Conic Section Sheet PDF

AIM IIT-JEE 2020
Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Conic Section

PARABOLA
KEY CONCEPTS
1. CONIC SECTIONS:
A conic section, or conic is the locus of a point which moves in a plane so that its distance from a fixed
point is in a constant ratio to its perpendicular distance from a fixed straight line.
 The fixed point is called the FOCUS.
 The fixed straight line is called the DIRECTRIX.
 The constant ratio is called the ECCENTRICITY denoted by e.
 The line passing through the focus & perpendicular to the directrix is called the AXIS.
 A point of intersection of a conic with its axis is called a VERTEX.
2. GENERAL EQUATION OF A CONIC : FOCAL DIRECTRIX PROPERTY:
The general equation of a conic with focus (p, q) & directrix lx + my + n = 0 is:
(l2 + m2) [(x  p)2 + (y  q)2] = e2 (lx + my + n)2  ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
3. DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE CONIC:
The nature of the conic section depends upon the position of the focus S w.r.t. the directrix & also upon
the value of the eccentricity e. Two different cases arise.
CASE (I) : WHEN THE FOCUS LIES ON THE DIRECTRIX.
In this case D  abc + 2fgh  af2  bg2  ch2 = 0 & the general equation of a conic represents a pair of
straight lines if:
e > 1 the lines will be real & distinct intersecting at S.
e = 1 the lines will coincident.
e < 1 the lines will be imaginary.
CASE (II) : WHEN THE FOCUS DOES NOT LIE ON DIRECTRIX.
a parabola an ellipse a hyperbola rectangular hyperbola
e = 1; D  0, 0 < e < 1; D  0; e > 1; D  0; e > 1; D  0
h² = ab h² < ab h² > ab h² > ab ; a + b = 0
4. PARABOLA : DEFINITION :
A parabola is the locus of a point which moves in a plane, such that its distance from a fixed point (focus)
is equal to its perpendicular distance from a fixed straight line (directrix).
Standard equation of a parabola is y2 = 4ax. For this parabola:
(i) Vertex is (0, 0) (ii) focus is (a, 0) (iii) Axis is y = 0 (iv) Directrix is x + a = 0
FOCAL DISTANCE :
The distance of a point on the parabola from the focus is called the FOCAL DISTANCE OF THE POINT.
FOCAL CHORD :
A chord of the parabola, which passes through the focus is called a FOCAL CHORD.
DOUBLE ORDINATE :
A chord of the parabola perpendicular to the axis of the symmetry is called a DOUBLE ORDINATE.
LATUS RECTUM :
A double ordinate passing through the focus or a focal chord perpendicular to the axis of parabola is
called the LATUS RECTUM. For y2 = 4ax.
 Length of the latus rectum = 4a.
 ends of the latus rectum are L(a, 2a) & L' (a,  2a).
Note that: (i) Perpendicular distance from focus on directrix = half the latus rectum.
(ii) Vertex is middle point of the focus & the point of intersection of directrix & axis.
(iii) Two parabolas are laid to be equal if they have the same latus rectum.
Four standard forms of the parabola are y2 = 4ax ; y2 =  4ax ; x2 = 4ay ; x2 =  4ay
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5. POSITION OF A POINT RELATIVE TO A PARABOLA :
The point (x1 y1) lies outside, on or inside the parabola y2 = 4ax according as the expression
y12  4ax1 is positive, zero or negative.
6. LINE & A PARABOLA :
The line y = mx + c meets the parabola y2 = 4ax in two points real, coincident or imaginary according as
a
a  c m  condition of tangency is, c = .
 m
 4  2
7. Length of the chord intercepted by the parabola on the line y = m x + c is :  2  a (1  m )( a  mc) .
m 
Note: length of the focal chord making an angle  with the x axis is 4aCosec² 
8. PARAMETRIC REPRESENTATION :
The simplest & the best form of representing the coordinates of a point on the parabola is (at2, 2at).
The equations x = at² & y = 2at together represents the parabola y² = 4ax, t being the parameter. The
equation of a chord joining t1 & t2 is 2x  (t1 + t2) y + 2 at1 t2 = 0.
Note: If the chord joining t1, t2 & t3, t4 pass through a point (c, 0) on the axis, then t1t2 = t3t4 =  c/a.
9. TANGENTS TO THE PARABOLA y2 = 4ax :
a 2a 
(i) y y1 = 2 a (x + x1) at the point (x1, y1) ; (ii) y = mx + a (m  0) at  2 , 
m m m 
(iii) t y = x + a t² at (at2, 2at).
Note : Point of intersection of the tangents at the point t1 & t2 is [ at1 t2, a(t1 + t2) ].
10. NORMALS TO THE PARABOLA y2 = 4ax :
(i) y  y1 =  y1 (x  x1) at (x1, y1) ; (ii) y = mx  2am  am3 at (am2,  2am)
2a
(iii) y + tx = 2at + at3 at (at2, 2at).
Note : Point of intersection of normals at t1 & t2 are, a (t 12 + t 22 + t1t2 + 2) ;  a t1 t2 (t1 + t2).

11. THREE VERY IMPORTANT RESULTS :
(a) If t1 & t2 are the ends of a focal chord of the parabola y² = 4ax then t1t2 = 1. Hence the co-ordinates
a 2a 
at the extremities of a focal chord can be taken as (at2, 2at) &  2 ,   .
t t 
(b) If the normals to the parabola y² = 4ax at the point t1, meets the parabola again at the point t2, then
 2
t2 =   t1   .
 t1 

(c) If the normals to the parabola y² = 4ax at the points t1 & t2 intersect again on the parabola at the point 't3'
then t1 t2 = 2 ; t3 =  (t1 + t2) and the line joining t1 & t2 passes through a fixed point (2a, 0).
General Note :
(i) Length of subtangent at any point P(x, y) on the parabola y² = 4ax equals twice the abscissa of the point
P. Note that the subtangent is bisected at the vertex.
(ii) Length of subnormal is constant for all points on the parabola & is equal to the semi latus rectum.
(iii) If a family of straight lines can be represented by an equation 2P + Q + R = 0 where is a parameter
and P, Q, R are linear functions of x and y then the family of lines will be tangent to the curve Q2 = 4 PR.
12. The equation to the pair of tangents which can be drawn from any point (x1, y1) to the parabola y² = 4ax
is given by : SS1 = T2 where :
S  y2  4ax ; S1 = y12  4ax1 ; T  y y1  2a(x + x1).
13. DIRECTOR CIRCLE :
Locus of the point of intersection of the perpendicular tangents to the parabola y² = 4ax is called the
DIRECTOR CIRCLE. It’s equation is x + a = 0 which is parabola’s own directrix.
14. CHORD OF CONTACT :
Equation to the chord of contact of tangents drawn from a point P(x1, y1) is yy1 = 2a (x + x1).
Remember that the area of the triangle formed by the tangents from the point (x1, y1) & the chord of
contact is (y12  4ax1)3/2 ÷ 2a. Also note that the chord of contact exists only if the point P is not inside.
15. POLAR & POLE :
(i) Equation of the Polar of the point P(x1, y1) w.r.t. the parabola y² = 4ax is,
y y1= 2a(x + x1)
n 2am 
(ii) The pole of the line lx + my + n = 0 w.r.t. the parabola y² = 4ax is  , .
Note:  1 1 
(i) The polar of the focus of the parabola is the directrix.
(ii) When the point (x1, y1) lies without the parabola the equation to its polar is the same as the equation to
the chord of contact of tangents drawn from (x1, y1) when (x1, y1) is on the parabola the polar is the
same as the tangent at the point.
(iii) If the polar of a point P passes through the point Q, then the polar of Q goes through P.
(iv) Two straight lines are said to be conjugated to each other w.r.t. a parabola when the pole of one lies on
the other.
(v) Polar of a given point P w.r.t. any Conic is the locus of the harmonic conjugate of P w.r.t. the two points
is which any line through P cuts the conic.
16. CHORD WITH A GIVEN MIDDLE POINT :
Equation of the chord of the parabola y² = 4ax whose middle point is
2a
(x1, y1) is y  y1 = (x  x1). This reduced to T = S1
y1
where T  y y1  2a (x + x1) & S1  y12  4ax1.
17. DIAMETER :
The locus of the middle points of a system of parallel chords of a Parabola is called a DIAMETER. Equation
to the diameter of a parabola is y = 2a/m, where m = slope of parallel chords.
Note:
(i) The tangent at the extremity of a diameter of a parabola is parallel to the system of chords it bisects.
(ii) The tangent at the ends of any chords of a parabola meet on the diameter which bisects the chord.
(iii) A line segment from a point P on the parabola and parallel to the system of parallel chords is called the
ordinate to the diameter bisecting the system of parallel chords and the chords are called its double
ordinate.
18. IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS :
(a) If the tangent & normal at any point ‘P’ of the parabola intersect the axis at T & G then
ST = SG = SP where ‘S’ is the focus. In other words the tangent and the normal at a point P on the
parabola are the bisectors of the angle between the focal radius SP & the perpendicular from P on the
directrix. From this we conclude that all rays emanating from S will become parallel to the axis of the
parabola after reflection.
(b) The portion of a tangent to a parabola cut off between the directrix & the curve subtends a right angle at
the focus.
(c) The tangents at the extremities of a focal chord intersect at right angles on the directrix, and hence a
circle on any focal chord as diameter touches the directrix. Also a circle on any focal radii of a point P
(at2, 2at) as diameter touches the tangent at the vertex and intercepts a chord of length a 1  t 2 on a
normal at the point P.
(d) Any tangent to a parabola & the perpendicular on it from the focus meet on the tangtent at the vertex.
(e) If the tangents at P and Q meet in T, then :
 TP and TQ subtend equal angles at the focus S.
 ST2 = SP. SQ &  The triangles SPT and STQ are similar.
(f) Tangents and Normals at the extremities of the latus rectum of a parabola
y2 = 4ax constitute a square, their points of intersection being (a, 0) & (3 a, 0).
(g) Semi latus rectum of the parabola y² = 4ax, is the harmonic mean between segments of any focal chord
2bc 1 1 1
of the parabola is ; 2a = i.e.   .
bc b c a
(h) The circle circumscribing the triangle formed by any three tangents to a parabola passes through the focus.
(i) The orthocentre of any triangle formed by three tangents to a parabola y2 = 4ax lies on the directrix &
has the co-ordinates  a, a (t1 + t2 + t3 + t1t2t3).
(j) The area of the triangle formed by three points on a parabola is twice the area of the triangle formed by
the tangents at these points.
(k) If normal drawn to a parabola passes through a point P(h, k) then
k = mh  2am  am3 i.e. am3 + m(2a  h) + k = 0.
2a  h k
Then gives m1 + m2 + m3 = 0 ; m1 m2 + m2 m3 + m3 m1 = ; m1 m2 m 3 =  .
a a
where m1, m2, & m3 are the slopes of the three concurrent normals. Note that the algebraic sum of the:
 slopes of the three concurrent normals is zero.
 ordinates of the three conormal points on the parabola is zero.
 Centroid of the  formed by three co-normal points lies on the x-axis.
(l) A circle circumscribing the triangle formed by three conormal points passes through the vertex of the
parabola and its equation is, 2(x2 + y2)  2(h + 2a)x  ky = 0
Suggested problems from Loney: Exercise-25 (Q.5, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, 22), Exercise-26 (Important)
(Q.4, 6, 7, 17, 22, 26, 27, 28, 34), Exercise-27 (Q.4,), Exercise-28 (Q.2, 7, 11, 14, 23),
Exercise-29 (Q.7, 8, 19, 21, 24, 27), Exercise-30 (2, 3, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 30)
Note: Refer to the figure on Pg.175 if necessary.
SOLVED EXAMPLE
1. Find the equation of the parabola whose focus is at (–1, –2) and the directrix the line x – 2y + 3 = 0.
Sol. Let P(x, y) be any point on the parabola whose focus is S(–1, –2) and the directrix x – 2y + 3 = 0. Draw
PM perpendicular to directrix x – 2y + 3 = 0. Then by definition,
SP = PM
 SP2 = PM2
2
 x  2y  3 
 (x +1)2 + (y +2)2 = 
 1 4 
 5[(x + 1)2 + (y + 2)2] = (x – 2y + 3)2
 5(x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y + 5) = (x2 + 4y2 + 9 – 4xy + 6x – 12y)
 4x2 + y2 + 4xy + 4x + 32y + 16 = 0
This is the equation of the required parabola.
2. Find the vertex, axis, focus, directrix, latusrectum of the parabola, also draw their rough sketches.
4y2 + 12x – 20y + 67 = 0
Sol. The given equation is
67
4y2 + 12x – 20y + 67 = 0  y2 + 3x – 5y + =0
4
2 2
67 5 67  5 
 y2 – 5y = – 3x –  y2 – 5y +   = – 3x –  
4 4 4 2
2 2
 5 42  5  7
  y   = – 3x –   y    3  x   .....(i)
 2 4  2  2
7 5
Let x=X– ,y=Y+ .....(ii)
2 2
Using these relations, equation (i) reduces to
Y2 = – 3X .....(iii)
This is of the form Y2 = – 4aX.
On comparing, we get 4a = 3  a = 3/4.
Vertex : The coordinates of the vertex are (X = 0, Y = 0)
 7 5
 ,  [Putting X = 0, Y = 0 in (ii)]
 2 2
Axis : The equation of the axis of the parabola is Y = 0.
5
So, the equation of the axis is y = [Putting Y = 0 in (ii)]
2
Focus : The coordinates of the focus are (X = –a, Y = 0)
i.e., (X = –3/4, Y = 0).
So, the coordinates of the focus are
(–17/4, 5/2) [Putting X = 3/4 in (ii)]
3
Directrix : The equation of the directrix is X = a i.e., X = .
4
So, the equation of the directrix is
11
x=  [Putting X = 3/4 in (ii)]
4
Latusrectum : The length of the latusrectum of the given parabola is 4a = 3.
3. Find the parametric equation of the parabola (x – 1)2 = –12(y – 2)

Sol.  4a = – 12  a = 3, y – 2 = at2
x – 1 = 2 at  x = 1 – 6t, y = 2 – 3t2
4. Check whether the point (3, 4) lies inside or outside the parabola y2 = 4x.
Sol. y2 – 4x = 0
 S1  y12 – 4x1 = 16 – 12 = 4 > 0  (3, 4) lies outside the parabola.
5. Prove that focus distance of a point P(at2, 2at) on parabola y2 = 4ax(a > 0) is a(1 + t2).
Sol.  PS = PM
= a + at2
PS = a(1 + t2)
6. If the endpoint t1, t2 of a chord satisfy the relation t1 t2 = k (const.) then prove that the chord always
passes through a fixed point. Find the point ?
Sol. Equation of chord joining (at12, 2at1) and (at22, 2at2) is
2
y – 2at1 = (x – at12)
t1  t 2
(t1 + t2)y – 2at12 – 2at1t2 = 2x – 2at12
2
y= (x + ak) ( t1t2 = k)
t1  t 2
 This line passes through a fixed point (–ak, 0).
a
7. Prove that the straight line y = mx + c touches the parabola y2 = 4a(x + a) if c = ma +
m
Sol. Equation of tangent of slope 'm' to the parabola y2 = 4a(x + a) is
a  1
y = m(x + a) +  y = mx + a  m  
m  m
a
but the given tangent is y = mx + c  c = am +
m
8. A tangent to the parabola y2 = 8x makes an angle of 45° with the straight line y = 3x + 5. Find its
equation and its point of contact.
3 1
Sol. Slope of required tangent's are : m =
1 3
1
m1 = –2, m2 =
2
a
 Equation of tangent of slope m to the parabola y2 = 4ax is y = mx +
m
1 
 tangent's y = –2x – 1 at  , 2 
2 
1
y= x + 4 at (8, 8)
2
9. Find the equation to the tangents to the parabola y2 = 9x which goes through the point (4, 10).
9
Sol. Equation of tangent to parabola y2 = 9x is y = mx +
4m
Since it passes through (4, 10)
9
 10 = 4m +  16m2 – 40m + 9 = 0
4m
1 9
m= ,
4 4
x 9
 equation of tangent's are y= +9 & y= x+1
4 4
10. Find the equations to the common tangents of the parabolas y2 = 4ax and x2 = 4by.
Sol. Equation of tangent to y2 = 4ax is
a
y = mx + .....(i)
m
Equation of tangent to x2 = 4by is
b
x = m1y +
m1
1 b
 y= x .....(ii)
m1 (m1 ) 2
for common tangent, (i) & (ii) must represent same line.
1 a b
 =m &  2
m1 m m1
1/3
a  a
 = – bm2  m =  
m  b
 equation of common tangent is
1/3 1/3
 a  b
y =   x + a 
 b  a
11. Find the locus of the point N from which 3 normals are drawn to the parabola y2 = 4ax are such that
(i) Two of them are equally inclined to x-axis
(ii) Two of them are perpendicular to each other
Sol. Equation of normal to y2 = 4ax is
y = mx – 2am – am3
Let the normal is passes through N(h, k)
 k = mh – 2am – am3  am3 + (2a – h)m + k = 0
For given value's of (h, k) it is cubic in 'm'.
Let m1, m2 & m3 are root's
 m1 + m2 + m3 = 0 .....(i)
2a  h
m1m2 + m2m3 + m3m1 = .....(ii)
a
k
m1m2m3 =  .....(iii)
a
(i) If two normal are equally inclined to x-axis, then m1 + m2 = 0
 m3 = 0  y=0
(ii) If two normal's are perpendicular
 m1m2 = –1
k
from (iii) m3 = .....(iv)
a
k 2a  h
from (ii) –1 + (m1 + m2) = .....(v)
a a
k
from (i) m1 + m2 =  .....(vi)
a
from (v) & (vi), we get
k2 h
– 1   2
a a
2
y = a(x – 3a)
12. If the line x – y – 1 = 0 intersect the parabola y2 = 8x at P & Q, then find the point of intersection of
tangents at P & Q.
Sol. Let (h, k) be point of intersection of tangents then chord of contact is
yk = 4(x + h)
4x – yk + 4h = 0 .....(i)
But given is
x–y–1=0
4  k 4h
  
