CONIC SECTION

A conic is a locus of a point which moves such that its

 y2 = 4ax is the equation a parabola with vertex at
distance from a fixed point bears a constant ratio to its
(0, 0) and focus at (a, 0) and the directrix = -a.
perpendicular distance from a fixed straight line. The
fixed point is called a focus (f), the fixed line is called a
Different shapes of Parabola
directrix and the constant ratio is called the eccentricity
(e). 1. Y2 = 4aX

Y Y2 = 4aX
PARABOLA (e = 1)
Let the parabola be a curve on which point P(X, Y) lies.
The equation to the curve takes its simplest form when we

Directricx
take the focus to be at a point (a, 0) and directrix x = -a as
illustrated below. F(a, 0) X

(-a, Y) P(X, Y) x = -a

F(a, 0) 2 Y2 = -4aX
Y

Y2 = -4aX

x = -a

Directricx
If the focus of the parabola is at (a, 0) and the directrix is
F(-a, 0) X
at x = -a, when P moves such that the ratio of PF to PS is
always 1, then
PF
=e=1
PS
x=a
Where e = eccentricity
PF
e 3 X2 = 4aY
PS
X2 = 4aY Y
PF = ePS

 PF   
2
 e 2 PS F(0,a)

 
2
 ( x  a) 2  y 2  e2 x   a)2 X
(x – a) + y = e (x + a)
2 2 2 2
y = -a
x2 – 2ax + a2 + y2 = e2(x2 + 2ax + a2)
x2 – 2ax + a2 + y2 = x2e2 + 2axe2 + a2e2
But e = 1
x2 – 2ax + a2 + y2 = x2 + 2ax + a2
y2 = 4ax
y2 = 4ax is the equation of a
parabola

329
 Solution
4
y=a (a) y2 = 4x
Y2 = 4aX
Comparing y2 = 4x with the general parabola
Y2 = 4aX
4a = 4
a=1
F(0, -a)
X2 = -4aY Y=y
X=x
At the vertex, Y = 0, X = 0
Definitions:
0=y
1. Axis of a parabola: This is the line of symmetry 0=x
which bisects the parabola into two equal parts.  The vertex of the parabola y2 = 4x is (0, 0)
2. Focal chord: This is a line (chord) of a parabola  The focus is at a distance 1 unit from the vertex.
passing through the focus. Illustration

3. Latus Rectum: This is a focal chord which is y2 = 4x

perpendicular to the axes of the parabola

Y2 = 4aX

F(1, 0)
Latus rectum

x = -1

Length of the latus rectum = 4a

4× 1 = 4
 Length of the latus rectum of the parabola y2 = 4x
The length of the latus rectum for the parabola is 4 units
y2 = 4ax is 4a 2
(b) y = 12x
Examples Comparing with the general parabola Y2 = 4aX ;
Find the coordinates of the focus, vertex, equation of the  4a = 12
directrix and length of the latus rectum of the following a=3
parabola. Y = y, X = x
(a) y2 = 4x At the vertex, y = 0 and x = 0
(b) y2 = 12x  0 = y, 0 = x
(c) y2 = -12x  The vertex of the parabola y2 = 12x is at (0, 0)
(d) (y – 2)2 = 4(x – 3) a=3
(e) y2 + 8y = 4x – 12  The focus is at a distance 3 units from the
(f) (y – 2)2 = -8(x – 1) vertex
(g) (x – 2)2 = 2y Illustration
(h) (x + 3)2 = -6(y – 1)
(i) x2 + 4x – 4y + 4 = 0
(j) x2 – 4x + 6y + 3 = 0
(k) y2 + 6y + 4x + 2 = 0

311
 At the vertex, Y = 0, X = 0
y2 = 12x 0=y–2
directrix y=2
0=x–3
x=3
F(3, 0)  The vertex of the parabola (y – 2)2 = 4(x – 3) is
(3, 2)
a=1
x = -3  The focus and directrix are each a distance of 1
unit from the vertex.
Length of the latus rectum = 4a
Illustration
 4a = 12
 The length of the latus rectum of the parabola is 12

(c) y2 = -12x (3, 2) F(4, 2)

Comparing y2 = -12x with the parabola Y2 = -4aX;
4a = 12
a=3
Y = y, X=x (0, 0)
At the vertex, Y = 0, X = 0
0 = y, 0 = x
 The vertex of the parabola is (0, 0)
a=3
 The focus is at a distance 3 units from the x=2
The length of the latus rectum of the parabola
vertex
Illustration is 4a = 4 × 1
=4
y2 = -12x x=3
(e) y2 + 8y = 4x – 12
By completing squares;
y2 + 8y = 4x – 12
F(-3, 0) y2 + 8y + 42 – 42 = 4x – 12
(y + 4)2 = 4x – 12 + 42
directrix

(y + 4)2 = 4x + 4
(y + 4)2 = 4(x + 1)
x = -3
Comparing Y2 = 4aX with (y + 4)2 = 4(x + 1)
 4a = 4; a = 1
The length of the latus rectum of the parabola y+4=Y
y2 = -12x is 4a = 4 × 3 x+1=X
= 12 units At the vertex, Y = 0, X = 0
y+4=0
(d) (y – 2)2 = 4(x – 3)
x+1=0
Comparing (y – 2)2 = 4(x – 3) with Y2 = 4aX;
x = -1, y = -4
Y=y–2
 The vertex of the parabola (y + 4)2 = 4(x + 1) is
X=x–3
(-1, -4)
4a = 4
 The focus and directrix are each a distance of 1
a=1
unit from the vertex.

312
 Illustration 1
a=
y 2

directrix
At the vertex, Y = 0, X = 0
0=x–2
x = 2,
(0, 0) x
y=0
 The vertex of the parabola is (2, 0)
1
 The focus and directrix are each a distance of
(-1,-4) F(0, -4) 2
unit from the vertex.
x = -2
The length of the latus rectum of the parabola Illustration
y2 + 8y = 4x – 12 is 4a
y
= 4 × 1
1
=4 (2, 2
)

(f) (y – 2)2 = -8(x – 1)

(2, 0)
Comparing (y – 2)2 = -8(x – 1) with Y2 = 4aX;
directrix 1
4a = 8 y= 2
a=2
Y=y–2
X=x–1 The length of the latus rectum of the parabola = 4a
At the vertex, Y = 0, X = 0 1
=4×
0=y–2 2
y=2 = 2 units
0=x–1
x=1 (h) (x + 3)2 = -6(y – 1)
 The vertex of the parabola (y – 2)2 = -8(x – 1) is Comparing (x + 3)2 = -6(y – 1) with the parabola
(1, 2) X2 = -4aY;
 x+3=X
Illustration y–1=Y
directrix 4a = 6
a = 1.5
At the vertex, Y = 0, X = 0
F(-1, 2) (1, 2) x +3=0
x = -3
y −1=0
(0, 0) y=1
 The vertex of the parabola is (-3, 1)
Illustration
x=2

(g) (x – 2)2 = 2y
Comparing (x – 2)2 = 2y with the parabola X2 = 4aY;
X=x–2 Y=y
4a = 2

313
 y = 2.5 y
directrix
Y F(-2,1)
(-3,1)

F(-2,0) x

directrix y = -1
(0, 0) X
(x+3)2 = -6(y – 1)

F(-3, 0)

(j) x2 – 4x + 6y + 3 = 0
x2 – 4x = -6y – 3
x2 – 4x = -6(y + 12 )
By completing squares;
The length of the latus rectum of the parabola = 4a x2 – 4x + 4 – 4 = -6(y + 1
2
)
= 4 × 1.5 (x – 2)2 = 4 + -6y – 3
= 6 units (x – 2)2 = -6y + 1
(i) x2 + 4x – 4y + 4 = 0 (x – 2)2 = -6(y – 16 )
x2 + 4x = 4y – 4 Comparing (x – 2)2 = -6(y – 16 ) with the
x2 + 4x = 4y – 4
equation X2 = 4aY;
By completing squares;  X = x – 2; Y = y – 16
x2 + 4x + 4 – 4 = 4y – 4 4a = 6  a = 1.5
(x + 2)2 = 4y At the vertex, X = 0; Y=0
4y = (x + 2)2 1
(x + 2)2 = 4y 0=x–2 0=y–
6
Compare (x + 2)2 = 4y with the parabola X2 = 4aY 1
X=x+2 x=2 y=
4a = 4 6
a=1 1
The vertex of the parabola is ( , 2)
Y=y 6
At the vertex, X = 0, Y=0 1
The vertex of the parabola is ( , 2)
0=x+2 0=y 6
x = -2 Illustration
 The vertex of the parabola x2 + 4x – 4y + 4 = 0 is
(-2, 0) y

