B.Sc.

year
1 st

Two Dimensional
Chapter: 4 – Polar Equation of a conic

By - Raphi Bhandari(RB)
 Polar Equation of a conic
Let S be the focus, ZM be the directrix, e be the L
K
eccentricity and 𝑙 be the semi- latus rectum of a conic.
P(r, θ)
Draw SX⊥ ZM. Let P(𝑟, θ) be any point on M
the conic with respect to the focus S as pole.
Draw PM⊥ ZK and LK⊥ ZK. Then SP = 𝑟, SL = 𝑙 X’ X
S N Z
and ∡PSX = θ. By definition of conic section
SP = ePM = eZN = e(SZ - SN) = e(LK - SN)
= eLK - eSN
SN
= SL - eSPcos θ ( ∵ cos θ = L’
PS
or 𝑟 = 𝑙 - e𝑟 cos θ
or 𝑟 + e𝑟 cos θ = 𝑙
𝑙
∴ = 1 + 𝑒 cos θ, Which is the required equation. - By RB Sir
𝑟
Note (1)
If the axis of the conic make an angle 𝛼 with the initial line the equation of the conic
𝑙
becomes, = 1 + 𝑒 cos θ − 𝛼
𝑟
Note (2)
a) when 𝑒 = 0, then equation of conic is 𝑙 = 𝑟 , which is a circle.
𝑙
b) when 𝑒 = 1, then equation of conic is 𝑟 = , which is a parabola.
1 + cos 𝜃
𝑙
c) when 𝑒 < 1, then equation of conic is 𝑟 = , which is an ellipse.
1 +𝑒 cos 𝜃
𝑙
d) when 𝑒 > 1, then equation of conic is 𝑟 = , which is a hyperbola.
1 +𝑒 cos 𝜃
- By RB Sir
 Equation of the directrix of a conic
Let S be the focus, ZM be the directrix, e be the L M
eccentricity and 𝑙 be the semi- latus rectum P(r, θ)
of a conic. Draw SX⊥ ZM. Let P(𝑟, θ) be any point
on the directrix ZM. Draw LM⊥ ZM. X’ X
S Z
Then SP = 𝑟, SL = 𝑙 and ∡PSX = θ.
By definition of conic section
SL = eLM L’
SN
or 𝑙 = eSZ = eSPcos θ = e𝑟 cos θ ( ∵ cos θ =
PS
𝑙
= 𝑒 cos θ, Which is the required equation. - By RB Sir
𝑟
Q1. If PSQ and PS’R be two chords of an ellipse through the foci S and S’, show that
PS PS′
+ is independent of the position of P.
SQ S′ R

Solution: Let PSQ and PS’R be the focal chords.

If the vectorial angle of P be 𝛼, then the vectorial angle of Q be 𝜋 + 𝛼.
𝑙 Y
We have polar equation of conic = 1 + 𝑒 cos α ….(i)
𝑆𝑃
𝑙
and = 1 + 𝑒 cos 𝜋 + 𝛼 = 1 - 𝑒 cos α …..(ii) P
𝑆𝑄
𝑙 𝑙 S’
S X
Adding (i) and (ii) we get + =2
𝑆𝑃 𝑆𝑄
R
1 1 2 Q
or + =
𝑆𝑃 𝑆𝑄 𝑙
𝑆𝑃 2𝑆𝑃 𝑆𝑃 2𝑆𝑃
Multiplying both sides by SP we get 1 + = , ∴ = - 1 …..(iii) - By RB Sir
𝑆𝑄 𝑙 𝑆𝑄 𝑙
 1 1 2
Similarly, + =
𝑆′𝑃 𝑆′𝑅 𝑙
𝑆′ 𝑃 2𝑆′𝑃 𝑆′ 𝑃 2𝑆′𝑃
Multiplying both sides by S’P we get 1 + ′ = ,∴ = - 1 ….(iv)
𝑆 𝑅 𝑙 𝑆′𝑅 𝑙
𝑆𝑃 𝑆′𝑃 2
Now adding (iii) and (iv) we get + ′ = 𝑆𝑃 + 𝑆 ′ 𝑃 - 2
𝑆𝑄 𝑆 𝑅 𝑙
2
= . 2𝑎 - 2
𝑙
( ∵ sum of focal distances of any point on the ellipse is equal to major axis of ellipse )
𝑆𝑃 𝑆′ 𝑃 4𝑎
∴ + = - 2, which is independent of the position of P.
