11

CONIC SECTIONS

INTRODUCTION
The curves known as conics were named after their historical discovery as the intersection of a
plane with a right circular cone. Appllonius (before 200 B.C.) realised that a conic (or conic

m
section) is a curve of intersection of a plane with a right circular cone of two nappes, and the
three curves so obtained are parabola, hyperbola and ellipse.
In this chapter, we will see how the intersection of a plane with a double napped right
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circular cone results in different types of curves. We will also derive the standard equations of
parabola, ellipse, hyperbola and circle and will study their simple properties.
la
l

11.1 SECTIONS OF A CONE >

>
m
iy

Let l be a fixed line and m be another line intersecting it

at a fixed point V and making an angle α with it as α

shown in fig. 11.1. V

dh

>
bo

>

Fig. 11.1.

Now, we rotate the line m around l in such a way

that the angle α remains constant. Then the surface l
>

generated is a double napped right circular hollow cone ← Axis of cone

extending indefinitely far in both directions. A portion m

← Generator
of a right circular cone of two nappes is shown in
fig. 11.2. This surface is usually referred as right circular ← Upper nappe

cone. The fixed point V is called the vertex of the cone; α

the fixed line l is called the axis of the cone. The rotating V Vertex
line m is called a generator of the cone. The vertex
separates the cone into two parts called nappes.
← Lower nappe
>

Fig. 11.2.
CONIC SECTIONS 579
If we take the intersection of a plane with a cone, the l

>
section so obtained is called a conic section (or conic).
Thus conic sections are the curves obtained by the
intersection of a right circular cone and a plane.
Plane
We obtain different kinds of conics depending upon β
α

←
the position of the intersecting plane with respect to V
cone and by the angle made by it with the axis of the
π
cone. Let β (0 < β < ) be the angle made by the ← Cone
2
intersecting plane with the axis of the cone as shown in
fig 11.3.

>
The plane may intersect the cone either at its vertex Fig. 11.3.
or at any other part of the nappe either above or below
the vertex.

11.1.1 Degenerated conic sections

When the plane cuts the cone at its vertex, we have the following
different cases :

m
π
Case I. When α < β < .
2
In this case, the section is a point as shown in fig. 11.4.
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Case II. When α = β .
In this case, the section is a straight line as shown in fig. 11.5.
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l l l
>

>

>
iy

α
β
dh

α α
•V Plane V V
β
←

β
β
← Cone
bo

>
>

>

Fig. 11.4. Fig. 11.5. Fig. 11.6.

Case III. When 0 < β < α .

In this case, the section is a pair of intersecting straight lines as shown in
fig. 11.6. In fact, it is a degenerated case of a hyperbola.

11.1.2 Different conic sections

When the intersection of a plane with a cone does not contain the vertex of the cone, then we
have the following cases :
π
Case I. When β = .
2
In this case, the section is a circle as shown in fig. 11.7.

π
Case II. When α < β < .
2
In this case, the section is an ellipse as shown in fig. 11.8.
580 MATHEMATICS – XI

l l

>

>
l

>
β
β

α β
α α
V V
V
>

>

>
Fig. 11.7. Fig. 11.8. Fig. 11.9.

>
Case III. When β = α .

m
In this case, the section is a parabola as shown in fig. 11.9.
β

α
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Case IV. When 0 < β < α. V

In this case, the plane cuts through both the nappes and the
curves of intersection is a hyperbola as shown in fig. 11.10.
la
iy

>

11.2 CIRCLE Fig. 11.10.

dh

A circle is the set of all points in a plane, each of which is at a constant

distance from a fixed point in the plane.
In other words, a circle is the locus of a point which moves in a P1
⎯

Radius
plane so that it remains at a constant distance from a fixed point in the
⎯
bo

P2
→

plane. The fixed point is called the centre and the constant distance is
called radius. Radius is always positive. ● P3
C
If P1, P2, P3, … are points on the circle with centre C and Centre
radius r, then
CP1 = CP2 = CP3 = … = r.
Fig. 11.11.
Equation of a circle is simplest if its centre is at the origin.

11.2.1 Standard (or simplest) form

Let O (0, 0) be the centre of the circle and r (> 0) be its radius. Let P (x, y) be a point in the plane,
then P lies on the circle iff
OP = r
P(x, y)
i.e. iff ( x − 0)2 + ( y − 0)2 = r r

i.e. iff x 2 + y 2 = r 2, which is the equation of the circle. O(0, 0)

This is known as standard (or simplest) form.

Fig. 11.12.
CONIC SECTIONS 581
11.2.2 Central form
Let C (h, k) be the centre of the circle and r (> 0) be its radius. Let P(x, y)
P (x, y) be a point in the plane, then P lies on the circle iff r
CP = r
C(h, k)
i.e. iff ( x − h)2 + ( y − k )2 = r
i.e. iff (x – h)2 + (y – k)2 = r 2,
Fig. 11.13.
which is the equation of the circle.
This is known as central form.

11.2.3 Diameter form

Let A (x1, y1) and B (x2, y2) be the extremities of a diameter of the
circle. P(x, y)
Let P (x , y), different from A and B, be a point on the circle,
then
B(x2, y2)
y − y1
slope of line AP = and

m
x − x1 (x1, y1)

y − y2
slope of line BP =
x − x2
.
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Fig. 11.14.
Now P will lie on the circle iff ∠APB = 90°
i.e. iff the lines AP and BP are perpendicular to each other
la
y − y1 y − y 2
i.e. iff ⋅ = –1
x − x1 x − x 2
iy

i.e. (y – y1) (y – y2) = – (x – x1) (x – x2)

dh

i.e. iff (x – x1) (x – x2 ) + (y – y1 ) (y – y2 ) = 0, which is the equation of the circle.

This is known as diameter form.

11.2.4 General form

bo

We know that the equation of the circle with centre (h, k) and radius r (> 0) is
(x – h)2 + ( y – k)2 = r 2
⇒ x2 + y2 – 2 hx – 2 ky + h2 + k2 – r2 = 0 …(i)
It can be written as
x2 + y2 + 2 g x + 2 f y + c = 0 …(ii)
where g = – h, f = – k and c = h2 + k2 – r2 such that
g 2 + f 2 – c = (– h)2 + (– k)2 – (h 2 + k 2 – r 2) = r 2 > 0 ( Q r > 0)
Conversely, if we consider any equation x2 + y2 + 2 gx + 2 f y + c = 0 …(iii)
with g 2 + f 2 – c > 0, then on adding g 2 + f 2 to both sides of (iii), we get
(x 2 + 2 g x + g 2) + ( y 2 + 2 f y + f 2) + c = g 2 + f 2
⇒ (x + g)2 + ( y + f )2 = g2 + f 2 – c

⇒ (x – (– g))2 + ( y – (– f ))2 = ( g 2 + f 2 − c )2

⇒ ( x − ( − g ))2 + ( y − ( − f ))2 = g2 + f 2 − c
582 MATHEMATICS – XI

⇒ the distance of the point (x, y) from the point (– g, – f ) is a fixed positive real number
r (= g2 + f 2 − c ) (Q g 2 + f 2 – c > 0 ⇒ g 2 + f 2 − c is a real number)
⇒ the locus of (iii) is the set of the all points (x , y) which are at a constant distance
r (= g 2 + f 2 − c ) from the fixed point (– g, – f )

⇒ the equation (iii) represents a circle with centre (– g, – f ) and radius g2 + f 2 − c .

Thus, we have proved that the equation x 2 + y 2 + 2 g x + 2 f y + c = 0 represents a circle iff
g2 + f 2 – c > 0.

Its centre is (– g, – f ) and radius = g2 + f 2 − c .