The length of the latus rectum of the parabola

x2 + 4x – 4y + 4 = 0 is 4a 1
(2, )
=4×1 6

= 4 units

Illustration
(0, 0) x
4
F(2, 3
)

The length of the latus rectum of the parabola is 4a

= 4 × 1.5
=6

(k) y2 + 6y + 4x + 2 = 0

314
 y2 + 6y = -4x – 2 dy dy dp
y2 + 6y + 9 = -4x – 2 + 9 = 
dx dp dx
(y + 3)2 = -4x + 7
dy 1
7 = 2a ×
(y + 3)2 = -4(x − ) dx 2ap
9
7 dy 1
Vertex of the parabola is ( , -3) 
4 dx p
7 y  2ap 1
Comparing (y + 3)2 = -4(x − ) with Y2 = -4aX  
4 x  ap 2 p
4a = 4 yp – 2ap2 = x – ap2
a=1
Illustration yp – ap2 = x is the equation of the tangent to the
parabola y2 = 4ax at (ap2, 2ap)

(0, 0) Gradient of the normal = -p

The equation of the normal
y  2ap
  p
x  ap 2
7
f( 34 , -3) ( 4 , -3) y – 2ap = -xp + ap3
y + xp = 2ap + ap3
11
x= 4
 y + xp = 2ap + ap3 is the equation of the normal
The length of the latus rectum of the parabola is 4
to the parabola y2 = 4ax at (ap2, 2ap)

Example II
Parametric Analysis Find the equations of the tangent and normal to the
Show that any point (x, y) on the parabola y2 = 4ax can be parabola y2 = 8x at the point (2, 4)
represented by point (ap2, 2ap). Solution
Solution y2 = 8x
x = ap2, y = 2ap 2y dy = 8 dx
y2 = 4ax dy 8
(2ap)2 = 4a(ap2) 
4a2p2 = 4a2p2 dx 2 y
dy 4

Example dx y
Find the equation of the normal and the tangent to the
dy 4
parabola y2 = 4ax at (ap2, 2ap)  =1
Solution dx (2, 4) 4
Normal  The gradient of the normal = -1
(ap2, 2ap) n=1
The equation of the normal
y4
 1
x2
y–4=x–2
y=x+2
y4
y2 = 4ax  1
x2
y – 4 = -x + 2
y = -x + 6
x = ap2; y = 2ap
Example III

315
 Prove that the line y = 2x + 2 touches the parabola y2 = Find the equation of the tangent drawn from the point
16x and find the coordinates of contact where this (1, 3) to the parabola y2 = -16x.
occurs. Solution
Solution y = mx + c
y = 2x + 2 ………………. (i)
y2 = 16x ………………… (ii)
substituting Eqn (i) into Eqn (ii);
(2x + 2)2 = 16x
(1, 3)
4x2 + 8x + 4 = 16x
4x2 – 8x + 4 = 0
x2 – 2x + 1 = 0
y2 = -16x
For tangency, (B2 = 4AC) OR for the line to
touch the curve, B2 = 4AC

From x2 – 2x + 1 = 0; Let the equation of the tangent be y = mx + c

B = -2, A = 1, C = 1 At (1, 3);
B2 = 4AC 3 = 3(1) + c
(-2)2 = 4 × 1 × 1 c=3–m
4=4 y = mx + c …………………….(i)
 y = 2x + 2 touches the parabola y2 = 16x y2 = -16x ………………… (ii)
x2 – 2x + 1 = 0
(x – 1)2 = 0 Substituting Eqn (i) into Eqn (ii);
x=1  (mx + c)2 = -16x
y = 2x + 2 m2x2 + 2mcx + c2 = -16x
y=2× 1 + 2 m2x2 + 2mcx + 16x + c2 = 0
y=4 m2x2 + (2mc + 16)x + c2 = 0
 (1, 4)
For tangency, B2 = 4AC
The line y = 2x + 2 touches the parabola y2 = 16x at (2mc + 16)2 = 4m2c2
(1, 4) 4m2c2 + 64mc + 256 = 4m2c2
64mc = -256
Example III mc = -4
Prove that the line y = x + 6 cuts the parabola y2 = 32x at But c = 3 – m
two distinct points and find these two points.  m(3 – m) = -4
Solution 3m – m2 + 4 = 0
y = x + 6 …………………. (i) m2 – 3m – 4 = 0
y2 = 32x …………………... (ii) (m – 1)(m + 4) = 0
Substituting Eqn (i) into Eqn (ii); m = 1, m = -4
 (x + 6)2 = 32x If m = 1, c = 3 – 1
x2 + 12x + 36 = 32x c=2
x2 – 20x + 36 = 0 and if m = -4, c = 3 – −4
(x – 18)(x – 2) = 0 c=7
x = 18, x=2  y = x + 2 and y = -4x + 7 are equations of the
If x = 2, tangents drawn from the point (1, 3) to the curve
y=x+6 y2 = -16x.
=8
If x = 18, Example V
y = 24 Find the equation of the tangents drawn from (-2, 3) to the
parabola y2 = 8x
 The line y = x + 6 cuts the parabola y2 = 32x at
Solution
two distinct points of (2, 8) and (18, 24)

Example

316
 y = mx + c y2 = 8x y = mx + c

(ap2, 2ap) (ap2, 2ap)

(-2, 3) (16a, 17a)

y2 = 4ax

Let y = mx + c be the equation of the tangent to the curve

y2 = 8x. Let the equation of the tangent be y = mx + c
(-2, 3) satisfies y = mx + c At (16a, 17a);
At (-2, 3): 17a = m(16a) + c
3 = m(-2) + c 17a = 16am + c
3 + 2m = c ………………….. (i) c = 17a – 16am ………………….. (i)
y = mx + c ………………….. (ii) y = mx + c …………………………. (ii)
y2 = 8x ……………………… (iii) y2 = 4ax ……………………………. (iii)

Substituting Eqn (ii) in Eqn (iii); Substituting Eqn (ii) into Eqn (iii);
 (mx + c)2 = 8x  (mx + c)2 = 4ax
m2x2 + 2mcx + c2 = 8x m2x2 + 2mcx + c2 = 4ax
m2x2 + (2mc – 8)x + c2 = 0 m2x2 + (2mc – 4a)x + c2 = 0

For tangency, B2 = 4AC For tangency, B2 = 4AC

(2mc – 8)2 = 4 × m2c2 (2mc – 4a)2 = 4m2c2
4m2c2 – 32mc + 64 = 4m2c2 4m2c2 – 16mca + 16a2 = 4m2c2
mc = 2 ………………………. (iv) 16a2 – 16mca = 0
16a(a – mc) = 0
Substituting Eqn (i) in Eqn (iv); Either a = 0 OR
 m(3 + 2m) = 2 mc = a ……………………….. (iv)
3m + 2m2 = 2
2m2 + 3m – 2 = 0 Substituting Eqn (i) in Eqn (iv)
1  m(17a – 16am) = a
m= , m = -2 17am – 16am2 = a
2
1 16am2 – 17am + a = 0
When m = , 17 a  (17 a) 2  4  16a  a
2 m
c = 3 + 2m 32a
c=3+1 17 a  15a
c=4 m
32a
And when m = -2; m=1
c = 3 + 2 × -2
1
c = -1 m=
1 6
 y  x  4 and y = -2x − 1 are the equations of the If m = 1;
2 c = 17a – 16am
tangents to the parabola y2 = 8x from the point (-2, 3) c=a
1
Example VI If m = ;
Find the equation of the tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax 6
drawn from the point (16a, 17a). 1
c = 17a – 16a ×
6

317
 c = 17a – a P(ap2, 2ap) and Q(aq2, 2aq) of the parabola y2 = 4ax. If
c = 16a PQ is a focal chord, prove that the two tangents meet at
1 the directrix.
 y = x + a and y = x + 16a are the equations of Solution
6
the tangents to the parabola y = 4ax from the point
(16a, 17a)

Example VII
PQ is a focal chord of the parabolas y2 = 4ax where P(ap2,
2ap) and Q(aq2, 2aq). Find the equation of the chord PQ.
Given that PQ passes through the focus F(a, 0), show that
pq = 1.
Solution
P(ap2, 2ap) y2 = 4ax