1 1 1
 h = –1, k = 4
 point  (–1, 4)
13. Find the locus of point whose chord of contact w.r.t to the parabola y2 = 4bx is the tangents of the
parabola y2 = 4ax.
a
Sol. Equation of tangent to y2 = 4ax is y = mx + .....(i)
m
Let it is chord of contact for parabola y2 = 4bx w.r.t. the point P(h, k)
 Equation of chord of contact is
yk = 2b(x + h)
2b 2bh
y= x .....(ii)
k k
From (i) & (ii)
2b a 2bh 4b 2h
m= ,   a=
k m k k2
locus of P is
4b 2
y2 = x
a
14. Find the locus of middle point of the chord of the parabola y2 = 4ax which pass through a given point
(p, q).
Sol. Let P(h, k) be the mid point of chord of parabola y2 = 4ax,
so equation of chord is yk – 2a(x + h) = k2 – 4ah
Since it passes through (p, q)
 qk – 2a(p + h) = k2 – 4ah
 Required locus is
y2 – 2ax – qy + 2ap = 0
15. Three normals are drawn from the point (c, 0) to the curve y2 = x. Show that c must be greater than
1/2. One normal is always tha x-axis. Find c for which the other two normals are perpendicular to each
other.
Sol. Equation to normal to the parabola
m m3
y2 = x is y = mx –  is passing through (c, 0)
2 4
m m3  1  m3
0 = cm –   m c   
2 4  2 4
1 m2
m = 0 or c  
2 4
1  m2 
c– 0  since  0
2  4 
1 1
c . If c = , then m = 0
2 2
Then only one normal will be there i.e., x-axis.
1
Since three normals are there,  c>
2
 1  1
Then  2 c  
 2 c    1
 2  2 
1 1 3
 c–   c=
2 4 4
16. Find the equation of the parabola whose latus rectum is 4 units, axis is the line 3x + 4y – 4 = 0 and the
tangent at the vertex is the line 4x – 3y + 7 = 0.
Sol. Axis of the parabola is
3x + 4y – 4 = 0 .....(i)
Equation of tangent at the veretx is
4x – 3y + 7 = 0 .....(ii)
Let A be the vertex, S the focus, BC the
directrix and DE the laturs rectum of the parabola.
We know that standard equation of a parabola is
y2 = 4ax .....(iii)
where 4a is the length of latus rectum. From equation (iii), we conclude that if P(x, y) be an arbitrary
point on the parabola, then
PH2 = (length of latus rectum). PK(see figure (ii))
= (length of latus rectum). OH
In figure (i), let P(x, y) be an arbitrary point on the
parabola. Then,
2
 3x  4y  4   4x  3y  7 
    4 
2
 3 4 
2  42  (3)2 
 
(3x + 4y – 4)2 = 20(4x– 3y + 7)
This is the required equation of the parabola.
17. The girder of a railway bridge is a parabola with its vertex at the highest point 10 metres above the ends.
If the span is 100 metres, find its height at 20 metres from the mid-point.
Sol. The girder BAC of the birdge has been shown in the figure. We take the vertex A of the parabola as
origin and the axis of the parabola as y-axis.
Then equation of the parabola will be
x2 = –4ay, a > 0
Given, AM = 10 metres and BC = 100 metres.
As M is the mid-point of BC,
 MC = 50 metres
 Q = (50, –10)
Since Q lies on the parabola (1),
 502 = –4a(–10)
250
 a=
4
Let MN = 20 metres. We draw NR  AX to meet the parabola in P..
As P lies below x-axis, coordinates of P are (20, –), where  = PR > 0
Since P lies on the parabola (1)
250 400 8
 202 = –4 (–)  =  = 1.6
4 250 5
 The required height = NP = NR – PR = 10 – 1.6 = 8.4 metres.
18. In the adjacent figure a parabola is drawn to pass through the vertices B, C and D of the square ABCD.
If A(2, 1), C(2, 3), then find the focus of this parabola
 11   11   13   13 
(A)  1,  (B)  2,  (C)  3,  (D)  2, 
 4  4  4  4
Sol. AC is parabola to y-axis and its mid-point is (2, 2).
Thus, B (3, 2) and D  (1, 2)
Equation of parabola,
(x – 2)2 = (y – 3)
It passes through (3, 2), so
1 = –   = –1
 2
(x – 2) = – (y – 3)
1
Hence, axis is x – 2 = 0, L.R. line is y – 3 = 
4
 11 
 Focus   2, 
 4
EXERCISE–I
Q.1 Show that the normals at the points (4a, 4a) & at the upper end of the latus ractum of the parabola
y2 = 4ax intersect on the same parabola.
Q.2 Prove that the locus of the middle point of portion of a normal to y2 = 4ax intercepted between the curve
& the axis is another parabola. Find the vertex & the latus rectum of the second parabola.
Q.3 Find the equations of the tangents to the parabola y2 = 16x, which are parallel & perpendicular respectively
to the line 2x – y + 5 = 0. Find also the coordinates of their points of contact.
Q.4 A circle is described whose centre is the vertex and whose diameter is three-quarters of the latus rectum
of a parabola y2 = 4ax. Prove that the common chord of the circle and parabola bisects the distance
between the vertex and the focus.
Q.5 Find the equations of the tangents of the parabola y2 = 12x, which passes through the point (2,5).
Q.6 Through the vertex O of a parabola y2 = 4x , chords OP & OQ are drawn at right angles to one
another. Show 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.
Q.7 Let S is the focus of the parabola y2 = 4ax and X the foot of the directrix, PP' is a double ordinate of the
curve and PX meets the curve again in Q. Prove that P'Q passes through focus.
Q.8 Three normals to y² = 4x pass through the point (15, 12). Show that if one of the normals is given by
y = x  3 & find the equations of the others.
Q.9 Find the equations of the chords of the parabola y2 = 4ax which pass through the point (–6a, 0) and
which subtends an angle of 45° at the vertex.
Q.10 Through the vertex O of the parabola y2 = 4ax, a perpendicular is drawn to any tangent meeting it at P &
the parabola at Q. Show that OP · OQ = constant.
Q.11 'O' is the vertex of the parabola y2 = 4ax & L is the upper end of the latus rectum. If LH is drawn
perpendicular to OL meeting OX in H, prove that the length of the double ordinate through H is 4a 5 .
Q.12 The normal at a point P to the parabola y2 = 4ax meets its axis at G. Q is another point on the parabola
such that QG is perpendicular to the axis of the parabola. Prove that QG2  PG2 = constant.
Q.13 If the normal at P(18, 12) to the parabola y2= 8x cuts it again at Q, show that 9PQ = 80 10
Q.14 Prove that, the normal to y2 = 12x at (3, 6) meets the parabola again in (27, 18) & circle on this normal
chord as diameter is x2 + y2  30x + 12y  27 = 0.
Q.15 Find the equation of the circle which passes through the focus of the parabola x2 = 4y & touches it at the
point (6, 9).
Q.16 P & Q are the points of contact of the tangents drawn from the point T to the parabola
y2 = 4ax. If PQ be the normal to the parabola at P, prove that TP is bisected by the directrix.
Q.17 From the point (1, 2) tangent lines are drawn to the parabola y2 = 4x. Find the equation of the chord
of contact. Also find the area of the triangle formed by the chord of contact & the tangents.
Read the information given and answer the questions 18, 19, 20.
From the point P(h, k) three normals are drawn to the parabola x2 = 8y and m1, m2 and m3 are the
slopes of three normals
Q.18 Find the algebaric sum of the slopes of these three normals.
Q.19 If two of the three normals are at right angles then the locus of point P is a conic, find the latus rectum of
conic.
Q.20 If the two normals from P are such that they make complementary angles with the axis then the locus of
point P is a conic, find a directrix of conic.
Q.21 Prove that the two parabolas y2 = 4ax & y2 = 4c (x  b) cannot have a common normal, other than the
b
axis, unless > 2. (Illustration. Note them carefully)
(a  c )
Q.22 Find the condition on ‘a’ & ‘b’ so that the two tangents drawn to the parabola y2 = 4ax from a point are
normals to the parabola x2 = 4by. (Illustration. Note them carefully)
EXERCISE–II
Q.1 In the parabola y2 = 4ax, the tangent at the point P, whose abscissa is equal to the latus ractum meets the
axis in T & the normal at P cuts the parabola again in Q. Prove that PT : PQ = 4 : 5.
Q.2 Two tangents to the parabola y2= 8x meet the tangent at its vertex in the points P & Q. If
PQ = 4 units, prove that the locus of the point of the intersection of the two tangents is y2 = 8 (x + 2).
Q.3 A variable chord t1 t2 of the parabola y2 = 4ax subtends a right angle at a fixed point t0 of the curve.
Show that it passes through a fixed point. Also find the coordinates of the fixed point.
Q.4 Two perpendicular straight lines through the focus of the parabola y2 = 4ax meet its directrix in
T & T' respectively. Show that the tangents to the parabola parallel to the perpendicular lines intersect in
the mid point of T T '.
Q.5 Two straight lines one being a tangent to y2 = 4ax and the other to x2 = 4by are right angles. Find the
locus of their point of intersection.
Q.6 A variable chord PQ of the parabola y2 = 4x is drawn parallel to the line y = x. If the parameters of the
points P & Q on the parabola are p & q respectively, show that p + q = 2. Also show that the locus of
the point of intersection of the normals at P & Q is 2x  y = 12.
Q.7 Show that an infinite number of triangles can be inscribed in either of the parabolas y2 = 4ax & x2 = 4by
whose sides touch the other.
Q.8 If (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) be three points on the parabola y2 = 4ax and the normals at these points
x  x2 x  x3 x  x1
meet in a point then prove that 1  2  3 = 0.
y3 y1 y2
Q.9 Show that the normals at two suitable distinct real points on the parabola y2 = 4ax (a > 0) intersect at a
point on the parabola whose abscissa > 8a.
Q.10 PC is the normal at P to the parabola y2 = 4ax, C being on the axis. CP is produced outwards to Q so
that PQ = CP; show that the locus of Q is a parabola.
Q.11 A quadrilateral is inscribed in a parabola y2 = 4ax and three of its sides pass through fixed points on the
axis. Show that the fourth side also passes through fixed point on the axis of the parabola.
Q.12 Prove that the parabola y2 = 16x & the circle x2 + y2  40x  16y  48 = 0 meet at the point P(36, 24)
& one other point Q. Prove that PQ is a diameter of the circle. Find Q.
Q.13 A variable tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax meets the circle x2 + y2 = r2 at P & Q. Prove that the locus
of the mid point of PQ is x(x2 + y2) + ay2 = 0.
Q.14 Show that the locus of the centroids of equilateral triangles inscribed in the parabola y2 = 4ax is the
parabola 9y2  4ax + 32 a2 = 0.
Q.15 A fixed parabola y2 = 4 ax touches a variable parabola. Find the equation to the locus of the vertex of the
variable parabola. Assume that the two parabolas are equal and the axis of the variable parabola remains
parallel to the x-axis.
Q.16 Show that the circle through three points the normals at which to the parabola y2 = 4ax are concurrent at
the point (h, k) is 2(x2 + y2)  2(h + 2a) x  ky = 0. (Remember this result)
Q.17 Prove that the locus of the centre of the circle, which passes through the vertex of the parabola y2 = 4ax
& through its intersection with a normal chord is 2y2 = ax  a2.
Read the information given and answer the questions 18, 19, 20.
Two equal parabolas P1 and P2 have their vertices at V1(0, 4) and V2(6, 0) respectively. P1 and P2 are
tangent to each other and have vertical axes of symmetry.
Q.18 Find the sum of the abscissa and ordinate of their point of contact.
Q.19 Find the length of latus rectum.
Q.20 Find the area of the region enclosed by P1, P2 and the x-axis.
EXERCISE–III
Q.1 Find the equations of the common tangents of the circle x2 + y2 ? 6y + 4 = 0 and the parabola y2 = x.
[REE '99, 6]
Q.2(i) If the line x  1 = 0 is the directrix of the parabola y2  k x + 8 = 0, then one of the values of ' k ' is
(A) 1/8 (B) 8 (C) 4 (D) 1/4
(ii) If x + y = k is normal to y2 = 12 x, then ' k ' is : [JEE'2000 (Scr), 1+1]
(A) 3 (B) 9 (C)  9 (D)  3
Q.3 Find the locus of the points of intersection of tangents drawn at the ends of all normal chords of the
parabola y2 = 8(x – 1). [REE '2001, 3]
Q.4(i) The equation of the common tangent touching the circle (x – 3)2 + y2 = 9 and the parabola y2 = 4x above
the x – axis is
(A) 3 y = 3x + 1 (B) 3 y = –(x + 3) (C) 3 y = x + 3 (D) 3 y = –(3x + 1)
(ii) The equation of the directrix of the parabola, y2 + 4y + 4x + 2 = 0 is
(A) x = –1 (B) x = 1 (C) x = – 3/2 (D) x = 3/2
[JEE'2001(Scr), 1+1]
Q.5 The locus of the mid-point of the line segment joining the focus to a moving point on the parabola
y2 = 4ax is another parabola with directrix [JEE'2002 (Scr.), 3]
(A) x = –a (B) x = – a/2 (C) x = 0 (D) x = a/2
Q.6 The equation of the common tangent to the curves y2 = 8x and xy = –1 is [JEE'2002 (Scr), 3]
(A) 3y = 9x + 2 (B) y = 2x + 1
(C) 2y = x + 8 (D) y = x + 2
Q.7(i) The slope of the focal chords of the parabola y2 = 16x which are tangents to the circle
(x – 6)2 + y2 = 2 are
(A) ± 2 (B) – 1/2, 2 (C) ± 1 (D) – 2, 1/2
[JEE'2003, (Scr.)]
(ii) Normals are drawn from the point ‘P’ with slopes m1, m2, m3 to the parabola y2 = 4x. If locus of P with
m1 m2 =  is a part of the parabola itself then find . [JEE 2003, 4 out of 60]
Q.8 The angle between the tangents drawn from the point (1, 4) to the parabola y2 = 4x is
(A) /2 (B) /3 (C) /4 (D) /6
[JEE 2004, (Scr.)]
Q.9 Let P be a point on the parabola y2 – 2y – 4x + 5 = 0, such that the tangent on the parabola at P intersects

the directrix at point Q. Let R be the point that divides the line segment PQ externally in the ratio : 1.
2
Find the locus of R. [JEE 2004, 4 out of 60]
Q.10(i) The axis of parabola is along the line y = x and the distance of vertex from origin is 2 and that of origin
from its focus is 2 2 . If vertex and focus both lie in the 1st quadrant, then the equation of the parabola is
(A) (x + y)2 = (x – y – 2) (B) (x – y)2 = (x + y – 2)
2
(C) (x – y) = 4(x + y – 2) (D) (x – y)2 = 8(x + y – 2)
[JEE 2006, 3]
2
(ii) The equations of common tangents to the parabola y = x and y = – (x – 2) is/are 2
(A) y = 4(x – 1) (B) y = 0 (C) y = – 4(x – 1) (D) y = – 30x – 50

[JEE 2006, 5]
(iii) Match the following
Normals are drawn at points P, Q and R lying on the parabola y2 = 4x which intersect at (3, 0). Then
(A) Area of PQR (p) 2
(B) Radius of circumcircle of PQR (q) 5/2
(C) Centroid of PQR (s) (5/2, 0)
(D) Circumcentre of PQR (r) (2/3, 0) [JEE 2006, 6]
 x2
Q.11 Statement-1: The curve y = + x + 1 is symmetric with respect to the line x = 1.
2
because
Statement-2: A parabola is symmetric about its axis.
(A) Statement-1 is true, statement-2 is true; statement-2 is correct explanation for statement-1.
(B) Statement-1 is true, statement-2 is true; statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for statement-1.
(C) Statement-1 is true, statement-2 is false.
(D) Statement-1 is false, statement-2 is true. [JEE 2007, 4]
Comprehension: (3 questions)
Q.12 Consider the circle x2 + y2 = 9 and the parabola y2 = 8x. They intersect at P and Q in the first and the
fourth quadrants, respectively. Tangents to the circle at P and Q intersect the x-axis at R and tangents to
the parabola at P and Q intersect the x-axis at S.
(i) The ratio of the areas of the triangles PQS and PQR is
(A) 1 : 2 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 1 : 4 (D) 1 : 8
(ii) The radius of the circumcircle of the triangle PRS is