This is known as general form.

REMARKS
1. If g 2 + f 2 – c = 0, then the above equation (iii) is satisfied by one and only one point
(– g, – f ), therefore, it represents a single point set, known as a degenerate (or point)
circle.

m
2. If g 2 + f 2 – c < 0, then the above equation (iii) is not satisfied by any real values of x, y
i.e. it is not satisfied by the co-ordinates of any point in the plane, therefore, in this case
it represents the empty set.
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3. We observe that the general equation of a circle has the following characteristics :
(i) It is an equation of second degree in x, y containing no product term x y.
(ii) coeff. of x 2 = coeff. of y 2 = 1.
la

(iii) (( 21 )2 + ( 21
coeff. of x coeff. of y)2 – constant term) is a positive real number.
iy

4. The equation a x 2 + a y 2 + 2 gx + 2 f y + c = 0 represents a circle iff

(i) a ≠ 0 and (ii) g 2 + f 2 – a c > 0.
dh

First, note that a ≠ 0, for, if a = 0 then the given equation reduces to

2 gx + 2 f y + c = 0
which being a first degree equation in x, y represents a straight line,
bo

2g 2f c
Now, dividing the given equation by a, we get x 2 + y 2 + x+ y + = 0.
a a a

g2 f2
To complete square on L.H.S., on adding 2
+ 2 to both sides, we get
a a

⎛ 2 2g g2 ⎞ ⎛ 2 2 f f2 ⎞ g2 f2 c
⎜x + a x + 2 ⎟ + ⎜y + a y + 2 ⎟ = 2 + 2 − a
⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ a ⎠ a a

2 2
⎛ x + g ⎞ + ⎛ y + f ⎞ = g + f − ac
2 2
⇒
⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ a ⎠ a 2

2
g 2 f 2 ⎛ g 2 + f 2 − ac ⎞
⇒ ⎛
x − ⎛− ⎞⎞ + ⎛ y − ⎛− ⎞⎞ = ⎜ ⎟ ,
⎝ ⎝ a ⎠⎠ ⎝ ⎝ a ⎠⎠ ⎝ |a| ⎠
which represents a circle if g 2 + f 2 – a c > 0.
Therefore, the given equation a x 2 + a y 2 + 2 g x + 2 f y + c = 0 represents a circle iff
(i) a ≠ 0 and (ii) g 2 + f 2 – a c > 0.
CONIC SECTIONS 583
If these conditions are satisfied then the given equation represents a circle with centre

⎛ − g , − f ⎞ and radius g 2 + f 2 − ac
.
⎝ a a⎠ | a|

This form of the equation is known as most general form.

5. The equation a x 2 + 2 h x y + b y 2 + 2 g x + 2 f y + c = 0 represents a circle iff
(i) a = b ≠ 0 (ii) h = 0 and (iii) g 2 + f 2 – a c > 0.

Rule to write the centre and radius of a circle :

(i) Write the given equation so that
coeff. of x 2 = coeff. of y 2 = 1 on L.H.S. (R.H.S. being zero) ;
dividing throughout (if necessary) by the coeff. of x 2 (or y 2).
(ii) Compare this equation with x 2 + y 2 + 2 g x + 2 f y + c = 0, then
1 1
g= coeff. of x, f = coeff. of y, c = constant term.
2 2

(iii) Check that g 2 + f 2 – c > 0, then centre is (– g, – f ) and radius = g2 + f 2 − c .

m
Concentric circles. Circles having same centre and different radii are called concentric circles.
Equal circles. Circles having equal radius are called equal circles.
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11.2.5 Geometrical condition for the intersection of a line and a circle
Let S be a circle with centre C and radius r (> 0). Let l be a line in the plane of the circle S and
d be the perpendicular distance from C to the line l, then (see fig. 11.15)
la
(i) l intersects S in two distinct points iff d < r.
(ii) l intersects S in one and only one point iff d = r.
iy

(iii) l does not intersect S iff d > r.

S
dh

S
S
C C C

l
bo

l
P M l
Q M (P)
M
(i) (ii) (iii)
Fig. 11.15.
From the above, we note that if d = r then the line l and the circle S have one and only one
point in common, namely the foot of perpendicular M from C on l, and we say that l touches
S or l is a tangent to S at M and the unique point M is called the point of contact.
Thus, a line l touches a circle S iff the length of perpendicular from the centre of S to the line l is equal
to the radius of S.
If a line l meets a circle in two distinct points A and B, then the length of the segment [AB] i.e. |AB|
is called the length of intercept made by the circle S on the line l.

11.2.6 Relative position of two circles

Let S1, S2 be two (non-concentric) circles with centres A, B and radii r1, r2 and d be the distance
between their centres, then
(i) one circle lies completely inside the other circle iff d < |r1 – r2|
(ii) the two circles touch internally iff d = |r1 – r2|
584 MATHEMATICS – XI

(iii) the two circles intersect in two points iff d > |r1 – r2| and d < r1 + r2
(iv) the two circles touch externally iff d = r1 + r2
(v) one circle lies completely outside the other circle iff d > r1 + r2.
S2
S1 S1 P
S1 S2 S2
A B P
A B A B
Q
(i) (ii) (iii)

S1 S2 S1 S2

A B A B

(iv) (v)
Fig. 11.16.

m
In fig. 11.16, we have taken r1 > r2. But we have similar situations when r1 < r2. Moreover,
in case (iii), (iv) and (v), r1 and r2 may be equal.
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ILLUSTRATIVE EXAM PLES
Example 1. Find the equation of a circle whose centre is (– 2, 3) and radius is 4. (NCERT)
Solution. Since the centre of the circle is (– 2, 3) and its radius is 4, therefore, the equation
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of the circle is
(x – (– 2)) 2 + ( y – 3) 2 = 42 (central form)
iy

⇒ (x + 2)2 + (y – 3)2 = 16
⇒ x2 + 4x + 4 + y2 – 6 y + 9 = 16
dh

⇒ x2 + y2 + 4 x – 6 y – 3 = 0.
Example 2. Find the equation of the circle with centre (2, 2) and which passes through the
point (4, 5). (NCERT)
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Solution. The centre of the circle is C (2, 2) and it passes

through the point P(4, 5)
∴ Radius of circle = CP
● P(4, 5)

= ( 4 – 2) + ( 5 – 2)
2 2
●
C
= 4 + 9 = 13 . (2, 2)

∴ The equation of the circle is

(x – 2)2 + (y – 2)2 = ( 13 )2 (central form) Fig. 11.17.

i.e. x2 + y2 – 4 x – 4 y = 5.

Example 3. Find the equation of a circle having (1, – 2) as its centre and passing through the
intersection of the lines 3x + y = 14 and 2x + 5y = 18. (NCERT Examplar Problems)
Solution. Given lines are
3x + y = 14 …(i) and 2 x + 5 y = 18 …(ii)
Solving (i) and (ii) simultaneously, we get x = 4, y = 2.
∴ The point of intersection, say P, of the given lines is (4, 2).
CONIC SECTIONS 585
Since the centre of the circle is C (1, – 2) and it passes through the point P (4, 2),

its radius = CP = ( 4 − 1)2 + (2 − (− 2))2 = 9 + 16 = 5.

