PARABOLA

EXERCISE – 3(B)
1. Find equation of the tangent and normal to the parabola y2 = 6x at the positive end of the latus
rectum.
Sol. Equation of parabola y2 = 6x
4a = 6 ⇒ a = 3/2
3 
Positive end of the Latus rectum is(a, 2a) =  ,3 
2 
Equation of tangent yy1 = 2a(x + x1)
yy1 = 3(x + x1)
 3
3y = 3  x + 
 2
2y – 2x – 3 = 0 is the equation of tangent
Slope of tangent is 1
Slope of normal is –1
 3
Equation of normal is y − 3 = −1 x − 
 2
2x + 2y – 9 = 0
2. Find the equation of the tangent and normal to the parabola x2 – 4x – 8y + 12 = 0 at (4, 3/2).
Sol.
Equation of the the parabola is
x2 – 4x – 8y + 12 = 0. And point is (4, 3/2)
Equation of tangents at (x1, y1) is S1 =0
 3
4x − 2 ( x + 4 ) − 4  y +  + 12 = 0
 2
⇒ 2x − 4y − 2 = 0
⇒ x − 2y − 1 = 0
Equation of normal isy – y1 = m(x – x1)
m-slope of normal
Slope of tangent is 1/2
Slope of normal is –2. Therefore equation of the normal is
3
y − = −2(x − 4) ⇒ 2y − 3 = − 4x + 16
2
⇒ 4x + 2y − 19 = 0
3. Find the value of k if the line 2y = 5x + k is a tangent to the parabola y2 = 6x.
Sol.
Equation of the parabola is y2 = 6x
Given line is 2y = 5x + k
5 k
⇒ y =  x + 
2 2
5 k
Therefore m = ,c=
2 2
5 k
y =   x +   is a tangent to y2 = 6x
2 2
a k 3/ 2 6
⇒c= ⇒ = ⇒k=
m 2 5/ 2 5
4. Find the equation of the normal to the parabola y2 = 4x which is parallel to y – 2x + 5 = 0.
Sol. Given the parabola is y2 = 4x
∴a=1
Given line y – 2x + 5 = 0
Slope m = 2
The normal is parallel to the line y – 2x+5 = 0
Slope of the normal = 2
Equation of the normal at ‘t’ is y + tx = 2at + at3
∴ slope = –t = 2 (⇒t = –2)
Equation of the normal is y − 2x = 2 ⋅1( −2) + 1(−2)3 = −4 − 8 = −12
2x – y – 12 = 0.
5. Show that the line 2x – y + 2 = 0 is a tangent to the parabola y2 = 16x. Find the point of contact
also.
Sol. Given parabola is y2 = 16x
⇒ 4a = 16 ⇒ a = 4
Given line is 2x – y + 2 = 0
y = 2x + 2
⇒ m = 2, c = 2
a 4
= =2=c
m 2
Therefore given line is a tangent to the parabola.
∴ Point of contact =
 a 2a   4 2(4) 
 2 , = 2 ,  = (1, 4)
m m  2 2 
6. Find the equation of tangent to the parabola
y2 = 16x inclined at an angle 60° with its axis and also find the point of contact.
Sol.
Given parabola y2 = 16x
Inclination of the tangent is
θ = 60° ⇒ m = tan 60° = 3
a
Therefore equation of the tangent is y = mx +
m
4
⇒ y = 3x +
3
⇒ 3y = 3x + 4
 a 2a   4 8 
Point of contact =  2 ,  =  , 
m m  3 3
II.
1. Find the equations of tangents to the parabola y2 = 16x which are parallel and perpendicular
respectively to the line 2x – y + 5 = 0. Find the coordinates of the points of contact also.
Sol.
Given parabola is y2 = 16x
⇒ 4a = 16 ⇒ a =4
Equation of the tangent parallel to 2x – y + 5 = 0 is y = 2x + c
a 4
Condition for tangency is c = = = 2
m 2
Equation of the tangent is y = 2x + 2 ⇒ 2x – y + 2 = 0
 a 2a   4 8 
Point of contact is  2 ,  =  ,  = (1, 4)
m m  4 2
Equation of the tangent perpendicular to 2x – y + 5 = 0 is x+2y+c =0
1 1
⇒ 2y = − x − c ⇒ y = − x − c
2 2
If above line is a tangent the c = a/m
1 4
⇒− c= ⇒ c = 16
2  1
− 
 2
Equation of the perpendicular tangent is
1
y = − x − 8 ⇒ 2y = − x − 16
2
⇒ x + 2y + 16 = 0
  a 2a 
Point of contact is  2 , 
m m 
 4 8 
= ,  = (16, −16) .
 (1/ 4) (−1/ 2) 
2. If lx + my + n = 0 is a normal to the parabola y2 = 4ax, then show that al3 + 2alm2 + nm2 = 0.
Sol. Given parabola is y2 = 4ax
Equation of the normal is y + tx = 2at + at3
⇒ tx + y – (2at + at3) = 0 …(1)
Equation of the given line is
lx + my + n = 0 …(2)
(1), (2) are representing the same line, therefore
t 1 −(2at + at 3 )
= =