Considering the tangent at P; x = ap2, y = 2ap.

dy dy dP
 
dx dP dx
dy 1
 2a 
dx 2ap
Q(aq2, 2aq)
dy 1

dx p
2ap  2aq The equation of the normal
Gradient of PQ =
ap 2  aq 2 y  2ap 1

2a ( p  q ) x  ap 2 p

a( p 2  q 2 ) yp – 2ap2 = x – ap2
yp = x + ap2
2( p  q)
 yp – ap2 = x ……………………. (i)
( p  q)( p  q)
2 Considering the equation Q;
 x = aq2, y = 2aq
pq
y  2ap dy dy dq
 
2  
x  ap 2
pq dx dq dx
y(p + q) – 2ap(p + q) = 2x – 2ap2 dy 1
 2a 
y(p + q) – 2ap2 – 2apq = 2x – 2ap2 dx 2aq
y(p + q) = 2x + 2apq dy 1

dx q
 y(p + q) = 2x + 2apq is the equation of the chord PQ.
y  2aq 1

Since PQ passes through F(a, 0); x  aq 2 q
 x = a, y = 0 yq – 2aq2 = x – aq2
0(p + q) = 2c + 2apq yq = x + aq2
-1 = pq yq – aq2 = x ……………………. (ii)
pq = -1
Equating Eqn (i) and Eqn (ii)
Example VIII  yp – ap2 = yq – aq2
Find the point of intersection of the tangents at yp – yq = ap2 – aq2
y(p – q) = a(p2 – q2)
y = a(p + q)

318
 Substituting y = a(p + q) in Eqn (ii); dx dy
 a(p + q)p – ap2 = x  2at  2a
dt dt
ap2 + apq – ap2 = x
dy dy dt
x = apq But  .
 The point of the tangent is (apq, a(p + q)) dx dt dx
Since PQ is a focal chord, then pq = -1 1 1
 2a  
 The point of intersection is (-a, a(p + q)) 2at t
x = -a and y = a(p + q) Hence the gradient of the tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax at
 The two tangents meet at the directrix 1
(at2, 2at) is
t
Example VIII (UNEB question) Gradient of normal at (at2, 2at) be n
a) Find the equation of the chord through the points (at12, 2at1) 1
and (at22, 2at2) of the parabola y2 = 4ax n × = -1
Show that the chord cuts the directrix when t
2a (t2t1  1) n = -t
y y  2at  t
t1  t2 
b) Find the equation of the normal to the parabola y2 = 4ax at x  2at 2 1
(at2, 2at) and determine its point of intersection with the y − 2at = -t(x − at2)
directrix y + tx − at3 − 2at = 0
Solution For intersection with the directrix, x = -a.
 y + t(-a) − at3 − 2at = 0
(a) Directrix y y − at3 − 3at = 0
P(at12, 2at1) y = at(t2 + 3)
x = -a
 Point of intersection of the normal with the directrix is
R(x, y) (–a, at(t2 + 3)

(0, 0) x
Q(at22, 2at2) UNEB Question
(a) Find the equation of the tangent to the parabola y2 =
at  t 2 , 4t  .
x
y = 4ax
16
(b) If the tangents to the parabola in (a) above at P(p2, 4p )
2at 2  2at1
i) Gradient of chord PQ = and Q(q2, q4 ) meet at the line y = 2, show that p + q =
at 2  at1
2 2

2a(t2  t1 ) 2 16.
  Deduce that the midpoint of PQ lies on the line y = 2
a(t2  t1 )(t2  t1 ) t1  t2
Solution
y  2at1 2 x
⟹ = y2 =
x  at1 t1  t 2 16
(y − 2at1)(t1 + t2) = 2(x − at12) t
(t1 + t2)y − 2at1(t1 + t2) = 2x − 2at12 x = t2, y =
4
⟹ (t1 + t2)y – 2x −2at1t2 = 0,
dy dy dt
(t1 + t2)y = 2x + 2at1t2  
dx dt dx
Which is the equation of the chord 1 1 1
  
2 x  2at1t 2 4 2t 8t
From the equation above, y  .
t1  t 2 y  4t 1
 
ii) Equation of the directrix is x = -a, xt 2
8t
2a  2at1t2 2a(t1t2  1) 8yt – 2t2 = x – t2
y 
t1  t2 t1  t2 8yt = x + t2
8yt – t2 = x
b) y2 = 4ax.
at (at2, 2at), x = at2 , y = 2at

319
(b) Similarly, At P(p2, 4p ), the equation of the tangent is
8yp – p2 = x ……………………………. (i)
y2 = 4ax
P(ap2, 2ap)
At Q(q2, q4 ), the equation of the tangent is
8yq – q2 = x ………………….……… (ii)

Equating Eqn (i) and Eqn (ii);

8yp – p2 = 8yq – q2
8y(p – q) = p2 – q2
( p  q)( p  q)
8y =
pq
x = ap2, y = 2ap
pq
y ………………………….. (iii) dy dy dp
8  
dx dp dx
Substituting Eqn (iii) in Eqn (ii);
dy 1 1
 pq 2  2a  
8q  q  x dx 2ap p
 8 
pq + q2 – q2 = x y  2ap 1
 
x = pq x  ap 2 p
 The point of intersection of the two tangents is p(y – 2ap) = x – ap2
(pq, p8 q ) yp – 2ap2 = x – ap2
yp – ap2 = x
If the two tangents meet at the line y = 2,
At L, x = 0
pq
 2  yp – ap2 = 0
8 y = ap
p + q = 16  h(0, ap)
P(p , 4 ), Q(q2, q4 )
2 p
L(0, ap) P(ap2, 2ap)

 p2  q2 p  q  Let the midpoint of LP be M(X, Y)

Midpoint of PQ =  ,   ap 2 3ap 
 2 8 
 , 
 p2  q2   2 2 
= , 2 ap 2 3ap
 2  X= , Y=
2 2
 The midpoint of PQ lies on the line y = 2
2X
= p2 ……………………….. (i)
Example VII a
The tangents to the parabola y2 = 4ax at the point 2Y
= p …………………………. (ii)
(ap2, 2ap) meet the y-axis at L. Show that as P moves, the 3a
locus of M, the midpoint of PL has the equation 2y2 = 9ax
Solution Substituting Eqn (ii) in Eqn (i);
2
2 X  2Y 
 
a  3a 
2 X 4Y 2
 2
a 9a
9aX = 2Y2
 2Y2 = 9aX

Example VIII

320
Points P(ap2, 2ap) and Q(aq2, 2aq) lie on the parabola y2 =
4ax. Find the locus of the midpoint of PQ given that P and
Q are those for which pq = 2a.
Solution
y
P(ap2, 2ap)

M(x, y)
x
Q(aq2, 2aq)

Gradient of the normal at P:

y2 = 4ax x = ap2, y = 2ap
dy dy dp
 ap 2  aq 2 2a( p  q )   
M dx dp dx
, 
 2 2  dy 1
 2a 
 a( p 2  q 2 )  dx 2ap
M , a( p  q) 
 2  dy 1

a( p 2  q) 2 dx p
X  …………………….. (i)
2  The gradient of the normal = -p
Y = a(p + q) ………………………… (ii) Similarly, the gradient of the normal
2ap  2aq
=
From Eqn (i); ap 2  aq 2
a[( p  q)2  2 pq]
X =
2
2 pq
2X
= (p + q)2 – 2pq ………………. (iii) 2
a   p
pq
From Eqn (ii); 2 = -p2 – pq
Y p2 + pq + 2 = 0
= p + q ………….……………….. (iv) Hence the proof
a

Substituting Eqn (iv) in Eqn (iii); Example X

2 The tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax at the end of the focal
2X  Y  chord meet each other at P and the tangent at the vertex at
    − 2pq
a a Q and R. show that the centroid of the triangle PQR lies
But pq = a on the line 3x + a = 0.
Solution
2X Y 2
 2 − 2(2a)
a a
2X Y 2
 2 − 4a
a a
 2aX – Y3 = 4a3
 Y3 = 2aX – 4a3
Example IX
If the normal to the parabola y2 = 4ax at the point
P(ap2, 2ap) cuts the parabola again at Q(aq2, 2aq), prove
that p2 + pq + q = 0
Solution