∴ The equation of the circle is
(x – 1)2 + ( y + 2)2 = 52 (Central Form)
or x 2 + y 2 – 2x + 4 y – 20 = 0.
Example 4. If two diameters of a circle lie along the lines x – y – 9 = 0 and x – 2 y – 7 = 0 and
the area of the circle is 38.5 sq units, find its equation.
Solution. Since two diameters of the circle lie along the lines
x–y–9=0 …(i) and x–2y–7=0 …(ii)
so their point of intersection is the centre of the circle.
Solving (i) and (ii) simultaneously, we get x = 11, y = 2.
∴ The centre of the circle is (11, 2).
Let r be the radius of the circle, then area = π r 2 = 38.5 square units (given)
22 2 77 49 7
⇒ r = ⇒ r2 = ⇒r= ( Q r > 0)
7 2 4 2

m
∴ The equation of the cirlce is
2
(x – 11)2 + ( y – 2)2 = ⎛ ⎞
7
⎝ 2⎠
.co (central form)

49
or x 2 + y 2 – 22 x – 4 y + 125 – =0
4
or 4 (x 2 + y 2) – 88 x – 16 y + 451 = 0.
la

Example 5. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the point (– 2, – 3) and has its centre
on the negative direction of x-axis and is of radius 5 units.
iy

Solution. As the centre of the circle lies on the negative direction of x-axis, let its centre be
C (h, 0), h < 0.
dh

Since the circle passes through A (– 2, – 3) and has radius 5,

CA = 5 ⇒ (h + 2)2 + (0 + 3)2 = 52
⇒ (h + 2)2 = 25 – 9 = 16 ⇒ h + 2 = 4, – 4
bo

⇒ h = 2, – 6 but h < 0 ⇒ h = – 6.
∴ The centre of the circle is (– 6, 0) and hence its equation is
(x + 6)2 + ( y – 0)2 = 52 (central form)
i.e. x2 + y2 + 12 x + 11 = 0.

Example 6. Find the equation of the circle with radius 5 whose centre lies on x-axis and passes
through the point (2, 3). (NCERT)
Solution. As the centre of the circle lies on x-axis, let its centre be C(h, 0).
Since the circle passes through A (2, 3) and has radius 5,
CA = 5 ⇒ (2 – h)2 + (3 – 0)2 = 52
⇒ (2 – h)2 = 16 ⇒ 2 – h = 4, – 4 ⇒ h = – 2, 6.
∴ The centre of the circle is (– 2, 0) or (6, 0).
The equation of the circle is
(x + 2)2 + ( y – 0)2 = 52 or (x – 6)2 + (y – 0)2 = 52
i.e. x 2 + y 2 + 4 x – 21 = 0 or x2 + y2 – 12 x + 11 = 0.
There are two circles satisfying the given conditions.
586 MATHEMATICS – XI

Example 7. Find the equation of the circle which touches both the axes in first quadrant and whose
radius is a. (NCERT Examplar Problems)
Solution. As the radius of the circle is a units and Y
it touches both the axes in the first quadrant, its centre
is C(a, a).
The equation of the circle is
(x – a)2 + (y – a)2 = a2
a
or x2 + y2 – 2ax – 2ay + a2 = 0. C(a, a)
a

O X
Fig. 11.18.

Example 8. Find the equation of the circle which touches x-axis and whose centre is (1, 2).
(NCERT Examplar Problems)
Solution. Centre of the circle is C(1, 2).
As the circle touches the x-axis, Y

m
its radius = perpendicular distance from centre
(1, 2) to the x-axis
= ordinate of point C = 2.
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C(1, 2)
∴ The equation of the circle is (x – 1)2 + (y – 2)2 = 22
or x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 1 = 0.
la
O X
Fig. 11.19.
iy

Example 9. Find the equation of the circle whose centre is C(– 2, 3) and which touches the line
x – y + 7 = 0.
dh

Solution. The given line is x – y + 7 = 0 …(i)

Let r be the radius of the required circle, then
r = perpendicular distance from C(– 2, 3) to the line (i)
bo

|− 2 − 3 + 7| 2
= = = 2.
12 + ( −1)2 2

∴ The equation of the circle is (x + 2)2 + (y – 3)2 = ( 2 )2

or x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y + 11 = 0.

Example 10. Find the equation of a circle which touches

(i) the y-axis at origin and whose radius is 3 units
(ii) both the co-ordinate axes and the line x = 3.
Solution. (i) There are two circles satisfying given
conditions. As the circles touch y-axis at the origin, their
centres lie on x-axis. Since radius is 3 units, centres of the
circles are (3, 0) and (– 3, 0) and hence the equations of
the circles are
(x ± 3)2 + ( y – 0)2 = 32 Fig. 11.20.

or x 2 + y 2 ± 6 x = 0.
CONIC SECTIONS 587
(ii) There are two circles satisfying the given
conditions. From fig. 11.21, clearly, the centres of these
⎛3 3⎞
circles are ⎛ , ⎞ and ⎜ , − ⎟ , and radius of each
3 3
⎝ ⎠2 2 ⎝2 2⎠ x= 3

3
circle is .
2
∴ The equations of these circles are
2 2 2
⎛x − 3 ⎞ + ⎛y ± 3 ⎞ = ⎛ 3 ⎞
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠
Fig. 11.21.
9
or x2 + y2 – 3x ± 3y + =0
4
or 4 x 2 + 4 y 2 – 12 x ± 12 y + 9 = 0.

Example 11. Find the equation of a circle which touches both the axes and the line 3x – 4y + 8 = 0
and lies in the third quadrant. (NCERT Examplar Problems)
Solution. Given line is 3x – 4y + 8 = 0 …(i)
Let the radius of the circle be a. As the circle lies in

m
the third quadrant and touches both the axes, its centre Y
is C(– a, – a).
0
Since the line (i) touches the circle, the perpendi-
.co 8
=
cular distance from C(– a, – a) to the line (i) = radius of +
4y
circle. –
x 3
| − 3a + 4a + 8 | | a + 8| O
la
∴ =a⇒ =a X
3 2 + ( − 4 )2 5

⇒ a + 8 = 5a or a + 8 = – 5a C
iy

4
⇒ a = 2 or a = – but a > 0 (a being radius)
3
dh

⇒ a = 2. Fig. 11.22.
∴ The centre of circle is (– 2, – 2) and radius = 2.
The equation of the circle is (x + 2)2 + (y + 2)2 = 22
bo

or x2 + y2 + 4x + 4y + 4 = 0.
Example 12. Find the equation of a circle whose centre is (3, – 1) and which cuts off a chord of length
6 units on the line 2x – 5y + 18 = 0. (NCERT Examplar Problems)
Solution. The given line is 2x – 5y + 18 = 0 …(i)
and the centre of the circle is C(3, – 1).
Let the line (i) meet the required circle at points A
and B. From C, draw CM ⊥ AB then M is mid-point of
segment AB. C(3, – 1)
Given AB = 6 units ⇒ 2 . AM = 6 units
⇒ AM = 3 units
CM = perpendicular distance from C(3, – 1) A M B
to the line (i)
Fig. 11.23.
| 2 . 3 − 5 . ( − 1) + 18 | 29
= units = units
2 2 + ( −5 ) 2 29

= 29 units.
Let r units be the radius of the circle.
588 MATHEMATICS – XI

From rt. ∠ d ΔAMC, CA2 = AM2 + CM2

⇒ r2 = 32 + ( 29 )2 = 38 ⇒ radius = 38 units.
∴ The equation of the circle is (x – 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = ( 38 )2
or x2 + y2 – 6x + 2y – 28 = 0.
Example 13. Find the equation of the circle which passes through two points on y-axis which are at
a distance of 3 units from origin and has radius 5 units.
Solution. There are two circles satisfying the given conditions.
Since the circles pass through the points on y-axis
which are at distance of 3 units from origin, so
OB = OB′ = 3. The centres of the circles lie on the right
bisector of BB′ i.e. on x-axis. If C is centre of a circle,
then CB is its radius.
From rt. ∠d ΔOBC,
OC2 = BC2 – OB2 = 52 – 32 = 16
⇒ OC = 4.
∴ The centres of the circles are (4, 0) and (– 4, 0). Fig. 11.24.

