## Monthly Archives: September 2017

### Fun with Math websites: MAA

https://www.maa.org/programs/students/fun-math

cheers to MAA! 🙂

Nalin Pithwa.

### Cartesian System, Straight Lines: IITJEE Mains: Problem Solving Skills II

I have a collection of some “random”, yet what I call ‘beautiful” questions in Co-ordinate Geometry. I hope kids preparing for IITJEE Mains or KVPY or ISI Entrance Examination will also like them.

Problem 1:

Given n straight lines and a fixed point O, a straight line is drawn through O meeting lines in the points $R_{1}$, $R_{2}$, $R_{3}$, $\ldots$, $R_{n}$ and on it a point R is taken such that $\frac{n}{OR} = \frac{1}{OR_{1}} + \frac{1}{OR_{2}} + \frac{1}{OR_{3}} + \ldots + \frac{1}{OR_{n}}$

Show that the locus of R is a straight line.

Solution 1:

Let equations of the given lines be $a_{i}x+b_{i}y+c_{i}=0$, $i=1,2,\ldots, n$, and the point O be the origin $(0,0)$.

Then, the equation of the line through O can be written as $\frac{x}{\cos{\theta}} = \frac{y}{\sin{\theta}} = r$ where $\theta$ is the angle made by the line with the positive direction of x-axis and r is the distance of any point on the line from the origin O.

Let $r, r_{1}, r_{2}, \ldots, r_{n}$ be the distances of the points $R, R_{1}, R_{2}, \ldots, R_{n}$ from O which in turn $\Longrightarrow OR=r$ and $OR_{i}=r_{i}$, where $i=1,2,3 \ldots n$.

Then, coordinates of R are $(r\cos{\theta}, r\sin{\theta})$ and of $R_{i}$ are $(r_{i}\cos{\theta},r_{i}\sin{\theta})$ where $i=1,2,3, \ldots, n$.

Since $R_{i}$ lies on $a_{i}x+b_{i}y+c_{i}=0$, we can say $a_{i}r_{i}\cos{\theta}+b_{i}r_{i}\sin{\theta}+c_{i}=0$ for $i=1,2,3, \ldots, n$

$\Longrightarrow -\frac{a_{i}}{c_{i}}\cos{\theta} - \frac{b_{i}}{c_{i}}\sin{\theta} = \frac{1}{r_{i}}$, for $i=1,2,3, \ldots, n$

$\Longrightarrow \sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{1}{r_{i}}=-(\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{a_{i}}{c_{i}})\cos{\theta}-(\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{b_{i}}{c_{i}})\sin{\theta}$

$\frac{n}{r}=-(\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{a_{i}}{c_{i}})\cos{\theta}-(\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{b_{i}}{c_{i}})\sin{\theta}$ …as given…

$\Longrightarrow (\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{a_{i}}{c_{i}})r\cos{\theta}+(\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{b_{i}}{c_{i}})r\sin{\theta} + n=0$

Hence, the locus of R is $(\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{a_{i}}{c_{i}})x+(\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{b_{i}}{c_{i}})y+n=0$ which is a straight line.

Problem 2:

Determine all values of $\alpha$ for which the point $(\alpha,\alpha^{2})$ lies inside the triangle formed by the lines $2x+3y-1=0$, $x+2y-3=0$, $5x-6y-1=0$.

Solution 2:

Solving equations of the lines two at a time, we get the vertices of the given triangle as: $A(-7,5)$, $B(1/3,1/9)$ and $C(5/4, 7/8)$.

So, AB is the line $2x+3y-1=0$, AC is the line $x+2y-3=0$ and BC is the line $5x-6y-1=0$

Let $P(\alpha,\alpha^{2})$ be a point inside the triangle ABC. (please do draw it on a sheet of paper, if u want to understand this solution further.) Since A and P lie on the same side of the line $5x-6y-1=0$, both $5(-7)-6(5)-1$ and $5\alpha-6\alpha^{2}-1$ must have the same sign.

$\Longrightarrow 5\alpha-6\alpha^{2}-1<0$ or $6\alpha^{2}-5\alpha+1>0$ which in turn $\Longrightarrow (3\alpha-1)(2\alpha-1)>0$ which in turn $\Longrightarrow$ either $\alpha<1/3$ or $\alpha>1/2$….call this relation I.

Again, since B and P lie on the same side of the line $x+2y-3=0$, $(1/3)+(2/9)-3$ and $\alpha+2\alpha^{2}-3$ have the same sign.

$\Longrightarrow 2\alpha^{2}+\alpha-3<0$ and $\Longrightarrow (2\alpha+3)(\alpha-1)<0$, that is, $-3/2 <\alpha <1$…call this relation II.

Lastly, since C and P lie on the same side of the line $2x+3y-1=0$, we have $2 \times (5/4) + 3 \times (7/8) -1$ and $2\alpha+3\alpha^{2}-1$ have the same sign.

$\Longrightarrow 3\alpha^{2}+2\alpha-1>0$ that is $(3\alpha-1)(\alpha+1)>0$

$\alpha<-1$ or $\alpha>1/3$….call this relation III.

Now, relations I, II and III hold simultaneously if $-3/2 < \alpha <-1$ or $1/2<\alpha<1$.

Problem 3:

A variable straight line of slope 4 intersects the hyperbola $xy=1$ at two points. Find the locus of the point which divides the line segment between these two points in the ratio $1:2$.

Solution 3:

Let equation of the line be $y=4x+c$ where c is a parameter. It intersects the hyperbola $xy=1$ at two points, for which $x(4x+c)=1$, that is, $\Longrightarrow 4x^{2}+cx-1=0$.

Let $x_{1}$ and $x_{2}$ be the roots of the equation. Then, $x_{1}+x_{2}=-c/4$ and $x_{1}x_{2}=-1/4$. If A and B are the points of intersection of the line and the hyperbola, then the coordinates of A are $(x_{1}, \frac{1}{x_{1}})$ and that of B are $(x_{2}, \frac{1}{x_{2}})$.

Let $R(h,k)$ be the point which divides AB in the ratio $1:2$, then $h=\frac{2x_{1}+x_{2}}{3}$ and $k=\frac{\frac{2}{x_{1}}+\frac{1}{x_{2}}}{3}=\frac{2x_{2}+x_{1}}{3x_{1}x_{2}}$, that is, $\Longrightarrow 2x_{1}+x_{2}=3h$…call this equation I.

and $x_{1}+2x_{2}=3(-\frac{1}{4})k=(-\frac{3}{4})k$….call this equation II.