m n
t 1

⇒ = ⇒t=

m m
1 (2at + at 3 )
⇒ =−
m n
−n
⇒ = 2a ⋅ t + at 3
m
3


 2a
a
3
⇒ 2a ⋅ + a ⋅   = +
m m m m3
⇒ –nm2 = 2al m2 + al3
⇒al3 + 2alm2 + nm2 = 0
3. Show that the equation of common tangents to the circle x2 + y2 = 2a2 and the parabola y2 = 8ax
are y = ±(x + 2a).
Sol.
Given parabola y2 = 8ax ⇒ y 2 = 4.2ax
2a
The equation of tangent to parabola is y = mx + .
m
m 2 x − my + 2a = 0 …(1)
If (1) is a tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = 2a2, then the length of perpendicular from its centre (0, 0) to
(1) is equal to the radius of the circle.
2a
=a 2
m2 + m4
⇒ 4 = 2(m 4 + m 2 )
 ⇒ m4 + m2 – 2 = 0
⇒ (m2 + 2)(m2 – 1) = 0 or m = ±1
Required tangents are
2a 2a
y = (1)x + , y = (−1)x +
(1) (−1)
⇒ y = ±(x + 2a)
4. Prove that the tangents at the extremities of a focal chord of a parabola intersect at right angles
on the directrix.

Sol. Let the parabola be y2 = 4ax

Equation of the tangent at P(t1) is

t1y = x + at12
Equation of the tangent at Q(t2) is t 2 y = x + at 22
Solving, point of intersection is T[at1t 2 , a(t1 + t 2 )]
Equation of the chord PQ is (t1 + t 2 )y = 2x + 2at1t 2
Since PQ is a focal chord, S (a,0) is a point on PQ.
Therefore, 0 = 2a +2a t1t 2
⇒ t1t 2 = -1.
Therefore point of intersection of the tangents is [−a, a(t1 + t 2 )] .
The x coordinate of this point is a constant. And that is x = -a which is the equation of the directrix
of the parabola.
Hence tangents are intersecting on the directrix.

5. Find the condition for the line y = mx + c to be a tangent to x2 = 4ay.

Sol.
Equation of the parabola is x2 = 4ay.----(1)
Equation of the line is y = mx + c ----(2)
Solving above equations,
x2 = 4a(mx + c ) ⇒ x2 - 4amx -4a c =0 which is a quadratic in x.
If the given line is a tangent to the parabola, the roots of above equation are real and equal.
 ⇒ b2 -4ac = 0 ⇒ 16a2m2 +16ac =0
⇒ am2 +c =0 ⇒ c = - am2 is the required condition.