m
∴ The equations of the circles are
(x ± 4)2 + ( y – 0)2 = 52
or x 2 + y 2 ± 8 x – 9 = 0.
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Example 14. Find the equation of the circle when the end points of a diameter are A (– 2, 3) and
B (3, – 5).
la
Solution. Using diameter form, the equation of the circle having A (– 2, 3) and B (3, – 5) as
the end points of a diameter is
iy

(x – (– 2)) (x – 3) + (y – 3) (y – (– 5)) = 0
or (x + 2) (x – 3) + (y – 3) (y + 5) = 0
or x2 – x – 6 + y2 + 2 y – 15 = 0
dh

or x2 + y2 – x + 2 y – 21 = 0.
Example 15. Find the equation of a circle which has the portion of the line 3 x + 4 y = 14 intercepted
by the lines x – y = 0 and 11 x – 4 y = 0 as a diameter.
bo

Solution. The given lines are

3 x + 4 y – 14 = 0 …(i)
x–y=0 …(ii)
and 11 x – 4 y = 0 …(iii)
The intersection of (i) and (ii) is the point A (2, 2) and

the intersection of (i) and (iii) is the point B ⎛ 1,

11 ⎞
.
⎝ 4 ⎠

Using diameter form, the equation of the circle having

AB as its diameter is
Fig. 11.25.
(x – 2) (x – 1) + ( y – 2) ⎛ y − ⎞ = 0
11
⎝ 4 ⎠
11 11
or x2 – 3x + 2 + y2 – 2y – y+ =0
4 2
19 15
or x2 + y2 – 3 x – y+ =0
4 2
or 4 x 2 + 4 y 2 – 12 x – 19 y + 30 = 0.
594 MATHEMATICS – XI

Example 29. Find the equation of the circle passing through the point (7, 3) having radius 3 units
and whose centre lies on the line y = x – 1 = 0. (NCERT Examplar Problems)
Solution. The given line is y = x – 1 …(i)
Let (h, k) be the centre of the circle. As centre lies on (i), we get
k=h–1 …(ii)
The equation of the circle is (x – h)2 + (y – k)2 = 32 ( Q radius = 3)
or (x – h)2 + (y – (h – 1))2 = 9.
Since the circle passes through the point (7, 3),
∴ (7 – h)2 + (3 – (h – 1))2 = 9
⇒ (7 – h)2 + (4 – h)2 = 9
⇒ 49 – 14h + h2 + 16 – 8h + h2 – 9 = 0
⇒ 2h2 – 22h + 56 = 0 ⇒ h2 – 11h + 28 = 0
⇒ (h – 7) (h – 4) = 0 ⇒ h = 7, 4.
When h = 7, k = 7 – 1 = 6; when h = 4, k = 4 – 1 = 3.
∴ The centre of circle is (7, 6) or (4, 3).
Thus, we have two circles satisfying given conditions. Their equations are

m
(x – 7)2 + (y – 6)2 = 32 or (x – 4)2 + (y – 3)2 = 32
i.e. x2 + y2 – 14x – 12y + 76 = 0 or x2 + y2 – 8x – 6y + 16 = 0
.co
Example 30. Find the equation of the circle passing through the points (1, – 2), (5, 4) and (10, 5).
Solution. Let the equation of the circle be
x2 + y2 + 2 g x + 2 f y + c = 0 …(i)
la
As the circle passes through the points (1, – 2), (5, 4) and (10, 5), we get
1 + 4 + 2g – 4f + c = 0 ⇒ 2g – 4f + c + 5 = 0 …(ii)
iy

25 + 16 + 10 g + 8 f + c = 0 ⇒ 10 g + 8 f + c + 41 = 0 …(iii)
100 + 25 + 20 g + 10 f + c = 0 ⇒ 20 g + 10 f + c + 125 = 0 …(iv)
dh

Subtracting (ii) from (iii), we get

8 g + 12 f + 36 = 0 ⇒ 2g + 3f + 9 = 0 …(v)
bo

Subtracting (ii) from (iv), we get

18 g + 14 f + 120 = 0 ⇒ 9 g + 7 f + 60 = 0 …(vi)
Solving (v) and (vi) simultaneously, we get g = – 9, f = 3.
From (ii), we get c = – 5 – 2 (– 9) + 4 (3) = 25.
Substituting these values of g, f and c in (i), we get
x2 + y2 – 18 x + 6 y + 25 = 0, which is the equation of the required circle.
Example 31. Show that the points (7, 5), (6, – 2), (– 1, – 1) and (0, 6) are concyclic. Also find the
radius and the centre of the circle on which they lie.
Solution. Let us find the equation of the circle passing through the points (7, 5), (6, – 2) and
(– 1, – 1).
Let the equation of this circle be
x2 + y2 + 2 gx + 2 f y + c = 0 …(i)
As the points (7, 5), (6, – 2) and (– 1, – 1) lie on it, we get
49 + 25 + 14 g + 10 f + c ⇒ 14 g + 10 f + c + 74 = 0 …(ii)
36 + 4 + 12 g – 4 f + c = 0 ⇒ 12 g – 4 f + c + 40 = 0 …(iii)
1 + 1 – 2g – 2 f + c = 0 ⇒ 2g + 2 f – c – 2 = 0 …(iv)
CONIC SECTIONS 595
Adding (ii) and (iv), we get
16 g + 12 f + 72 = 0 ⇒ 4 g + 3 f + 18 = 0 …(v)
Adding (iii) and (iv), we get
14 g – 2 f + 38 = 0 ⇒ 7 g – f + 19 = 0 …(vi)
Solving (v) and (vi) simultaneously, we get g = – 3, f = – 2.
From (ii), we get c = – 14 (– 3) – 10 (– 2) – 74 = – 12.
Substituting these values of g, f and c in (i), we get
x 2 + y 2 – 6 x – 4 y – 12 = 0 …(vii)
The fourth point (0, 6) will lie on (vii) if 0 + 36 – 0 – 24 – 12 = 0 i.e. if 0 = 0, which is true.
Hence, the given points are concyclic.
Also, (vii) is the equation of the circle on which these points lie.
Its centre is (3, 2) and radius = 9 + 4 − ( − 12 ) = 5.

Example 32. Find the equation of the circle circumscribing the triangle formed by the straight lines
x + y = 6, 2 x + y = 4 and x + 2 y = 5.

m
Solution. Let the equations of the sides AB, BC and A
CA of ΔABC be
x+y=6
.co
…(i)

x
+
x+y=6

2y
2x + y = 4 …(ii)

=
5
and x + 2 y = 5 …(iii)
la
respectively. Solving (i) and (iii); (i) and (ii); (ii) and (iii) C
y =4
simultaneously, we get the coordinates of the points A, 2x +
B
B and C as (7, – 1), (– 2, 8) and (1, 2) respectivley.
iy

Let the equation of the circle be Fig. 11.32.

x2 + y2 + 2 gx + 2 f y + c = 0 …(iv)
dh

As the circle passes through the points A (7, – 1), B (– 2, 8) and C (1, 2), we get
49 + 1 + 14 g – 2 f + c = 0 i.e. 14 g – 2 f + c + 50 = 0 …(v)
4 + 64 – 4 g + 16 f + c = 0 i.e. – 4 g + 16 f + c + 68 = 0 …(vi)
bo

1 + 4 + 2 g + 4 f + c = 0 i.e. 2 g + 4 f + c + 5 = 0 …(vii)
Subtracting (vi) from (v), we get
18 g – 18 f – 18 = 0 i.e. g – f – 1 = 0 …(viii)
Subtracting (vii) from (v), we get
12 g – 6 f + 45 = 0 i.e. 4 g – 2 f + 15 = 0 …(ix)
17 19
Solving (viii) and (ix), we get g = – ,f=– .
2 2
Putting these values of g and f in (vii), we get c = 50.
Substituting these values of g, f and c in (iv), we get
x2 + y2 – 17 x – 19 y + 50 = 0, which is the equation of the required circle.