321
 A(ap2, 2ap) Q(0, ap)
Gradient of the parabola at A:
x = ap2, y = 2ap
dy dy dp
 
dx dp dx P(-a,a(p+q))
dy 1
 2a 
dx 2ap
dy 1 R(0, aq)

dx p The centroid, (x, y) of any triangle is given by
(x, y) = ( 13 (x1+ x2 + x3), 13 (y1 + y2 + y3))
y  2ap 1 1
 x= (-a + 0 + 0)
x  ap 2 p 3
yp – 2ap2 = x – ap2 3x = -a
3x + a = 0
yp – ap2 = x is the equation of the tangent at P.  The centroid of the triangle lies on the line 3x + a = 0.
yp – ap2 = x ………………………. (i)
Example II (UNEB Question)
Similarly, the equation of the tangent at Q is P(ap2, 2ap) and Q(aq2, 2aq) are two points on the parabola
yq – aq2 = x ……………………… (ii) y2 = 4ax, PQ is a focal chord.
Prove that pq = -1 and hence that if the tangents at P
Equating Eqn (i) and Eqn (ii); and Q intersect at T, the locus of T is given by x + a =
 yp – ap2 = yq – aq2 0. PM and QN are perpendiculars onto x + a = 0, s = (a,
yp – yq = ap2 – aq2 0)
y(p – q) = a(p2 – q2) ^ ^

y(p – q) = a(p + q(p – q) Prove that M S N = 900 = P T Q .

y = a(p + q)
Solution
Substituting y = a(p + q) in Eqn (i);
 a(p + q)p – ap2 = x
P(ap2, 2ap)
ap2 + apq – ap2 = x
x = apq T(x,y))
 P(x1, y1) = P(apq, a(p + q))
S(a,0)
The tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax at A is yp – ap2 = x Q(aq2, 2aq)
and meets the y axis at Q when x = 0. y = 4ax
But the tangent meets the y-axis at Q when x = 0
Gradient of focal chord PQ=gradient of PS
 y = ap
2aq  2ap 2ap  0
Q(0, ap) 
The tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax at B is yq – aq2 = x aq 2  ap 2 ap 2  a
At R, x = 0. 2a ( q  p ) 2ap

 yq – aq2 = 0 a (q  p ) a ( p 2  1)
2 2

y = aq 1 p
R(0, aq) 
q  p p2 1
Since it is a focal chord, pq = -1
p2 − 1 = pq + p2
pq = -1
At point P(ap2, 2ap),
x = ap2, y = 2ap
dx dy
 2ap ,  2a
dp dp
But from the chain rule:

322
 dy dy dp dp 1
  =
dx dp dxdx pq
1 1 But pq = -1
 2a  
2ap p Hence (Gradient of PT) × (Gradient of QT) = -1
Therefore PT and QT are perpendicular
1
Hence gradient of tangent at P is PTQ  90
p
2ap  0
y  2ap 1 Also gradient of MS 
 a  a
x  ap 2 p
2ap
  p
py  2ap 2  x  ap 2 2a
py  x  ap 2 2aq  0 2aq
And gradient of NS    q
x a  a 2a
y  ap .......................... (i) (Gradient of MS) × (Gradient of NS)
p
= -p × -q = pq
Using similar argument, the equation of the tangent point = -1 (since pq = -1)
at Q is Therefore NS and MS are perpendicular
y
x
 aq ......................... (ii)  MSN  90
q Hence MSN  PTQ  90
Equating Eqn (i) to Eqn (ii)
x x
 ap   aq Example (UNEB Question)
p q (a) Prove that if the tangents to the parabola y2 = 4ax at
x x the points P(ap2, 2ap) and Q(aq2, 2aq) meet at
  a(q  p)
p q T(apq, a(p + q)
q p
(b) If M is the midpoint of PQ, prove that TM is bisected
x   a(q  p) by the parabola.
 pq  (c) If P and Q vary on the parabola in such a manner that
x PQ is always parallel to the fixed line y = mx, show
a
pq that T always lies on a fixed line parallel to the x-axis
x  apq Solution
But pq = -1
⟹ x = a(-1)
x = -a
x + a = 0 (which is the locus of T) y2 = 4ax

y P(ap2, 2ap)
M(-a, 2ap)
P(ap2, 2ap)
T(x,y))
T(x, y)
R M(x1,a(p+q)
S(a,0) x
Q(aq2, 2aq)
N(-a, 2aq) y = 4ax Q(aq2, 2aq)

1
Gradient of PT at P(ap2, 2ap) =
p
At point P(ap2, 2ap), x = ap2; y = 2ap
12
And gradient of QT at Q(aq , 2aq) =
q
1 1
(Gradient of PT) × (Gradient of QT) = 
p q

323
 dy dy dp

dx dp dx
 a ( p  q )2
4a
, a( p  q) 
 TM is always bisected by the parabola
dy 1
 2a 
dx 2ap
dy 1

dx p
y  2ap 1

x  ap 2 p
yp – 2ap2 = x – ap2
yp – ap2 = x ………………………. (i)

At point Q(aq2, 2aq), x = aq2, y = 2aq

dy dy dq
 
dx dq dx
dy 1
 2a 
dx 2aq
dy 1

dx q
y  2aq 1

x  aq 2 q
yq – 2aq2 = x – aq2
yq – aq2 = x ………………………. (ii)
Equating Eqn (i) and Eqn (ii);
yp – ap2 = yq – aq2
y(p – q) = ap2 – aq2
y = a(p + q) ……………………….. (iii)
Substituting Eqn (iii) in Eqn (ii);
x = apq

 T(x, y) = T(apq, a(p+q)

If M is the midpoint of PQ, then

 ap 2  aq 2 2ap  2ap 
M , 
 2 2 
 a( p 2  q 2 ) 
M , a( p  q) 
 2 
T(apq, a(p + q))
 The equation of TM is y = a(p + q)
y = a(p + q) ……………………. (i)
y2 = 4ax ………………..………. (ii)
We can solve Eqn (i) and Eqn (ii) simultaneously to
obtain the point of intersection of TM and the parabola
Substituting Eqn (i) in Eqn (ii);
 a2(p + q)2 = 4ax
a( p  q)2
x
4a

324
 x 2 (1  e 2 ) y2
 1
ELLIPSE (0 < e < 1) a 2 (1  e 2 ) a 2 (1  e 2 )
x2 y2
 1
An ellipse is a curve in a plane surrounding two focal a 2 a 2 (1  e 2 )
points such that the sum of the distances to the two focal Let b2 = a2(1 – e2)
points is constant for every point on the curve. x2 y 2
 2  2 1
C(0,b) a b
2 2
x y
b 2
+ 2 = 1 is the equation of the
a b
A B ellipse.
(-a,0) a a (a,0)
b
Horizontal Ellipse
D(0,-b) x2 y 2
  1 , where a > b
a 2 b2
AB = major axis

Directrix

Directrix
CD = minor axis

Equation of an Ellipse
F(-ae, 0) F(ae, 0)
Let P(x, y) be a point on the ellipse. If 0 < e < 1, the
ellipse takes its simplest form when we take the focus F
as the point (ae, 0) or (-ae, 0) and the directrix as the line
a
x= x = - ae x = ae
e
Examples of horizontal ellipses are:
x2 y 2
P(x, y)
N( ae , y)  1
9 4
x2 y 2
 1
F(ae, 0) 25 9
( x  1) 2 ( y  4) 2  1

16 4
x = ae
Vertical Ellipse
From the definition of a conic section, x2 y 2
PN   1 , where a > b
= e (eccentricity) b2 a 2
PF
PF = ePN
( x  ae)2  y 2  e ( x  ae )2  ( y  y)2
(x – ae)2 + y2 = e2(x – a
e
)2
 2ax a 2 
x2 – 2aex + a2e2 + y2 = e2  x 2   2
 e e 
x – 2aex + a e + y = x e – 2aex + a
2 2 2 2 2 2 2

x2 – x2e2 + y2 = a2 – a2e2
x2(1 – e2) + y2 = a2(1 – e2)

325
 Directrix y = ae 5
 e2
9
5 5
e  ae  3
3 2
(0, ae) Since the foci are each a distance ae from the
centre, then
 The coordinates of the foci of the ellipse
x2 y 2
  1 are (- 5 , 0) and ( 5 , 0)
92 42
a 3 9
(0, -ae)  5 
e 3 5
9
 The equations of the directrices are x = and
Directrix y = - ae 5
9
x=
5
Example I Illustration
Find the coordinates of the centre and foci of the given
(0, 2)
ellipses. Determine the length of the major and minor