Adding I and II, we get $3(x_{1}+x_{2})=3(h-\frac{k}{4})$, that is,

$3(-\frac{c}{4})=3(h-\frac{k}{4}) \Longrightarrow (h-\frac{k}{4})=-\frac{c}{4}$….call this equation III.

Subtracting II from I, we get $x_{1}-x_{2}=3(h+\frac{k}{4})$

$\Longrightarrow (x_{1}-x_{2})^{2}=9(h+\frac{k}{4})^{2}$

$\Longrightarrow \frac{c^{2}}{16} + 1= 9(h+\frac{k}{4})^{2}$

$\Longrightarrow (h-\frac{k}{4})^{2}+1=9(h+\frac{k}{4})^{2}$

$\Longrightarrow h^{2}-\frac{1}{2}hk+\frac{k^{2}}{16}+1=9(h^{2}+\frac{1}{2}hk+\frac{k^{2}}{16})$

$\Longrightarrow 16h^{2}+10hk+k^{2}-2=0$

so that the locus of $R(h,k)$ is $16x^{2}+10xy+y^{2}-2=0$

More later,

Nalin Pithwa.

### Prioritize your passions and commitments, says Dr. Shawna Pandya

Kids now-a-days need counselling for a choice of career. In my humble opinion, excellence in any field of knowledge/human endeavour gives deep satisfaction as well as a means of livelihood. But, I am a mere mortal, most of my students are bright, ambitious, multi-talented and hard-working. I would like to present to them the views of one of my “idols”, though not a mathematician…

Dr. Shawna Pandya:

http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/introducing-dr-shawna-pandya-the-third-indian-origin-astronaut-to-go-into-space-271207.html

Hats off to Dr. Shawna Pandya, belated though from me…:-)

— Nalin Pithwa.

### Cartesian system and straight lines: IITJEE Mains: Problem solving skills

Problem 1:

The line joining $A(b\cos{\alpha},b\sin{\alpha})$ and $B(a\cos{\beta},a\sin{\beta})$ is produced to the point $M(x,y)$ so that $AM:MB=b:a$, then find the value of $x\cos{\frac{\alpha+\beta}{2}}+y\sin{\frac{\alpha+\beta}{2}}$.

Solution 1:

As M divides AB externally in the ratio $b:a$, we have $x=\frac{b(a\cos{\beta})-a(b\cos{\alpha})}{b-a}$ and $y=\frac{b(a\sin{\beta})-a(b\sin{\alpha})}{b-a}$ which in turn

$\Longrightarrow \frac{x}{y} = \frac{\cos{\beta}-cos{\alpha}}{\sin{\beta}-\sin{\alpha}}$

$= \frac{2\sin{\frac{\alpha+\beta}{2}}\sin{\frac{\alpha-\beta}{2}}}{2\cos{\frac{\alpha+\beta}{2}}\sin{\frac{\beta-\alpha}{2}}}$

$\Longrightarrow x\cos{\frac{\alpha+\beta}{2}}+y\sin{\frac{\alpha+\beta}{2}}=0$

Problem 2:

If the circumcentre of a triangle lies at the origin and the centroid in the middle point of the line joining the points $(a^{2}+1,a^{2}+1)$ and $(2a,-2a)$, then where does the orthocentre lie?

Solution 2:

From plane geometry, we know that the circumcentre, centroid and orthocentre of a triangle lie on a line. So, the orthocentre of the triangle lies on the line joining the circumcentre $(0,0)$ and the centroid $(\frac{(a+1)^{2}}{2},\frac{(a-1)^{2}}{2})$, that is, $y.\frac{(a+1)^{2}}{2} = x.\frac{(a-1)^{2}}{2}$, or $(a-1)^{2}x-(a+1)^{2}y=0$. That is, the orthocentre lies on this line.

Problem 3:

If a, b, c are unequal and different from 1 such that the points $(\frac{a^{3}}{a-1},\frac{a^{2}-3}{a-1})$, $(\frac{b^{3}}{b-1},\frac{b^{2}-3}{b-1})$ and $(\frac{c^{3}}{c-1},\frac{c^{2}-3}{c-1})$ are collinear, then which of the following option is true?

a: $bc+ca+ab+abc=0$

b: $a+b+c=abc$

c: $bc+ca+ab=abc$

d: $bc+ca+ab-abc=3(a+b+c)$

Solution 3:

Suppose the given points lie on the line $lx+my+n=0$ then a, b, c are the roots of the equation :

$lt^{3}+m(t^{2}-3)+n(t-1)=0$, or

$lt^{3}+mt^{2}+nt-(3m+n)=0$

$\Longrightarrow a+b+c=-\frac{m}{l}$ and $ab+bc+ca=\frac{n}{l}$, that is, $abc=(3m+n)/l$

Eliminating l, m, n, we get $abc=-3(a+b+c)+bc+ca+ab$

$\Longrightarrow bc+ca+ab-abc=3(a+b+c)$, that is, option (d) is the answer.

Problem 4:

If $p, x_{1}, x_{2}, \ldots, x_{i}, \ldots$ and $q, y_{1}, y_{2}, \ldots, y_{i}, \ldots$ are in A.P., with common difference a and b respectively, then on which line does the centre of mean position of the points $A_{i}(x_{i},y_{i})$ with $i=1,2,3 \ldots, n$ lie?

Solution 4:

Note: Centre of Mean Position is $(\frac{\sum{xi}}{n},\frac{\sum {yi}}{n})$.

Let the coordinates of the centre of mean position of the points $A_{i}$, $i=1,2,3, \ldots,n$ be $(x,y)$ then

$x=\frac{x_{1}+x_{2}+x_{3}+\ldots + x_{n}}{n}$ and $y=\frac{y_{1}+y_{2}+\ldots + y_{n}}{n}$

$\Longrightarrow x = \frac{np+a(1+2+\ldots+n)}{n}$, $y=\frac{nq+b(1+2+\ldots+n)}{n}$

$\Longrightarrow x=p+ \frac{n(n+1)}{2n}a$ and $y=q+ \frac{n(n+1)}{2n}b$

$\Longrightarrow x=p+\frac{n+1}{2}a$, and $y=q+\frac{n+1}{2}b$

$\Longrightarrow 2\frac{(x-p)}{a}=2\frac{(y-q)}{b} \Longrightarrow bx-ay=bp-aq$, that is, the CM lies on this line.

Problem 5:

The line L has intercepts a and b on the coordinate axes. The coordinate axes are rotated through a fixed angle, keeping the origin fixed. If p and q are the intercepts of the line L on the new axes, then what is the value of $\frac{1}{a^{2}} - \frac{1}{p^{2}} + \frac{1}{b^{2}} - \frac{1}{q^{2}}$?