EXERCISE 11.1
Very short answer type questions (1 to 23) :
1. Find the equation of the circle whose :
(i) centre is at the origin and the radius is 5 units
(ii) centre is (0, 2) and radius 2 (NCERT) (iii) centre is (– 3, 2) and radius 4 (NCERT)
596 MATHEMATICS – XI

⎛1 1⎞ 1
(iv) centre is (1, 1) and radius 2 (NCERT) (v) centre is ⎜ , ⎟ and radius (NCERT)
⎝2 4⎠ 12

(vi) centre is (– a, – b) and radius a2 – b 2 . (NCERT)

2. Write the equation of a circle whose centre is origin and which passes through the point
(3, – 4).
3. Determine the equation of a circle whose centre is (8, – 6) and which passes through the
point (5, – 2).
4. Show that the points (– 3, 2) and (4, 3) lie on a circle with centre at the point (1, – 1).
5. Find the equation of a circle of radius 6 units and whose centre lies on the negative
direction of x-axis at a distance of 4 units from the origin.
6. Find the equation of the circle whose centre lies on the negative direction of y-axis at a
distance 3 units from origin and whose radius is 4 units.
7. Find the equation of the circle which has A (1, 3) and B (4, 5) as opposite ends of a
diameter.
8. Find the equation of the circle which has the points (– 2, 3) and (0, – 1) as opposite ends
of a diameter.

m
9. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the origin and cuts off intercepts
– 2 and 3 from the co-ordinate axes.
10. Find the equation of the circle which passes through origin and cuts off intercepts 3 and
– 2 from the coordinate axes.
.co
11. Does the point (– 2.5, 3.5) lie inside, outside or on the circle x2 + y2 = 25 ? (NCERT)
Hint. Centre of the circle is O (0, 0) and its radius = 5. Distance from centre to the given
la
point = 18.5 , which is less than radius of the circle.
12. Does the (– 3, 7) lie inside, outside or on the circle x2 + y2 = 49?
iy

13. Which of the following equations represent a circle?

(i) x2 + y2 + 6 x – 14 y + 5 = 0 (ii) x2 + y2 + 3 x – 2 y + 7 = 0
dh

2 2
(iii) 2x + 3y – 4x – 6y – 5 = 0 (iv) x2 + y2 – 10x + 2 y + 20 = 0 ?
14. What does the equation x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y + 13 = 0 represent?
15. Find the centre and the radius of the circle :
(i) (x + 5)2 + (y – 3)2 = 36 (ii) x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y = 8
bo

(NCERT) (NCERT Examplar Problems)

(iii) x2 + y2 + 8 x + 10 y – 8 = 0 (NCERT) (iv) x2 + y2 – 4 x – 8 y – 45 = 0 (NCERT)
(v) 2 x2 + 2 y2 – 3 x + 5 y – 7 = 0 (vi) x2 + y2 – ax – by = 0.
16. Which of the following equations represent a circle? If so, determine its centre and radius :
(i) x 2 + y 2 + x – y = 0 (ii) x 2 + y 2 – 3 x + 3 y + 10 = 0
(iii) 2 x 2 + 2 y 2 = 5 x + 7 y + 3 (iv) x 2 + y 2 + 2 x + 10 y + 26 = 0.
17. Find the value of p so that x 2 + y 2 + 8 x + 10 y + p = 0 is the equation of a circle of radius
7 units.
18. Find the value(s) of k so that the equation x2 + y2 – 2 kx + 4 y – 12 = 0 may represent a circle
of radius 5 units.
19. Find the equation of a circle concentric with the circle x2 + y2 – 8 x + 2 y + 3 = 0 and of
radius 3 units.
20. Find the value of k for which the circles x2 + y2 – 3 x + k y – 5 = 0 and
4 x2 + 4 y2 – 12 x – y – 9 = 0 are concentric.
21. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the point (1, – 2) and is concentric
with the circle x2 + y2 – 4x + 5y – 7 = 0.
22. Find the shortest distance of the point (8, 1) from the circle (x + 2)2 + (y – 1)2 = 25.
598 MATHEMATICS – XI

41. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the centre of the circle
x 2 + y 2 + 8 x + 10 y + 7 = 0 and is concentric with the circle
2 x 2 + 2 y 2 – 8 x – 12 y – 9 = 0.
42. Find the equation of the circle concentric with the circle
x 2 + y 2 + 4 x – 8 y – 6 = 0 and having radius double of its radius.
43. Find the equation of the circle concentric with the circle
2 x 2 + 2 y 2 + 8 x + 10 y – 35 = 0 and with area 16 π square units.
44. Find the equation of the circle which is concentric with the circle
x 2 + y 2 – 4 x + 6 y – 3 = 0 and of double its
(i) circumference (ii) area
45. Prove that the centres of three circles
x 2 + y 2 – 4 x – 6 y – 14 = 0, x 2 + y 2 + 2 x + 4 y – 5 = 0 and
x 2 + y 2 – 10 x – 16 y + 7 = 0 are collinear.
46. Prove that the radii of the circles x 2 + y 2 = 1, x 2 + y 2 – 2 x – 6 y – 6 = 0 and
x 2 + y 2 – 4 x – 12 y – 9 = 0 are in A.P.
47. Find the equation of the circle passing through the points (4, 1), (6, 5) and whose centre
is on the line 4 x + y = 16. (NCERT)

m
48. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the points (2, 3) and (4, 5) and the
centre lies on the line y – 4x + 3 = 0. (NCERT Examplar Problems)
49. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the points (2, – 2), (3, 4) and whose
centre is on the line x + y = 2.
.co (NCERT)
50. Find the equation of the circle passing through the three points
(i) (0, 0), (0, 1) and (2, 3) (ii) (0, 0), (5, 0) and (3, 3)
(iii) (1, 0), (– 1, 0) and (0, 1) (iv) (1, 2), (3, – 4) and (5, – 6).
la
(v) (20, 3), (19, 8) and (2, – 9) (NCERT Examplar Problems)
Also find its centre and radius.
iy

51. Find the equation of the circle which is circumscribed about the triangle whose vertices are
(– 2, 3), (5, 2) and (6, – 1).
dh

52. Show that the points (7, 1), (– 2, 4), (5, 5) and (6, 4) are concyclic. Also find the equation,
centre and radius of the circle on which they lie.