Directrix

Directrix
axes. Also determine the equation of the directrices.
x2 y 2
a)  1
9 4 (-3, 0) (- 5, 0) ( (3, 0)
5, 0)
b) 9x2 + 4y2 = 36
c) 9x2 + 16y2 = 25
d) 3x2 + 6y2 = 12 (0, -2)
( x  3)2 ( y  2)2
e)  1 x=- 9
5
x= 9
5
25 16
f) 25x2 + 9y2 – 100x – 54y = 44
g) 3x2 + 4y2 – 6x + 16y + 7 = 0 (b) 9x2 + 4y2 = 36
h) 4x2 + 6y2 + 36y + 55 = 0 9 x2 4 y 2
 1
36 36
Solution x2 y 2
x2 y 2  1
(a)  1 4 9
9 4 x2 y 2
x2 y 2 X2 X2   1 is a vertical ellipse because a > b
Comparing   1 with 2  2  1 gives 4 9
9 4 a b x2 y 2 x2 y 2
a2 = 9  a=3 Comparing 2  2  1 with   1 gives
b2 = 4  b=2 b a 4 9
X = x, Y=y
X=x Y=y
b2 = 4 a2 = 9
At the centre, X = 0, Y = 0
b = 2, a=3
 0 = x, 0=y
a>b
x2 y 2  a2 must be greater than b2.
 The centre of the ellipse   1 is (0, 0)
9 4 At the centre, X = 0, Y = 0
From b2 = a2(1 – e2)  0 = x, 0 = y
 4 = 9(1 – e2) x2 y 2
4  (0, 0) is the centre of the ellipse   1.
1 – e2 = 4 9
9 From b2 = a2(1 – e2);
4
1 – = e2  4 = 9(1 – e2)
9

326
 4 25 2 25
= 1 – e2 a2 = b =
9 9 16
5 5 5
e2 = a= b=
9 3 4
5 From b2 = a2(1 – e2)
e= 25 25
3  (1 – e2)
 5 16 9
ae = 3 
 3  9
= (1 – e2)
  16
ae = 5 9
e2 = 1 –
a 3 9 16
 
e 5 /3 5 7
e2 =
 The foci are each a distance 5 from the centre 16
9 7
and the directrices are each a distance from e=
5 4
the centre. 5 7 5 7
ae =  =
 The coordinates of the foci of the ellipse 3 4 12
x2 y 2 a 5 7 20 7
  1 are (0, 5 ) and (0, - 5 ).   =
4 9 e 3 4 21

The equations of the directrices of the ellipse are y x2 y2

9 9 Comparing   1 with the general equation of
25 25
= and y = 9 16
5 5 ellipse;
 x = X, y=Y
Sketch 0=x 0=y
Directrix y x2 y 2
9
 The centre of the ellipse   1 is (0, 0)
y= 5
25
9
25
16
(0, -3)
The coordinates of the foci are ( 5217 , 0) and (- 5217 , 0)
20 7
(0, 5) and the equations of the directrices are x =
21
20 7
and x =
21
x
Sketch
Directrix
Directrix

(0, - 5)

(0, -3) 9
Directrix y=- 5 (- 512 7 , 0) ( 5 7 , 0)
12

(d) 9x2 + 16y2 = 25

x = - 20217 x = 20217
9 x 2 16 y 2
 1
25 25 (e) 3x2 + 6y2 = 12
x2 y 2
 1
25 25
9 16

327
 3x 2 6 y 2 X=x–3 Y=y–2
 1 a2 = 25 b2 = 16
12 12
a=5 b=4
x2 y 2
 1 At the centre, X = 0 and Y = 0
4 2 0=x–3 y–2=0
a2 = 4 b2 = 2 x=3 y=2
a=2 b= 2 ( x  3)2 ( y  2)2
 The centre of the ellipse   1 is
25 16
From b2 = a2(1 – e2); (3, 2)
2 = 4(1 – e2) From b2 = a2(1 – e2)
1 16 = 25(1 – e2)
= 1 – e2
2 16
1 = 1 – e2
e2 = 25
2 9
1 e2 =
e= 25
2 3
e=
2 5
e=
2 3
ae = 5 × = 3
 2 5
ae = 2 
 2 
= 2 a 3 25
  =5÷ =
e 5 3
a 2 2 4
 2  2  2 2 The foci are each a distance of 3 units from the
e 2 2 2 25
centre and the directrices are each a distance
a 3
2 2
e from the centre.
Since the centre is (3, 2), the coordinates of the foci
 The foci are each a distance 2 from the centre and
are (3 + 3), 2) and (3 – 3, 2)
the directrices are each a distance 2 2 from the = (6, 2) and (0, 2)
centre. The equations of the directrices are
The coordinates of the foci of the ellipse 3x2 + 6y2 = 25 25
12 are ( 2 , 0) and (- 2 , 0). The directrices are x = x=3+ and x = 3 –
3 3
2 2 and x = - 2 2 34 16
Sketch x= and x =
3 3
Sketch
Directrix

Directrix

y
Directrix

Directrix

(- 2 , 0) ( 2 , 0)

F'(0, 2) (3, 2) F(6, 0)

x = -2 2 x =2 2

( x  3)2 ( y  2)2 (0, 0)

(f)  1 x
25 16
x = - 34 x = 16
3 3
( x  3)2 ( y  2)2 X2 Y2
Comparing   1 with 2  2  1
25 16 a b
gives: (g) 25x2 + 9y2 – 100x – 54y = 44
By completing square;

328
 25x2 + 9y2 – 100x – 54y = 44 ( x  1)2 ( y  2)2
25(x2 – 4x) + 9(y2 – 6y) = 44 Comparing the ellipse  = 1 with the
4 3
25(x2 – 4x + 4) – 100 + 9(y2 – 6y + 9) – 81 = 44
x2 y 2
25(x – 2)2 + 9(y – 3)2 = 225 general ellipse   1 gives;
a 2 b2
25( x  2)2 9( y  3)2
 1 a2 = 4; b2 = 3
225 225
a=2 b= 3
( x  2) 2 ( y  3) 2 From b = a (1 – e )
 1
2 2 2

9 25 3 = 4(1 – e2)
Which is a vertical ellipse 3
( x  2)2 ( y  3) 2 X2 Y2 = 1 – e2
Comparing   1 with 2  2  1 ; 4
9 25 b a 1 1
 X = x – 2; Y=y–3 e2 =  e 
4 2
b2 = 9; a2 = 25 ae = 1
a = 3; b=5 a 2
From b2 = a2(1 – e2);  4
9 = 25(1 – e2) e 12
9 Centre of the ellipse is (1, -2)
= 1 – e2
25
 The foci are each a distance 1 unit from the centre
16 4
e2 = e = and the directrices are each a distance of 4 units
25 5 from the centre.
4 Sketch
ae = 5 × =4
5 Y

Directrix
Directrix

a 4 25
5 
e 5 4
 The foci are each a distance 4 units from the centre (0, 0)
25 F
and the directrices are each a distance units from F'(0, -2)
4 C(1, -2) (2, -2) X
the centre
 The coordinates of the foci are (2, 3+4) and (2, 3 – 4).
= (2, 7) and (2, -1)
x = -3 x=5
The equations of the directrices are
25 25
y=3+ and y = 3 – (i) 4x2 + 6y2 + 36y + 53 = 0
4 4 4x2 + 6(y2 + 6y) + 53 = 0
 The equations of the directrices are x =
37
and 4x2 + 6(y2 + 6y + 9) + 53 – 54 = 0
4 4x2 + 6(y + 3)2 = 1
13 x 2 ( y  3)2
x=  1
4 1
4
1
6
This is a horizontal ellipse
(h) 3x2 + 4y2 – 6x + 16y + 7 = 0 1 1
3x2 + 4y2 – 6x + 16y + 7 = 0 a2  , b2 
4 6
By completing squares;
 1  e 2 
1 1
3x2 – 6x + 4y2 + 16y + 7 = 0
3(x2 – 2x) + 4(y2 + 4y) + 7 = 0 6 4
3(x2 – 2x + 1) – 3 + 4(y2 + 4y + 4) – 16 + 7 = 0 3
3(x – 1)2 + 4(y + 2)2 = 12 e
3
( x  1)2 ( y  2)2 Centre of the ellipse (0, -3)
 =1
4 3 1 3  3
ae   
2  3  6
This is a horizontal ellipse