(A) 5 (B) 3 3 (C) 3 2 (D) 2 3
(iii) The radius of the incircle of the triangle PQR is

(A) 4 (B) 3 (C) 8/3 (D) 2
[JEE 2007, 4+4+4]
Q. 13 Let P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2), y1 < 0, y2 < 0, be the end points of the latus rectum of the ellipse
x2 + 4y2 = 4. The equations of parabolas with latus rectum PQ are [JEE 2008, 4]
(A) x2 + 2 3 y = 3+ 3 (B) x2 – 2 3 y = 3 + 3
(C) x2 + 2 3 y = 3 – 3 (D) x2 – 2 3 y = 3 – 3
Q.14 The tangent PT and the normal PN to the parabola y2 = 4ax at a point P on it meet its axis at points T and
N, respectively. The locus of the centroid of the triangle PTN is a parabola whose
 2a 
(A) vertex is  , 0 (B) directrix is x = 0
 3 
2a
(C) latus rectum is (D) focus is (a, 0) [JEE 2009, 4]
3
Q. 15 Let A and B be two distinct points on the parabola y2 = 4x. If the axis of the parabola touches a circle of
radius r having AB as its diameter, then the slope of the line joining A and B can be [JEE 2010]
(A) –1/r (B) 1/r (C) 2/r (D) –2/r
2
Q. 16 Let (x, y) be any point on the parabola y = 4x. Let P be the point that divides the line segment from
(0, 0) to (x, y) in the ratio 1 : 3. Then the locus of P is [JEE 2010]
2
(A) x = y 2
(B) y = 2x 2
(C) y = x 2
(D) x = 2y
Q. 17 Let L be a normal to the parabola y2 = 4x. If L passes through the point (9, 6), then L is given by
(A) y – x + 3 = 0 (B) y + 3x – 33 = 0 (C) y + x – 15 = 0 (D) y – 2x + 12 = 0
[JEE 2011]
Q. 18 Consider the parabola y2 = 8x. Let 1 be the area of the triangle formed by the end points of its latus
1 
rectum and the point P  , 2  on the parabola, and 2 be the area of the triangle formed by drawing
2 
1
tangents at P and at the end points of the latus rectum. Then is [JEE 2011]
2
Q. 19 Let S be the focus of the parabola y2 = 8x and let PQ be the common chord of the circle
x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y = 0 and the given parabola. The area of the triangle PQS is [JEE 2012]
Q. 20 Given : A circle, 2x2 + 2y2 = 5 and a parabola, y2 = 4 5 x. [IIT JEE Main 2013]
Statement-1 : An equation of a common tangent to these curves is y = x + 5
5
Statement-2 : If the line, y = mx + (m  0) is their common tangent, then m satisfies
m
m4 – 3m2 + 2 = 0.
(A) Statement-1 is false ; Statement-2 is true.
(B) Statement-1 is true ; Statement-2 is true ; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.
(C) Statement-1 is true; Statement-2 is true ; Statement-2 is not a correct explanation for Statement-1.
(D) Statement-1 is true ; Statement-2 is false
Comprehension (Q. 21 to 23)
Let PQ be a focal chord of the parabola y2 = 4ax. The tangent to the parabola at P and Q meet at a point
lying on the line y = 2x + a, a > 0. [IIT JEE Adv. 2013]
Q. 21 If chord PQ subtends an angle  at the vertex of y2 = 4ax, then  =

2 2 2 2
(A) 7 (B) 7 (C) 5 (D) 5
3 3 3 3
Q. 22 Length of chord PQ is
(A) 7a (B) 5a (C) 2a (D) 3a
Q. 23 A line L : y = mx + 3 meets y-axis at E(0, 3) and the arc of the parabola y2 = 16x, 0  y  6 at the point
F(x0, y0). The tangent to the parabola at F(x0, y0) intersects the y-axis at G(0, y1). The slope m of the line
L is chosen such that the area of the triangle EFG has a local maximum. [IIT JEE Adv. 2013]
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List-I List-II
(A) m= 1. 1/2
(B) Maximum area of EFG is 2. 4
(C) y0 = 3. 2
(D) y1 = 4. 1
(A) P4;Q1;R2;S3
(B) P3;Q4;R1;S2
(C) P1;Q3;R2;S4
(D) P1;Q3;R4;S2
Q. 24 The slope of the line touching both the parabolas y2 = 4x and x2 = –32y is [JEE Main 2014]
2 1 3 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 2 2 8
Q. 25 The common tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = 2 and the parabola y2 = 8x touch the circle at the points P,
Q and the parabola at the points R, S. Then the area of the quadrilateral PQRS is : [IIT JEE Adv. 2014]
(A) 3 (B) 6 (C) 9 (D) 15
Comprehension (Q. 26 to 27)

Let a, r, s, t be non zero real numbers. Let P(at2, 2at), Q, R(ar2, 2ar) and S(as2, 2as) be distinct point on
the parabola y2 = 4ax. Suppose that PQ is the focal chord and lines QR and RK are parallel, where K
is the point (2a, 0) [IIT JEE Adv. 2014]
Q. 26 The value of r is
1 t2 1 1 t2 1
(A)  (B) (C) (D)
t t t t
Q. 27 If st = 1, then the tangent at P and the normal at S to be parabola meet at a point whose ordinate is
(t 2  1)2 a(t 2  1)2 a(t 2  1)2 a(t 2  2)2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2t 3 2t 3 t3 t3
Q. 28 Let O be the vertex and Q be any point on the parabola, x2 = 8y. If the point P divides the line segment
OQ internally in the ratio 1 : 3, then the locus of P is : [IIT JEE 2015]
2
(A) x = 2y 2
(B) x = y 2
(C) y = x 2
(D) y = 2x
Q. 29 Let P and Q be distinct point on the parabola y2 = 2x such that a circle with PQ as diameter passes
through the vertex O of the parabola. If P lies in the first quadrant and the area of the triangle OPQ is
3 2 , then which of the following is(are) the coordinates of P ? [IIT JEE Adv. 2015]
1 1 

(A) 4, 2 2  
(B) 9,3 2  (C)  ,
4 2
 
(D) 1, 2 
Q. 30 Let the curve C be the mirror image of the parabola y2 = 4x, with respect to the line x + y + 4 = 0. If A
and B are the points of intersection of C with the line y = – 5, then the distance between A and B is
[IIT JEE Adv. 2015]
Q. 31 If the normals of the parabola y2 = 4x drawn at the end points of its latus rectum are tangents to the circle
(x – 3)2 + (y + 2)2 = r2, then the value of r2 is : [IIT JEE Adv. 2015]
Q. 32 Let P be the point on the parabola, y2 = 8x which is at a minimum distance from the centre C of the circle,
x2 + (y + 6)2 = 1. Then the equation of the circle, passing through C and having its centre at P is
(A) x2 + y2 – 4x + 8y + 12 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 – x + 4y – 12 = 0 [JEE Main 2016]
x
(C) x2 + y2 – + 2y – 24 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 – 4x + 9y + 18 = 0
4
Q. 33 The circle C1 : x2 + y2 = 3, with centre at O, intersects the parabola x2 = 2y at the point P in the first
quadrant. Let the tangent to the circle C1 at P touches other two circles C2 and C3 at R2 and R3,
respectively. Suppose C2 and C3 have equal radii 2 3 and centres Q2 and Q3, respectively. If Q2 and
Q3 lie on the y-axis, then [IIT JEE Adv. 2016]
(A) Q2Q3 = 12 (B) R2R3 = 4 6
(C) area of the triangle OR2R3 is 6 2 (D) area of the triangle PQ2Q3 is 4 2
Q. 34 Let P be the point on the parabola y2 = 4x which is at the shortest distance from the center S of the circle
x2 + y2 – 4x – 16y + 64 = 0. Let Q be the point on the circle dividing the line segment SP internally. Then
(A) SP = 2 5 [IIT JEE Adv. 2016]
(B) SQ : QP = ( 5 + 1) : 2
(C) The x-intercept of the normal to the parabola at P is 6
1
(D) The slope of the tangent to the circle at Q is
2
Q. 35 If a chord, which is not a tangent, of the parabola y2 = 16x has the equation 2x + y = p, and midpoint
(h, k), then which of the following is(are) possible value(s) of p, h and k ? [JEE Adv. 2017]
(A) p = – 1, h = 1, k = –3 (B) p = 2, h = 3, k = – 4
(C) p = – 2, h = 2, k = – 4 (D) p = 5, h = 4, k = – 3
Q. 36 If the tangent at (1, 7) to the curve x2 = y – 6 touches the circle x2 + y2 + 16x + 12y + c = 0 then the value
of c is : [JEE Main 2018]
(A) 95 (B) 195 (C) 185 (D) 85
Q. 37 Tangent and normal are drawn at P(16, 16) on the parabola y2 = 16x, which intersect the axis of the
parabola at A and B, respectively. If C is the centre of the circle through the points P, A and B and
CPB = , then a value of tanq is : [JEE Main 2018]
4 1
(A) (B) (C) 2 (D) 3
3 2
ELLIPSE
KEY CONCEPTS
1. STANDARD EQUATION & DEFINITIONS :
2 2
Standard equation of an ellipse referred to its principal axes along the co-ordinate axes is x  y  1.
a 2 b2
2 2
Where a > b & b² = a²(1  e²)  a  b = a e . 2 2
Where e = eccentricity (0 < e < 1).

FOCI : S  (a e, 0) & S ( a e, 0).
EQUATIONS OF DIRECTRICES :
a
x= & x = a .
e e
VERTICES :
A ( a, 0) & A  (a, 0) .
MAJOR AXIS :
The line segment A A in which the foci
S & S lie is of length 2a & is called the major axis (a > b) of the ellipse. Point of intersection of major
axis with directrix is called the foot of the directrix (z).
MINOR AXIS :
The yaxis intersects the ellipse in the points B  (0,  b) & B  (0, b). The line segment BB of length
2b (b < a) is called the Minor Axis of the ellipse.
PRINCIPAL AXIS :
The major & minor axis together are called Principal Axis of the ellipse.
CENTRE :
The point which bisects every chord of the conic drawn through it is called the centre of the conic.
2 2
C  (0, 0) the origin is the centre of the ellipse x  y  1.
a 2 b2
DIAMETER :
A chord of the conic which passes through the centre is called a diameter of the conic.
FOCAL CHORD : A chord which passes through a focus is called a focal chord.
DOUBLE ORDINATE :
A chord perpendicular to the major axis is called a double ordinate.
LATUS RECTUM :
The focal chord perpendicular to the major axis is called the latus rectum. Length of latus rectum
2b 2 ( minor axis ) 2
(LL) =   2a (1  e 2 ) = 2e (distance from focus to the corresponding directrix)
a major axis
NOTE :
(i) The sum of the focal distances of any point on the ellipse is equal to the major Axis. Hence distance of
focus from the extremity of a minor axis is equal to semi major axis. i.e. BS = CA.
2 2
(ii) If the equation of the ellipse is given as x  y  1 & nothing is mentioned, then the rule is to assume
a 2 b2
that a > b.
2. POSITION OF A POINT w.r.t. AN ELLIPSE :
x12 y12
The point P(x1, y1) lies outside, inside or on the ellipse according as ;   1 > < or = 0.
a2 b2
3. AUXILIARY CIRCLE / ECCENTRIC ANGLE :
A circle described on major axis as diameter is
called the auxiliary circle.
Let Q be a point on the auxiliary circle x2 + y2 = a2
such that QP produced is perpendicular to the x-axis
then P & Q are called as the CORRESPONDING POINTS
on the ellipse & the auxiliary circle respectively ‘’ is
called the ECCENTRIC ANGLE of the point P on the ellipse
(0  < 2 ).
( PN ) b Semi minor axis
Note that  (QN )  a  Semi major axis
Hence “ If from each point of a circle perpendiculars are drawn upon a fixed diameter then the locus of
the points dividing these perpendiculars in a given ratio is an ellipse of which the given circle is the
auxiliary circle”.
4. PARAMETRIC REPRESENTATION :
x 2 y2
  1.
The equations x = a cos  & y = b sin  together represent the ellipse
a 2 b2
Where  is a parameter. Note that if P()  (a cos  b sin ) is on the ellipse then ;
Q()  (a cos  a sin ) is on the auxiliary circle.
5. LINE AND AN ELLIPSE :
x 2 y2
The line y = mx + c meets the ellipse   1 in two points real, coincident or imaginary according
a 2 b2
as c2 is < = or > a2m2 + b2.
x 2 y2
Hence y = mx + c is tangent to the ellipse 2
 2  1 if c2 = a2m2 + b2.
a b
The equation to the chord of the ellipse joining two points with eccentric angles  &  is given by
x  y    .
cos  sin  cos
a 2 b 2 2
6. TANGENTS :
x x1 y y1
(i)  2  1 is tangent to the ellipse at (x1, y1).
a2 b
2a 2
Note :The figure formed by the tangents at the extremities of latus rectum is rhoubus of area
e
(ii) y = mx ± a 2 m 2  b 2 is tangent to the ellipse for all values of m.
Note that there are two tangents to the ellipse having the same m, i.e. there are two tangents parallel to
any given direction.
x cos  y sin 
(iii)   1 is tangent to the ellipse at the point (a cos , b sin ).
a b
(iv) The eccentric angles of point of contact of two parallel tangents differ by . Conversely if the difference
between the eccentric angles of two points is p then the tangents at these points are parallel.
cos  2  sin  2 
(v) Point of intersection of the tangents at the point  &  is a ,b .
cos  2  cos  2 
7. NORMALS :
a 2x b 2 y
(i) Equation of the normal at (x1, y1) is  = a²  b² = a²e².
x1 y1
(ii) Equation of the normal at the point (acos , bsin ) is ; ax. sec   by. cosec  = (a²  b²).
(a 2  b 2 ) m
(iii) Equation of a normal in terms of its slope 'm' is y = mx  .
a 2  b2m 2
Locus of the point of intersection of the tangents which meet at right angles is called the Director Circle.
The equation to this locus is x² + y² = a² + b² i.e. a circle whose centre is the centre of the ellipse &
whose radius is the length of the line joining the ends of the major & minor axis.
9. Chord of contact, pair of tangents, chord with a given middle point, pole & polar are to be interpreted as
they are in parabola.
10. DIAMETER :
The locus of the middle points of a system of parallel chords with slope 'm' of an ellipse is a straight line
b2
passing through the centre of the ellipse, called its diameter and has the equation y =  x.
a 2m
x 2 y2
11. IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS : Refering to an ellipse   1.
a 2 b2
H  1 If P be any point on the ellipse with S & S as its foci then  (SP) +  (SP) = 2a.
H  2 The product of the length’s of the perpendicular segments from the foci on any tangent to the ellipse is b2
and the feet of these perpendiculars Y,Y lie on its auxiliary circle.The tangents at these feet to the
auxiliary circle meet on the ordinate of P and that the locus of their point of intersection is a similiar ellipse
as that of the original one. Also the lines joining centre to the feet of the perpendicular Y and focus to the
point of contact of tangent are parallel.
H  3 If the normal at any point P on the ellipse with centre C meet the major & minor axes in G & g respectively,
& if CF be perpendicular upon this normal, then
(i) PF. PG = b2 (ii) PF. Pg = a2 (iii) PG. Pg = SP. S P (iv) CG. CT = CS2
(v) locus of the mid point of Gg is another ellipse having the same eccentricity as that of the original ellipse.
[where S and S are the focii of the ellipse and T is the point where tangent at P meet the major axis]
H  4 The tangent & normal at a point P on the ellipse bisect the external & internal angles between the focal
distances of P. This refers to the well known reflection property of the ellipse which states that rays from
one focus are reflected through other focus & viceversa. Hence we can deduce that the straight lines
joining each focus to the foot of the perpendicular from the other focus upon the tangent at any point P
meet on the normal PG and bisects it where G is the point where normal at P meets the major axis.
H  5 The portion of the tangent to an ellipse between the point of contact & the directrix subtends a right angle
at the corresponding focus.
H  6 The circle on any focal distance as diameter touches the auxiliary circle.
H  7 Perpendiculars from the centre upon all chords which join the ends of any perpendicular diameters of the
ellipse are of constant length.
H  8 If the tangent at the point P of a standard ellipse meets the axis in T and t and CY is the perpendicular on
it from the centre then,
(i) T t. PY = a2  b2 and (ii) least value of Tt is a + b.
Suggested problems from Loney: Exercise-32 (Q.2 to 7, 11, 12, 14, 16, 24), Exercise-33 (Important)
(Q.3, 5, 15, 18, 24, 25, 26), Exercise-35 (Q.4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15)
SOLVED EXAMPLE
1. Find the equation to the ellipse whose focus is the point (–1, 1), whose directrix is the straigth line
1
x – y + 3 = 0 and eccentricity is .
2
Sol. Let P  (h, k) be moving point,
PS 1
e= 
PM 2
2
1 h k 3
 (h + 1)2 + (k – 1)2 =  
4 2 
 locus of P(h, k) is
8{x2 + y2 + 2x – 2y + 2} = (x2 + y2 – 2xy + 6x – 6y + 9)
7x2 + 7y2 + 2xy + 10x – 10y + 7 = 0x
2. Find the equation to the ellipse whose centre is origin, axes are the axes of co-ordinate and passes
through the points (2, 2) and (3, 1).
x 2 y2
Sol. Let the equation to the ellipse is  1
a 2 b2
Since it passes through the points (2, 2) and (3, 1)
4 4
  1 .....(i)
a 2 b2
9 1
and  1 .....(ii)
a 2 b2
from (i) – 4 (ii), we get
4  36 32
=1–4  a2 =
a2 3
from (i), we get
1 1 3 83
  
b 2 4 32 32
32
b2 =
5
 Ellipse is 3x2 + 5y2 = 32
1
3. Find the equation of the ellipse whose focii are (4, 0) and (–4, 0) and eccentricity is .
3
Sol. Since both focus lies on x-axis, therefore x-axis is major axis and mid point of focii is origin which is
centre and a line perpendicular to major axis and passes through centre is minor axis which is y-axis.
x 2 y2
Let equation of ellipse is  1
a 2 b2
1
 ae = 4 and e= (given)
3
 a = 12 and b2 = a2(1 – e2)
 1
 b2 = 144 1  
 9
b2 = 16 × 8
b= 8 2
x2 y2
Equation of ellipse is  1
144 128
4. If minor-axis of ellipse subtend a right angle at its focus then find the eccentricity of ellipse.
x 2 y2
Sol. Let the equation of ellipse is  1 (a > b)
a 2 b2