𝑆𝑄 𝑆′𝑅 𝑙

Hence proved.
Q2. If a chord PQ of a conic whose eccentricity is 𝑒 and semi latus rectum is 𝑙 subtends
1 1 2 1 1 2 𝑒2
a right angle at the focus S, prove that − + − = . - By RB Sir
𝑆𝑃 𝑙 𝑆𝑄 𝑙 𝑙2
Solution: Let PQ be the chord of the conic which subtends a right angle at the focus S.
𝜋
Suppose vectorial angle of P be 𝛼, then the vectorial angle of Q be + 𝛼.
2
From the polar equation of conic, P 𝑆𝑄, 𝛼
𝑙 1 1+ 𝑒 cos 𝛼
Z
= 1 + 𝑒 cos α , ∴ = …..(i)
𝑆𝑃 𝑆𝑃 𝑙
𝑙 𝜋 𝛼
and = 1 + 𝑒 cos + 𝛼 = 1 - 𝑒 sin 𝛼
𝑆𝑄 2 X
1 1− 𝑒 sin 𝛼 S M
∴ = …..(ii)
𝑆𝑄 𝑙
1 1 2 1 1 2
Now L.H.S. = − + − 𝜋
𝑆𝑃 𝑙 𝑆𝑄 𝑙 Q 𝑆𝑄, + 𝛼
2
1+ 𝑒 cos 𝛼 − 1 2 1− 𝑒 sin 𝛼 − 1 2
= +
𝑙 𝑙
𝑒2 2 2 𝑒2
= 2 cos 𝛼 + sin 𝛼 = 2 Hence Proved. - By RB Sir
𝑙 𝑙
Q3. Prove that perpendicular focal chords of a rectangular hyperbola are equal. - By RB Sir
𝑙
Solution: For the rectangular hyperbola, 𝑒 = 2 and its polar equation is = 1 + 2 cos 𝜃
𝑟
𝑙
or, 𝑟 = …..(i)
1+ 2 cos 𝜃
Let PSP’ is any focal chord of the conic (i). Let the vectorial angle of P is 𝛼, then the vectorial
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
angle of P’ is π + 𝛼. Then SP = and SP’ = =
1+ 2 cos α 1 + 2 cos π+𝛼 1− 2 cos α
𝑙 𝑙 2𝑙 2𝑙 2𝑙
Now PSP’ = SP + SP’ = + = = =
1+ 2 cos α 1 − 2 cos α 1−2 cos2 𝛼 − cos 2𝛼 cos 2𝛼
𝜋
Let QSQ’ is another chord perpendicular to PSP’ then the vectorial angle of Q and Q’ are + 𝛼
2
𝜋 3𝜋
and π + + 𝛼 i.e., + 𝛼.
2 2
𝑙 𝑙 𝑙 𝑙
Then SQ = 𝜋 = and SQ’ = 3𝜋 =
1+ 2 cos 2 +𝛼 1− 2 sin 𝛼 1+ 2 cos 2 +𝛼 1+ 2 sin 𝛼
𝑙 𝑙 2𝑙
Now, QSQ’ = SQ + SQ’ = + = . ∴ PSP’ = QSQ’ Proved.