329
 a 1 3 3 3 3 dy 9  1 9
     
e 2 3 6 2 dx (1,2) 16  2 32
 The foci are ( 6 , -3) and (- 6 , 3) and the directrices
3 3
y  2 9

are x = 3 and x =  3 x  1 32
2 2
32(y – 2) = -9(x – 1)
Y 32y – 64 = -9x + 9
32y + 9x = 73
Y
Directrix

Gradient of the normal = n

9
n  1
(  6 3 , -3) (0, -3) ( 63 , -3) 32

Directrix
32
n
9
y  2 32
 3 x= 3 
x= 2 2 x 1 9
9(y – 2) = 32(x – 1)
9y – 18 = 32x – 32
Tangents and normal to an ellipse 9y – 32x + 14 = 0
x2 y 2 Example II
Considering the equation of the ellipse  1
a 2 b2 Find the equation of the tangent and normal to the ellipse
d  x2 y 2  d x2 y 2
    (1)  = 1 at the point (2, 7)
dx  a 2 b 2  dx 64 25
2 x 2 y dy Solution
 0 x2 y2
a 2 b 2 dx  1600   1600  1600
2 x 64 25
dy ( a2 )
 2y 25x2 + 64y2 = 1600
dx b2 50x dx + 128y dy = 0
dy b 2 x dy 50 x
 
dx a 2 y dx 128 y
This the gradient of the tangent to the ellipse dy 25 x

a2 y dx 64 y
n  2 is the gradient of the normal to the ellipse.
b x dy 25  2 50 25
  
dx (2,7) 64  7 448 224
Example I
Find the equation of the tangents and normal to the ellipse y  7 25

x2 y 2 x  2 224
 = 1 at the point (1, 2) 224(y – 7) = -25(x – 2)
16 9
Solution 224y – 1568 = -25x + 50
224y + 25x = 1618
x2 y2
 144   144  144 224
16 9 The gradient of the normal n =
25
9x2 + 16y2 = 144
y  7 224
d d 
(9 x 2  16 y 2 )  (144) x  2 25
dx dx
25(y – 7) = 224(x – 2)
dy
18x + 32y =0 25y – 175 = 224x – 448
dx 25y – 224x = -273
dy 9 x 25y – 224x + 273 = 0

dx 16 y
This is the equation of the normal

330
Parametric Analysis ae = 5 ×
3
=3
Show that any point on the ellipse is given by 5
(acosθ, bsinθ)  The foci are each a distance of 3 units from the
centre.
Solution Sketch
y
x2 y 2 Directrix
Consider the general equation of the ellipse  1.
a 2 b2 y = 34
3
(acosθ, bsinθ)
x = acosθ; y = bsinθ (1, 6)
x2 y 2
 1
a 2 b2
(a cos 2 (b sin  )2
  (1, 3) x
a2 b2
= cos2θ + sin2θ
=1 F'(1, 0)
 Any point on the ellipse is given by (acosθ, bsinθ)
y = 16
3
Example I Directrix
Show that x = 1 + 4 cosθ and y = 3 + 5 sinθ are parametric
equations of an ellipse. Find the coordinates of the centre  The foci are (1, 0) and (1, 6)
and foci.
Solution Example II
x = 1 + 4cosθ An ellipse has its foci at (-2, 3) and (6, 3) and its
y = 3 + 5sinθ 4
eccentricity e is . Find the Cartesian equation of the
x 1 5
 cos  ellipse.
4
y2 Solution
 sin 
5
cos2θ + sin2θ = 1
( x  1)2 ( y  3)2
 1
16 25 F'(-2, 3) M(2, 3) F(6, 3)

( x  1)2 ( y  3)2
Comparing   1 with
16 25
X2 X2
 2  1 gives
a2 b M  22 6 , 3 3
2 
x–1=X y–3=Y MF' = 4 units
MF = 4 units
At the centre, X = 0, Y = 0 ae = 4
x–1=0 y–3=0
4
x=1 y=3 e
 The centre is (1, 3) 5
4
a   4 a=5
From b2 = a2(1 – e2); 5
16 = 25(1 – e2) b2 = a2(1 – e2)
16
 1  e2
25
9 3
e2  e
25 5

331
  16  Find the equation of the tangent and the normal to the
b 2  2 1  
 25  x2 y 2
ellipse 2  2  1 at (5cosθ, 3sinθ)
9 a b
b 2  25  Solution
25
dy dy d
b 9
2
 
dx d dx
( x  2)2 ( y  3) 2
 The equation of the ellipse is  1 dy 1
25 9  3cos  
dx 5sin 
Example dy 3cos 

Find the equations of the tangent and normal to the dx 5sin 
x2 y 2
ellipse 2  2  1 at the point (acosθ, bsinθ) Equation of the tangent:
a b y  3sin  3cos 
Solution  
x  5cos  5sin 
x2 y 2 5y sinθ – 15 sin2θ = -3xcosθ + 15cos2θ
 1
a 2 b2 3xcosθ + 5ysinθ = 15(cos2θ + sin2θ)
x = cosθ y = bsinθ 3xcosθ + 5y sinθ = 15
y  b sin 
dy Equation of the normal:
 b cos  y  3sin  5sin 
d  
x  a cos  x  5cos  3cos 
3ycosθ – 9sinθ cosθ = 5x sinθ – 25 sinθ cosθ
dx 3ycosθ – 5x sinθ + 16 sinθ cosθ = 0
  a sin 
d
dy d y d  Example IV
 
dx d dx Given that P(acosθ, bsinθ) and Q(acosϕ, bsinϕ) are ends
dy 1 x2 y 2
 b cos   of the chord on the ellipse 2  2  1 , Show that the
dx  a sin  a b
dy b cos  equation of PQ is given by
 aysin (  2 ) + bxcosθ (  2 ) = abcos (  2 ) .
dx a sin 
Let the gradient of the normal be n cos  2
b cos  If PQ is a focal chord, show that e 
 n  1 cos  2
a sin  Solution
a sin 
n
b cos 
Equation of the tangent: P(acos𝜃, bsinθ
y  b sin  b cos 
 
x  a cos  a sin 
aysinθ – absin2θ = -bxcosθ + abcos2θ
aysinθ + bxcosθ = abcos2θ + absin2θ
aysinθ + bxcosθ = ab P(acosϕ, bsinϕ)
Equation of the normal
y  b sin  a sin 
 b sin   b sin 
x  a cos  b cos  The gradient of the chord 
a cos   a cos 
bycosθ – b2sinθ cosθ = axsinθ – a2sinθ cosθ
bycosθ – axsinθ + (a2 – b2)sinθ cosθ = 0 b(sin   sin  )

a(cos  cos  )
Example III

332
 b  2cos  2 sin  2  dy
 b cos  
1
 dx  a sin 
a  2sin  2 sin  2 
dx b cos 

b cos  2 dx a sin 

 a sin  2
Let the gradient of the normal be n
y  b sin  b cos  2
  b cos 
x  a cos  a sin  2  n  1
a sin 
ay sin  2  ab sin  sin  2  bx cos  2  ab cos cos  2 a sin 
n
bxcos  2 + aysin  2 = ab[cos𝜃 cos  2 + sinθ sin  2 ] b cos 
bxcos + aysin  2 = ab[cos(θ –   y  b sin  a sin 
2
)] 
x  a cos  b cos 
by cos𝜃 – b2sin𝜃cos𝜃 = ax sin𝜃 – a2sin𝜃 cos𝜃
bxcos  2 + aysin  2 = abcos  2
(a2 – b2)sin𝜃 cos𝜃 = ax sin𝜃 – by cos𝜃
If PQ is a focal chord, it implies that PQ passes through At L, x-axis (y = 0)
the point (ae, 0) (a 2  b 2 )cos
 x = ae; y=0 x
a
b(ae) cos 2 +a(0)sin  2 = ab cos  2
 

e cos  
2
= cos  
2
L  ( a 2  b 2 ) cos 
a
,0 
At M, x = 0
cos  2
e (b2  a 2 )sin 
cos  2 y
b
Example V  M 0,  ( b 2  a 2 ) sin 
b 
The normal at the point P(acos𝜃, b sin𝜃) to the ellipse
x2 y 2 Let the midpoint of LM be N(x, y)
  1 meets the coordinate axes at L and M
 ( a ba ) cos  0 0  ( b  ab )sin  
2 2 2 2
a 2 b2
N(x, y) =  , 
respectively. Find the locus of the midpoint of LM.  2 2 
Solution  
y N(x, y) =  ( a 2  b 2 ) cos 
2a
, ( b 2  a 2 )sin 
b 
2
 b ) cos 
2
P(acos𝜃, bsinθ x  (a 2a

y  (b  ab )sin 
2 2

L x
2ax
 2  cos 
M a  b2
2by
 sin 
b  a2
2

x = acos𝜃; y = bsin𝜃 cos 2   sin 2   1

dy dy d  2ax   2by 
2 2
   2 1
dx d dx  2 2  2 
 a b  b a 
y = b sin 𝜃
4a 2 x 2 4b 2 y 2
dy  1
 b cos  (a 2  b 2 )2 (b 2  a 2 )2
d
x = a cos 𝜃 x2 y2
( a 2 b2 )2
 ( b 2  a 2 )2
1
dx
  a sin  4a 2
4b 2

d 2 2
x y
dy dy d    1 is the locus of the midpoint of LM
  ( a 2  b2 )2 ( b2  a 2 )2
dx d dx 4a 2
4b 2