11.3 SYMMETRY
bo

Reflection of a point in a line

If a point P lies on the line l, then the reflection of
P in l is defined as the point P itself. If P does not lie on •P
l, let M be the foot of perpendicular from P on l and l
>
produce it to a point P′ such that MP = MP′ , then P′ is
called the reflection of P in l (shown in fig. 11.33).
M
Note that if P′ is the reflection of P in l, then P is the
reflection of P′ in l.
It follows that if P does not lie on l, then P′ is the >
reflection of P in l iff l is the perpendicular bisector of the • P′
Fig. 11.33.
segment PP′.
Reflection of a point in a point
The reflection of a point P in a fixed point M is the
point P′ such that M is mid-point of the segment PP′
(shown in fig. 11.34).
In particular, if P = M then P′ = M = P.
Note that if P′ is the reflection of P in a point M, then
P is the reflection of P′ in M. Fig. 11.34.
CONIC SECTIONS 599
We leave it for the reader to see that the reflection of a point (α , β ) in the
(i) origin is the point (– α , – β )
(ii) x-axis is the point (α , – β )
(iii) y-axis is the point (– α , β ).
Symmetry of a curve about a line
A curve C is said to be symmetrical about a line l iff for every point P on C, the reflection of P in
l also lies on C. If a curve is symmetrical about a line l, then l is called a line of symmetry of C or an
axis of C.
Let F(x, y) = 0 be an equation of a curve C, then C is symmetrical about
(i) x-axis iff F (x, y) = F (x, – y) (ii) y-axis iff F (x, y) = F (– x, y).
Proof. (i) Let P(α , β) be a point on the curve C, then
F (α , β) = 0 …(1)
Now the curve C, is symmetrical about x-axis iff the reflection of P in the x-axis i.e. the point
P′ (α , – β) lies on C i.e. iff F(α , – β) = 0 …(2)
From (1) and (2), it follows that C is symmetrical about x-axis iff

m
F (x, y) = F (x, – y).
We leave the proof of (ii) for the reader.
.co
Symmetry of a curve about a point
A curve C is said to be symmetrical about a point M iff for every point P on C, the reflection of P
in M also lies on C. If a curve is symmetrical about a point M, then M is called a centre of symmetry
la
of C or a centre of C.
Let F (x, y) = 0 be an equation of a curve C, then C is symmetrical about the origin iff
iy

F (x, y) = F (– x, – y).
Proof. Let P (α , β) be a point on the curve C, then
F (α , β) = 0
dh

…(1)
Now the curve C is symmetrical about the origin iff the reflection of P in the origin i.e. the
point P′(– α , – β) lies on C
i.e. iff F (– α , – β) = 0 …(2)
bo

From (1) and (2), it follows that C is symmetrical about origin iff
F (x, y) = F (– x, – y).

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAM PLE

Example. Which of the following curves are symmetrical about the x-axis? or y-axis ? or origin ?
(i) 7 y2 = 5 x (ii) 3 x2 – 4 y2 + 7 = 0.
Solution. (i) The equation of the given curve is
F (x, y) = 7 y2 – 5 x = 0.
Here, F (x, – y) = 7 (– y)2 – 5x = 7 y2 – 5 x = F (x, y);
F (– x, y) = 7y2 – 5 (– x) = 7 y2 + 5 x ≠ F (x, y);
F (– x, – y) = 7 (– y)2 – 5 (– x) = 7 y2 + 5 x ≠ F (x, y).
Therefore, the given curve is symmetrical about x-axis but neither about y-axis nor about the
origin.
(ii) The equation of the given curve is
F (x, y) = 3 x2 – 4 y2 + 7 = 0.
600 MATHEMATICS – XI

Here, F (x, – y) = 3 x2 – 4 (– y)2 + 7 = 3 x2 – 4 y2 + 7 = F (x, y);

F (– x, y) = 3 (– x)2 – 4 y2 + 7 = 3 x2 – 4 y2 + 7 = F (x, y);
F (– x, – y) = 3 (– x)2 – 4 (– y)2 + 7 = 3 x2 – 4 y2 + 7 = F (x, y).
Therefore, the given curve is symmetrical about x-axis, y-axis and about the origin.

EXERCISE 11.2
Which of the following curves are symmetrical about the x-axis ? or y-axis ? or origin?
1. 5 x2 + 7 y = 0. 2. 3 y2 = 7 x.
3. x2 = 3 y2 + 7. 4. x2 + y2 = 25.

11.4 PARABOLA

>
l

A parabola is the set of all points in a plane which are Fixed line
equidistant from a fixed line and a fixed point (not on the line)
P1
in the plane. M1
P2
M2
The fixed line (say l) is called the directrix of the ●F
parabola and the fixed point (say F) is called the focus of M3 Fixed point
P3
the parabola.

m
If P1, P2, P3, … are points on the parabola and
M1P1, M2P2, M3P3 are perpendiculars to the directrix l
(see fig. 11.35), then
.co
>
FP1 = M1P1, FP2 = M2P2, FP3 = M3P3 etc. Fig. 11.35.
>
la
l
iy

The line passing through the focus and

Directrix

perpendicular to the directrix is called the axis of

parabola. The point of intersection of parabola with Axis of parabola
dh

its axis is called vertex of parabola (see fig. 11.36).

● ● >
←

F
Vertex Focus
The equation of a parabola is in simplest form
if its vertex is at the origin and its axis lies along
bo

either x-axis or y-axis.

>

Fig. 11.36.

11.4.1 To find the equation of a parabola in the standard form y2 = 4 ax, a > 0
Let F be the focus, l be the directrix and Z be the foot of
perpendicular from F to the line l.
>

l
Take ZF as x-axis with positive direction from Z to F. Let Y
>
x+a=0

O be the mid-point of ZF, take O as origin, then the line M

through O and perpendicular to ZF becomes y-axis (shown in P(x, y)

figure 11.37).
● ● ● >
Z O F(a, 0)
Let ZF = 2 a X
(– a, 0) (0, 0)
(a > 0, because F does not lie on l), then
ZO = OF = a.
>

Since F lies to the right of O and Z lies to the left of O,

co-ordinates of F, Z are (a, 0), (– a, 0) respectively. Therefore,
Fig. 11.37.
the equation of the line l i.e. directrix is x = – a i.e. x + a = 0.
CONIC SECTIONS 601
Let P (x, y) be any point in the plane of the line l and the point F, and MP be the
perpendicular distance from P to the line l then P lies on parabola iff
FP = MP
|x + a|
⇔ ( x – a)2 + y 2 =
1
⇔ (x – a)2 + y 2 = (x + a)2
⇔ x 2 + a2 – 2 a x + y 2 = x 2 + a2 + 2a x
⇔ y 2 = 4 a x.
Hence, the equation of a parabola in the standard form is y 2 = 4 a x, a > 0, with focus F(a, 0)
and directrix x + a = 0.
Sometimes it is called a first standard form or a right hand parabola.

11.4.2 Some facts about the parabola y2 = 4 a x, a > 0.

The equation of the parabola is
F (x, y) = y2 – 4 a x = 0 …(i)
We note the following facts about the given parabola :

m
1. F (x, – y) = (– y)2 – 4 a x = y2 – 4 a x
= F (x, y)
⇒ the given parabola is symmetrical about x-axis.
.co
This line is the axis of the parabola.
2. Focus is F (a, 0) and directrix is x + a = 0.
3. The point O (0, 0) where the axis of parabola meets the parabola is the vertex of the
la
parabola, it is mid-point of ZF where F (a, 0) is the focus and Z is the foot of perpendicular from
focus to the directrix.
4. If x < 0, then y2 = 4 ax has no real solutions in y and so there is no point on the curve with
iy

negative x-coordinate i.e. on the left of y-axis.