6. Three normals are drawn (k, 0) to the parabola y2 = 8x one of the normal is the axis and the
remaining two normals are perpendicular to each other, then find the value of k.
Sol. Equation of parabola is y2 = 8x
Equation of the normal to the parabola is y + xt = 2at + at3 which is a cubic equation in t. therefore
it has 3 roots. Say t1, t2 ,t3 . where - t1, -t2 ,-t3 are the slopes of the normals.
This normal is passing through (k, 0)
∴ kt = 2at + at3
at3 + (2a – k)t = 0
at2 + (2a – k) = 0
Given one normal is axis i.e., x axis and the remaining two are perpendicular. Thererfore
m1 = 0=t1, and m2m3 = –1
(–t2)(–t3) = –1, t2t3 = –1
2a − k
= −1 ⇒ 2a − k = −a
a
⇒ k = 2a + a = 3a
Equation of the parabola is y2 = 8x
4a = 8 ⇒ a = 2
k = 3a = 3 × 2 = 6.
III.
1. If the normal at the point t1 on the parabola y2 = 4ax meets it again at point t2 then prove that
t1t2 + t12 + 2 = 0.
Sol.
Equation of the parabola is y2 = 4ax
Equation of normal at t1= (at12 , 2at1 ) is
y+xt1 = 2at1+ at13.
This normal meets the parabola again at (at 22 , 2at 2 ) .
Therefore, 2at 2 + at 22 t1 = 2at1 + at13

(
⇒ 2 ( t 2 − t1 ) = t1 t12 − t 2 2 )
⇒ 2 = − t1 ( t1 − t 2 )
⇒ t1t 2 + t12 + 2 = 0
2. From an external point P tangents are drawn to the parabola y2 = 4ax and these tangents make
angles θ1, θ2 with its axis such that cotθ1 + cotθ2 is a constant ‘d’ show that P lies on a horizontal
line.
Sol.
Equation of the parabola is y2 = 4ax
a
Equation of any tangent to the parabola is y = mx +
m
a
This tangent passes through P(x1, y1), then y1 = mx1 +
m
⇒ my1 = m2 x1 + a ⇒ m2 x1 − my1 + a = 0
let m1, m2 be the roots of the equation
y a
m1 + m 2 = 1 , m1m 2 = where m1 and m2 are the slopes of the tangents.
x1 x1
⇒ m1 = tan θ1 and m 2 = tan θ2
Given cotθ1 + cotθ2 = d
1 1
⇒ + =d
tan θ1 tan θ2
1 1 m + m2
+ =a⇒ 1 =d
m1 m 2 m1m 2
⇒ m1 + m 2 = d ⋅ m1m 2
y1 a
= d ⋅ ⇒ y1 = ad
x1 x1
Locus of P(x1, y1) is y = ad which is a horizontal line.
3. Show that the common tangent to the circle 2x2 + 2y2 = a2 and the parabola y2 = 4ax intersect at
the focus of the parabola y2 = –4ax.
Sol.
Given parabola is y2 = 4ax
a
Let y = mx + be the tangent. But this is also the tangent to 2x2 + 2y2 = a2
m
⇒ Perpendicular distance from centre (0, 0) to the line = radius
a/m a a 2 / m2 a 2
⇒ = ⇒ 2 =
m2 + 1 2 m +1 2
2a 2
⇒ 2
= a 2 (m 2 + 1)
m
⇒ 2 = m4 + m2 ⇒ m4 + m2 − 2 = 0
 ⇒ (m 2 − 1)(m2 + 2) = 0 (∵ m2 + 2 ≠ 0)
m 2 − 1 = 0 ⇒ m = ±1
Therefore, equations of the tangents are
y = -x –a and y = x + a .
The point of intersection of these two tangents is ( - a, 0) which is the focus of the parabola y2 = –4ax.

POLE AND POLAR

THEOREM
The equation of the polar of the point P(x1, y1) with respect to the parabola S = 0 is S1 = 0.

Note . If P is an external point of the parabola S = 0, then the polar of P meets the parabola in two points
and the polar becomes the chord of contact of P.
Note .
If P lies on the parabola S = 0, then the polar of P becomes the tangent at P to the parabola S = 0.
Note . If P is an internal point of the parabola S = 0, then the polar of P does not meet the parabola.