333
Example VI 0  9 cos5 9cos 
The normal at the point P(5cos𝜃, 4sin𝜃) to the ellipse x 
2 10
x2 y 2 10 x
  1 meets the x and y axes at L and N  cos 
a 2 b2 9
respectively. Show that the locus of the midpoint of LN is 9sin 
 0 9sin 
an ellipse having the same eccentricity as the original y 4 
ellipse. 2 8
8y
y  sin 
9
P(5cos𝜃, 4sinθ
cos2   sin 2   1
2 2
 10 x   8 y 
     1
L(x, y) x  9   9 
100 x 2 64 y 2
N
 1
81 81
x2 y 2
 81  1 (Vertical ellipse)
x = 5cos𝜃; y = 4sin𝜃 81
100 64
dy dy d 81 81
   a2  ; b2 
dx d dx 64 100
dy 1 From b = a (1 – e )
2 2 2
 4cos  
dx 5sin  81 81
 (1  e 2 )
dx 4cos  100 64

dx 5sin  36 3
e2  e
100 5
Let the gradient of the normal be n But initial parametric equation of the ellipse is
4cos  x = 5cos𝜃, y = 4sin𝜃
 n  1
5sin  x x
  cos  and  sin 
5sin  5 4
n
4cos  From cos2θ + sin2θ = 1;
y  4sin  5sin  x2 y 2
  1
x  5cos  4cos  25 16
4y cos𝜃 – 16sin𝜃cos𝜃 = 5x sin𝜃 – 25sin𝜃 cos𝜃 From b2 = a2(1 – e2);
4y cos𝜃 – 5x sin𝜃 + 9sin𝜃 cos𝜃 = 0 16 = 25(1 – e2)
16
At L, x-axis (y = 0) = 1 – e2
25
5x = 9 cos𝜃 9 3
9cos  e2 = e=
x 25 5
5  The locus of the midpoint has the same
L  5 , 0
9cos
eccentricity as the original ellipse.
At N (y-axis, x = 0)
4y = -9sinθ Example VII
9sin  x2 y 2
y= The ellipse 2  2  1 intersects the positive x-axis at A
4 a b
N  0, 9sin
4

 and y axis at B. Determine the equation of the
perpendicular bisector of AB.
L  9cos
5

, 0 and N  0, 9sin 
4  Given that the line intersects the x-axis at P and that M is
the midpoint of AB, prove that the area of the triangle
Let the midpoint of LN be M(x, y) b( a 2  b 2 )
PMA is A  .
8a

334
If a2 = 3b2, find in terms of b, the coordinates of the points b2  a 2
where the perpendicular bisector of AB intersects the by  ax  is the equation of the
2
ellipse. perpendicular bisector.
Solution M( a2 , b2 ) A(a, 0)
y
B

P A x
P(x, 0)
The equation of the perpendicular bisector meets
the x-axis at P.
b2  a 2
From by  ax  ;
x2 y 2 2
 1 y=0
a 2 b2
Multiplying through by the LCM; b2  a2
 ax 
 x2  2 2  y 2  2 2 2
 2 a b   2 a b  a b
2 2
b  a2
2
 a  
b x
b2x2 + a2y2 = a2b2 2a
a b
At the x-axis (y = 0); M( 2 , 2 ) A(a, 0)
 b2x2 = a2b2
x 2 = a2
x=a
 A(a, 0)
P( a 2ab , 0)
2 2

At B, x = 0;
0 + a2y2 = a2b2 2 2
a  b
y2 = b AM    a    
y=b 2   2
 B(0, b) a 2  b2
AM 
4
0  b b
Gradient of AB =  a 2  b2
a0 a AM 
2
Let the gradient of the normal be n 2
 a a b2   b2 
 b  MP       
n     1  2 2 2a   2 
 a 
a b4 b2
n MP  
b 4a 2 4
a b4  a 2b2
 The gradient of the perpendicular bisector = MP 
b 4a 2
b a 2  b2
Let the midpoint of AB be M MP 
2a
M   02 a , b 2 0 
1
M  a2 , 
b Area of AMP = × b × h
2 2
y b
a 1 a 2  b2 b a 2  b2
 2
  
x a
2b 2 2 2a
b2 a2 b( a  b )
2 2
by   ax  
2 2 8a

335
 b2  a 2 Solution
by  ax  …………………. (i) y = mx + c …………………………. (i)
2
a2y2 + b2x2 = a2b2 ………………….. (ii) x2 y 2
 1
a 2 b2
But a2 = 3b2 b2x2 + a2y2 = a2b2 ………………….... (ii)
From Eqn (i);
b2  3b2 Substituting Eqn (i) in Eqn (ii);
by  ax  b2x2 + a2(mx + c)2 = a2b2
2
by – ax = -b2 ……………………. (iii) b2x2 + a2(m2x2 + 2mxc + c2) = a2b2
a2 = 3b2 b2x2 + a2m2x2 + 2mca2x + a2c2 – a2b2 = 0
(b2 + a2m2)x2 + 2a2mcx + a2(c2 – b2) = 0
a= b 3 (b2 + a2m2)x2 + 2a2mcx + a2(c2 – b2) = 0
 by  bx 3  b 2
For tangency, B2 = 4AC
y  x 3  b
(2a2mc)2 = 4(b2 + a2m2)(a2(c2 – b2))
y  3 x  b …………………. (iv) 4a4m2c2 = 4a2(b2c2 – b4 + a2m2c2 – a2m2b2)
a2m2c2 = b2c2 – b4 + a2m2c2 – a2m2b2
From Eqn (ii) b2c2 = b4 + a2m2b2
a2y2 + b2x2 = a2b2 c2 = b2 + a2m2

  c2 = a2m2 + b2
2
3b 2 3x  b  b 2 x 2  3b 4

 
y = mx + c
3 3 x 2  2 xb 3  b 2  x 2  3b 2 (-3, 3)

9 x  6 xb 3  3b  x 2  3b 2
2 2

10 x 2  6 xb 3  0

2 x 5 x  3 3b  0  y2
x2
16
 9
1
3 3b
x=0 OR x
5 (-3, 3) satisfies the equation y = mx + c
If x = 0, y = -b  3 = -3m + c
3b 3 c = 3 + 3m …………………………… (i)
And if x = ;
5 x2 y 2
 1
3 3b 16 9
y  3 b
5
9b Multiplying through by the same LCM;
y b 9x2 + 16y2 = 144 ……………………. (ii)
5
4b Comparing 9x2 + 16y2 = 144 with
y
5 b2x2 + a2y2 = a2b2;
 The points of intersection of the perpendicular b2 = 9 a2 = 16
bisector and the curve are (0, -b) and  3 3b
5
, 4b
5  b=3 a=4
For tangency, c2 = a2m2 + b2
c2 = 16m2 + 9 ……………………….. (iii)
Example VIII
Given that y = mx + c is a tangent to the ellipse Substituting Eqn (i) in Eqn (ii);
x2 y 2 (3 + 3m)2 = 16m2 + 9
  1 , show that c2 = a2m2 + b2. Hence find the
a 2 b2 9 + 18m + 9m2 = 16m2 + 9
equation of the tangent from (-3, 3) to the ellipse 7m2 – 18m = 0
x2 y 2 m(7m – 18) = 0
  1. 18
16 9 m=0 m
7