 BSB' = and OB = OB'
2

 BSO =
4
 OS = OB  ae = b
b2
 e2 = = 1 – e2
a2
1
 e=
2
5. From a point Q on the circle x2 + y2 = a2, perpendicular QM are drawn to x-axis, find the locus of point
'P' dividing QM in ratio 2 : 1.
Sol. Let Q (a cos , a sin )
M (a cos , 0)
Let P (h, k)
a sin 
 h = a cos , k =
3
2 2
 3k   h 
     1
 a  a
x2 y2
 Locus of P is  1
a 2 (a / 3) 2
6. Find the equation of axes, directrix, co-ordinate of focii, centre, vertices, length of latus-rectum and
(x  3) 2 (y  2)2
eccentricity of an ellipse  = 1.
25 16
X2 Y 2
Sol. Let x – 3 = X, y – 2 = Y, so equation of ellipse becomes as 2  2  1 .
5 4
equation of major axis is Y = 0  y=2
equation of minor axis is X = 0  x=3
centre (X = 0, Y = 0)  x = 3, y = 2
C  (3, 2)
Length of semi-major axis a = 5.
Length of major axis 2a = 10
Length of semi-minor axis b = 4
Length of major axis = 2b = 8
Let 'e' be eccentricity
 b2 = a2(1 – e2)
a 2  b2 25  16 3
e= 2
 
a 25 5
2b 2 2 16 32
Length of latus rectum = LL' =  
a 5 5
co-ordinates focii are X = ±ae, Y = 0
 S (X = 3, Y = 0) & S' (X = –3, Y = 0)
 S (6, 2) & S' (0, 2)
x 2 y2
7. Find the distance from centre of the point P on the ellipse   1 whose radius makes angle  with
a 2 b2
x-axis.
Sol. Let P (a cos , b sin )
b
 tan  = tan 
a
a
tan  = tan 
b
a 2  b 2 tan 2 
OP = a 2 cos 2   b 2 sin 2  
sec 2 
a2
2 2 2 a 2  b2  tan 2 
a  b tan  b2
= 
1  tan 2  a2
1 2
tan 2 
b
ab
OP =
a sin   b 2 cos 2 
2 2
x 2 y2
8. Find the set of value(s) of '' for which the line 3x – 4y +  = 0 intersect the ellipse   1 at two
16 9
distinct points.
Sol. Solving given line with ellipse, we get
(4y  ) 2 y 2
 1
9 16 9
2y 2 y  2
  1  0
9 18 144
Since, line intersect the parabola at two distinct points,
 roots of above equation are real & distinct
 D>0
2 8   
 2
   1  0
(18) 9  144 
 –12 2 <  < 12 2
9. Find the equations of the tangents to the ellipse 3x2 + 4y2 = 12 which are perpendicular to the line
y + 2x = 4.
1
Sol. Slope of tangent = m =
2
x 2 y2
Given ellipse is  1
4 3
Equation of tangent whose slope is 'm' is
y = mx ± 4m 2  3
1 1
 m=  y= x ± 1 3
2 2
2y = x ± 4
x 2 y2
10. A tangent to the ellipse 2  2  1 touches at the point P on it in the first quadrant and meets the
a b
co-ordinate axes in A and B respectively. If P divides AB in the ratio 3 : 1, find the equation of the
tangent.
Sol. Let P  (a cos , b sin )
 equation of tangent is
x y
cos + sin = 1
a b
A (a sec , 0)
B (0, b cosec )
 P divide AB internally in the ratio 3 : 1
a sec  1 1
 a cos  =  cos2  =  cos  =
4 4 2
3b cos ec 3
and b sin  =  sin  =
4 2
x 3y
 tangent is  1  bx + 3 ay = 2ab
2a 2b
11. Prove that the locus of the point of intersection of tangents to an ellipse at two points whose eccentric
angle differ by a constant  is an ellipse.
Sol. Let P(h, k) be the point of intersection of tangents at A() and B() to the ellipse
    
a cos   bsin 
 2   2 
 h= & k=
      
cos   cos  
 2   2 
2 2
h k 2  
       sec  
a b  2 
but given that  –  = 
x2 y2
 locus is  1
2 2 2 
2
a sec   b sec  
2 2
x 2 y2
12. Find the locus of foot of perpendicular drawn from centre to any tangent to the ellipse is  = 1.
a 2 b2
Sol. Let P(h, k) be the foot of perpendicular to a tangent y = mx + a 2m 2  b 2 .....(i)
from centre
k h
 m = – 1  m=  .....(ii)
h k
 P(h, k) lies on tangent
 k = mh + a 2m 2  b 2 .....(iii)
from equation (ii) & (iii), we get
2
 h 2  a 2h 2 2
 k    2 b
 k  k
 locus is (x2 + y2)2 = a2x2 + b2y2
x 2 y2
13. Find the shortest distance between the line x + y = 10 and the ellipse  1
16 9
Sol. Shortest distance occurs between two non-intersecting curve always along common normal.
Let 'P' be a point on ellipse and Q is a point on given line for which PQ is common normal.
 Tangent at 'P' is parallel to given line
 Equation of tangent parallel to given line is (y = mx ± a 2m 2  b 2 )
y = –x ± 5
 x + y + 5 = 0 or x+y–5=0
 minimum distance = distance between
x + y – 10 = 0 & x + y – 5 = 0
|10  5 |
 shortest distance =
11
5
=
2
14. Prove that, in an ellipse, the distance between the centre and any normal does not exceed the difference
between the semi-axes of the ellipse.
x 2 y2
Sol. Let the equation of ellipse is 2  2  1
a b
Equation of normal at P() is
(a sec )x – (b cosec )y – a2 + b2 = 0
distance of normal from centre
| a 2  b2 |
= OR =
a 2  b 2  (a tan ) 2  (b cot ) 2
| a 2  b2 |
=
(a  b)2  (a tan   b cot ) 2
| a 2  b2 |
 (a + b)2 + (a tan – b cot )2  (a + b)2 or 
(a  b) 2
|OR|  (a – b)
x 2 y2
15. How many real tangents can be drawn from the point (4, 3) to the ellipse   1 . Find the equation
16 9
these tangents & angle between them.
Sol. Given point P  (4, 3)
x 2 y2
ellipse S   –1=0
16 9
16 9
 S1   – 1 = 1 > 0
16 9
 Point P  (4, 3) lies outside the ellipse.
 Two tangents can be drawn from the point P(4, 3).
Equation of pair of tangents is
SS1 = T2
2
 x 2 y2   4x 3x 
    1  1     1
 16 9   16 9 
x 2 y2 x 2 y2 xy x 2y
  1 =  1    –xy + 3x + 4y – 12 = 0
16 9 16 9 6 2 3
 (4 – x)(y – 3) = 0  x=4&y=3

and angle between them =
2
x 2 y2
16. Find the locus of point of intersection of perpendicular tangents to the ellipse  1
a 2 b2
Sol. Let P(h, k) be the point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents
2
 x 2 y2  h 2 k 2   hx ky 
  2  2  1 2  2  1   2  2  1 
a b  a b  a b 
x 2  k 2  y2  h 2 
   1    1  .....  0 .....(i)
a 2  b2  a 2  a 2 
Since equation (i) represents two perpendicular lines
1  k2  1  h 2 
   1    1  0
a 2  b2  b2  a 2 
 k2 – b2 + h2 – a2 = 0  locus is x2 + y2 = a2 + b2
x 2 y2
17. If tangents to the parabola y2 = 4ax intersect the ellipse   1 at A and B, then find the locus of
a 2 b2
point of intersection of tangents at A and B.
Sol. Let P  (h, k) be the point of intersection of tangents at A & B
xh yk
 equation of chord of contact AB is  1 .....(i)
a 2 b2
which touches the parabola equation of tangent to parabola y2 = 4ax
a
y = mx +
m
a
 mx – y =  .....(ii)
m
a
m 1 
equation (i) & (ii) as must be same    m
h
   k 1
 2  2
a  b 
h b2 ak hb 2 ak
 m=  2 & m=   2  2
ka b2 ka b
2
b4
 locus of P is y =  x
a3
x 2 y2
18. Find the locus of the mid-point of focal chords of the ellipse   1.
a 2 b2
Sol. Let P  (h, k) be the mid-point
xh yk h2 k2
 equation of chord whose mid-point is given   1   1
a 2 b2 a 2 b2
since it is a focal chord
 it passes through focus, either (ae, 0) or (–ae, 0)
If it passes through (ae, 0)
ex x 2 y 2
 locus is  
a a 2 b2
If it passes through (–ae, 0)
ex x 2 y 2
 locus is   
a a 2 b2
x2 y2
19. Find the condition on 'a' and 'b' for which two distinct chords of the ellipse 2  2  1 passing
2a 2b
through (a, –b) are bisected by the line x + y = b.
Sol. Let the line x + y = b bisect the chord at P(, b – )
 equation of chord whose mid-point is P(, b – )
x y(b  )  2 (b  ) 2
  2
2a 2 ab 2 2a 2b 2
Since it passes through (a, –b)
 (b  )  2 (b  ) 2
   2
2a 2b 2a 2b 2
1 1 2 1 1  2  1 1   3 1
    – 1 =   2  2   + 1  2  2  2       + 2 = 0
a b a b  b a b  b a
since line bisect two chord
 above quadratic equation in  must have two distinct real roots
2
3 1 1 1 
     4 2  2   2  0
b a a b 
9 1 6 8 8 1 7 6
 2
 2   2  2 0    0
b a ab a b b2 a 2 ab
 a2 – 7b2 + 6ab > 0
 a2 > 7b2 – 6ab which is the required condition.
20. Find the equation of the ellipse that passes through the origin and has the foci at the points (–1, 1) and
(1, 1).
Sol. Let P(x, y) be any point on the ellipse and the foci be
S(–1, 1) and S'(1, 1)
Now, P and O lie on the ellipse
 PS + PS' = constant = OS + OS'
[Since sum of focal distances of any point on the ellipse is constant]
 (x  1) 2  (y  1) 2  (x  1) 2  (y  1) 2  2 2
 (x  1) 2  (y  1) 2  2 2  (x  1) 2  (y  1) 2
 (x + 1)2 + (y – 1)2 = 8 + [(x – 1)2 + (y – 1)2] – 4 2 (x  1) 2  (y  1) 2

2 2
 4x – 8 = 4 2 (x  1)  (y  1)
2 2
 x – 2 =  2 (x  1)  (y  1)
 x2 – 4x + 4 = 2[x2 – 2x + 1 + y2 – 2y + 1]
 0 = x2 + 2y2 – 4y
 x2 + 2y2 – 4y = 0 is the required equation of the ellipse.
21. An arch way is in the shape of a semi-ellipse, the road level being the major axis. If the breadth of the
arch way is 30 feet and a man 6 feet tall just touches the top when 2 feet from the side, find the greatest
height of the arch.
Sol. Since man just touches the top of the arch,
 Greatest height of the arch = OR = b
x 2 y2
Let the equation of ellipse be  1 .....(i)
a 2 b2
Given, A'A = 30
 A'O = 15 = OA = a
Let AM = 2
Then, OM = 13 and MP = 6 (given)
Now, P  (13, 6)
(13) 2 (6)2
Since P(13, 6) lies on (i),   1
(15)2 b 2
36 169 225  169 56
 2
 1  
b 225 225 225
(36)(225) (9)(225) (3)(15) 45
 b2 =   b= 
56 14 14 14
45 14
 b= ft
14
22. A man running a race course notes that the sum of the distances from the two flag posts from him is
always 10 metres and the distance between the flag posts is 8 metres. Find the equation of the path
traced by the man.
Sol. Let A, B be the flag posts. Let O be the mid-point of AB. We take O as the origin and the line joining
A and B as x-axis. We take OY as y-axis.
Since AB = 8  OA = OB = 4
 A (–4, 0) and B  (4, 0)
Let P(x, y) be the position of the man.
 By the given condition, PA + PB = 10
 (x  4) 2  (y  0) 2  (x  4) 2  (y  0) 2  10
 x 2  y 2  8x  16  x 2  y 2  8x  16  10
 x 2  y 2  8x  16  10  x 2  y 2  8x  16
x2 + y2 + 8x + 16 = 100 + (x2 + y2 – 8x + 16) – 20 x 2  y 2  8x  16
 20 x 2  y 2  8x  16 = 100 – 16x
 25(x2 + y2 – 8x + 16) = (25 – 4x)2
x 2 y2
9x2 + 25y2 = 225   1
25 9
EXERCISE–I
Q.1 (a) Find the equation of the ellipse with its centre (1, 2), focus at (6, 2) and passing through the
point (4, 6).
(b) An ellipse passes through the points ( 3, 1) & (2, 2) & its principal axis are along the coordinate
axes in order. Find its equation.
Q.2 The tangent at any point P of a circle x2 + y2 = a 2 meets the tangent at a fixed point
A (a, 0) in T and T is joined to B, the other end of the diameter through A, prove that the locus of the
intersection of AP and BT is an ellipse whose ettentricity is 1 2 .
Q.3 The tangent at the point  on a standard ellipse meets the auxiliary circle in two points which subtends a
right angle at the centre. Show that the eccentricity of the ellipse is (1 + sin²)1/2.
Q.4 If any two chords be drawn through two points on the major axis of an ellipse equidistant from the
   