Solution 5:

Equation of the line L in the two coordinate systems is $\frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b}=1$, and $\frac{X}{p} + \frac{Y}{q}=1$ where $(X,Y)$ are the new coordinate of a point $(x,y)$ when the axes are rotated through a fixed angle, keeping the origin fixed. As the length of the perpendicular from the origin has not changed.

$\frac{1}{\sqrt{\frac{1}{a^{2}}+\frac{1}{b^{2}}}}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{\frac{1}{p^{2}} + \frac{1}{q^{2}}}}$

$\Longrightarrow \frac{1}{a^{2}} + \frac{1}{b^{2}} = \frac{1}{p^{2}} + \frac{1}{q^{2}}$

or $\frac{1}{a^{2}} - \frac{1}{p^{2}} + \frac{1}{b^{2}} - \frac{1}{q^{2}}=0$. So, the value is zero.

Problem 6:

Let O be the origin, $A(1,0)$ and $B(0,1)$ and $P(x,y)$ are points such that $xy>0$ and $x+y<1$, then which of the following options is true:

a: P lies either inside the triangle OAB or in the third quadrant

b: P cannot lie inside the triangle OAB

c: P lies inside the triangle OAB

d: P lies in the first quadrant only.

Solution 6:

Since $xy>0$, P either lies in the first quadrant or in the third quadrant. The inequality $x+y<1$ represents all points below the line $x+y=1$. So that $xy>0$ and $x+y<1$ imply that either P lies inside the triangle OAB or in the third quadrant.

Problem 7:

An equation of a line through the point $(1,2)$ whose distance from the point $A(3,1)$ has the greatest value is :

option i: $y=2x$

option ii: $y=x+1$

option iii: $x+2y=5$

option iv: $y=3x-1$

Solution 7:

Let the equation of the line through $(1,2)$ be $y-2=m(x-1)$. If p denotes the length of the perpendicular from $(3,1)$ on this line, then $p=|\frac{2m+1}{\sqrt{m^{2}+1}}|$

$\Longrightarrow p^{2}=\sqrt{\frac{4m^{2}+4m+1}{m^{2}+1}}=4+ \frac{4m-3}{m^{2}+1}=s$, say

then $p^{2}$ is greatest if and only if s is greatest.

Now, $\frac{ds}{dm} = \frac{(m^{2}+1)(4)-2m(4m-3)}{(m^{2}+1)^{2}} = \frac{-2(2m-1)(m-2)}{(m^{2}+1)^{2}}$

$\frac{ds}{dm} = 0$ so that $\Longrightarrow m = \frac{1}{2}, 2$. Also, $\frac{ds}{dm}<0$, if $m<\frac{1}{2}$, and

$\frac{ds}{dm} >0$, if $1/2

and $\frac{ds}{dm} <0$, if $m>2$. So s is greatest for $m=2$. And, thus, the equation of the required line is $y=2x$.

Problem 8:

