Conic Section
Conic Section
θ1 =θ2 Line
1 | Manthan Academy
XI | Conic Section
Solution :
Let the center of the circle be at (h, k) and the
radius of the circle be r.
CIRCLES We know that the distance between the center of
A circle is the set of all points in a plane that a circle and a point on it is equal to the radius of
are equidistant from a fixed point in the the circle.
plane. Since it passes through the point (1, 11),
The fixed point is called the centre of the
circle.
The fixed distance is called the radius of the
circle.
Since it passes through the point (−11, −5),
Now, on completing the squares within Substituting the values of h and k in equation (1),
the parentheses, we obtain we get,
2 | Manthan Academy
XI | Conic Section
Solution :
Equation of the first circle C1 is PARABOLA
A parabola is defined as the set of all points in
a plane which are equidistant from a fixed line
and a fixed point (not on the line) in the plane.
If the fixed point lies on the fixed line, then the
resulting set of points is a straight line. This
Hence, radius r1 of this circle= 10 units, and the straight line passes through the fixed point and
center O1 is at (−11, −2) is perpendicular to the fixed line. This is the
Equation of the second circle C2 is degenerated case of a parabola.
There are four possible orientations
of a parabola.
Direction Right
Eq. y2=4ax
Hence, radius r2 of this circle= 15 units, and the Focus (a, 0)
center O2 is at (9, 13). Vertex (0, 0)
Two circles touch each other externally if the sum
Eq. of dir. x = -a
of their radii is equal to the distance between their
centers. LR 4a
We can prove that circles C 1 and C2 touch other Axis +ve x-
externally if we can prove O1O2 = r1 + r2. Now, axis
Direction Left
Eq. y2=-4ax
Focus (-a, 0)
Vertex (0, 0)
Eq. of dir. x=a
Therefore, the given circles touch each other
LR 4a
externally, which is shown in the following figure:
Axis -ve x-
axis
3 | Manthan Academy
XI | Conic Section
Eq. x2 = −4ay
Focus (0, −a)
Vertex (0, 0)
Eq. of dir. y=a
LR 4a
Axis -ve y-axis
SOLVED EXAMPLES:
Example 1: Find the equation of a parabola
whose vertex is at (0, 0), passing through the
point (−3, 10) and symmetrical along the:
1. X – Axis 2. Y – Axis
Solution :
Since the parabola is symmetric about the
x-axis, and has its vertex at the origin, the
equation is of the form y2 = 4ax or y2 =
−4ax, where the sign depends on whether
the parabola open towards right or left.
Since the parabola passes through (−3, 10),
which lies in the second quadrant, it must
open towards left. Thus, the equation of
the parabola is of the form y2 = −4ax. As
the parabola passes through the point (−3,
10), we have
(10)2 = −4a (−3) ⇒
Hence, the equation of the required parabola
is
Since the parabola is symmetric about the y-axis, and
has its vertex at the origin, the equation is of the
form x2 = 4ay or x2 = −4ay, where the sign depends on
4 | Manthan Academy