centre, show that tan ·tan ·tan ·tan  1 , where , , ,  are the eccentric angles of the
2 2 2 2
extremities of the chords.
x 2 y2
Q.5 If the normal at the point P() to the ellipse   1 , intersects it again at the point Q(2),
14 5
show that cos = – (2/3).
Q.6 If s, s' are the length of the perpendicular on a tangent from the foci, a, a' are those from the vertices,
x 2 y2 ss'c 2
c is that from the centre and e is the eccentricity of the ellipse, 2   1 , then prove that = e2
a b2 aa 'c 2
x 2 y2
Q.7 Prove that the equation to the circle, having double contact with the ellipse   1 (with
a 2 b2
eccentricity e) at the ends of a latus rectum, is x2 + y2 – 2ae3x = a2 (1 – e2 – e4).
x 2 y2
Q.8 Find the equations of the lines with equal intercepts on the axes & which touch the ellipse
  1.
16 9
Q.9 Suppose x and y are real numbers and that x2 + 9y2 – 4x + 6y + 4 = 0 then find the maximum value of
(4x – 9y).
4 x 2 y2
Q.10 A tangent having slope  to the ellipse   1 , intersects the axis of x & y in points A & B
3 18 32
respectively. If O is the origin, find the area of triangle OAB.
Q.11 ‘O’ is the origin & also the centre of two concentric circles having radii of the inner & the outer circle as
‘a’ & ‘b’ respectively. A line OPQ is drawn to cut the inner circle in P & the outer circle in Q. PR is
drawn parallel to the y-axis & QR is drawn parallel to the x-axis. Prove that the locus of R is an ellipse
touching the two circles. If the focii of this ellipse lie on the inner circle, find the ratio of inner : outer radii
& find also the eccentricity of the ellipse.
Q.12 Find the equation of the largest circle with centre (1, 0) that can be inscribed in the ellipse
x2 + 4y2 = 16.
x 2 y2
Q.13 Let d be the perpendicular distance from the centre of the ellipse 2  2  1 to the tangent drawn at a
a b
 b2 
point P on the ellipse.If F1 & F2 are the two foci of the ellipse, then show that (PF1  PF2)2 = 4a 2 1  2  .
 d 
Q.14 Common tangents are drawn to the parabola y2 = 4x & the ellipse 3x2 + 8y2 = 48 touching the parabola
at A & B and the ellipse at C & D. Find the area of the quadrilateral.
Q.15 If the normal at a point P on the ellipse of semi axes a, b & centre C cuts the major & minor axes at G &
g, show that a2. (CG)2 + b2. (Cg)2 = (a2  b2)2. Also prove that CG = e2CN, where PN is the ordinate
of P.
x 2 y2
Q.16 A circle intersects an ellipse 2  2 = 1 precisely at three points A,
a b
B, C as shown in the figure. AB is a diameter of the circle and is
perpendicular to the major axis of the ellipse. If the eccentricity of the
ellipse is 4/5, find the length of the diameter AB in terms of a.
Q.17 Consider the family of circles, x2 + y2 = r2, 2 < r < 5. If in the first quadrant, the common tangent to a
circle of the family and the ellipse 4 x2 + 25 y2 = 100 meets the coordinate axes at A & B, then find the
equation of the locus of the midpoint of AB.
x 2 y2
Q.18 The tangents from (x1, y1) to the ellipse   1 intersect at right angles. Show that the normals at
a 2 b2
y x
the points of contact meet on the line  .
y1 x1
x 2 y2
Q.19 If the tangent at any point of an ellipse   1 makes an angle  with the major axis and an angle
a 2 b2
 with the focal radius of the point of contact then show that the eccentricity 'e' of the ellipse is given by
cos 
the absolute value of .
cos 
Q.20 An ellipse has foci at F1(9, 20) and F2(49, 55) in the xy-plane and is tangent to the x-axis. Find the length
of its major axis.
EXERCISE–II
Q.1 PG is the normal to a standard ellipse at P, G being on the major axis. GP is produced outwards to Q so
a 2  b2
that PQ = GP. Show that the locus of Q is an ellipse whose eccentricity is 2 .
a  b2
Q.2 P & Q are the corresponding points on a standard ellipse & its auxiliary circle. The tangent at P to the
ellipse meets the major axis in T. Prove that QT touches the auxiliary circle.
x 2 y2
Q.3 The point P on the ellipse   1 is joined to the ends A, Aof the major axis. If the lines through
a 2 b2
P perpendicular to PA, PA meet the major axis in Q and R then prove that
l(QR) = length of latus rectum.
( x  3) 2 ( y  4) 2
Q.4 Given the equation of the ellipse + = 1, a parabola is such that its vertex is the lowest
16 49
point of the ellipse and it passes through the ends of the minor axis of the ellipse. The equation of the
parabola is in the form 16y = a(x – h)2 – k. Determine the value of (a + h + k).
x 2 y2
Q.5 A tangent to the ellipse   1 touches at the point P on it in the first quadrant & meets the
a 2 b2
coordinate axes in A & B respectively. If P divides AB in the ratio 3 : 1 reckoning from the x-axis find the
equation of the tangent.
x 2 y2 
Q.6 Consider an ellipse   1 with centre C and a point P on it with eccentric angle . Normal
25 9 4
drawn at P intersects the major and minor axes in A and B respectively. N1 and N2 are the feet of the
perpendiculars from the foci S1 and S2 respectively on the tangent at P and N is the foot of the perpendicular
from the centre of the ellipse on the normal at P. Tangent at P intersects the axis of x at T.
Match the entries of Column-I with the entries of Column-II.
Column-I Column-II
(A) (CA)(CT) is equal to (P) 9
(B) (PN)(PB) is equal to (Q) 16
(C) (S1N1)(S2N2) is equal to (R) 17
(D) (S1P)(S2P) is equal to (S) 25
Q.7 A tangent to the ellipse x2 + 4y2 = 4 meets the ellipse x2 + 2y2 = 6 at P & Q. Prove that the tangents at
P & Q of the ellipse x2 + 2y2 = 6 are at right angles.
Q.8 Rectangle ABCD has area 200. An ellipse with area 200 passes through A and C and has foci at B and
D. Find the perimeter of the rectangle.
Q.9 Consider the parabola y2 = 4x and the ellipse 2x2 + y2 = 6, intersecting at P and Q.
(a) Prove that the two curves are orthogonal.
(b) Find the area enclosed by the parabola and the common chord of the ellipse and parabola.
(c) If tangent and normal at the point P on the ellipse intersect the x-axis at T and G respectively then find the
area of the triangle PTG.
x 2 y2
Q.10 A normal inclined at 45° to the axis of the ellipse 2  2  1 is drawn. It meets the x-axis & the y-axis in P
a b
(a 2  b 2 ) 2
& Q respectively. If C is the centre of the ellipse, show that the area of triangle CPQ is sq. units.
2( a 2  b 2 )
x 2 y2
Q.11 Consider the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 with centre 'O' where a > b > 0. Tangent at any point P on the ellipse
a b
meets the coordinate axes at X and Y and N is the foot of the perpendicular from the origin on the
tangent at P. Minimum length of XY is 36 and maximum length of PN is 4.
(a) Find the eccentricity of the ellipse.
(b) Find the maximum area of an isosceles triangle inscribed in the ellipse if one of its vertex coincides with
one end of the major axis of the ellipse.
(c) Find the maximum area of the triangle OPN.
x 2 y2
Q.12 A straight line AB touches the ellipse 2
 2  1 & the circle x2 + y2 = r2; where a > r > b.
a b
A focal chord of the ellipse, parallel to AB intersects the circle in P & Q, find the length of the perpendicular
drawn from the centre of the ellipse to PQ. Hence show that PQ = 2b.
Q.13 A ray emanating from the point ( 4, 0) is incident on the ellipse 9x2 + 25y2 = 225 at the point P with
abscissa 3. Find the equation of the reflected ray after first reflection.
x 2 y2
Q.14 If p is the length of the perpendicular from the focus ‘S’ of the ellipse 2  2  1 on any tangent at 'P',
a b
b2 2a
then show that 2  1.
p  (SP )
Q.15 Variable pairs of chords at right angles and drawn through any point P (with eccentric angle /4) on the
x2
ellipse  y 2 = 1, to meet the ellipse at two points say A and B. If the line joining A and B passes
4 m
through a fixed point Q(a, b) such that a2 + b2 has the value equal to , where m, n are relatively prime
n
positive integers, find (m + n).
EXERCISE–III
Q.1
Q.2
Q.3 Let ABC be an equilateral triangle inscribed in the circle x2 + y2 = a2. Suppose perpendiculars from A,
x2 y2
B, C to the major axis of the ellipse,  = 1, (a > b) meet the ellipse respectively at P, Q, R so that
a2 b2
P, Q, R lie on the same side of the major axis as A, B, C respectively. Prove that the normals to the ellipse
drawn at the points P, Q and R are concurrent. [ JEE '2000, 7]
Q.4 Let C1 and C2 be two circles with C2 lying inside C1. A circle C lying inside C1 touches
C1 internally and C2externally. Identify the locus of the centre of C. [ JEE '2001, 5 ]
2 2
x y
Q.5 Find the condition so that the line px + qy = r intersects the ellipse 2  2 = 1 in points whose
a b
eccentric angles differ by  4 . [ REE '2001, 3 ]
Q.6 Prove that, in an ellipse, the perpendicular from a focus upon any tangent and the line joining the centre
of the ellipse to the point of contact meet on the corresponding directrix. [ JEE ' 2002, 5]
x2 y2
Q.7(i) The area of the quadrilateral formed by the tangents at the ends of the latus rectum of the ellipse  1
9 5
is
(A) 9 3 sq. units (B) 27 3 sq. units (C) 27 sq. units (D) none

(ii) The value of  for which the sum of intercept on the axis by the tangent at the point 3 3 cos  , sin  , 
2
x
0 <  < /2 on the ellipse  y 2 = 1 is least, is
27
   
(A) (B) (C) (D)
6 4 3 8
[ JEE ' 2003 (Screening)]
Q.8 The locus of the middle point of the intercept of the tangents drawn from an external point to the ellipse
x2 + 2y2 = 2, between the coordinates axes, is
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(A) 2  2  1 (B) 2
 2 1 (C) 2
 2 1 (D) 2
 2 1
x 2y 4x 2y 2x 4y 2x y
[JEE 2004 (Screening) ]
x 2 y2
Q.9(i) The minimum area of triangle formed by the tangent to the ellipse 2  2 = 1 and coordinate axes is
a b
a 2  b2 (a  b ) 2 a 2  ab  b 2
(A) ab sq. units (B) sq. units (C) sq. units (D) sq. units
2 2 3
[JEE 2005 (Screening) ]
(ii) Find the equation of the common tangent in 1st quadrant to the circle x2 + y2 = 16 and the ellipse
x 2 y2
 = 1. Also find the length of the intercept of the tangent between the coordinate axes.
25 4
[JEE 2005 (Mains), 4 ]
Q.10 The line passing through the extremityA of the major axis and extremity B of the minor axis of the ellipse
x2 + 9y2 = 9 meets its auxiliary circle at the point M. Then the area of the triangle with vertices at A,
M and the origin O is [JEE 2009]
31 29 21 27
(A) (B) (C) (D)
10 10 10 10
Q.11 The normal at a point P on the ellipse x2 + 4y2 = 16 meets the x-axis at Q. If M is the mid point of the line
segment PQ, then the locus of M intersects the latus rectums of the given ellipse at the point
 3 5 2  3 5 19   1  4 3
(A)   2 ,  7  (B)   2 ,  4  (C)   2 3,   (D)   2 3 ,  7 
     7  
[JEE 2009]
Paragraph for question 12 to 14
x 2 y2
Tangents are drawn from the point P(3, 4) to the ellipse   1 touching the ellipse at points
9 4
A and B. [JEE 2010]
Q. 12 The coordinates of A and B are

 8 2 161   9 8
(A) (3, 0) and (0, 2) (B)   ,  and   , 
 5 15   5 5
 8 2 161   9 8
(C)   ,  and (0, 2) (D) (3, 0) and   , 
 5 15   5 5
Q. 13 The orthocenter of the triangle PAB is

 8  7 25   11 8   8 7 
(A)  5,  (B)  ,  (C)  ,  (D)  , 
 7 5 8   5 5  25 25 
Q. 14 The equation of the locus of the point whose distances from the point P and the line AB are equal, is
(A) 9x2 + y2 – 6xy – 54x – 62y + 241 = 0 (B) x2 + 9y2 + 6xy – 54x + 62y – 241 = 0
(C) 9x2 + 9y2 – 6xy – 54x – 62y – 241 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 – 2xy + 27x + 31y – 120 = 0
x 2 y2
Q. 15 The ellipse E1 :   1 is inscribed in a rectangle R whose sides are parallel to the coordinates
9 4
axes. Another ellipse E2 passing through the point (0, 4) circumscribes the reactangle R. The eccentricity
of the ellipse E2 is [JEE 2012]
2 3 1 3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 2 4
x 2 y2
Q. 16 The equation of the circle passing through the foci of the ellipse   1 , and having centre at (0, 3)
16 9
is : [IIT JEE Main 2013]
(A) x2 + y2 – 6y + 5 = 0 2 2
(B) x + y – 6y – 7 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 – 6y + 7 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 – 6y – 5 = 0
x 2 y2
Q. 17 A vertical line passing through the point (h, 0) intersects the   1 ellipse at the point P and Q. Let
4 3
the tangents to the ellipse at P and Q meet at the point R. If (h) = area of the triangle PQR,
8
1 = max (h) and 2 = min (h), then 1 – 82 = [IIT JEE Adv. 2013]
1/2 h 1 1/2  h 1 5
Q. 18 The locus of the foot of perpendicular drawn from the centre of the ellipse x2 + 3y2 = 6 on any tangent
to it is [IIT Main 2014]
2 2 2 2
(A) (x + y ) = 6x – 2y 2 2 2 2 2
(B) (x – y ) = 6x + 2y 2
2 2 2 2
(C) (x – y ) = 6x – 2y 2 (D) (x2 + y2)2 = 6x2 + 2y2
Q. 19 List-I List-II
3
(P) Let y(x) = cos(3 cos–1x), x  [–1, 1], x  ± (1) 1
2
1  2 d 2 y(x) dy(x) 
Then (x  1)  x  equals
y(x)  dx 2 dx 
(Q) Let A1, A2, ...., An (n > 2) be the vertices of a (2) 2
regular polygon of n sides with its centre at the

origin. Let a k be the position vector of the point
n 1   n 1  
Ak, k = 1, 2, ....., n. If  k 1 (a k  a k 1 )   k 1 (a k .a k 1 ) ,
then the minimum value of n is

(R) If the normal from the point P(h, 1) on the ellipse (3) 8
x 2 y2
  1 is perpendicular to the line x + y = 8, then
6 3
the value of h is
(S) Number of positive solutions satisfying the equation (4) 9
 1   1   2 
tan–1   + tan–1   = tan–1  2  is [IIT JEE Adv. 2014]
 2x  1   4x  1  x 
Code :
P Q R S P Q R S
(A) 4 3 2 1 (B) 2 4 3 1
(C) 4 3 1 2 (D) 2 4 1 3
Q. 20 The area (in sq. units) of the quadrilateral formed by the tangents at the end points of the latera recta to
x 2 y2
the ellipse   1 is [JEE Main 2015]
9 5
27 27
(A) 27 (B) (C) 18 (D)
4 2
Q. 21 Let E1 and E2 be two ellipse whose centers are at the origin. The major axes of E1 and E2 lie along the
x-axis and the y-axis, respectively. Let S be the circle x2 + (y – 1)2 = 2. The straight line x + y = 3
2 2
touches the curves S, E1 and E2 at P, Q and R, respectively. Suppose that PQ = PR = . If e1 and
3
e2 are the eccentricities of E1 and E2, respectively, then the correct expression(s) is(are) :
2 2 43 7
(A) e1  e2  (B) e1e2 = [IIT JEE Adv. 2015]
40 2 10
2 2 5 3
(C) e1  e 2  (D) e1e2 =
8 4
x 2 y2
Q. 22 Suppose that the foci of the ellipse   1 are (f1, 0) and (f2, 0) where f1 > 0 and f2 < 0. Let P1 and
9 5
P2 be two parabolas with a common vertex at (0, 0) and with foci at (f1, 0) and (2f2, 0) respectively.
Let T1 be a tangent to P1 which passes through (2f2, 0) and T2 be a tangent to P2 which passes through
 1 2
(f1, 0). If m1 is the slope of T1 and m2 is the slope of T2, then the value of  2  m 2  is :
 m1 
[IIT JEE Adv. 2015]
Paragraph (Q. 23 to Q. 24)
x 2 y2
Let F1(x1, 0) and F2(x2, 0), for x1 < 0 and x2 > 0, be the foci of the ellipse   1 . Suppose a
9 8
parabola having vertex at the origin and focus at F2 intersects the ellipse at point M in the first quadrant
and at point N in the fourth quadrant. [IIT JEE Adv. 2015]
Q. 23 The orthocentre of the triangle F1MN is

 9  2  9  2 
(A)   ,0  (B)  , 0  (C)  ,0  (D)  , 6 
 10  3   10  3 
Q. 24 If the tangent to the ellipse at M and N meet at R and the normal to the parabola at M meets the x-axis
at Q, then the ratio of the area of the triangle MQR to area of the quadrilateral MF1NF2 is
(A) 3 : 4 (B) 4 : 5 (C) 5 : 8 (D) 2 : 3
1
Q. 25 The eccentricity of an ellipse whose center is at the origin is . If one of its directrices is x = –4, then the
2
 3
equation of the normal to its a  1,  [JEE Mains 2017]
 2
(A) 2y – x = 2 (B) 4x – 2y = 1 (C) 4x + 2y = 7 (D) x + 2y = 4
1
Q. 26 Consider two straight lines, each of which is tangent to both the circle x2 + y2 = and and the parabola
2
y2 = 4x. Let these lines intersect at the point Q. Consider the ellipse whose center is at the origin O(0, 0)
and whose semi-major axis is OQ. If the length of the minor axis of this ellipse is 2 , then the which of
the following statement(s) is (are) TRUE ? [JEE Adv. 2018]
1
(A) For the ellipse, the eccentricity is and the length of the latus rectum is 1
2
1
(B) For the ellipse, the eccentricity is and the length of the latus rectum is
2
1 1
(C) The area of the region bounded by the ellipse between the lines x = and x = 1 is ( – 2)
2 4 2
1 1
(D) The area of the region bounded by the ellipse between the lines x = and x = 1 is ( – 2)
2 16
KEY CONCEPTS (HYPERBOLA)
The HYPERBOLA is a conic whose eccentricity is greater than unity. (e > 1).
1. STANDARD EQUATION & DEFINITION(S)
Standard equation of the hyperbola is
x 2 y2
  1 . Where b2 = a2 (e2  1)
a 2 b2
b2
or a2 e2 = a2 + b2 i.e. e2 = 1 +
a2
2
 C.A 
=1+  
 T.A 
FOCI :
S  (ae, 0) & S  ( ae, 0).
EQUATIONS OF DIRECTRICES :
a a
x= & x= .
e e
VERTICES : A (a, 0) & A ( a, 0).
2
2b 2 C.A.
l (Latus rectum) =  = 2a (e2  1).
a T.A.
Note : l (L.R.) = 2e (distance from focus to the corresponding directrix)
TRANSVERSE AXIS : The line segment AA of length 2a in which the foci S & S both lie is called the
T.A. OF THE HYPERBOLA.
CONJUGATE AXIS : The line segment BB between the two points B (0,  b) & B (0, b) is called as
the C.A. OF THE HYPERBOLA.
The T.A. & the C.A. of the hyperbola are together called the Principal axes of the hyperbola.
2. FOCAL PROPERTY :
The difference of the focal distances of any point on the hyperbola is constant and equal to transverse
axis i.e. PS  PS  2a . The distance SS' = focal length.
3. CONJUGATE HYPERBOLA :
Two hyperbolas such that transverse & conjugate axes of one hyperbola are respectively the conjugate
& the transverse axes of the other are called CONJUGATE HYPERBOLAS of each other.
x 2 y2 x 2 y2
eg.   1 &    1 are conjugate hyperbolas of each.
a 2 b2 a 2 b2
Note That : (a) If e1& e2 are the eccentrcities of the hyperbola & its conjugate then e12 + e22 = 1.
(b) The foci of a hyperbola and its conjugate are concyclic and form the vertices of a
square.
(c) Two hyperbolas are said to be similiar if they have the same eccentricity.
4. RECTANGULAR OR EQUILATERAL HYPERBOLA :
The particular kind of hyperbola in which the lengths of the transverse & conjugate axis are equal is
called an EQUILATERAL HYPERBOLA. Note that the eccentricity of the rectangular hyperbola is 2 and
the length of its latus rectum is equal to its transverse or conjugate axis.
5. AUXILIARY CIRCLE :
A circle drawn with centre C & T.A. as a
diameter is called the AUXILIARY CIRCLE
of the hyperbola. Equation of the auxiliary
circle is x2 + y2 = a2.
Note from the figure that P & Q are called
the "CORRESPONDING POINTS " on the
hyperbola & the auxiliary circle. '' is called
the eccentric angle of the point 'P' on the
hyperbola. (0 2).
x 2 y2
Note : The equations x = a sec & y = b tan  together represents the hyperbola  1
a 2 b2
where is a parameter. The parametric equations : x = a cos h ,
y = b sin h  also represents the same hyperbola.
General Note :
Since the fundamental equation to the hyperbola only differs from that to the ellipse in having
– b2 instead of b2 it will be found that many propositions for the hyperbola are derived from those for
the ellipse by simply changing the sign of b2.
6. POSITION OF A POINT 'P' w.r.t. A HYPERBOLA :
x12 y12
The quantity   1 is positive, zero or negative according as the point (x1, y1) lies within, upon
a 2 b2
or without the curve.
7. LINE AND A HYPERBOLA :
x 2 y2
The straight line y = mx + c is a secant, a tangent or passes outside the hyperbola 2  2  1 according
as: c2 > = < a2 m2  b2. a b
8. TANGENTS AND NORMALS :
TANGENTS :
x 2 y2 xx yy
(a) Equation of the tangent to the hyperbola
2
 2  1 at the point (x1, y1) is 21  21  1 .
a b a b
Note: In general two tangents can be drawn from an external point (x1 y1) to the hyperbola and they are
y  y1 = m1(x  x1) & y  y1 = m2(x  x2), where m1 & m2 are roots of the equation
(x12  a2)m2  2 x1y1m + y12 + b2 = 0. If D < 0, then no tangent can be drawn from (x1 y1) to the hyperbola.
x 2 y2 x sec θ y tan θ
(b) Equation of the tangent to the hyperbola 2
 2  1 at the point (a sec , b tan ) is   1.
a b a b
   