The points $A(-4,-1)$, $B(-2,-4)$, Slatex C(4,0)$and $D(2,3)$ are the vertices of a : option a: parallelogram option b: rectangle option c: rhombus option d: square. Note: more than one option may be right. Please mark all that are right. Solution 8: Mid-point of AC = $(\frac{-4+4}{2},\frac{-1+0}{2})=(0, \frac{-1}{2})$ Mid-point of BD = $(\frac{-2+2}{2},\frac{-4+3}{2})=(0,\frac{-1}{2})$ $\Longrightarrow$ the diagonals AC and BD bisect each other. $\Longrightarrow$ ABCD is a parallelogram. Next, $AC= \sqrt{(-4-4)^{2}+(-1+0)^{2}}=\sqrt{64+1}=\sqrt{65}$ and $BD=\sqrt{(-2-2)^{2}+(-4+3)^{2}}=\sqrt{16+49}=\sqrt{65}$ and since the diagonals are also equal, it is a rectangle. As $AB=\sqrt{(-4+2)^{2}+(-1+4)^{2}}=\sqrt{13}$ and $BC=\sqrt{(-2-4)^{2}+(-4)^{2}}=\sqrt{36+16}=sqrt{52}$, the adjacent sides are not equal and hence, it is neither a rhombus nor a square. Problem 9: Equations $(b-c)x+(c-a)y+(a-b)=0$ and $(b^{3}-c^{3})x+(c^{3}-a^{3})y+a^{3}-b^{3}=0$ will represent the same line if option i: $b=c$ option ii: $c=a$ option iii: $a=b$ option iv: $a+b+c=0$ Solution 9: The two lines will be identical if there exists some real number k, such that $b^{3}-c^{3}=k(b-c)$, and $c^{3}-a^{3}=k(c-a)$, and $a^{3}-b^{3}=k(a-b)$. $\Longrightarrow b-c=0$ or $b^{2}+c^{2}+bc=k$ $\Longrightarrow c-a=0$ or $c^{2}+a^{2}+ac=k$, and $\Longrightarrow a-b=0$ or $a^{2}+b^{2}+ab=k$ That is, $b=c$ or $c=a$, or $a=b$. Next, $b^{2}+c^{2}+bc=c^{2}+a^{2}+ca \Longrightarrow b^{2}-a^{2}=c(a-b)$. Hence, $a=b$, or $a+b+c=0$. Problem 10: The circumcentre of a triangle with vertices $A(a,a\tan{\alpha})$, $B(b, b\tan{\beta})$ and $C(c, c\tan{\gamma})$ lies at the origin, where $0<\alpha, \beta, \gamma < \frac{\pi}{2}$ and $\alpha + \beta + \gamma = \pi$. Show that it’s orthocentre lies on the line $4\cos{\frac{\alpha}{2}}\cos{\frac{\beta}{2}}\cos{\frac{\gamma}{2}}x-4\sin{\frac{\alpha}{2}}\sin{\frac{\beta}{2}}\sin{\frac{\gamma}{2}}y=y$ Solution 10: As the circumcentre of the triangle is at the origin O, we have $OA=OB=OC=r$, where r is the radius of the circumcircle. Hence, $OA^{2}=r^{2} \Longrightarrow a^{2}+a^{2}\tan^{2}{\alpha}=r^{2} \Longrightarrow a = r\cos{\alpha}$ Therefore, the coordinates of A are $(r\cos{\alpha},r\sin{\alpha})$. Similarly, the coordinates of B are $(r\cos{\beta},r\sin{\beta})$ and those of C are $(r\cos{\gamma},r\sin{\gamma})$. Thus, the coordinates of the centroid G of $\triangle ABC$ are $(\frac{1}{3}r(\cos{\alpha}+\cos{\beta}+\cos{\gamma}),\frac{1}{3}r(\sin{\alpha}+\sin{\beta}+\sin{\gamma}))$. Now, if $P(h,k)$ is the orthocentre of $\triangle ABC$, then from geometry, the circumcentre, centroid, and the orthocentre of a triangle lie on a line, and the slope of OG equals the slope of OP. Hence, $\frac{\sin{\alpha}+\sin{\beta}+\sin{\gamma}}{\cos{\alpha}+\cos{\beta}+\cos{\gamma}}=\frac{k}{h}$ $\Longrightarrow \frac{4\cos{(\frac{\alpha}{2})}\cos{(\frac{\beta}{2})}\cos{(\frac{\gamma}{2})}}{1+4\sin{(\frac{\alpha}{2})}\sin{(\frac{\beta}{2})}\sin{(\frac{\gamma}{2})}}= \frac{k}{h}$ because $\alpha+\beta+\gamma=\pi$. Hence, the orthocentre $P(h,k)$ lies on the line $4\cos{(\frac{\alpha}{2})}\cos{(\frac{\beta}{2})}\cos{(\frac{\gamma}{2})}x-4\sin{(\frac{}{})}\sin{(\frac{\beta}{2})}\sin{(\frac{\gamma}{2})}y=y$. Hope this gives an assorted flavour. More stuff later, Nalin Pithwa. ### Frenchmen and mathematics ! :-) :-) :-) Mathematicians are like Frenchmen: whatever you tell to them they translate in their own language and forthwith it is something entirely different. — GOETHE. 🙂 🙂 🙂 ### Cartesian System of Rectangular Co-ordinates and Straight Lines: Basics for IITJEE Mains I. Results regarding points in a plane: 1a) Distance Formula: The distance between two points $P(x_{1},y_{1})$ and $Q(x_{2},y_{2})$ is given by $PQ=\sqrt{(x_{1}-x_{2})^{2}+(y_{1}-y_{2})^{2}}$. The distance from the origin $O(0,0)$ to the point $P(x_{1},y_{1})$ is $OP=\sqrt{x_{1}^{2}+y_{1}^{2}}$. 1b) Section Formula: If $R(x,y)$ divides the join of $P(x_{1},y_{1})$ and $Q(x_{2},y_{2})$ in the ratio $m:n$ with $m>0, n>0, m \neq n$, then $x = \frac{mx_{2} \pm nx_{1}}{m \pm n}$, and $y = \frac{my_{2} \pm ny_{1}}{m \pm n}$ The positive sign is taken for internal division and the negative sign for external division. The mid-point of $P(x_{1},y_{1})$ and $Q(x_{2},y_{2})$ is $(\frac{x_{1}+x_{2}}{2}, \frac{y_{1}+y_{2}}{2})$ which corresponds to internal division, when $m=n$. Note that for external division $m \neq n$. 1c) Centroid of a triangle: If $G(x,y)$ is the centroid of the triangle with vertices $A(x_{1},y_{1})$, $B(x_{2},y_{2})$ and $C(x_{3},y_{3})$ then $x=\frac{x_{1}+x_{2}+x_{3}}{3}$ and $y=\frac{y_{1}+y_{2}+y_{3}}{3}$ 1d) Incentre of a triangle: If $I(x,y)$ is the incentre of the triangle with vertices $A(x_{1},y_{1})$, $B(x_{2},y_{2})$, and $C(x_{3},y_{3})$, then $x=\frac{ax_{1}+bx_{2}+cx_{3}}{a+b+c}$, $y=\frac{ay_{1}+by_{2}+cy_{3}}{a+b+c}$, a, b and c being the lengths of the sides BC, CA and AB, respectively of the triangle ABC. 1e) Area of triangle: ABC with vertices $A(x_{1},y_{1})$, $B(x_{2},y_{2})$, and $C(x_{3},y_{3})$ is $\frac{1}{2}\left|\begin{array}{ccc} x_{1} & y_{1} & 1 \\ x_{2} & y_{2} & 1 \\ x_{3} & y_{3} & 1 \end{array}\right|=\frac{1}{2}[x_{1}(y_{2}-y_{3})+x_{2}(y_{3}-y_{1})+x_{3}(y_{1}-y_{2})]$, and is generally denoted by $\triangle$. Note that if one of the vertex $(x_{3},y_{3})$ is at $O(0,0)$, then $\triangle = \frac{1}{2}|x_{1}y_{2}-x_{2}y_{1}|$. Note: When A, B, and C are taken as vertices of a triangle, it is assumed that they are not collinear. 1f) Condition of collinearity: Three points $A(x_{1},y_{1})$, $B(x_{2},y_{2})$, and $C(x_{3},y_{3})$ are collinear if and only if $\left | \begin{array}{ccc} x_{1} & y_{1} & 1 \\ x_{2} & y_{2} & 1 \\ x_{3} & y_{3} & 1 \end{array} \right |=0$ 1g) Slope of a line: Let $A(x_{1},y_{1})$ and $B(x_{2},y_{2})$ with $x_{1} \neq x_{2}$ be any two points. Then, the slope of the line joining A and B is defined as $m = \frac{y_{2}-y_{1}}{x_{2}-x_{1}} = \tan{\theta}$ where $\theta$ is the angle which the line makes with the positive direction of the x-axis, $0 \deg \leq \theta \leq 180 \deg$, except at $\theta=90 \deg$. Which is possible only if $x_{1}=x_{2}$ and the line is parallel to the y-axis. 1h) Condition for the points $Z_{k}=x_{k}+iy_{k}$, $(k=1,2,3)$ to form an equilateral triangle is $Z_{1}^{2}+Z_{2}^{2}+Z_{3}^{2}=Z_{1}Z_{2}+Z_{2}Z_{3}+Z_{3}Z_{1}$ II) Standard Forms of the Equation of a Line: 1. An equation of a line parallel to the x-axis is $y=k$ and that of the x-axis itself is $y=0$. 2. An equation of a line parallel to the y-axis is $x=h$ and that of the y-axis itself is $x=0$. 3. An equation of a line passing through the origin and (a) making an angle $\theta$ with the positive direction of the x-axis is $y=x\tan{\theta}$, and (b) having a slope m is $y=mx$, and (c) passing through the point $x_{1}y=y_{1}x$. 