Analytic geometry, otherwise known as coordinate geometry or cartesian geometry, is the brainchild of Pierre de Fermat and Rene Descartes. They cleverly married algebra and geometry with their development of the cartesian plane.

The cartesian plane, the basis of analytic geometry, allows algebraic equations to be graphically represented, in a process called graphing. Analytic geometry is the study of points, curves and lines defined by algebraic expressions. Here we deal primarily with the cartesian plane, but do note that the concepts can be extended to other planes such as the Argand diagram for complex numbers.

Applications of Analytic Geometry

Mathematical applications of analytic geometry lie mainly in relating algebra and geometry. The concepts in this section are useful for solving problems such as calculus on the cartesian plane.

Analytic geometry can also be used in the practical world. One very important example is in cartography. It can be used in the location of places and points on a topographical map. The concept of longitude and latitude is also based on analytic geometry. Hence, it can also be used in navigation.