cos 1 2 sin 1 2
2 , y=b 2
Note : Point of intersection of the tangents at 1 & 2 is x = a   
  cos 1 2
cos 1 2 2
2
x 2 y2
(c) y = mx  a 2 m 2  b 2 can be taken as the tangent to the hyperbola
  1.
a 2 b2
Note that there are two parallel tangents having the same slope m.
(d) Equation of a chord joining  &  is
x   y    
cos  sin  cos
a 2 b 2 2
NORMALS:
x 2 y2
(a) The equation of the normal to the hyperbola 2  2  1 at the point P(x1 , y1 ) on it is
a b
a 2x b2 y 2 2 2 2
  a b = a e .
x1 y1
x 2 y2
(b) The equation of the normal at the point P (a sec, b tan) on the hyperbola 2  2  1 is
ax by a b
  a 2  b 2 = a2 e2.
sec  tan 
(c) Equation to the chord of contact, polar, chord with a given middle point, pair of tangents from an external
point is to be interpreted as in ellipse.
The locus of the intersection of tangents which are at right angles is known as the DIRECTOR CIRCLE of
the hyperbola. The equation to the director circle is :
x2 + y2 = a2  b2.
If b2 < a2 this circle is real; if b2 = a2 the radius of the circle is zero & it reduces to a point circle at the origin.
In this case the centre is the only point from which the tangents at right angles can be drawn to the curve.
If b2 > a2, the radius of the circle is imaginary, so that there is no such circle & so no tangents at right
angle can be drawn to the curve.
10. HIGHLIGHTS ON TANGENT AND NORMAL :
x 2 y2
H1 Locus of the feet of the perpendicular drawn from focus of the hyperbola   1 upon any tangent
a 2 b2
is its auxiliary circle i.e. x2 + y2 = a2 & the product of the feet of these perpendiculars is b2 · (semi C ·A)2
H2 The portion of the tangent between the point of contact & the directrix subtends a right angle at the
corresponding focus.
H3 The tangent & normal at any point of a hyperbola
bisect the angle between the focal radii. This spells
the reflection property of the hyperbola as "An
incoming light ray " aimed towards one focus is
reflected from the outer surface of the hyperbola
towards the other focus. It follows that if an ellipse
and a hyperbola have the same foci, they cut at right
angles at any of their common point.
x 2 y2 x2 y2
Note that the ellipse   1 and the hyperbola   1(a > k > b > 0) Xare confocal
a 2 b2 a 2 k 2 k 2  b 2
and therefore orthogonal.
H4 The foci of the hyperbola and the points P and Q in which any tangent meets the tangents at the vertices
are concyclic with PQ as diameter of the circle.
11. ASYMPTOTES :
Definition : If the length of the perpendicular let fall from a point on a hyperbola to a straight line tends
to zero as the point on the hyperbola moves to infinity along the hyperbola, then the straight line is called
the Asymptote of the Hyperbola.
To find the asymptote of the hyperbola :
x 2 y2
Let y = mx + c is the asymptote of the hyperbola 2  2  1 .
a b
Solving these two we get the quadratic as
(b2 a2m2) x2 2a2 mcx  a2 (b2 + c2) = 0 ....(1)
In order that y = mx + c be an asymptote, both
roots of equation (1) must approach infinity, the
conditions for which are :
coeff of x2 = 0 & coeff of x = 0.
 b2  a2m2 = 0 or m =  b &
a
2
a mc = 0 c = 0.
x y
 equations of asymptote are   0
a b
and x y
  0.
a b
x 2 y2
combined equation to the asymptotes 2  2  0 .
a b
PARTICULAR CASE :
When b = a the asymptotes of the rectangular hyperbola.
x2  y2 = a2 are, y = ± x which are at right angles.
Note :
(i) Equilateral hyperbola  rectangular hyperbola.
(ii) If a hyperbola is equilateral then the conjugate hyperbola is also equilateral.
(iii) A hyperbola and its conjugate have the same asymptote.
(iv) The equation of the pair of asymptotes differ the hyperbola & the conjugate hyperbola by the same
constant only.
(v) The asymptotes pass through the centre of the hyperbola & the bisectors of the angles between the
asymptotes are the axes of the hyperbola.
(vi) The asymptotes of a hyperbola are the diagonals of the rectangle formed by the lines drawn through the
extremities of each axis parallel to the other axis.
(vii) Asymptotes are the tangent to the hyperbola from the centre.
(viii) A simple method to find the coordinates of the centre of the hyperbola expressed as a general equation
of degree 2 should be remembered as:
Let f (x, y) = 0 represents a hyperbola.
f f f f
Find & . Then the point of intersection of =0& =0
x y x y
gives the centre of the hyperbola.
12. HIGHLIGHTS ON ASYMPTOTES:
H1 If from any point on the asymptote a straight line be drawn perpendicular to the transverse axis, the
product of the segments of this line, intercepted between the point & the curve is always equal to the
square of the semi conjugate axis.
H2 Perpendicular from the foci on either asymptote meet it in the same points as the corresponding directrix
& the common points of intersection lie on the auxiliary circle.
x 2 y2
H3 The tangent at any point P on a hyperbola 2  2  1 with centre C, meets the asymptotes in Q and R
a b
and cuts off a  CQR of constant area equal to ab from the asymptotes & the portion of the tangent
intercepted between the asymptote is bisected at the point of contact. This implies that locus of the
centre of the circle circumscribing the  CQR in case of a rectangular hyperbola is the hyperbola itself &
for a standard hyperbola the locus would be the curve, 4(a2x2  b2y2) = (a2 + b2)2.
x 2 y2
H4 If the angle between the asymptote of a hyperbola   1 is 2 then e = sec.
a 2 b2
13. RECTANGULAR HYPERBOLA :
Rectangular hyperbola referred to its asymptotes as axis of coordinates.
(a) Equation is xy = c2 with parametric representation x = ct, y = c/t, t  R – {0}.
1
(b) Equation of a chord joining the points P (t1) & Q(t2) is x + t1t2y = c(t1 + t2) with slope m = – .
t1 t 2
x y x
(c) Equation of the tangent at P (x1, y1) is   2 & at P (t) is + ty = 2c.
x1 y1 t
c
(d) Equation of normal : y – = t2(x – ct)
t
(e) Chord with a given middle point as (h, k) is kx + hy = 2hk.
Suggested problems from Loney: Exercise-36 (Q.1 to 6, 16, 22), Exercise-37 (Q.1, 3, 5, 7, 12)
SOLVED EXAMPLE
1. Find the equation of the hyperbola whose directrix is 2x + y = 1, focus (1, 2) and eccentricity 3 .
Sol. Let P(9x, y) be any point on the hyperbola.
Draw PM perpendicular from P on the directrix.
Then by definition SP = e PM
 (SP)2 = e2(PM)2
2
 2x  y  1
 (x – 1)2 + (y – 2)2= 3 
 4 1 
 5(x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 5)
= 3(4x2 + y2 + 1 + 4xy – 2y – 4x)
 7x2 – 2y2 + 12xy – 2x + 14y – 22 = 0
which is the required hyperbola.
2. Find the eccentricity of the hyperbola whose latus rectum is half of its transverse axis.
x 2 y2
Sol. Let the equation of hyperbola be  1
a 2 b2
2b 2
Then transverse axis = 2a and latus-rectum =
a
2b 2 1
According to question  (2a)
a 2
 2b2 = a2 ( b2 = a2(e2 – 1))
 2a2(e2 – 1) = a2  2e2 – 2 = 1
3 3
 e=  e=
2 2
3
Hence the required eccentricity is .
2
3. Find the lengths of transverse axis and conjugate axis, eccentricity, the co-ordinates of foci, vertices,
lengths of the latus-rectum and equations of the directrices of the following hyperbolas
16x2 – 9y2 = – 144
Sol. The equation 16x2 – 9y2 = – 144 can be written as
x 2 y2
  1
9 16
x 2 y2
This is of the form 2  2  1
a b
 2 2
a = 9, b = 16
 a = 3, b = 4
Length of transverse axis : The length of transverse axis = 2b = 8
Length of conjugate axis : The length of conjugate axis = 2a = 6
 a2  9 5
Eccentricity : e = 1  2   1   
 b   16  4
Foci : The coordinates of the foci are (0, ± be) i.e., (0, ± 5)
Vertices : The coordinates of the vertices are (0, ± b) i.e., (0, ± 4)
2a 2
Length of latus-rectum : The length of latus-rectum =
b
2(3)2 9
=
4 2
Equation of directrices : The equation of directrices are
b
y=±
e
4
y=±
(5 / 4)
16
y=±
5
4. Find the equation of the tangent to the hyperbola x2 – 4y2 = 36 which is perpendicular to the line
x – y + 4 = 0.
Sol. Let m be the slope of the tangent. Since the tangent is perpendicular to the line x – y = 0
 m × 1 = –1  m = –1
2 2
Since x – 4y = 36
x 2 y2
or  1
36 9
x 2 y2
Comparing this with  1
a 2 b2
 a2 = 36 and b2 = 9
So the equation of tangents are
y = (–1) x ± 36  ( 1) 2  9
y = –x ± 27  x+y±3 3 =0
x 2 y2
5. A normal to the hyperbola   1 meets the axes in M and N lines MP and NP are drawn
a 2 b2
perpendicular to the axes meeting at P. Prove that the locus of P is the hyperbola
a2x2 – b2y2 = (a2 + b2)2.
x 2 y2
Sol. The equation of normal at the point Q(a sec , b tan ) to the hyperbola   1 is
a 2 b2
ax cos  + by cot  = a2 + b2 .....(i)
The normal (i) meets the x-axis in
 a 2  b2 
M sec ,0  and y-axis in
 a 
 a 2  b2 
N  0, tan  
 b 
 Equation of MP, the line through M and perpendicular to x-axis, is
 a 2  b2  ax
x=   sec  or sec  = 2 .....(i)
 a  (a  b 2 )
and the equation of NP, the line through N and perpendicular to the y-axis is
 a 2  b2  by
y=   tan  or tan  = 2 .....(ii)
 b  (a  b 2 )
The locus of the point of intersection of MP and NP will be obtained by eliminating  from (ii) and (iii),
we have
sec2  – tan2  = 1
a 2x 2 b2 y2
  1
(a 2  b 2 ) 2 (a 2  b 2 )2
or a2x2 – b2y2 = (a2 + b2)2
is the required locus of P.
x 2 y2
6. Find the locus of the mid point of the chords of the hyperbola 2  2  1 which subtend a right angle
a b
at the origin.
Sol. Let (h, k) be the mid-point of the chord of the hyperbola. Then its equation is
hx ky h 2 k2 hx ky h 2 k 2
  1    1 or    .....(i)
a 2 b2 b2 b2 a 2 b2 a 2 b2
The equation of the lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of the hyperbola and the chored (i)
is obtained by making homogeneous hyperbola with the help of (i)
2
 hx ky 
x 2
y 2  2 2
a b 
 2
 2  2
a b  h k2 
2
 2 2
a b 
2 2
1  h 2 k 2  2 1  h 2 k 2  2 h 2 2 k 2 2 2hk
    x  2  2  2  y = 4 x  4 y  2 2 xy .....(ii)
a 2  a 2 b2  b a b  a b a b
The lines represented by (ii) will be at right angle if coefficient of x2 + coefficient of y2 = 0
2 2
1  h2 k 2  h2 1  h2 k 2  k 2
          0
a 2  a 2 b2  a 4 b2  a 2 b2  b4
2
 h2 k 2   1 1  h2 k2
  2  2  2  2 4  4
a b  a b  a b
2
 x 2 y2   1 1  x 2 y2
Hence the locus of (h, k) is  2  2   2  2   4  4
a b  a b  a b
7. Find the asymptotes xy – 3y – 2x = 0.

Sol. Since equation of a hyperbola and its asymptotes differ in constant terms only.
 Pair of asymptotes is given by xy – 3y – 2x + = 0
where  is any constant such that it represents two straight lines.
 abc + 2fgh – af2 – bg2 – ch2 = 0
2
3 1 1
 0 + 2 ×  × –1 × – 0 – 0 –    = 0
2 2  2
 =6
From (i), the asymptotes of given hyperbola are given by
xy – 3y – 2x + 6 = 0 or (y – 2)(x – 3) = 0
 Asymptotes are x – 3 = 0 and y – 2 = 0
8. The asymptotes of a hyperbola having centre at the point (1, 2) are parallel to the lines 2x + 3y = 0 and
3x + 2y = 0. If the hyperbola passes through the point (5, 3), show that its equation is
(2x + 3y – 8)(3x + 2y + 7) = 154
Sol. Let the asymptotes be 2x + 3y +  = 0 and 3x + 2y +  = 0. Since asymptotes passes through (1, 2),
then  = –8 and  = – 7
Thus the equation of asymptotes are
2x + 3y – 8 = 0 and 3x + 2y – 7 = 0
Let the equation of hyperbola be
(2x + 3y – 8) (3x + 2y – 7) + v = 0 .....(i)
It passes through (5, 3), then
(10 + 9 – 8) (15 + 6 – 7) + v = 0
 11 × 14 + v = 0
 v = –154
putting the value of v in (i) we obtain
(2x + 3y – 8) (3x + 2y – 7) – 154 = 0
which is the equation of required hyperbola.
9. A triangle has its vertices on a rectangle hyperbola. Prove that the orthocentre of the triangle also lies on
the same hyperbola.
Sol. Let "t1", "t2" and "t3" are the vertices of the triangle ABC, described on the rectangular hyperbola
xy = c2
 c  c  c
 Coordinates of A, B and C are  ct1 ,  ,  ct 2 ,  and  ct 3 ,  respectively
 t1   t2   t3 
t3  t 2 1
Now lope of BC is 
ct 3  ct 2 t 2t 3
 Slope of AD is t2t3
Equation of Altitude AD is
c
y– = t2t3(x – ct1)
t1
or t1y – c = x t1t2t3 – ct12 t2t3 .....(i)
Similarly equation of altitude BE is
t2y – c = x t1t2t3 – ct1t22t3 .....(ii)
 c 
Solving (i) and (ii), we get the orthocentre   , ct1t 2t 3 
 t 1t 2 t 3 
Which lies on xy = c . 2
10. A, B, C are three points on the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2, find