4. Slope-intercept form: An equation of a line with slope m and making an intercept c on the y-axis is $y=mx+c$. 5. Point-slope form: An equation of a line with slope m and passing through $(x_{1},y_{1})$ is $y-y_{1}=x-x_{1}$. 6. Two-point form: An equation of a line passing through the points $(x_{1},y_{1})$ and $(x_{2},y_{2})$ is $\frac{y-y_{1}}{y_{2}-y_{1}} = \frac{x-x_{1}}{x_{2}-x_{1}}$. 7. Intercept form: An equation of a line making intercepts a and b on the x-axis and y-axis respectively, is $\frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b}=1$. 8. Parametric form: An equation of a line passing through a fixed point $A(x_{1},y_{1})$ and making an angle $\theta$ with $0 \leq \theta \leq \pi$ with $\theta \neq \pi/2$ with the positive direction of the x-axis is $\frac{x-x_{1}}{\cos{\theta}}= \frac{y-y_{1}}{\sin{\theta}} = r$ where r is the distance of any point $P(x,y)$ on the line from the point $A(x_{1},y_{1})$. Note that $x=x_{1}+r\cos{\theta}$ and $y=y_{1}+r\sin{\theta}$. 9. Normal form: An equation of a line such that the length of the perpendicular from the origin on it is p and the angle which this perpendicular makes with the positive direction of the x-axis is $\alpha$, is $x\cos{\alpha}+y\sin{\alpha}=p$. 10. General form: In general, an equation of a straight line is of the form $ax+by+c=0$, where a, b, and c are real numbers and a and b cannot both be zero simultaneously. From this general form of the equation of the line, we can calculate the following: (i) the slope is $-\frac{a}{b}$ (ii) the intercept on the x-axis is $-\frac{c}{a}$ with $a \neq 0$ and the intercept on the y-axis is $-\frac{c}{b}$ with $b \neq 0$ (iii) $p=\frac{|c|}{\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}}$ and $\cos{\alpha} = \pm \frac{|a|}{\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}}$ and $\sin{\alpha}=\pm \frac{|b|}{\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}}$, the positive sign being taken if c is negative and vice-versa (iv) If $p_{1}$ denotes the length of the perpendicular from $(x_{1},y_{1})$ on this line, then $p_{1}=\frac{|ax_{1}+by_{1}+c|}{|\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}|}$ and (v) the points $(x_{1},y_{1})$ and $(x_{2},y_{2})$ lie on the same side of the line if the expressions $ax_{1}+by_{1}+c$ and $ax_{2}+by_{2}+c$ have the same sign, and on the opposite side if they have the opposite signs. III) Some results for two or more lines: 1. Two lines given by the equations $ax+by+c=0$ and $a^{'}x+b^{'}y+c^{'}=0$ are • parallel (that is, their slopes are equal) if $ab^{'}=a^{'}b$ • perpendicular (that is, the product of their slopes is -1) if $aa^{'}+bb^{'}=0$ • identical if $ab^{'}c^{'}=a^{'}b^{'}c=a^{'}c^{'}b$ • not parallel, then • angle $\theta$ between them at their point of intersection is given by $\tan{\theta}= \pm \frac{m-m^{'}}{1+mm^{'}} = \pm \frac{a^{'}b-ab^{'}}{aa^{'}+bb^{'}}$ where $m, m^{'}$ being the slopes of the two lines. • the coordinates of their points of intersection are $(\frac{bc^{'}-c^{'}b}{ab^{'}-a^{'}b}, \frac{ca^{'}-c^{'}a}{ab^{'}-a^{'}b})$ • An equation of any line through their point of intersection is $(ax+by+c) + \lambda (a^{'}x+b^{'}y+c^{'})=0$ where $\lambda$ is a real number. 2. An equation of a line parallel to the line $ax+by+c=0$ is $ax+by+c^{'}=0$, and the distance between these lines is $\frac{|c-c^{'}|}{\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}}$ 3. The three lines $a_{1}x+b_{1}y+c_{1}=0$, $a_{2}x+b_{2}y+c_{2}=0$ and $a_{3}x+b_{3}y+c_{3}=0$ are concurrent (intersect at a point) if and only if $\left | \begin{array}{ccc} a_{1} & b_{1} & c_{1}\\ a_{2} & b_{2} & c_{2} \\ a_{3} & b_{3} & c_{3} \end{array} \right|=0$ 4. Equations of the bisectors of the angles between two intersecting lines $ax+by+c=0$ and $a^{'}x+b^{'}y+c^{'}=0$ are $\frac{ax+by+c}{\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}}=\pm \frac{a^{'}x+b^{'}y+c^{'}}{\sqrt{a^{'2}+b^{'2}}}$. Any point on the bisectors is equidistant from the given lines. If $\phi$ is the angle between one of the bisectors and one of the lines $ax+by+c=0$ such that $|\tan{\phi}|<1$, that is, $-\frac{\pi}{4} < \phi < \frac{\pi}{4}$, then that bisector bisects the acute angle between the two lines, that is, it is the acute angle bisector of the two lines. The other equation then represents the obtuse angle bisector between the two lines. 5. Equations of the lines through $(x_{1},y_{1})$ and making an angle $\phi$ with the line $ax+by+c=0$, $b \neq 0$ are $y-y_{1}=m_{1}(x-x_{1})$ where $m_{1}=\frac{\tan{\theta}-\tan{\phi}}{1+\tan{\theta}\tan{\phi}}$ and $y-y_{1}=m_{2}(x-x_{1})$ where $m_{2}=\frac{\tan{\theta}+\tan{\phi}}{1-\tan{\theta}\tan{\phi}}$ where $\tan{\theta}=-\frac{a}{b}$ is the slope of the given line. Note that $m_{1}=\tan{(\theta-\phi)}$ and $m_{2}=\tan{(\theta + \phi)}$ and when $b=0$, $\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}$. IV) Some Useful Points: To show that A, B, C, D are the vertices of a 1. parallelogram: show that the diagonals AC and BD bisect each other. 2. rhombus: show that the diagonals AC and BD bisect each other and a pair of adjacent sides, say, AB and BC are equal. 3. square: show that the diagonals AC and BD are equal and bisect each other, a pair of adjacent sides, say AB and BC are equal. 4. rectangle: show that the diagonals AC and BD are equal and bisect each other. V) Locus of a point: To obtain the equation of a set of points satisfying some given condition(s) called locus, proceed as follows: • Let $P(h,k)$ be any point on the locus. • Write the given condition involving h and k and simplify. If possible, draw a figure. • Eliminate the unknowns, if any. • Replace h by x and k by y and obtain an equation in terms of $(x,y)$ and the known quantities. This is the required locus. VI) Change of Axes: 1. Rotation of Axes: if the axes are rotated through an angle $\theta$ in the anti-clockwise direction keeping the origin fixed, then the coordinates $(X,Y)$ of a point $P(x,y)$ with respect to the new system of coordinates are given by $X=x\cos{\theta}+y\sin{\theta}$ and $Y=y\cos{\theta}-x\sin{\theta}$. 2. Translation of Axes: the shifting of origin of axes without rotation of axes is called translation of axes. If the origin $(0,0)$ is shifted to the point $(h,k)$ without rotation of the axes then the coordinates $(X,Y)$ of a point $P(x,y)$ with respect to the new system of coordinates are given by $X=x-h$ and $Y=y-k$. I hope to present some solved sample problems with solutions soon. Nalin Pithwa. ### Whether engineering by day or origami by night — its math ### Conics: Homework for IITJEE Mains: Hausaufgabe Grundlagen konischen! Aber das ist English ! 