1− 2 sin 𝛼 1+ 2 sin 𝛼 cos 2𝛼
 𝒍
Equation of the chord joining two points P(r1, 𝛉𝟏) and Q(r2, 𝛉𝟐) on the conic = 1 + 𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝛉
𝒓
𝑙
Let P(r1, θ1) and Q(r2, θ2) be two points on the conic = 1 + 𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 ……(1)
𝑟
𝑙
Let the equation of chord PQ in polar form is Acos θ + Bsin θ = …..(2)
𝑟
From (1) and (2) Acos θ + Bsin θ = 1 + 𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃
or (A - 𝑒)cos θ + Bsin θ - 1 = 0
Since above equation passes through the points P(r1, θ1) and Q(r2, θ2)
∴ (A - 𝑒)cos θ1 + Bsin θ1 - 1 = 0 …. (3)
and (A - 𝑒)cos θ2 + Bsin θ2 - 1 = 0 …. (4)
Solving (3) and (4) by cross multiplication method we get,
𝐴−𝑒 𝐵 1
= =
− sin 𝜃1 + sin 𝜃2 −cos 𝜃2 + cos 𝜃1 sin 𝜃2 cos 𝜃1 − cos 𝜃2 sin 𝜃1
𝐴−𝑒 𝐵 1
⇒ = = - By RB Sir
sin 𝜃2 − sin 𝜃1 cos 𝜃1 − cos 𝜃2 sin 𝜃2−𝜃1
 𝐴−𝑒 𝐵 1
⇒ 𝜃2+𝜃1 𝜃2−𝜃1 = 𝜃2+𝜃1 𝜃2−𝜃1 = 𝜃2−𝜃1 𝜃2−𝜃1 - By RB Sir
2 cos sin 2 sin sin 2 sin cos
2 2 2 2 2 2
𝐴−𝑒 𝐵 1
⇒ 𝜃2+𝜃1 = 𝜃2+𝜃1 = 𝜃2−𝜃1
cos 2
sin 2
cos 2
𝜃2+𝜃1 𝜃2−𝜃1 𝜃2+𝜃1 𝜃2−𝜃1
∴ A = e + cos sec and B = sin sec
2 2 2 2
Now putting the values of A and B in equation (2) we get
𝜃2+𝜃1 𝜃2−𝜃1 𝜃2+𝜃1 𝜃2−𝜃1 𝑙
cos 𝜃e + cos sec cos 𝜃 + sin sec sin 𝜃 =
2 2 2 2 𝑟
𝑙 𝜃2−𝜃1 𝜃2+𝜃1 𝜃2+𝜃1
or = sec cos cos 𝜃 + sin sin 𝜃 + ecos 𝜃
𝑟 2 2 2
𝑙 𝜃2−𝜃1 𝜃2+𝜃1
or = sec cos 𝜃 − + ecos 𝜃, which is the required equation.
𝑟 2 2
𝑙
Q. Find the equation of the chord of the conic = 1 + 𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃, joining the points whose
𝑟
𝜋 𝜋 𝑙 1
vectorial angles and . Ans : = (e + )𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 + sin 𝜃
6 2 𝑟 3
 𝒍
Equation of tangent at the point, whose vectorial angle is 𝛉𝟏 on the conic = 1 + 𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝛉
𝒓
𝑙
The given equation of conic is = 1 + 𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 …..(1)
𝑟
𝑙
Equation of the chord joining two points P(r1, 𝜃1) and Q(r2, 𝜃2) on the conic = 1 + 𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃
𝑟
𝑙 𝜃2−𝜃1 𝜃2+𝜃1
is = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − + e𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃.
𝑟 2 2
When Q → P , 𝜃2 → 𝜃1 then PQ becomes a tangent of the conic at the point P whose
vectorial angle is 𝜃1.Hence the equation of tangent at the point, whose vectorial angle
𝑙 𝑙
is 𝜃1 on the conic = 1 + 𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 is = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝜃1 + e 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃, which is the required
𝑟 𝑟
equation of tangent.
