Locus

 
8.1  Locus
 
Definition
 

A trace or trajectory formed by a set of points in a plane or three-dimensional space satisfies certain conditions.

 
  • The shapes of two-dimensional loci can be seen in the form of straight lines, arcs and curves.
 
Example
 

The following diagram shows a pole \(MN\) and a board \(PQRS\).

 
 

\(PQRS\) is attached to \(MN\) to make it movable.

If the side \(PQ\) is rotated \(360{^\circ}\) around \(MN\), what is the three-dimensional shape formed?

 

 

The shape formed when the side \(PQ\) is rotated \(360{^\circ}\) around \(MN\) is a right cylinder.

 
  • Cylinders, spheres, cones, prisms and pyramids are examples of three-dimensional shapes.