🙂 Question 1: Find the equation to that tangent to the parabola $y^{2}=7x$ which is parallel to the straight line $4y-x+3=0$. Find also its point of contact. Question 2: If P, Q and R are three points on the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$ whose coordinates are in geometric progression, prove that the tangents at P and R meet on the ordinate of Q. Question 3: $PNP^{'}$ is a double ordinate of the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$. Prove that the locus of the point of intersection of the normal at P and straight line through $P^{'}$ parallel to the axis is the parabola $y^{2}=4a(x-4a)$. Question 4: Show that in a parabola, the length of the focal chord varies inversely as the square of the distance of the vertex of the parabola from the focal chord. Question 5: Prove that the equation $y^{2}+2ax+2by+c=0$ represents a parabola whose axis is parallel to the x-axis.. Find its vertex. Question 6: If the line $y=3x+1$ touches the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$, find the length of the latus rectum. Question 7a: Prove that the circle described on any focal chord of a parabola as the diameter touches the directrix of the parabola. Question 7b: Show that the locus of the point, such that two of the normals drawn from it to the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$ coincide is $27ay^{2}=4(x-2a)^{3}$. Question 7c: If the normals at three points A, B and C on the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$ pass through the point $S(h,k)$ and cut the axis of the parabola in P, Q and R so that OP, OQ, OR are in AP, O being the vertex of the parabola, prove that the locus of the point S is $27ay^{}2=2(x-2a)^{2}$. Question 8: If P, Q and R be three conormal points on the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$, the normals at which pass through the point T, and S is the focus of the parabola, then prove that $SP.SQ.SR=a.ST^{2}$ Question 9: The tangents at P and Q to the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$ meet in T and the corresponding normals meet in R. If the locus of T is a straight line parallel to the axis of the parabola, prove that the locus of R is a straight line normal to the parabola. Question 10a: A variable chord PQ of the parabola $y^{2}=4x$ is drawn parallel to the line $y=x$. If the parameters of the points P and Q on the parabola be $t_{1}$ and $t_{2}$, then $t_{1}+t_{2}=2$. Also, show that the locus of the point of intersection of the normals at P and Q is $2x-y=12$, which is itself a normal to the parabola. Question 10b: PQ is a chord of the parabola $y^{2}=36x$ whose right bisector meets the axis in M and the ordinate of the mid-point of PQ meets the axis in L. Show that LM is constant and find LM. Question 11: Prove that the locus of a point P such that the slopes $m_{1}$, $m_{2}$, $m_{3}$ of the three normals drawn to the parabola $y^{2}=4x$ from P be connected by the relation $\arctan{m_{1}^{2}}+\arctan{m_{2}^{2}} + \arctan{m_{3}^{2}=\alpha}$ is $x^{2}\tan{\alpha}-y^{2}+2(1-2\tan{\alpha})x+(3\tan{\alpha}-4)=0$. Question 12a: If the perpendicular drawn from P on the polar of P with respect to the parabola, $y^{2}=4by$, prove that the locus of P is the straight line $2ax+by+4a^{2}=0$. Question 12b: Prove that the locus of the poles of the tangent to the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$ w.r.t. the circle $x^{2}+y^{2}=2ax$ is $x^{2}+y^{2}=ax$. Question 13: Tangents are drawn to the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$ at the points P and Q whose inclination to the axis are $\theta_{1}$, $\theta_{2}$. If A be the vertex of the parabola and the circles on AP and AQ as diameters intersect in R and AR be inclined at an angle $\phi$ to the axis, then prove that $\cot{\theta_{1}}+\cot_{\theta_{2}}+2\tan_{\phi}=0$. Question 14: Through the vertex O of a parabola $y^{2}=4x$ chords OP and OQ are drawn at right angles to one another. Prove that for all positions of P, PQ cuts the axis of the parabola at a fixed point. Also, find the locus of the middle point of PQ. Question 15a: Prove that the area of a triangle inscribed in a parabola is twice the area of the triangle formed by the tangents at the vertices of the triangle. Question 15b: Normals are drawn to the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$ at points A, B, and C whose parameter are $t_{1}$, $t_{2}$, $t_{3}$ respectively. If these normals enclose a triangle PQR, then prove that its area is $\frac{a^{2}}{2}(t_{1}-t_{2})(t_{2}-t_{3})(t_{3}-t_{1})(t_{1}+t_{2}+t_{3})^{2}$. Also, prove that $\triangle PQR=\triangle ABC (t_{1}+t_{2}+t_{3})^{2}$. Question 16: Find the locus of the middle points of the chords of the ellipse $(\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}})+(\frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}})=1$ which are drawn through the positive end of the minor axis. Question 17: Prove that the sum of the squares of the perpendiculars on any tangent to the ellipse $(\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}})+(\frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}})=1$ from the points on the minor axis, each at a distance $\sqrt{a^{2}-b^{2}}$ from the centre, is $2a^{2}$. Question 18: If $P(a\cos{\alpha}, b\sin{\alpha})$ and $Q(a\cos{\beta}, b\sin{\beta})$ are two variable points on the ellipse $(\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}})+(\frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}})=1$ such that $\alpha+\beta=2\gamma$ (some constant), then prove that the tangent at $(a\cos{\gamma},b\sin{\gamma})$ is parallel to PQ. Question 19: P is a variable point on the ellipse $\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}} + \frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}}=1$ whose foci are the points $S_{1}, S_{2}$, and the eccentricity is e. Prove that the locus of incentre of $\triangle PS_{1}S_{2}$ is an ellipse whose eccentricity is $\sqrt{\frac{2e}{1+e}}$. Question 20: Consider the family of circles $x^{2}+y^{2}=r^{2}$, $2. If in the first quadrant, the common tangent to a circle of this family and the ellipse $4x^{2}+25y^{2}=100$ meets the coordinate axes at A and B, then find the equation of the locus of the mid-point of AB. Question 21: Let P be a point on the ellipse $\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}} + \frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}}=1$, $0. Let the line parallel to y-axis passing through P meet the circle $x^{2}+y^{2}=a^{2}$ at the point Q such that P and Q are on the same side of the x-axis. For two positive real numbers, r and s, find the locus of the point R on PQ such that $PR:RQ=r:s$ as P varies over the ellipse. Question 22: If the eccentric angles of points P and Q on the ellipse be $\theta$ and $\frac{\pi}{2} + \theta$ and $\alpha$ be the angle between the normals at P and Q, then prove that the eccentricity e is given by $2\sqrt{1-e^{2}}=e^{2}=e^{2}\sin^{2}{2\theta}\tan{\alpha}$. Question 23: A series of hyperbolas are such that the length of their transverse axis is 2a. Prove that the locus of a point P on each, such that its