(i) The area of the triangle ABC
(ii) The area of the triangle formed by the tangents A, B and C.
 c  c  c
Sol. Let co-ordinates of A, B and C on the hyperbola xy = c2 are  ct1 ,  ,  ct 2 ,  and  ct 3 , 
 t1   t2   t3 
respectively
c c c
ct1 ct 2 ct 3
1 t1 t2 t3
(i)  Area of triangle ABC =  
2 c c c
ct 2 ct 3 ct1
t2 t3 t1
c 2 t 1 t 2 t 2 t 3 t 3 t1
=     
2 t 2 t1 t 3 t 2 t 1 t 3
c2
= t 32 t 3  t 22 t 3  t1t 22  t 32 t1  t 2 t 32  t12 t 2
2t1t 2 t 3
c2
= |(t – t ) (t – t ) (t – t )|
2t1t 2 t 3 1 2 2 3 3 1
(ii) Equations of tangents at A, B, C are
x + t12 – 2ct1 = 0 x + yt22 – 2ct2 = 0 and x + yt32 – 2ct3 = 0
2
1 t12 2ct1
1
 Required Area = 1 t 22 2ct 2 .....(i)
2 | C1C 2C3 |
1 t 32 2ct 3
1 t12 1 t12 1 t12

where C1 = , C2 = – and C3 =
1 t 32 1 t 32 1 t 22
 C1 = t32 – t22, C2 = t12 – t32 and C3 = t22 – t12
1
From (i) = 4c2 . (t1 – t2)2 (t2 – t3)2 (t3 – t1)2
2 t  t
2
3
2
2  t 2
1 t 2
3  t 2
2 t 2
1 
(t1  t 2 )(t 2  t 3 )(t 3  t1 )
= 2c2
(t1  t 2 )(t 2  t 3 )(t 3  t1 )
(t1  t 2 )(t 2  t 3 )(t 3  t1 )

 Required area is, 2c2
(t1  t 2 )(t 2  t 3 )(t 3  t1 )
11. Prove that the perpendicular focal chords of a rectangular hyperbola are equal.
Sol. Let rectangular hyperbola is x2 – y2 = a2
Let equations of PQ and DE are
y = mx + c .....(i)
and y = m1x + c1 .....(ii)
respectively.
Be any two focal chords of any rectangular hyperbola x2 – y2 = a2 through its focus. We have to prove
PQ = DE. Since PQ  DE.
 mm1 = –1 .....(iii)
Also PQ passes through S( a 2 , 0) then from (i),
0 = ma 2 + c
or c2 = 2a2m2 .....(iv)
Let (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) be the co-ordinates of P and Q then
(PQ)2 = (x1 – x2)2 + (y1 – y2)2 .....(v)
Since (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) lie on (i)
 y1 = mx1 + c and y2 = mx2 + c
 (y1 – y2) = m(x1 – x2) .....(vi)
From (v) and (vi)
(PQ)2 = (x1 – x2)2 (1 + m2) .....(vii)
2 2
Now solving y = mx + c and x – y = a then 2
x2 – (mx + c)2 = a2
or (m2 – 1)x2 + 2mcx + (a2 + c2) = 0
2mc a 2  c2
 x1 + x2 = 2 and x1x2 = 2
m 1 m 1
 2 2
(x1 – x2) = (x1 + x2) – 4x1x2
4m 2c 2 4(a 2  c 2 )
= 
(m 2  1)2 (m 2  1)
4{a 2  c 2  a 2m 2}
=
(m 2  1) 2
4a 2 (m 2  1)
= { c2 = 2a2m2}
(m 2  1)2
 m2  1 
From (vii), (PQ)2 = 4a2  2 
 m 1 
2
 m2  1 
Similarly, (DE)2 = 4a2  12 
 m1  1 
2 2
 1 
 1    1 
= 4a2   m 2  ( mm1 = –1)
  1 
    1 
  m 
 m2  1 
= 4a2  2  = (PQ)
2
 m 1 
Thus (PQ)2 = (DE)2  PQ = DE
Hence perpendicular focal chords of a rectangular hyperbola are equal.
12. A ray emanating from the point (5, 0) is incident on the hyperbola 9x2 – 16y2 = 144 at the point P with
abscissa 8. Find the equation of the reflected ray after first reflection and point P lies in first quadrant.
x 2 y2
Sol. Given hyperbola is 9x2 – 16y2 = 144. This equation can be rewritten as  1 .....(i)
16 9
Since x co-ordinate of P is 8. Let y co-ordinate of P is .
 (8, ) lies on (i)
64  2
  =1
16 9
 2 = 27
 a= 3 3 ( P lies in first quadrant)
Hence coordinate of point P is (8, 3 3) .
 Equation of reflected ray passing through
P(8, 3 3) and S'(–5, 0)
 Its equation is y – 3 3  0  3 3 (x – 8)
5  8
or 13y – 39 3 = 3 3 x – 24 3
or 3 3 x – 13y + 15 3 = 0
13. At the point of intersection of the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 and the parabola y2 = 4ax tangents to the
rectangular hyperbola and the parabola make an angle  and  respectively with x-axis, then
1
(A)  = tan–1(–2 tan ) (B)  = tan–1(– tan )
2
1
(C)  = tan–1(–2 tan ) (B)  = tan–1(– tan )
2
Sol. (A)
Let (x1, y1) be point of intersection
 y12 = 4ax1, x1y1 = c2
y2 = 4ax xy = c2
2a y1
mT( x1 , y1 )  = tan  M T(x1 , y1 )   = tan 
y1 x1
tan   y12 4ax1

So    2
tan  2ax1 2ax1
So  = tan–1(–2 tan )
x 2 y2
14. The tangent at P on the hyperbola 2  2  1 meets one of the asymptote in Q. Then the locus of the
a b
mid-point of PQ is
 x 2 y2  x 2 y2
(A)  2  2   4
3 (B) 2  2  2
a b  a b
x 2 y2 1  x 2 y2 
(C)   (D) 4  2  2   3
a 2 b2 2 a b 
Sol. (D)
x 2 y2
Tangent at point P(a sec , b tan ) to the hyperbola 2  2  1
a b
x sec  tan 
y 1 .....(i)
a b
x y
Equation of one of asymptote   0 .....(ii)
a b
 Coordinates of Q on the asymptote are (a (sec  – tan ), – b(sec  – tan ))
Let mid-point of PQ is M(h, k)
a sec   (a sec   a tan )
 h=
2
h tan 
 = sec  – .....(iii)
a 2
k sec 
Similarly, = tan  – .....(iv)
a 2
h k sec   tan 
(iii) + (iv)   
a b 2
h h 3
(iii) – (iv)    [sec  – tan ]
a b 2
h2 k2 3
Now (v) × (vi)  2  2 
a b 2
 x 2 y2 
or 4 2  2   3
a b 
EXERCISE–I
Q.1 Find the equation to the hyperbola whose directrix is 2x + y = 1, focus (1, 1) & eccentricity 3 . Find
also the length of its latus rectum.
x 2 y2
Q.2 The hyperbola   1 passes through the point of intersection of the lines, 7x + 13y – 87 = 0 and
a 2 b2
5x – 8y + 7 = 0 & the latus rectum is 32 2 /5. Find 'a' & 'b'.
x 2 y2
Q.3 For the hyperbola   1 , prove that
100 25
(i) eccentricity = 5 / 2 (ii) SA. SA = 25, where S & S are the foci & A is the vertex.
Q.4 Find the centre, the foci, the directrices, the length of the latus rectum, the length & the equations of the
axes of the hyperbola 16x2  9y2 + 32x + 36y 164 = 0.
Q.5 Find the equation of the tangent to the hyperbola x2  4y2 = 36 which is perpendicular to the line x  y + 4 = 0.
Q.6 Tangents are drawn to the hyperbola 3x2  2y2 = 25 from the point (0, 5/2). Find their equations.
x 2 y2
Q.7 If C is the centre of a hyperbola   1 , S, S its foci and P a point on it.
a 2 b2
Prove that SP. SP = CP2  a2 + b2.
Q.8 If 1 & 2 are the parameters of the extremities of a chord through (ae, 0) of a hyperbola
x 2 y2   e 1
  1 , then show that tan 1 · tan 2  = 0.
a 2
b 2 2 2 e 1
Q.9 Tangents are drawn from the point (, ) to the hyperbola 3x2  2y2 = 6 and are inclined at angles 
and  to the x axis. If tan . tan  = 2, prove that 2 = 22  7.
x 2 y2
Q.10 If two points P & Q on the hyperbola   1 whose centre is C be such that CP is perpendicular
a 2 b2
1 1 1 1
to CQ & a < b, then prove that   2 2.
2 2
CP CQ a b
Q.11 An ellipse has eccentricity 1/2 and one focus at the point P (1/2, 1). Its one directrix is the common
tangent, nearer to the point P, to the circle x2 + y2 = 1 and the hyperbola x2  y2 = 1. Find the equation
of the ellipse in the standard form.
x 2 y2
Q.12 The tangents & normal at a point on   1 cut the y  axis at A & B. Prove that the circle on AB
a 2 b2
as diameter passes through the foci of the hyperbola.
x 2 y2
Q.13 The perpendicular from the centre upon the normal on any point of the hyperbola  2  1 meets at
2
R. Find the locus of R. a b
x 2 y2
Q.14 If the normal at a point P to the hyperbola   1 meets the x  axis at G, show that SG = e. SP,,
a 2 b2
S being the focus of the hyperbola.
Q.15 A conic C satisfies the differential equation, (1 + y2) dx  xy dy = 0 and passes through the point (1, 0).
An ellipse E which is confocal with C having its eccentricity equal to 2 3 .
(a) Find the length of the latus rectum of the conic C
(b) Find the equation of the ellipse E.
(c) Find the locus of the point of intersection of the perpendicular tangents to the ellipse E.
Q.16 If a chord joining the points P (a sec, a tan) & Q (a sec, a tan) on the hyperbola x2  y2 = a2 is
a normal to it at P, then show that tan  = tan  (4 sec2  1).
x 2 y2
Q.17 Chords of the hyperbola   1 are tangents to the circle drawn on the line joining the foci as
a 2 b2
diameter. Find the locus of the point of intersection of tangents at the extremities of the chords.
x 2 y2
Q.18 Let 'p' be the perpendicular distance from the centre C of the hyperbola 2  2  1 to the tangent
a b
drawn at a point R on the hyperbola. If S & S are the two foci of the hyperbola, then show that
 b2 
(RS + RS)2 = 4 a2 1  2  .
 p 
x 2 y2
Q.19 Prove that the part of the tangent at any point of the hyperbola   1 intercepted between the
a 2 b2
point of contact and the transverse axis is a harmonic mean between the lengths of the perpendiculars
drawn from the foci on the normal at the same point.

Q.20 L et P (a sec , b tan ) and Q (a sec , b tan ), where  +  = , be two points on the hyperbola
2
x 2 y2
  1 . If (h, k) is the point of intersection of the normals at P & Q, then find k.
a 2 b2
EXERCISE–II
Q.1 Find the equations of the tangents to the hyperbola x2  9y2 = 9 that are drawn from
(3, 2). Find the area of the triangle that these tangents form with their chord of contact.
x 2 y2
Q.2 The normal to the hyperbola   1 drawn at an extremity of its latus rectum is parallel to an
a 2 b2
asymptote. Show that the eccentricity is equal to the square root of (1  5 ) / 2 .
Q.3 A line through the origin meets the circle x2 + y2 = a2 at P & the hyperbola x2  y2 = a2 at Q. Prove that
the locus of the point of intersection of the tangent at P to the circle and the tangent at Q to the hyperbola
is curve a4(x2  a2) + 4 x2 y4 = 0.
Q.4 The graphs of x2 + y2 + 6 x  24 y + 72 = 0 & x2  y2 + 6 x + 16 y  46 = 0 intersect at four points.
Compute the sum of the distances of these four points from the point ( 3, 2).
Q.5 An ellipse and a hyperbola have their principal axes along the coordinate axes and have a common foci
separated by a distance 2 13 , the difference of their focal semi axes is equal to 4. If the ratio of their
eccentricities is 3/7. Find the equation of these curves.
x 2 y2
Q.6 Ascertain the co-ordinates of the two points Q & R, where the tangent to the hyperbola   1 at
45 20
the point P(9, 4) intersects the two asymptotes. Finally prove that P is the middle point of QR. Also
compute the area of the triangle CQR where C is the centre of the hyperbola.
Q.7 A point P divides the focal length of the hyperbola 9x2  16y2 = 144 in the ratio SP : PS = 2 : 3 where
S & S are the foci of the hyperbola. Through P a straight line is drawn at an angle of 135° to the axis
OX. Find the points of intersection of this line with the asymptotes of the hyperbola.
x 2 y2
Q.8 Find the length of the diameter of the ellipse   1 perpendicular to the asymptote of the hyperbola
2 2 25 9
x y
  1 passing through the first & third quadrants.
16 9
x 2 y2
Q.9 The tangent at P on the hyperbola   1 meets one of the asymptote in Q. Show that the locus of
a 2 b2
the mid point of PQ is a similiar hyperbola.
x 2 y2
Q.10 A transversal cuts the same branch of a hyperbola   1 in P, P'andthe asymptotes in Q, Q'.
a 2 b2
Prove that (i) PQ = P'Q' & (ii) PQ' = P'Q
x 2 y2
Q.11 Through any point P of the hyperbola   1 a line QPR is drawn with a fixed gradient m, meeting
a 2 b2 a 2b 2 (1  m 2 )
the asymptotes in Q & R. Show that the product, (QP) (PR) = 2 2 2 .
b a m
Q.12 If a rectangular hyperbola have the equation, xy = c2, prove that the locus of the middle points of the
chords of constant length 2d is (x2 + y2)(x y  c2) = d2xy.
Q.13 A triangle is inscribed in the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2. Prove that the perpendiculars to the sides at
the points where they meet the asymptotes are concurrent. If the point of concurrence is (x1, y1) for one
asymptote and (x2, y2) for the other, then prove that x2y1= c2.
Q.14 The normals at three points P, Q, R on a rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 intersect at a point on the curve.
Prove that the centre of the hyperbola is the centroid of the triangle PQR.
Q.15 Tangents are drawn from any point on the rectangular hyperbola x2  y2 = a2  b2 to the ellipse
x 2 y2
  1 . Prove that these tangents are equally inclined to the asymptotes of the hyperbola.
a 2 b2
EXERCISE–III
Q. 1 [JEE '99, 2+2+2]
(a) The curve described parametrically by, x = t2 + t + 1,y = t2
– t + 1 represents :
(A) a parabola (B) an ellipse (C) a hyperbola (D) a pair of straigth lines

(b) Let P(a sec , b tan ) and Q (a sec , b tan ) where  +  = , be two points on the hyperbola
2
x 2 y2
 = 1. If (h, k) is the point of intersection of the normals at P & Q, then k is equal to
a 2 b2
a 2  b2  a 2  b2  a 2  b2  a 2  b2 
(A) 
(B)   (C) (D)   
a  a  b  b 
(c) If x = 9 is the chord of contact of the hyperbola x2 – y2 = 9, then the equation of the corresponding pair
of tangents, is
(A) 9x2 – 8y2 + 18x – 9 = 0 (B) 9x2 – 8y2 – 18x + 9 = 0
(C) 9x2 – 8y2 – 18x – 9 = 0 (D) 9x2 – 8y2 + 18x + 9 = 0
Q.2 The equation of the common tangent to the curve y2 = 8x and xy = –1 is

(A) 3y = 9x + 2 (B) y = 2x + 1 (C) 2y = x + 8 (D) y = x + 2
[JEE 2002 Screening]
2 2
x y
Q.3 Given the family of hyperbols – = 1 for   (0, /2) which of the following does not
cos  sin 2 
2
change with varying ?