THEOREM
 n −2am 
The pole of the line lx + my + n = 0 (l ≠ 0) with respect to the parabola y2 = 4ax is  , .
l l 
Proof :Equation of the parabola is y2 = 4ax
Equation of the line is lx + my + n = 0 …(1)
Let P(x1, y1) be the pole
The polar of P with respect to the parabola is S1 = 0
yy1 = 2a(x + x1)
⇒ 2ax – y1y + 2ax1 = 0 …(2)
Now (1) and (2) represent the same line.
2a − y1 2ax1 n 2am
∴ = = ⇒ x1 = , y1 = −
l m n l l
 n −2am 
∴ Pole P =  , .
l l 
Note.
 −2al n 
The pole of the line lx + my + n = 0 (m ≠ 0) with respect to the parabola x2 =4ay is  , .
 m m
CONJUGATE POINTS
Note : The condition for the points P(x1, y1),
Q(x2, y2) to be conjugate with respect to the parabola S = 0 is S12 = 0.

CONJUGATE LINES
Two lines L1 = 0, L2 = 0 are said to be conjugate with respect to the parabola S = 0 if the pole of L1 = 0
lies on L2 = 0.
THEOREM
The condition for the lines l1x + m1y + n1 = 0 and l2x + m2y + n2 = 0 to be conjugate with respect to the
parabola y2 = 4ax is l1n2 + l2n1 = 2am1m2.
Proof :
Equation of the parabola is y2 = 4ax
 n −2am1 
Pole of the line l1x + m1y + n1 = 0 with respect to y2 = 4ax is P  1 , .
 l1 l1 
Given lines are conjugate
⇒ P lies on l2x + m2y + n2 = 0.
n   −2am1 
⇒ l2  1  + m 2   + n2 = 0
 l1   l1 
⇒ l2 n1 − 2am1m 2 + l1n 2 = 0
⇒ l1n 2 + l2 n1 = 2am1m 2

MIDPOINT OF A CHORD
THEOREM
The equation of the chord of the parabola S = 0 having P(x1, y1) as its midpoint is S1 = S11.
PAIR OF TANGENTS
THEOREM
The equation to the pair of tangents to the parabola S = 0 from P(x1, y1) is S12 = S11S .
 EXERCISE – 3(C)

1. Find the pole of the line 2x + 3y + 4 = 0 with respect to the parabola y2 = 8x.
Sol. Equation of the parabola is y2 = 8x
4a = 8 ⇒ a = 2
Equation of the given line is 2x + 3y + 4 = 0

= 2, m = 3, n = 4
 n 2am   4 −2 ⋅ 2 ⋅ 3 
Pole =  , − = ,  = (2, −6)


 2 2 

2. Find the pole of 2x – y – 4 = 0 with respect to the parabola x2 – 4x – 8y + 12 = 0.

Sol.
Given parabola is x2 – 4x – 8y + 12 = 0.
Let ( x1 , y1 ) be the pole.
Equation of polar is S1 = 0
⇒ xx1 − 2(x + x1 ) − 4(y + y1 ) + 12 = 0
x(x1 − 2) − 4y − 2x1 − 4y1 + 12 = 0 …(i)
Comparing equation with equation
2x – y – 4 = 0
x − 2 −4 −2x1 − 4y1 + 12
We get : 1 = =
2 −1 −4
x1 = 10, y1 = 2
Pole P = (10, 2).
3. Show that the lines 2x – y = 0 and 6x – 2y + 1 = 0 are conjugate lines with respect to the
parabola y2 = 2x.
Sol.
Equation of the parábola is y2 = 2x
 n −2am   0 −2(1/ 2)( −1) 
Pole of the line is 2x – y = 0 is  , =  , 