distance from transverse axis is equal to its distance from an asymptote is the curve: $(x^{2}-y^{2})^{2}=4x^{2}(x^{2}-a^{2})$. Question 24: A variable line of slope 4 intersects the hyperbola $xy=1$ at two points. Find the locus of the point which divides the line segment between these two points in the ratio 1:2. Question 25: If the tangent at the point $(p,q)$ on the hyperbola $\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}} - \frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}}=1$ cuts the auxillary circle in points whose coordinates are $y_{1}$ and $y_{2}$, then show that q is harmonic mean of $y_{1}$ and $y_{2}$. Question 26: Show that the locus of poles with respect to the parabola $y^{2}=4ax$ of the tangents to the hyperbola $x^{2}-y^{2}=a^{2}$ to the ellipse $4x^{2}+y^{2}=4a^{2}$. Question 27: The point P on the hyperbola with focus S is such that the tangent at P, the latus rectum through S and one asymptote are concurrent. Prove that SP is parallel to other asymptote. Question 28: If a triangle is inscribed in a rectangular hyperbola, prove that the orthocentre of the triangle lies on the curve. Question 29: A series of chords of the hyperbola $\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}} - \frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}}=1$ touch the circle on the line joining the foci as diameter. Show that the locus of the poles of these chords with respect to the hyperbola is $\frac{x^{2}}{a^{4}} - \frac{y^{2}}{b^{4}} = \frac{1}{a^{2}+b^{2}}$. Question 30: Prove that the chord of the hyperbola which touches the conjugate hyperbola is bisected at the point of contact. Cheers, Nalin Pithwa. ### Conics: Co-ordinate Geometry for IITJEE Mains: Basics 6 Question 1: Find the locus of the point of intersection of tangents to the ellipse $\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}} + \frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}} = 1$, which are at right angles. Solution 1: Any tangent to the ellipse is $y=mx + \sqrt{a^{2}m^{2}+b^{2}}$ …call this equation I. Equation of the tangent perpendicular to this tangent is $y=-\frac{1}{m}x + \sqrt{\frac{a^{2}}{m^{2}}+b^{2}}$…call this Equation II. The locus of the point of intersection of I and II is obtained by eliminating m between these equations. Squaring and adding we get: $(y-mx)^{2}+(my+x)^{2}=a^{2}m^{2}+b^{2}+a^{2}+b^{2}m^{2}$ $\Longrightarrow (1+m^{2})(x^{2}+y^{2})=(1+m^{2})(a^{2}+b^{2})$ $\Longrightarrow x^{2}+y^{2}=a^{2}+b^{2}$ which is a circle with its centre at the centre of the ellipse and radius equal to the length of the line joining the ends of the major and minor axis. This circle is called the director circle of the ellipse. 🙂 Question 2: A tangent to the ellipse $x^{2}+4y^{2}=4$ meets the ellipse $x^{2}+2y^{2}=6$ at P and Q. Prove that the tangents at P and Q of the ellipse $x^{2}+2y^{2}=6$ are at right angles. Solution 2: Let the tangent at $R(2\cos{\theta}, \sin{\theta})$ to the ellipse $x^{2}+4y^{2}=4$ (equation I) meet the ellipse $x^{2}+2y^{2}=6$ (equation II) at P and Q. Let the tangents at P and Q to II intersect at the point $S(\alpha, \beta)$. Then, PQ is the chord of contact of the point $S(\alpha, \beta)$ with respect to II and so its equation is $\alpha x + 2\beta y =6$ ( Equation III). PQ is also the tangent at $R(2\cos{\theta},\sin{\theta})$ to I and so its equation can be written as $(2\cos{\theta})x+(4\sin{\theta})y=4$ (Equation IV) Comparing III and IV, we get $\frac{2\cos{\theta}}{\alpha} = \frac{4\sin{\theta}}{2\beta} = \frac{4}{6}$ $\Longrightarrow \cos{\theta}=\frac{\alpha}{3}$, $\sin{\theta}=\frac{\beta}{3}$ $\Longrightarrow \frac{\alpha^{2}}{9} + \frac{\beta^{2}}{9} =1$, $\Longrightarrow \alpha^{2}+\beta^{2}=9$, the locus of $S(\alpha, \beta)$ is $x^{2}+y^{2}=9$ or $x^{2}+y^{2}=6+3$, which is the director circle of the ellipse II. Hence, the tangents at P and Q to the ellipse II are at right angles (using the previous example). 🙂 Question 3: Let d be the perpendicular distance from the centre of the ellipse $\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}} + \frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}} =1$ to the tangent drawn at a point P on the ellipse. If $F_{1}$ and $F_{2}$ are the two foci of the ellipse, then prove that $(PF_{1}-PF_{2})^{2}=4a^{2}(1-\frac{b^{2}}{a^{2}})$. Solution 3: Equation of the tangent at the point $P(a\cos{\theta},b\sin{\theta})$ on the given ellipse is $\frac{x\cos{\theta}}{a} + \frac{y\sin{\theta}}{b}=1$. Thus, $d= | \frac{-1}{\sqrt{\frac{\cos^{2}{\theta}}{a^{2}} + \frac{\sin^{2}{\theta}}{b^{2}}}}|$ $d^{2}=\frac{a^{2}b^{2}}{b^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta}+a^{2}\sin^{2}{\theta}}$. We know that $PF_{1}+PF_{2}=2a$ $\Longrightarrow (PF_{1}-PF_{2})^{2}=(PF_{1}+PF_{2})^{2}-4PF_{1}PF_{2}$…call this equation I. Also, $(PF_{1}PF_{2})^{2}=[(a\cos{\theta}-ae)^{2}+(b\sin{\theta})^{2}][(a\cos{\theta}+ae)^{2}+(b\sin{\theta})^{2}]$, which in turn equals $[a^{2}(\cos{\theta}-e)^{2}+a^{2}(1-e^{2})\sin^{2}(\theta)][a^{2}(\cos{\theta}+e)^{2}+a^{2}(1-e^{2})\sin^{2}{\theta}]$, which in turn equals $a^{4}[(\cos^{2}{\theta}+e^{2})-2e\cos{\theta}+\sin^{2}{\theta}-e^{2}\sin^{2}{\theta}][(\cos^{2}{\theta}+e^{2})+2e\cos{\theta}+\sin^{2}{\theta}-e^{2}\sin^{2}{\theta}]$, which in turn equals $a^{4}[1-2e\cos{\theta}+e^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta}][1+2e\cos{\theta}+e^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta}]$, which in turn equals $a^{4}[(1+e^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta})^{2}-4e^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta}] = a^{4}[(1-e^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta})^{2}] \Longrightarrow PF_{1}.PF_{2}=a^{2}(1-e^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta})$ Now, from I, we get $(PF_{1}-PF_{2})^{2}=4a^{2}-4a^{2}(1-e^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta})=4a^{2}e^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta}$ Also, $1-\frac{b^{2}}{d^{2}}=1-\frac{b^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta}+a^{2}\sin^{2}{\theta}}{a^{2}}$ which in turn equals $\frac{(a^{2}-b^{2})\cos^{2}{\theta}}{a^{2}} = e^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta}$. Hence, $(PF_{1}-PF_{2})^{2}=4a^{2}(1-\frac{b^{2}}{d^{2}})$. 🙂 More later, Nalin Pithwa. ### Conics: Co-ordinate Geometry for IITJEE Mains: Basics 5 Question I: Given the base of a triangle and the ratio of the tangents of half the base angles, prove that the vertex moves on a hyperbola, whose foci are the extremities of the base. Solution I: Let the base of the triangle ABC be $BC=a$, and $\frac{\tan{(B/2)}}{\tan{C/2}}=K (constant)$ Then, we get $\Longrightarrow \sqrt{\frac{(s-c)(s-a)}{s(s-b)}} \times \sqrt{\frac{s(s-c)}{(s-a)(s-b)}}=K$ $\Longrightarrow \frac{(s-c)}{(s-b)}=K \Longrightarrow \frac{(a+b-c)}{(a-b+c)}=K$$\Longrightarrow latex a+(b-c)=K(a-(b-c))\$