(A) abscissa of foci (B) eccentricity
(C) equations of directrices (D) abscissa of vertices [JEE 2003 (Scr.)]
Q.4 The line 2x + 6 y = 2 is a tangent to the curve x2 – 2y2 = 4. The point of contact is
(A) (4, – 6 ) (B) (7, – 2 6 ) (C) (2, 3) (D) ( 6 , 1) [JEE 2004 (Scr.)]
x 2 y2
Q.5 Tangents are drawn from any point on the hyperbola  = 1 to the circle x2 + y2 = 9. Find the
9 4
locus of midpoint of the chord of contact. [JEE 2005 (Mains), 4]
x 2 y2
Q.6 If a hyperbola passes through the focus of the ellipse   1 and its transverse and conjugate axis
25 16
coincides with the major and minor axis of the ellipse, and product of their eccentricities is 1, then
x 2 y2 x 2 y2
(A) equation of hyperbola  1 (B) equation of hyperbola  1
9 16 9 25
(C) focus of hyperbola (5, 0) 
(D) focus of hyperbola is 5 3 , 0  [JEE 2006, 5]
Comprehension: (3 questions)
Q.7 Let ABCD be a square of side length 2 units. C2 is the circle through vertices A, B, C, D and C1 is the
circle touching all the sides of the square ABCD. L is a line through A
PA 2  PB 2  PC 2  PD 2
(i) If P is a point on C1 and Q in another point on C2, then is equal to
QA 2  QB 2  QC 2  QD 2
(A) 0.75 (B) 1.25 (C) 1 (D) 0.5
(ii) A circle touches the line L and the circle C1 externally such that both the circles are on the same side of
the line, then the locus of centre of the circle is
(A) ellipse (B) hyperbola (C) parabola (D) parts of straight line
(iii) A line M through A is drawn parallel to BD. Point S moves such that its distances from the line BD and
the vertex A are equal. If locus of S cuts M at T2 and T3 and AC at T1, then area of T1T2T3 is
(A) 1/2 sq. units (B) 2/3 sq. units (C) 1 sq. unit (D) 2 sq. units
[JEE 2006, 5 marks each]
Q.8(i) A hyperbola, having the transverse axis of length 2 sin , is confocal with the ellipse 3x2 + 4y2 = 12.
Then its equation is
(A) x2 cosec2 – y2 sec2 = 1 (B) x2 sec2 – y2 cosec2 = 1
2 2 2 2
(C) x sin  – y cos  = 1 (D) x2 cos2 – y2 sin2 = 1 [JEE 2007, 3]
(ii) Match the statements in Column I with the properties in Column II.
Column I Column II
(A) Two intersecting circles (P) have a common tangent
(B) Two mutually external circles (Q) have a common normal
(C) Two circles, one strictly inside the other (R) do not have a common tangent
(D) Two branches of a hyperbola (S) do not have a common normal
[JEE 2007, 3 + 6]
Q.9(i) Let a and b be non-zero real numbers. Then, the equation (ax + by + c) (x – 5xy + 6y2) = 0 represents
2 2 2
(A) four straight lines, when c = 0 and a, b are of the same sign.
(B) two straight lines and a circle, when a = b, and c is of sign opposite to that of a.
(C) two straight lines and a hyperbola, when a and b are of the same sign and c is of sign opposite to that of a
(D) a circle and an ellipse, when a and b are of the same sign and c is of sign opposite to that of a.
(ii) Consider a branch of the hyperbola, x2 – 2y2 – 2 2 x – 4 2 y – 6 = 0 with vertex at the point A. Let
B be one of the end points of its latus rectum. If C is the focus of the hyperbola nearest to the point A,
then the area of the triangle ABC is
2 3 2 3
(A) 1 (B) 1 (C) 1 (D) 1
3 2 3 2
[JEE 2008, 3+3]
Q.10 Match the conics in Column I with the statements/expressions in Column II.
Column I Column II
(A) Circle (p) The locus of the point (h, k) for which the line hx + ky = 1
touches the circle x2 + y2 = 4
(B) Parabola (q) Points z in the complex plane satisfying |z + 2| – |z – 2| = ± 3
(C) Ellipse (r) Points of the conic have parametric representation
1 t2 
(D) Hyperbola x  3  , y  2 t
2
 1 t  1 t2
(s) The eccentricity of the conic lies in the interval 1  x < 
(t) Points z in the complex plane satisfying Re(z + 1)2 = |z|2 + 1
[JEE 2009, 4 + (2+2+2+2)]
2 2
Q. 11 An ellipse intersects the hyperbola 2x – 2y = 1 orthogonally. The eccentricity of the ellipse is reciprocal
of that of the hyperbola. If the axes of the ellipse are along the coordinate axes, then [JEE 2009]
2 2
(A) Equation of ellipse is x + 2y = 2 (B) The foci of ellipse are (±1, 0)
(C) Equation of ellipse is x2 + 2y2 = 4 (D) The foci of ellipse are (± 2 , 0)
Paragraph for Question 12 to 13

x 2 y2
The circle x2 + y2 – 8x = 0 and hyperbola  1 intersect at the point A and B.
9 4
Q. 12 Equation of a common tangent with positive slope to the circle as well as to the hyperbola is
(A) 2x – 5 y – 20 = 0 (B) 2x – 5 y + 4 = 0
(C) 3x – 4y + 8 = 0 (D) 4x – 3y + 4 = 0
Q. 13 Equation of the circle with AB as its diameter is

(A) x2 + y2 – 12x + 24 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 + 12x + 24 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 + 24x – 12 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 – 24x – 12 = 0
x 2 y2
Q. 14 The line 2x + y = 1 is tangent to the hyperbola   1 . If this line passes through the point of
a 2 b2
intersection of the nearest directrix and the x-axis, then the eccentricity of the hyperbola is [JEE 2010]
x 2 y2
Q. 15 Let P(6, 3) be a point on the hyperbola   1 . If the normal at the point P intersects the x-axis at
a 2 b2
(9, 0), then the eccentricity of the hyperbola is [JEE 2011]
5 3
(A) (B) (C) 2 (D) 3
2 2
x 2 y2
Q. 16 Let the eccentricity of the hyperbola 2  2  1 be reciprocal to that of the ellipse x2 + 4y2 = 4. If the
a b
hyperbola passes through a focus of the ellipse, then [JEE 2011]
x 2 y2
(A) the equation of the hyperbola is  1
3 2
(B) a focus of the hyperbola is (2, 0)
5
(C) the eccentricity of the hyperbola is
3
(D) the equation of the hyperbola is x – 3y2 = 3
2
x 2 y2
Q. 17 Tangents are drawn to the hyperbola   1 , parallel to the straight line 2x – y = 1. The point of
9 4
contact of the tangents to the hyperbola are [JEE 2012]
 9 1   9 1 
(A)  ,  (B)   , 
2 2 2  2 2 2

(C) 3 3,  2 2  
(D) 3 3, 2 2 
Q. 18 Consider the hyperbola H : x2 – y2 = 1 and a circle S with center N(x2, 0). Suppose that H and S touch
each other at a point P(x1, y1) with x1 > 1 and y1 > 0. The common tangent to H and S at P intersects the
x-axis at point M. If (, m) is the centroid of the triangle PMN, then the correct expression(s) is/are
d 1 dm x1
(A)  1  2 for x1 > 1 (B)  for x1 > 1
dx1 3x1 dx1 3
 x12 1 
d 1 dm 1
(C)  1  2 for x1 > 1 (D)  for y1 > 0 [IIT JEE Adv. 2015]
dx1 3x1 dy1 3
Q. 19 The centres of those circles which touch the circle, x2 – y2 – 8x – 8y – 4 = 0, externally and also touch
the x-axis, lie on [JEE Main 2016]
(A) a circle (B) an ellipse which is not a circle
(C) a hyperbola (D) a parabola
Q. 20 The eccentricity of the hyperbola whose length of the latus rectum is equal to 8 and the length of its
conjugate axis is equal to half of the distance between its foci, is [JEE Main 2016]
4 4 2
(A) (B) (C) (D) 3
3 3 3
x 2 y2
Q. 21 If 2x – y + 1 = 0 is a tangent to the hyperbola 2   1 , then which of the following CANNOT be
a 16
sides of a right angled triangle ? [JEE Adv. 2017]
(A) a, 4, 1 (B) 2a, 4, 1 (C) a, 4, 2 (D) 2a, 8, 1
Q. 22 A hyperbola passes through the point P ( 2, 3) and has foci at (±2, 0). Then the tangent to this hyperbola
at P also passes through the point : [JEE Mains 2017]
(A) (3 2, 2 3) (B) (2 2,3 3) (C) ( 3, 2) (D) (  2,  3)
Answer Q.23, Q.24 and Q.25 by appropriately matching the information given in the three columns of the
following table.
Columns 1, 2 and 3 contain conics, equation of tangents to the conics and points of contact, respectively.
[JEE Adv. 2017]
Column-I Column-II Column-III
 a 2a 
(I) x2 + y2 = a2 (i) my = m2x + a (P)  2, 
m m 
  ma a 
(II) x2 + a2y2 = a2 (ii) y = mx + a m 2  1 (Q)  , 
2 2
 m 1 m 1 
 a 2 m 1 
(III) y2 = 4ax (iii) 2
y = mx + a m  1 2
(R)  2 2 , 
2 2
 a m 1 a m 1 
 a 2 m 1 
(IV) x2 – a2y2 = a2 (iv) 2
y = mx + a m  1 2
(S)  2 2 ,
2 2

 a m 1 a m 1 
Q. 23 For a = 2 , if a tangent is drawn to a suitable conic (column 1) at the point of contact (–1, 1), then
which of the following options is the only CORRECT combination for obtaining its equation
(A) (I) (ii) (Q) (B) (I) (i) (P) (C) (III) (i) (P) (D) (II) (ii) (Q)
1
Q. 24 The tangent to a suitable conic (Column 1) at ( 3, ) is found to be 3 x + 2y = 4, then which of the
2
following options is the only CORRECT combination ?
(A) (IV) (iv) (S) (B) (II) (iv) (R) (C) (IV) (iii) (S) (D) (II) (iii) (R)
Q. 25 If a tangent to a suitable conic (Column 1) is found to be y = x + 8 and its point of contact is (8, 16), then
which of the following options is the only CORRECT combination ?
(A) (III) (i) (P) (B) (I) (ii) (Q) (C) (II) (iv) (R) (D) (III) (ii) (Q)
Q. 26 Tangents are drawn to the hyperbola 4x2 – y2 = 36 at the points P and Q. If the tangents intersect at the
point T(0, 3) then the area (in sq. units) of DPTQ is : [JEE Mains 2018]
(A) 36 5 (B) 45 5 (C) 54 3 (D) 60 3
x 2 y2
Q. 27 Let H : 2  2 = 1, where a > b > 0, be a hyperbola in the xy-plane whose conjugate axis LM
a b
subtends an angle of 60° at one of its vertices N. Let the area of the triangle LMN be 4 3 .
List-I List-II [JEE Adv. 2018]
P. The length of the conjugate axis of H is 1. 8
4
Q. The eccentricity of H is 2.
3
2
R. The distance between the foci of H is 3.
3
S. The length of the latus rectum of H is 4. 4
The correct option is :
(A) P  4; Q  2, R  1; S  3
(B) P ; Q  3; R  1; S  2
(C) P  4; Q  1, R  3; S  2
(D) P  3; Q  4; R  2; S  1
ANSWER KEY
PARABOLA
EXERCISE–I
Q.2 (a, 0) ; a Q.3 2x  y + 2 = 0, (1, 4) ; x + 2y + 16 = 0, (16, 16)
Q.5 3x  2y + 4 = 0 ; x  y + 3 = 0 Q.6 (4 , 0) ; y2 = 2a(x – 4a)
Q.8 y = 4x + 72, y = 3x  33 Q.9 7y ± 2(x + 6a) = 0
Q.15 x2 + y2 + 18 x  28 y + 27 = 0 Q.17 x  y = 1; 8 2 sq. units
k4
Q.18 Q.19 2 Q.20 2y – 3 = 0 Q.22 a2 > 8b2
h
EXERCISE–II
Q.3 [a(t²o + 4),  2ato] Q.5 (ax + by) (x2 + y2) + ( bx  ay)2 = 0 Q.12 Q(4, 8)
Q.15 y2 = 8 ax Q.18 5 Q.19 9/2 Q.20 
4 3 2 2 
EXERCISE–III
1 5  30
Q.1 x – 2y + 1 = 0 ; y = mx + where m =
4m 10
Q.3 (i) C ; (ii) B 2
Q.3 (x + 3)y + 32 = 0 Q.4 (i) C ; (ii) D
Q.5 C Q.6 D Q.7 (i) C ; (ii)  = 2
Q.8 B Q.9 2(y – 1)2(x – 2) = (3x – 4)2
Q.10 (i) D, (ii) A, B, (iii) (A) p, (B) q, (C) s, (D) r
Q.11 A Q.12 (i) C; (ii) B; (iii) D Q. 13 B, C
Q.14 A, D Q.15 C, D Q.16 C Q. 17 ABD
Q.18 2 Q.19 4 Q.20 C Q.21 D
Q.22 B Q.23 A Q.24 B Q.25 D
Q.26 D Q.27 B Q.28 A Q.29 A, D
Q.30 4 Q.31 2 Q.32 A Q.33 A, B, C
Q.34 A, C, D Q. 35 B Q.36 A Q.37 C
*************************
ELLIPSE
EXERCISE–I
Q.1 (a) 20x2+ 45y2
 40x  180y  700 = 0; (b) 3x2 + 5y2 = 32
Q.8 x + y  5 = 0, x + y + 5 = 0 Q.9 16
1 1 11 18a
Q.10 24 sq.units Q.11 , Q.12 (x  1)2 + y2 = Q.14 55 2 sq. units Q.16
2 2 3 17
Q.17 25y2 + 4x2 = 4x2 y2 Q.20 85
EXERCISE–II
Q.4 186 Q.5 bx + a 3 y = 2ab Q.6 (A) Q; (B) S; (C) P; (D) R
3
Q.8 80 Q.9 (b) 8/3, (c) 4 Q.11 (a)
5
; (b) 240 3 ; (c) 36] Q.12 r 2 b 2 Q.13
12 x + 5 y = 48; 12 x  5 y = 48
Q.15 19
EXERCISE–III
Q.1 Q.2
Q.4 Locus is an ellipse with foci as the centres of the circles C1a nd C2.

Q.5 a2p2 + b2q2 = r2sec2 = (4 – 2 2 )r2 Q.7 (i) C ; (ii) A Q.8 C
8
14
Q.9 (i) A, (ii) AB = Q.10 D Q.11 C
3
Q. 12 D Q. 13 C Q. 14 A Q.15 C
Q. 16 B Q. 17 9 Q. 18 D Q. 19 A
Q. 20 A Q. 21 A, B Q. 22 4 Q. 23 A
Q. 24 C Q. 25 B Q. 26 A, C
*************************
HYPERBOLA
EXERCISE–I
Q.1 7 x2 + 12xy  2 y2  2x + 4y  7 = 0 ; 48 Q.2 a2 = 25/2 ; b2 = 16

5
32
Q.4 (1, 2) ; (4, 2) & (6, 2) ; 5x  4 = 0 & 5x + 14 = 0; ; 6 ; 8 ; y2 = 0 ;
3
x + 1 = 0 ; 4x  3y + 10 = 0 ; 4x + 3y  2 = 0.
Q.5 x+y±3 3 =0 Q.6 3x + 2y  5 = 0 ; 3x  2y + 5 = 0
x  13 2  y  12  1
Q.11 1 1
Q.13 (x2 + y2)2 (a2y2  b2x2 ) = x2y2 (a2 + b2)2
9 12
x 2 y2
Q.15 (a) 2; (b)   1 ; (c) x2 + y2 = 4
3 1
x 2 y2 1  a 2  b2 
Q.17 4
 4 2 2 Q.20   b 
a b a b  
EXERCISE–II
5 3
Q.1 y x  ; x  3 = 0 ; 8 sq. unit Q.4 40
12 4
x2 y2 x 2 y2
Q.5  1 ;  1 Q.6 (15, 10) and (3,  2) and 30 sq. units
49 36 9 4
 4 3 150  x2 y2 
Q.7 ( 4, 3) &  ,   Q.8 Q.9 4  2  2  = 3
 7 7 481 a b 
EXERCISE–III
Q. 1 (a) A ; (b) D ; (c) B
Q.2 D Q.3 A Q.4 A
2 2 2
x 2 y 2  x  y 
Q.5  =  Q.6 A, C
9 4  9 
Q.7 (a) A, (b) C, (c) C Q.8 (i) A; (ii) (A) P, Q; (B) P ,Q; (C) Q, R; (D) Q, R
Q.9 (i) B; (ii) B Q.10 (A) p, (B) s, t; (C) r ; (D) q, s
Q. 11 A, B Q. 12 B Q. 13 A Q. 14 2
Q. 15 B Q. 16 B, D Q. 17 A, B Q. 18 A, B, D
Q. 19 D Q. 20 C Q. 21 A, C, D Q. 22 B
Q. 23 A Q. 24 B Q. 25 A Q. 26 B
Q. 27 B

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AIM IIT-JEE 2020

Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Conic Section

Note : Point of intersection of normals at t1 & t2 are, a (t 12 + t 22 + t1t2 + 2) ;  a t1 t2 (t1 + t2).

3. Find the parametric equation of the parabola (x – 1)2 = –12(y – 2)

(A) y = 4(x – 1) (B) y = 0 (C) y = – 4(x – 1) (D) y = – 30x – 50

(ii) The radius of the circumcircle of the triangle PRS is

(iii) The radius of the incircle of the triangle PQR is

Q. 21 If chord PQ subtends an angle  at the vertex of y2 = 4ax, then  =

Comprehension (Q. 26 to 27)

Where e = eccentricity (0 < e < 1).

 (x + 1)2 + (y – 1)2 = 8 + [(x – 1)2 + (y – 1)2] – 4 2 (x  1) 2  (y  1) 2

x2 + y2 + 8x + 16 = 100 + (x2 + y2 – 8x + 16) – 20 x 2  y 2  8x  16

Q. 12 The coordinates of A and B are

Q. 13 The orthocenter of the triangle PAB is

then the minimum value of n is

Q. 23 The orthocentre of the triangle F1MN is

7. Find the asymptotes xy – 3y – 2x = 0.

10. A, B, C are three points on the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2, find

1 t12 1 t12 1 t12

(t1  t 2 )(t 2  t 3 )(t 3  t1 )

tan   y12 4ax1

Q.2 The equation of the common tangent to the curve y2 = 8x and xy = –1 is

change with varying ?

Paragraph for Question 12 to 13

Q. 13 Equation of the circle with AB as its diameter is

Q.1 7 x2 + 12xy  2 y2  2x + 4y  7 = 0 ; 48 Q.2 a2 = 25/2 ; b2 = 16

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