When x = 0, we get y2 = 0 ⇒ y = 0. Thus, (0, 0) is the only point of the y-axis which lies on
dh

it, therefore, the entire curve, except the origin, lies to the right of y-axis.
5. If P (x, y) is a point of the parabola in the first quadrant, then the equation (i) gives
y = 2 ax so that as x increases, y also increases and the curve is unbounded.
bo

6. A chord passing through the focus F and perpendicular to the axis of parabola is called
latus-rectum and its length is called length of latus-rectum.
7. Length of latus-rectum.
Let chord L′L be the latus-rectum of the parabola,
L
then L′L passes through focus F (a, 0) and is
>

l
>

Y
perpendicular to x-axis (as shown in fig. 11.38).
x+a=0

Let LF = k (k > 0), then the points L and L′ are

(a, k) and (a, – k) respectively. ← Latus-rectum

As L (a, k) lies on the parabola y2 = 4 ax, we get

● >
k2 = 4 a × a ⇒ k = 2 a. Z O F(a, 0) X
(0, 0)
∴ The points L, L′ are (a, 2 a), (a, – 2 a)
and length of latus-rectum = L′ L = 2 k = 4 a.
Thus, the length of latus rectum = 4 a = 2 ZF = 4 OF.
>

L′
The end points of the latus-rectum are L (a, 2 a),
Fig. 11.38.
L′ (a, – 2 a) and the equation of the latus-rectum is x – a = 0.
602 MATHEMATICS – XI

11.4.3 To find the equation of a parabola in other standard forms

Find the equation of a parabola with
(i) focus F (– a, 0), a > 0 and the line x – a = 0 as directrix.
(ii) focus F (0, a), a > 0 and the line y + a = 0 as directrix.
(iii) focus F (0, – a), a > 0 and the line y – a = 0 as directrix.
Solution. (i) Let P (x, y) be any point in the plane of directrix and focus, and MP be the
perpendicular distance from P to the directrix, then P lies on parabola
iff FP = MP
|x – a|
⇔ ( x + a)2 + y 2 =
1
⇔ (x + a)2 + y2 = (x – a)2
⇔ x2 + a2 + 2 a x + y2 = x2 + a2 – 2 a x
⇔ y2 = – 4 a x, a > 0.
It is called 2nd standard form or left hand parabola.
(ii) Proceeding as above, it will be found that the equation of the parabola is
x2 = 4 a y, a > 0 (Do it!)

m
It is called 3rd standard form or upward parabola.
(iii) Proceeding as in part (i), it will be found that the equation of the parabola is
x2 = – 4 a y, a > 0 (Do it!)
.co
It is called 4th standard form or downward parabola.

11.4.4 Four standard forms of the parabola

la
The students are advised to trace the following four standard forms of parabolas and to fix in
their memory the positions (figures) of these parabolas with respect to co-ordinate axes.
iy
>

>

l
>
>

Y Y l
dh

Z Z
● > ● >
O F O X
bo

X F
x–a=0
x+a=0

(a, 0) (– a, 0)
>
>

(i) (ii)
>
>

Y y–a =0 Y l
> Z
>
O
>
●
F X
(0, a) ● F
(0, – a)
>
O X
> >
y +a =0 Z l

(iii) (iv)

Fig. 11.39.
CONIC SECTIONS 603
Main facts about the parabola
y2 = 4 a x y2 = – 4 a x x2 = 4 a y x2 = – 4 a y
Equation (a > 0) a>0 a>0 a>0
Right hand Left hand Upwards Downwards
Axis y=0 y=0 x=0 x=0
Directrix x+a=0 x–a=0 y+a=0 y–a=0
Focus (a, 0) (– a, 0) (0, a) (0, – a)
Vertex (0, 0) (0, 0) (0, 0) (0, 0)
Length of
latus-rectum 4a 4a 4a 4a
Equation of
latus-rectum x–a=0 x+a=0 y–a=0 y+a=0

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAM PLES

Example 1. Find the co-ordinates of focus, the axis, the equation of the directrix and the length of
latus-rectum of the parabola represented by the equation 3 y2 = 8 x.

m
Solution. The given equation is 3 y2 = 8 x
8
i.e. y2 =
3
x
.co …(i)

which is the same as y2 = 4 a x, so (i) represents a standard (right hand) parabola, and its axis
lies along the x-axis. Hence x-axis itself is the axis of the given parabola.
la
, therefore, focus is (a, 0) i.e. ⎛ , 0⎞ and the equation of directrix is
8 2 2
Also 4 a = ⇒a=
3 3 ⎝3 ⎠
2
iy

x+ =0 x+a=0
3
i.e. 3 x + 2 = 0.
dh

8
Length of latus-rectum = 4 a = .
3
Example 2. Find the co-ordinates of focus, the equation of directrix and the length of latus-rectum
bo

of the conic represented by the equation x 2 = – 16 y. (NCERT)

Solution. The given equation is x 2 = – 16 y …(i)
which is comparable with x2 = – 4 ay, so (i) represents a parabola of the fourth standard form.
Here 4 a = 16 ⇒ a = 4.
∴ The focus is (0, – a) i.e. (0, – 4) and
the equation of the directrix is y – 4 = 0 y–a=0
The length of latus-rectum = 4 a = 16.
Example 3. Find the equation of the parabola with focus (6, 0) and directrix x = – 6. Also find the
length of latus-rectum. (NCERT)
Solution. The focus of the parabola is F (6, 0) and its directrix is the line x = – 6 i.e.
x + 6 = 0.
Let P (x, y) be any point in the plane of directrix and focus, and MP be the perpendicular
distance from P to the directrix, then P lies on parabola iff FP = MP

x+6
⇔ ( x – 6)2 + ( y – 0)2 =
1
604 MATHEMATICS – XI

⇔ x 2 – 12 x + 36 + y 2 = x 2 + 12 x + 36
⇔ y 2 = 24 x, which is the required equation of the parabola.
Comparing it with y 2 = 4 a x, we get 4 a = 24.
∴ Length of latus-rectum = 4 a = 24.
Alternatively
Given the focus of the parabola is F (6, 0) which lies on x-axis, the x-axis itself is the axis
of the parabola.
Also, the equation of the directrix is x = – 6 i.e. x + 6 = 0, therefore, the parabola is of first
standard form and its equation is
y 2 = 4 a x, with a = 6.
Hence the required equation of the parabola is y 2 = 4 × 6x i.e. y2 = 24 x.
Length of latus-rectum = 4 a = 24.

Example 4. Find the equation of a parabola with focus at (– 1, – 2) and directrix x – 2y + 3 = 0.

(NCERT Examplar Problems)
Solution. The focus of the parabola is F (– 1, – 2) and directrix is the line x – 2y + 3 = 0.

m
Let P (x, y) be any point in the plane of focus and directrix, and MP be the perpendicular
distance from P to the directrix, then P lies on the parabola iff FP = MP
| x − 2y + 3 |
⇔ ( x + 1)2 + ( y + 2)2 =
.co
12 + ( − 2)2

⇔ 5[(x + 1)2 + (y + 2)2] = (x – 2y + 3)2

⇔
la
5(x2 + 2x + 1 + y2 + 4y + 4) = x2 + 4y2 + 9 – 4xy + 6x – 12y
⇔ 4x2 + 4xy + y2 + 4x + 32y + 16 = 0, which is the required equation of the parabola.
iy

Example 5. Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at (0, 0) and focus at (– 2, 0).
(NCERT)
Solution. Since the focus of the parabola is F (– 2, 0) which lies on x-axis, the x-axis itself is
dh

the axis of the parabola.

Also, the vertex of the parabola is at O (0, 0), therefore, the parabola is of second standard
form and its equation is
bo

y 2 = – 4 ax, with a = 2.
Hence the required equation of the parabola is
y 2 = – 4 × 2x i.e. y2 = – 8x.

Example 6. Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at origin and directrix the line y + 3 = 0.
Also find its focus.
Y
>

Solution. The vertex of the parabola is at origin i.e.

the point (0, 0). Let F be the focus of the parabola.
The directrix of the parabola is the line y + 3 = 0 i.e.
●
F
y = – 3, which is a straight line parallel to x-axis at a
distance 3 units below origin.
O
>
If the directrix meets y-axis at Z, then OZ = 3. X
Therefore, the given parabola is of the third > >
y +3 =0 Z l
standard form and its equation is x2 = 4 ay, where
a = OF = OZ = 3. Fig. 11.40.