𝒍
Note: (1) The equation of normal at P(r1, 𝜽𝟏) on the conic = 1 + 𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽 is
𝒓
𝒆𝒍 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝛉𝟏
= 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝛉 − 𝛉𝟏 + 𝒆 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝛉 - By RB Sir
𝒓 𝟏+𝒆 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛉𝟏
Note: (2) The point of intersection of two tangents at P(r1, 𝜽𝟏) and Q(r2, 𝜽𝟐) on the
𝒍 𝒍 𝜽𝟏+𝜽𝟐
conic = 1 + 𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽 is 𝜽𝟐−𝜽𝟏 𝜽𝟐+𝜽𝟏 ,
𝒓 𝐜𝐨𝐬 + 𝒆 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝟐
𝟐 𝟐
𝑙
The equations of the tangents at P(r1, θ1) and Q(r2, θ2) on the conic = 1 + e cos θ
𝑟
𝑙 𝑙
are = cos θ − θ1 + e cos θ …(i) and = cos θ − θ2 + e cos θ ….(ii)
𝑟 𝑟
from (i) and (ii) we get, cos θ − θ1 = cos θ − θ2
or θ − θ1 = ± θ − θ2
𝛉𝟏+𝛉𝟐
∴θ=
𝟐
𝑙 𝛉𝟏+𝛉𝟐 𝛉𝟏+ 𝛉𝟐 𝑙
From (i) = cos − θ1 + e cos , or 𝑟 = 𝛉𝟐−𝛉𝟏 𝛉 𝟏+ 𝛉 𝟐
𝑟 𝟐 𝟐 cos 𝟐
+ e cos 𝟐
𝒍 𝛉𝟏+𝛉𝟐
∴ The point of intersection is 𝛉𝟐−𝛉𝟏 𝛉𝟐+𝛉𝟏 , . - By RB Sir
𝐜𝐨𝐬 + 𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝟐
𝟐 𝟐
Q5. If the tangent at any point P of a conic meet the directrix in K, prove that ∡ KSP is
a right angle.
𝑙
Solution: Let the equation of conic is = 1 + e cos θ …(i)
𝑟
Let the vectorial angle of P be 𝛼 and the vectorial angle
M
P(𝑟 , 𝛼)
of the point of intersection of tangent on directrix k be θ.
i.e, ∡ PSZ = 𝛼 , ∡ KSZ = 𝜃 , ∴ ∡ KSP = α - θ K
Now the equation of tangent at P(𝑟, 𝛼) is
𝑙
= cos θ − α + e cos θ ….(ii) S Z
𝑟
𝑙
Also the equation of directrix ZM is = e cos θ ….(iii)
𝑟
From (ii) and (iii) cos θ − α = 0
𝜋 𝜋
or cos α − θ = cos , ∴ α - 𝜃 =
2 2
𝜋
∴ ∡ KSP = Hence proved. - By RB Sir
2
Q6. Prove that the locus of the foot of the perpendicular from the focus of the conic,
𝑙
= 1 + e cos θ on a tangent to it is either a circle or a straight line.
𝑟
𝑙
Solution: Let the equation of conic is = 1 + e cos θ …(i)
𝑟
𝑙
Now the equation of tangent at P(𝑟, 𝛼) is = cos θ − α + e cos θ
𝑟
𝑙
or = cos 𝜃 cos 𝛼 + sin 𝜃 sin 𝛼 + e cos θ
𝑟
or 𝑙 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃 𝑒 + cos 𝛼 + 𝑟 sin 𝜃 sin 𝛼 …(ii)
Equation of tangent at any point in cartesian form is 𝑙 = 𝑥 𝑒 + cos 𝛼 + 𝑦 sin 𝛼
𝑒+cos 𝛼
∴ slope of tangent = -
sin 𝛼
sin 𝛼
Then slope of line perpendicular to tangent =
𝑒+cos 𝛼
Equation of the line passing through focus (0, 0) and perpendicular to the tangent is
 sin 𝛼
𝑦−0= 𝑥−0
𝑒+cos 𝛼
or 𝑥 sin 𝛼 - 𝑦 𝑒 + cos 𝛼 = 0
or 𝑟 cos 𝜃 sin 𝛼 − 𝑟 sin 𝜃 𝑒 + cos 𝛼 = 0 ( ∵ changing into polar form )
or cos 𝜃 sin 𝛼 − cos 𝛼 sin 𝜃 = 𝑒 sin 𝜃
or sin 𝜃 − 𝛼 = - 𝑒 sin 𝜃 …. (iii)
The foot of the perpendicular is obtained by the intersection of (ii)
𝑙
i.e, - e cos θ = cos θ − α and (iii), i.e, - 𝑒 sin 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 − 𝛼
𝑟
so eliminating 𝛼 from above equations we get,
𝑙 2
− e cos θ + − 𝑒 sin 𝜃 2 = sin 𝜃 − 𝛼 2 + cos θ − α 2
𝑟
𝑙 2 𝑙
or - 2 e cos θ + 𝑒 2 cos 2 𝜃 + 𝑒 2 sin2 𝜃 = 1
𝑟 𝑟
𝑙 2 2𝑙𝑒 cos 𝜃 2-1=0
or - + 𝑒 - By RB Sir
𝑟2 𝑟
or 𝑟 2 𝑒 2 − 1 − 2𝑟𝑙𝑒 cos 𝜃 + 𝑙 2 = 0 …. (iv)
when 𝑒 = 0, then 𝑙 2 − 𝑟 2 = 0
or 𝑙 2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
or 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑙 2 , which is the equation of circle.