$2K(b-c)=(K-1)a \Longrightarrow b-c=\frac{(K-1)a}{2K}$

Since a and K are given constants, $(K-1)a/2K$ is a constant, say $\alpha$. Therefore, we get $b-c=\alpha$, that is, $AB-AC=\alpha$. We find that the vertex A moves in such a manner that the difference of its distances from two fixed points B and C, which are the extremities of the base is constant. Hence, it describes a hyperbola whose foci are the extremities of the base. For instance, you will get further insight if you try the following: (in previous blog, basics 4, of coordinate geometry) : Show that the difference of focal distances of any point on a hyperbola is constant and equal to the length of the transverse axis.

Question 2:

Show that the angle between the tangents to the ellipse $\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}} + \frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}}=1$ and the circle $x^{2}+y^{2}=ab$ at their points of intersection is $\arctan{\frac{(a-b)}{\sqrt{ab}}}$.

Solution 2:

For the points of intersection, we have $\frac{ab-y^{2}}{a^{2}} + \frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}}=1$

$\Longrightarrow y^{2}[\frac{1}{b^{2}} - \frac{1}{a^{2}}]=1-\frac{b}{a}$

$\Longrightarrow y^{2}=\frac{a^{2}b^{2}}{a^{2}-b^{2}}\times \frac{a-b}{a}=\frac{ab^{2}}{a+b}$

$y= \pm b \sqrt{\frac{a}{a+b}} \Longrightarrow \pm a \sqrt{\frac{b}{a+b}}$

Consider the point $P(\frac{a\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a+b}}, b\frac{\sqrt{a}}{a+b})$, intersection of the given ellipse and the circle. Equation of the tangent at P to the circle is $\frac{xa\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a+b}} + \frac{yb\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{a+b}}=ab$

Slope of this tangent is $=-\frac{\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{b}}$. Equation of the tangent at P to the ellipse is $\frac{xa\sqrt{b}}{a^{2}\sqrt{a+b}} + \frac{by\sqrt{a}}{b^{2}\sqrt{a+b}}=1$ and slope of this tangent is $=-\frac{b^{3/2}}{a^{3/2}}$. If $\alpha$ be the angle between these tangents, then $\tan{\alpha}=\frac{-\frac{b^{3/2}}{a^{3/2}}+ \frac{a^{1/2}}{b^{1/2}}}{1+ \frac{b^{3/2}.a^{1/2}}{a^{3/2}}.b^{-1/2}}=\frac{(a^{2}-b^{2})}{a^{1/2}.b^{1/2}(a+b)}=\frac{(a-b)}{\sqrt{ab}}$.

Hence, $\alpha = \arctan{\frac{(a-b)}{\sqrt{ab}}}$Note: The angle will be the same at each point of intersection.

Question 3:

A straight line is drawn parallel to the conjugate axis of the hyperbola $\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}} - \frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}} = 1$ to meet it and the conjugate hyperbola in the points P and Q respectively. Show that the normals at P and Q to the curves meet on the x-axis.

Solution 3:

Conjugate Hyperbola of the given hyperbola is the hyperbola whose transverse and conjugate axis are respectively the conjugate and transverse axis of the given hyperbola and thus the equation is $\frac{y^{2}}{b^{2}}-\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}}=1$.

Now, $P(a\sec{\theta},b\tan{\theta})$ is a point of the given hyperbola and $Q(a\tan{\phi},b\sec{\phi})$ is a point on the conjugate hyperbola. Since P and Q lie on the line parallel to the conjugate axis $x=0$, of the given hyperbola, $a\sec{\theta}=a\tan{\phi}$, $\Longrightarrow \sec{\theta}=\tan{\phi}$.

Now, equation of the normal at P to the given hyperbola is $y-b\tan{\theta}=-\frac{a\tan{\theta}}{b\sec{\theta}}(x-a\sec{\theta})$…call this equation I.

and equation of the normal at Q to the conjugate hyperbola is $y-b\sec{\theta}=-\frac{a\sec{\phi}}{b\tan{\phi}}(x-a\tan{\phi})$….call this equation II.

Eliminating x from I and II, using $\sec {\theta}= \tan{\phi}$ we get: $\frac{b\sec{\theta}}{a\tan{\theta}}(y-b\tan{\theta})=\frac{b\tan{\phi}}{a\sec{\phi}}(y-b\sec{\phi})$, which in turn, implies that $y=0$. Hence, the normals meet on the x-axis.

More later, including homeworks,

Nalin Pithwa.