∴ The equation of the required parabola is x2 = 4 × 3 y i.e. x2 = 12 y.

The focus of the parabola is F (0, a) i.e. F (0, 3).
CONIC SECTIONS 605
Example 7. Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at origin, symmetric with respect to y-axis
and passing through (2, – 3). (NCERT)
Solution. The vertex of the parabola is at origin and it is symmetric with respect to y-axis i.e.
axis of the parabola is the y-axis itself.
Also it passes through (2, – 3), a point in the fourth quadrant. The parabola is of the fourth
standard form.
Let its equation be x 2 = – 4 ay …(i)
As it passes through (2, – 3), we get
1
22 = – 4 a . (– 3) ⇒ a = .
3
Substituting this value of a in (i), the equation of the parabola is
1
x2 = – 4 . y i.e. 3 x 2 = – 4 y.
3

Example 8. If the points (0, 4) and (0, 2) are respectively the vertex and focus of a parabola, then find
the equation of the parabola. (NCERT Examplar Problems)
Solution. The vertex and the focus of the parabola
are A(0, 4) and F (0, 2) respectively. AF = 2.

m
Y
As points A and F lie on y-axis, so y-axis is the axis
y–6=0
of the parabola. If the directrix meets the axis of parabola Z
at point Z, then AZ = AF = 2.
.co (0, 4) A M
P(x, y)
∴ OZ = OF + FA + AZ = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6, F (0, 2)
so the equation of directrix is y = 6 X
O
la
i.e. y – 6 = 0.
Let P (x, y) be any point in the plane of focus and
directrix, and MP be the perpendicular distance from P
iy

to the directrix, then P lies on parabola iff FP = MP Fig. 11.41.

| y − 6|
dh

⇔ ( x − 0) 2 + ( y − 2 ) 2 =
1
⇔ x2 + (y – 2)2 = (y – 6)2
⇔ x2 + y2 – 4y + 4 = y2 – 12y + 36
bo

⇔ x2 + 8y = 32, which is the required equation of the parabola.

Example 9. Find the equations of the lines joining the vertex of the parabola y2 = 6x to the points
which have abscissa 24. (NCERT Examplar Problems)
Solution. The given parabola is y2 = 6x …(i)
It is of the first standard form with vertex at O(0, 0). Y
P
Let P(24, k) be a point on parabola (i) whose abscissa
is 24. As P lies on parabola,
k2 = 6 × 24 ⇒ k2 = 144
⇒ k = 12, – 12
So, there are two points P(24, 12) and Q(24, – 12) on O X
the parabola whose abscissa is 24.
12 − 0 1
Slope of OP = = ,
24 − 0 2
Q
− 12 − 0 −1
slope of OQ = = .
24 − 0 2
Fig. 11.42.
CONIC SECTIONS 647
ANSWERS
EXERCISE 11.1
1. (i) x2 + y2 = 25 (ii) x2 + y2 – 4 y = 0 (iii) x2 + y2 + 6 x – 4 y – 3 = 0
(iv) x2 + y2 – 2 x – 2 y = 0 (v) 36 x2 + 36 y2 – 36 x – 18 y + 11 = 0
(vi) x2 + y2 + 2 ax + 2 by + 2 b2 = 0
2. x2 + y2 = 25 3. x2 + y2 – 16x + 12y + 75 = 0
5. x2 + y2 + 8x – 20 = 0 6. x2 + y2 + 6y – 7 = 0 7. x2 + y2 – 5x – 8y + 19 = 0
8. x2 + y2 + 2x – 2 y – 3 = 0 9. x2 + y2 + 2x – 3 y = 0 10. x2 + y2 – 3x + 2 y = 0
11. Inside the circle 12. Outside the circle 13. (i) and (iv)
14. degenerate (or point) circle
15. (i) (– 5, 3); 6 (ii) (1, – 2); 13 (iii) (– 4, – 5); 7

(v) ⎛⎜ , – ⎞⎟ ; (vi) ⎛⎜ , ⎞⎟ ;
3 5 3 a b 1 2
(iv) (2, 4); 65 10 a + b2
⎝4 4 ⎠ 4 ⎝ 2 2⎠ 2

16. (i) circle ; ⎛ – , ⎞ ;

1 1 1
(ii) empty set
⎝ 2 2⎠ 2

m
(iii) circle ; ⎛ 5 7⎞ 7
, , 2 (iv) point circle ; (– 1, – 5), zero
⎝ 4 4⎠ 4
17. – 8 18. 3, – 3 19. x2 + y2 – 8x + 2 y + 8 = 0
1
.co
20. – 21. x2 + y2 – 4x + 5y + 9 = 0 22. 5
4
23. 10 24. x2 + y2 – 130 = 0 25. x2 + y2 – 4 x + 6 y – 96 = 0
26. x2 + y2 – 2 x + 6 y – 40 = 0 27. x2 + y2 – 6x + 4 y – 12 = 0
la
28. x2 + y2 – 2x + 2y – 47 = 0
29. (i) x2 + y2 – 12 y + 11 = 0 or x2 + y2 + 4 y – 21 = 0
iy

(ii) x2 + y2 + 6 y – 16 = 0, x2 + y2 – 6 y – 16 = 0
30. (i) x2 + y2 – 2x – 2y + 1 = 0 (ii) x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 23 = 0
dh

5 3
(iii) 10, – (iv)
2 4
31. x 2 + y 2 – 5 x – 8 y + 19 = 0 ; 6 x + 4 y = 31
bo

32. (1, – 1), 13 , x 2 + y 2 – 2 x + 2 y – 11 = 0

33. (i) x2 + y2 – 2 x – 3 y – 18 = 0 (ii) x2 + y2 – 13 x – 11 y + 68 = 0
34. x2 + y2 – 4 x – 3 y = 0 35. x2 + y2 – l (x + y) = 0 36. x2 + y2 – 3 x – 2 y – 21 = 0
37. – 3 ; 2 x – 2 y = 5 38. x 2 + y 2 + x – 2 y – 41 = 0 39. (1, – 6)
40. (i) x2 + y2 + 4 x + 6 y – 85 = 0 (ii) x2 + y2 – 4 x – 6 y – 87 = 0
41. x 2 + y 2 – 4 x – 6 y – 87 = 0 42. x 2 + y 2 + 4 x – 8 y – 84 = 0
43. 4 x 2 + 4 y 2 + 16 x + 20 y – 23 = 0
44. (i) x 2 + y 2 – 4 x + 6 y – 51 = 0 (ii) x2 + y2 – 4 x + 6y – 19 = 0
47. x2 + y2 – 6 x – 8 y + 15 = 0 48. x2 + y2 – 4 x – 10 y + 25 = 0
49. 5 x2 + 5 y2 – 7 x – 13 y – 52 = 0

50. (i) x 2 + y 2 – 5 x – y = 0 ; ⎛ , ⎞ , (ii) x 2 + y 2 – 5 x – y = 0 ; ⎛ , ⎞ ;

5 1 26 5 1 26
⎝2 2⎠ 2 ⎝ 2 2⎠ 2
(iii) x 2 + y 2 = 1; (0, 0), 1 (iv) x 2 + y 2 – 22 x – 4 y + 25 = 0 ; (11, 2), 10
(v) x2 + y2 – 14x – 6y – 111 = 0; (7, 3); 13
51. x 2 + y2 – 2 x + 2 y – 23 = 0 52. x 2 + y 2 – 4 x – 2 y – 20 = 0, (2, 1), 5