when 𝑒 = 1, then 𝑙 2 − 2𝑙 𝑟 cos 𝜃 = 0
or 𝑙 2 = 2𝑙𝑥
𝑙
∴ 𝑥 = , which is the equation of straight line.
2
𝑙 𝑙
Q7. Find the condition that the line = A cos 𝜃 + B sin 𝜃 may touch the conic = 1 + e cos θ.
𝑟 𝑟
𝑙
Solution: Given equation of line is = A cos 𝜃 + B sin 𝜃 ….(i)
𝑟
𝑙
and equation of conic is = 1 + e cos θ.…(ii).
𝑟
Let the line (i) touches the conic (ii) at P(𝑟, 𝛼). - By RB Sir
 𝑙
Then equation of tangent at P on the conic (ii) is = cos θ − α + e cos θ
𝑟
𝑙
or = cos 𝜃 cos 𝛼 + sin 𝜃 sin 𝛼 + e cos θ
𝑟
𝑙
or = cos 𝜃 𝑒 + cos 𝛼 + sin 𝜃 sin 𝛼 ….(iii)
𝑟
Since (i) and (iii) represents same line, so comparing the coefficient of sin 𝜃 and cos 𝜃
we get A = 𝑒 + cos 𝛼 and B = sin 𝛼
or A - 𝑒 = cos 𝛼 and B = sin 𝛼
2 2
Now squaring and adding, we get A − 𝑒 + B = 1, which is the required condition.
Q8. Chords of a conic subtends a constant angle 2𝛼 at the focus. Show that the locus of
the points where the chords are meet by the internal bisector of the angle that they
𝑙 cos 𝛼
subtend at the focus is = 1 + e cos 𝛼 cos θ. - By RB Sir
𝑟
 𝑙 A
Solution: Let the equation of conic is = 1 + e cos θ.…(i).
𝑟
Let AB be a chord with vectorial angle of points
A and B are β and γ respectively. Let ∡ ASB = 2𝛼.
P
𝛾−𝛽
From figure, γ − β = 2α, ∴ 𝛼 = ….(ii) X
2 S
𝑙 𝛾−𝛽 𝛾+𝛽
Equation of chord AB is = sec cos 𝜃 − + e𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃
𝑟 2 2
𝑙 𝛾+𝛽
or = sec 𝛼 cos 𝜃 − + e𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 ....(iii)
𝑟 2
Let P(r1, 𝜃1) be the co ordinate of P such that SP is the bisector of ∡ ASB. B
𝑙 𝛾+𝛽
∴ (iii) becomes, = sec 𝛼 cos 𝜃1 − + e𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃1 …..(iv)
𝑟1 2
Since 𝜃1 is the vectorial angle of P, then 𝜃1 = ∡ PSX = ∡ ASX + ∡ ASP
=β+α
γ−β γ+β
=β+ = - By RB Sir
2 2
 𝑙
Then (iv) becomes, = sec 𝛼 + e𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃1 - By RB Sir
𝑟1
𝑙 cos 𝛼
or = 1 + e cos 𝛼 cos θ1.
𝑟1
𝑙 cos 𝛼
Hence locus of P(r1, θ1) is = 1 + e cos 𝛼 cos θ. Hence proved
𝑟
Q9. In any conic, prove that the tangents at the ends of any focal chord meet on the
directrix.