 2 2 
 1
Pole =  0, 
 2
 1
substitute  0,  in 6x – 2y + 1 = 0
 2
1
⇒ 6 ⋅ 0 − 2 ⋅ +1 = 0 ⇒ 0 = 0
2
 Hence 2x – y = 0 and 6x – 2y + 1 = 0 are conjugate lines.
4. Find the value of k if 2x + 3y + 4 = 0 and x + y + k = 0 are conjugate with respect to the parabola
y2 = 8x.
Sol. Equation of the parabola is y2 = 8x ⇒ a = 2
given 2x + 3y + 4 = 0 and x + y + k = 0 are conjugate w.r.t. y2 = 8x.
Therefore , l1n2 + l2n1 = 2am1m2
l1n 2 + l2 n1 = 2k + 1(4)
2am1m 2 = 2(2)(3)(1) = 12
2k + 4 = 12
2k = 8 ⇒ k = 4
II.
1. Find the equation of the chord of contact of the point A(2, 3) with respect to the parabola
y2 = 4x. Find the points where the chord of contact meets the parabola. Using these find the
equations of tangents passing through A to the given parabola.
Sol. Given parabola is y2 = 4x ⇒ a = 1

Equation of chord of contact of A(2, 3) is S1 =0

3y = 2(x + 2) ⇒ 2x – 3y + 4 = 0 ----(1).
2x + 4
⇒ y= substitute this in y2 = 4x
3
2
 2x + 4 
⇒  = 4x ⇒ x − 5x + 4 = 0
2
 3 
⇒ (x − 4)(x − 1) = 0 ⇒ x = 4,1 ⇒ y = 4, 2
Equation of the tangent at (4, 4) is S1 =0
y(4) = 2 (x + 4) ⇒ x – 2y + 4 = 0
Equation of the tangent at (1, 2) is S1 =0
y(2) = 2(x + 1) ⇒ x – y + 1 = 0.
2. Prove that the polars of all points on the directrix of a parabola y2 = 4ax (a > 0) are concurrent
at focus.
Sol. Equation of the parabola is y2 = 4ax
Equation of the directrix is x = –a
Any point on the directrix is P(–a, y1)
Polar of P(–a, y1) is yy1 = 2a(x – a)
This polar always passes through the fixed point (a, 0) which is the focus of the parabola.
∴ The polars of all points on the directrix are concurrent at the focus of the parabola.
III.
1. If the polar of P with respect to the parabola
y2 = 4ax, touches the circle x2 + y2 = 4a2, then show that P lies on the curve x2 – y2 = 4a2.
Sol. Equation of the parabola is y2 = 4ax
Let P(x1, y1)be the pole.
Polar of P(x1, y1) is S1 =0
yy1 = 2a(x + x1)
2ax – yy1 + 2ax1 = 0 …(1)
If (1) is a tangent to this circle x2 + y2 = 4a2 then
Length of the perpendicular form Centre is C(0, 0), = radius of the circle.
| 0 − 0 + 2ax1 |
= 2a
4a + y1
2 2

| 0 − 0 + 2ax1 |
⇒ = 2a
4a 2 + y12
Locus of P(x1, y1) is x2 – y2 = 4a2.
2. Show that the poles of the chords of a parabola y2 = 4ax which subtend a right angle at vertex,
lie on a line parallel to its directrix.
Sol. Equation of the parabola is y2 = 4ax …(1)
Let P(x1, y1) be the pole.
Polar of P(x1, y1) is S1 =0
yy1 = 2a(x + x1) = 2ax + 2ax1

⇒ yy1 – 2ax = 2ax1

yy − 2ax
⇒ 1 =1 …(2)
2ax1
Homogenising (1) with the help of (2)

4ax(yy1 − 2ax)
y2 = 4ax.1 =
2ax1
⇒ x1y2 = 2xyy1 − 4ax 2 ⇒ 4ax 2 − 2y1 xy + x1 y2 = 0 but the lines are perpendicular, therefore
 Co efficient of x2 + Co efficient of y2 =0
4a + x1 = 0 ⇒ x1 = –4a
Locus of P(x1, y1) is x = –4a, which is parallel to the directrix is x = –a.

