geometry is a branch of mathematics, in which curves in a plane are represented by algebraic equations. For example, the equation x , describes a circle of unit radius in the plane. Thus coordinate geometry can be seen as a branch of mathematics which interlinks algebra and geometry, where algebraic equations are represented by geometric curves.
This connection makes it possible to reformulate problems in geometry to problems in algebra and vice versa. Thus, in coordinate geometry, the algebraic equations have visual representations thereby making our understanding much deeper. For instance, the first degree equation in two variables ax by = represents a straight line in a plane. Overall, coordinate geometry is a tool to understand concepts visually and created new branches of mathematics in modern times.
Pierre de Fermat ( - ) Apollonius was born at Perga, in modern day Turkey. His greatest work was called “conics” which introduced curves like circle, parabola geometrically. He wrote six other books all related to the basics of modern day coordinate geometry . His ideas were applied to study planetary theory and solve practical problems.
He developed the sundial and contributed to other branches of science using his exceptional geometric skills. For this reason, Apollonius is hailed as “The Great Geometer” .