3. Show that the chord of contact of any point on the line x + 4a = 0 with respect to parabola
y2 = 4ax will subtends a right angle at the vertex.
Sol. Equation of the parabola is y2 = 4ax -----(1)
Any point on x + 4a = 0 is P( -4a, y1)
Equation of the chord of contact of P is S1 =0
yy1 = 2ax – 8a2
⇒ 8a2 = 2ax – yy1
2a − yy1
⇒ = 1 …(2)
8a 2

Homogenising (1) with help of (2) combined equation of AQ, AR is

4ax(2ax − yy1 )
y 2 = 4ax.1 = ⇒ 2ay 2 = 2ax 2 − xyy1
⇒ 8a 2

⇒ 2ax − xyy1 − 2ay 2 = 0

2

From above equation,

Coefficient of x2 + coefficient of y2
= 2a – 2a = 0
∴ ∠AQR = 90°
⇒ QR subtends a right angle at the vertex.
4. Show that the poles of chords of the parabola y2 = 4ax which are at a constant distance ‘a’ from
the focus lie on the curve y2 = 8ax + 4x2.
Sol. Equation of parabola is y2 = 4ax
Focus S = (a ,0)
LET P(x1, y1) be the pole.
Polar of P(x1, y1) is S1 =0
yy1 = 2a(x + x1) = 2ax + 2ax1
⇒ 2ax – yy1 + 2ax1 = 0
 Given that the perpendicular distance from S to this line = a
| 2a 2 − 0 + 2ax1 | 2a | a + x1 |
⇒a= =
4a +
2
y12 4a 2 + y12
⇒ 4a 2 + y12 = 4(a + x1 ) 2
⇒ 4a 2 + y12 = 4a 2 + 4x12 + 8ax1
Locus of P(x1, y1) is y2 = 8ax + 4x2.

PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE

1. Find the coordinates of the vertex and focus, and the equations of the directrix and axes of the
following parabolas.
i) y2 = 16x ii) x2 = –4y
iii) 3x2 – 9x + 5y – 2 = 0
iv) y2 – x + 4y + 5 = 0
2. Find the equation of the parabola whose vertex is (3, –2) and focus is (3, 1).
Ans. (x – 3)2 = 12(y + 2)
3. Find the coordinates of the points on the parabola y2 = 2x whose focal distance is 5/2.
Ans. (2, 2) and (2, –2)
4. Find the equation of the parabola passing through the points (–1, 2), (1, –1) and (2, 1) and
having its axis parallel to the x-axis.
Ans. 7y2 – 3y + 6x – 16 = 0
5. A double ordinate of the curve y2 = 4ax is of length 8a. Prove that the line from the vertex to its
ends are at right angles.
Sol. Let P = (at2, 2at) and P′ = (at2, –2at) be the ends of double ordinate PP′. Then
8a = PP′ = 0 + (4at)2 = 4at ⇒ t = 2
∴ P = (4a, 4a), P′ = (4a, –4a)
Slope of AP × slope of AP′
 4a  4a 
=   −  = −1
 4a  4a 
π
∴ ∠PAP′ =
2
6. (i) If the coordinates of the ends of a focal chord of the parabola y2 = 4ax are (x1, y1) and (x2, y2),
then prove that x1x2 = a2, y1y2 = –4a2.
(ii) For a focal chord PQ of the parabola y2 = 4ax, if SO = l and SQ = l′ then prove that
1 1 1
+ = .
l l′ a
Sol. i) Let P(x1,y1) = (at12, 2at1) and Q(x2, y2) = (at22, 2at2) be two end points of a focal chord.
P, S, Q are collinear.
Slope of PS = Slope of QS
2at1 2at
= 2 2
at1 − a at 2 − a
2

t1t 22 − t1 = t 2 t12 − t 2
t1t 2 (t 2 − t1 ) + (t 2 − t1 ) = 0
1 + t1t 2 = 0 ⇒ t1t 2 = −1
From (1)
x1x 2 = at12 at 22 = a 2 (t 2 t1 ) 2 = a 2
y1y 2 = 2at1 2at 2 = 4a 2 (t 2 t1 ) = −4a 2
ii) Let P(at12, 2at1) and Q(at22, 2at2) be the extremities of a focal chord of the parabola, then t1t2 = –1
(from(1))
l = SP = (at12 − a)2 + (2at1 − 0)2

= a (t12 − 1)2 + 4t12 = a(1 + t12 )

l ′ = SQ = (at 22 − a)2 + (2at 2 − 0)2

= a (t 22 − 1)2 + 4t 22 = a(1 + t 22 )
∴ (l − a)(l ′ − a) = a 2 t12 t 22 = a 2 (t1t 2 ) 2 = a 2
[∵ t1t 2 = −1]
1 1 1
ll ′ − a(l + l ′) = 0 ⇒ + =
l l′ a
7. If Q is the foot of the perpendicular from a point P on the parabola y2 = 8(x – 3) to its directrix.
S is the focus of the parabola and if SPQ is an equilateral triangle then find the length of side of
the triangle.
Ans. 8
8. Find the condition for the straight line
lx + my + n = 0 to be a tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax and find the coordinates of the point of
contact.
 n −2am 
Ans.  , 
l l 
9. Show that the straight line 7x + 6y = 13 is a tangent to the parabola y2 – 7x – 8y + 14 = 0 and
find the point of contact.
Ans. (1, 1)
10. Prove that the normal chord at the point other than origin whose ordinate is equal to its
abscissa subtends a right angle at the focus.
Sol. Let the equation of the parabola be y2 = 4ax and P(at2, 2at) be any point …(1)
On the parabola for which the abscissa is equal to the ordinate.
i.e. at2 = 2at ⇒ t = 0 or t = 2. But t ≠ 0.
Hence the point (4a, 4a) at which the normal is
y + 2x = 2a(2) + a(2)3
y = (12a – 2x) …(2)
Substituting the value of
y = (12a – 2x) in (1) we get
(12a – 2x)2 = 4ax
x2 – 13ax + 36a2 = (x – 4a)(x – 9a) = 0
⇒x = 4a, 9a
Corresponding values of y are 4a and –6a.
Hence the other points of intersection of that normal at P(4a, 4a) to the given parabola is Q(9a, –6a),
we have S(a, 0).
4a − 0 4
Slope of the SP = m1 = =
4a − a 3
−6a − 0 3
Slope of the SQ = m 2 = =−
9a − a 4
Clearly m1m2 = –1, so that SP ⊥ SQ .
11. From an external point P, tangent are drawn to the parabola y2 = 4ax and these tangent make
angles θ1, θ2 with its axis, such that tanθ1 + tanθ2 is constant b. Then show that P lies on the line
y = bx.
12. Show that the common tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax and x2 = 4by is
xa1/ 3 + yb1/ 3 + a 2 / 3 b 2 / 3 = 0 .
Sol. The equations of the parabolas are
y2 = 4ax …(1) and
2
x = 4by …(2)
Equation of any tangent to (1) is of the form
a
y = mx + …(3)
m
If the line (3) is a tangent to (2) also, we must get only one point of intersection of (2)and (3).
 a
Substituting the value of y from (3) in (2), we get x 2 = 4b  mx +  is mx2–4bm2x – 4ab=0 should
 m
have equal roots therefore its discrimi-nent must be zero. Hence
16b2m4 – 4m(–4ab) = 0
16b (bm4 + am) = 0
m(bm3 + a) = 0, but m≠0
∴ m = –a1/3b1/3 substituting in (3) the equation of the common tangent becomes
1/ 3
a a
y = −  x+ 1/ 3
or
b  a
− 
 b
a1/ 3 x + b1/ 3 y + a 2 / 3 b 2 / 3 = 0 .
13. Prove that the area of the triangle formed by the tangents at (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) to the
1
parabola y2 = 4ax (a > 0) is | (y1 − y 2 )(y 2 − y3 )(y 3 − y1 ) | sq.units.
16a
Sol. Let D(x1, y1) = (at12 , 2at1 )
E(x 2 , y 2 ) = (at 22 , 2at 2 ) and
F(x 3 , y3 ) = (at 32 , 2at 3 )
Be three point on the parabola.
y2 = 4ax (a > 0)
The equation of the tangents at D, E and F are
t1 y = x + at12 ...(1)
t 2 y = x + at 22 ...(2)
t 3 y = x + at 32 ...(3)
(1) – (2) ⇒ (t1 – t2)y = a(t1 – t2)(t1 + t2)
⇒ y = a(t1 + t2) substituting in (1) we get,
 x = at1t2
∴ The point of intersection of the tangents at D and E is say P[at1t2, a(t1+t2)]
Similarly the points of intersection of tangent at E, F and at F, D are Q[at2t3, a(t2+t3)] and
R[at3t1, a(t3+t1)] respectively.
Area of ∆PQR
at1t 2 a(t 2 + t 2 ) 1
1
= Absolute value of at 2 t 3 a(t 2 + t 3 ) 1
2
at1t 3 a(t1 + t 3 ) 1
t1t 2 t2 + t2 1
a2
= Absolute value of t 2t3 t 2 + t3 1
2
t1t 3 t1 + t 3 1
t1 (t 2 − t 3 ) t 2 − t 3 0
a2
= Absolute value of t 3 (t 2 − t1 ) t 2 − t1 0
2
t1t 3 t1 + t 3 1
= Absolute value of
t1 1 0
a2
(t 2 − t 3 )(t 2 − t1 ) t 3 1 0
2
t1t 3 t1 + t 3 1
a2
= | (t 2 − t 3 )(t 2 − t1 )(t1 − t 3 ) |
2
1
= | 2a(t1 − t 2 )2a(t 2 − t 3 )2a(t 3 − t1 ) |
16a
1
= | (y1 − y 2 )(y 2 − y3 )(y3 − y1 ) | sq. units.
16a

14. Find the value of k if

i) Points (1, 2) (k – 1) are conjugate with respect to the parabola y2 = 8x.
ii) The line x + y + 2 = 0 and x – 2y + k = 0 are conjugate with respect to the parabola
y2 + 4x – 2y – 3 = 0.
Ans. (i) –3/2, (ii) 1

15. Prove that the poles of normal chord of the parabola y2 = 4ax lie on the curve(x + 2a)y2 + 4a3 = 0.
16. Prove that the poles of tangents to the parabola y2 = 4ax with respect to the parabola y2 = 4bx lie
on a parabola.
a
Sol. Equation of any tangent to y2 = 4ax is of the form y = mx + …(1)
m
Let P(x1, y1) be the pole of (1) w.r.t. y2 = 4bx
Then the polar of P(x1, y1) w.r.t y2 = 4bx is :
yy1 = 2b(x + x1)
∴ (1) and (2) represent the same line
Comparing the coefficients
y1 2b 2bx1m a 2b
= = ⇒ m2 = m =
1 m a x1 y1
Eliminating m,
4b 2 a 4b 2
= ⇒ y1
2
= x1
y12 x1 a
∴ The pole P(x1, y1) lies on the parabola is :
4b 2
y =
2
x
a

17. If the normal at t1 and t2 to the parabola y2 = 4ax meet on the parabola, then show that t1t2 = 2.
Proof :
Let the normals at t1 and t2 meet at t3 on the parabola.
The equation of the normal at t1 is :
y + xt1 = 2at1 + at13 …(1)
Equation of the chord joining t1 and t3 is :
y(t1 + t3) = 2x + 2at1t3 …(2)

(1) and (2) represent the same line

t +t −2 2
∴ 1 3= ⇒ t 3 = − t1 −
1 t1 t1
2
Similarly t3 = − t 2 −
t2
2 2 2 2
∴ − t1 − = − t 2 − ⇒ t1 − t 2 = −
t1 t2 t 2 t1
2(t1 − t 2 )
⇒ t1 − t 2 = ⇒ t1 t 2 = 2 .
t1 t 2