336
 From c = 3 + 3m; Substituting Eqn (i) in Eqn (ii)
If m = 0, c = 3 (3 – 2m)2 = 4 + 9m2
18 9 – 12m + 4m2 = 4 + 9m2
If m  ; 5m2 + 12m – 5 = 0
7
54 75 m1 = 0.362049935
c  3 c m2 = -2.762049935
7 7 m1m2 = -1
y =3
 The two tangents are perpendicular.
18 75
y= x are the equations of the tangent
7 7 Example
and normal to the ellipse. (a) Show that the two tangents of gradient m to the
x2 y 2
Example ellipse 2  2  1 are y  mx  a 2 m2  b2 .
a b
(a) Show that the x-coordinate of any point of
(b) Find the equations of the tangents to the ellipse
intersection of the line y = mx + c and the ellipse
x2 y 2
x2 y 2
  1 are given by (4 + 9m )x + 18mcx + 9c –
2 2 2   1 from (-2, 5)
9 4 6 3
36 = 0. If the line y = mx + c is a tangent to the (c) Find the coordinates of the point of contact of the
ellipse, prove that c2 = 4 + 9m2. tangents to the ellipse.
(b) The line y = mx + c passes through the point (2, 3).
Write down the second equation connecting c and m Solution
and prove that m satisfies 5m2 + 12m – 5 = 0. Prove Let the equation of tangent to the ellipse be y = mx + c
that the two tangents drawn from the points (2, 3) to y = mx + c …………………………. (i)
the ellipse are perpendicular. x2 y 2
 1
Solution a 2 b2
x2 y 2 b2x2 + a2y2 = a2b2 ………………….. (ii)
 1
9 4 Substituting Eqn (i) in Eqn (ii);
Multiplying through by the same LCM;
4x2 + 9y2 = 36 ……………………… (i) Substituting Eqn (i) in Eqn (ii);
y = mx + c ………………………….. (ii) b2x2 + a2(mx + c)2 = a2b2
b2x2 + a2(m2x2 + 2mxc + c2) = a2b2
Substituting Eqn (ii) in Eqn (i); b2x2 + a2m2x2 + 2mca2x + a2c2 – a2b2 = 0
42x2 + 9(mx + c)2 = 36 (b2 + a2m2)x2 + 2a2mcx + a2(c2 – b2) = 0
4x2 + 9(m2x2 + 2mxc + c2) = 36 (b2 + a2m2)x2 + 2a2mcx + a2(c2 – b2) = 0
4x2 + 9m2x2 + 18mcx + 9c2 – 36 = 0
(4 + 9m2)x2 + 18mcx + 9c2 – 36 = 0 For tangency, B2 = 4AC
(2a2mc)2 = 4(b2 + a2m2)(a2(c2 – b2))
For tangency, B2 = 4AC 4a4m2c2 = 4a2(b2c2 – b4 + a2m2c2 – a2m2)
(18mc)2 = 4(4 + 9m2)(9c2 – 36) = 0 a2m2c2 = b2c2 – b4 + a2m2c2 – a2m2b2
324m2c2 = 36(4 + 9m2)(c2 – 4) = 0 b2c2 = b4 + a2m2b2
324m2c2 = 36[4c2 – 16 + 9m2c2 – 36m2] c2 = b2 + a2m2
4c2 = 16 + 36m2 c2 = a2m2 + b2
c2 = 4 + 9m2 c   b2  a 2 m2

y = mx + c satisfies (2, 3) Since the equation of the tangent is y = mx + c;

3 = 2m + c
c = 3 – 2m ……………………………….. (i)
 y  mx  a 2 m2  b2 are the equations of the
x2 y 2 x2 y 2 tangents to the curve.
Comparing   1 with 2  2  1 ;
9 4 a b
a2 = 9; b2 = 4 x2 y 2 x2 y 2
Comparing   1 with 2  2  1 ;
6 3 a b
2 2
For tangency, c2 = 4 + 9m2 ………………… (ii) a = 6; b =3

337
 For tangency, c2 = b2 + a2m2 ⟹ a = 4 and b = 3
c2 = 3 + 6m2……………………… (i) From b2 = a2(1 − e2);
(-2, 5) satisfies the tangent y = mx + c b2
5 = m(-2) + c  1  e2
a2
5 + 2m = c ………………………. (ii)
b2
e2  1  2
Where b2 < a2
Substituting Eqn (ii) in Eqn (i) a
(5 + 2m)2 = 3 + 6m2 9
 1 
7
25 – 20m + 4m2 = 3 + 6m2 16 16
2m2 − 20m – 22 = 0 7
m2 – 10m – 11 = 0 e
4
(m – 11)(m + 1) = 0
7
m = 11; m = -1 Hence the eccentricity of the ellipse is
4
If m = 11, c = 5 + 2m b) Point of contact,
c = 5 + 22 y = mx + c…………….. (i)
c = 27 b2x2 + a2y2 = b2x2 …………….. (i)
Subtituting Eqn (i) in Eqn (ii);
or c   3  6  112 b2x2 + a2y2 = a2b2
c = ± 27 b2x2 + a2(mx + c )2 = a2b2
 y = 11x ± 27 are the equations of the tangents b2x2 + a2m2x2 + 2a2mxc + a2c2 = a2b2
When m = -1, c   b 2  a 2 m 2 (b2 + a2m2)x2 + (2a2mc)x + a2(c2 − b2) = 0
For tangency, B2 = 4AC
c   3  6(1) (2a2mc)2 = 4a2(b2 + a2m2)(c2 − b2)
c = ±3 4a4m2c2 = 4a2b2c2 − 4a2b4 + 4a4m2c2 − 4a4m2b2
a2m2c2 = b2c2 − b4 + a2m2c2 − a2m2b2
 y = -x ±3 are the equations of the tangents to the b2c2 − b4 − a2m2b2 = 0
ellipse c2 = b2 + a2m2
For y = mx + c, at point (-3, 3)
Example (UNEB question)  3 = -3m + c
(a) A conic section is given by x = 4 cos θ; y = 3 sin θ. c = 3(1 + m)
Show that the conic section is an ellipse and determine Substituting for c in c2 = b2 + a2m2
its eccentricity.  9(1 + m)2 = b2 + a2m2
(b) Given that the line y = mx + c is a tangent to the 9(1 + 2m + m2) = b2 + a2m2
Since a = 4 and b = 3
x2 y2
ellipse   1 , show that c2 = a2m2 + b2. Hence  9(1 + 2m + m2) = 9 + 16m2
a2 b2 9 + 18m + 9m2 = 9 + 16m2
determine the equations of the tangents at the point (-3, 7m2 − 18m = 0
x2 y 2 m(7m − 18) = 0
3) to the ellipse  1. Either m = 0
16 9
Solution Or 7m = 18
(a) x = 4 cos θ m  18
7
x If m = 0, c = 3(1 + 0) = 3
 cos 
4
y = 3 sin θ
 
If m  18 7 , c  3 1  18 7  75 7
18
y
 sin   y = 3 and y  x  75 are the equations of the
7
3 7
sin 2   cos 2   1 tangents to the curve.

y 2 x2
 1
9 16 Example (UNEB Question)
2 2
x y
Which is of the form 2
  1 and this is an ellipse
a b2

338
(a) Find the equations of the tangent and normal to the parametrically by the equations x = a cos θ, y = b sin θ
x2 y 2 where a and b are constants and θ is the parameter.
ellipse   1 at P(2cosθ, sinθ)
4 1 Find:
(b) If the tangent in (a) cut the x-axis at point A and y- (a) The Cartesian equation for the curve and identify
axis a point B. the normal cuts the x-axis at C, find the curve
the coordinates of A, B and C. (b) The equation of the tangent to the curve at the
Solution point where the parameter θ = φ.
x2 y 2 (c) The relation between φ1 and φ2 if the tangents at
 1 the points (a cos φ1, b sin φ1), (a cos φ2, b sin φ2)
4 1
x = 2cosθ, y = sinθ are at right angles to one another.
dy dy d Solution
  x  a cos 
dx d dx
x
dy
 cos  
1 cos   ...................... (i)
a
dx 2sin 
dy  cos  y  b sin 

dx 2sin  sin  
y
...................... (i)
This is the gradient of the tangent b
2 2
 y x
Let the gradient of the normal be n cos 2   sin 2       
 cos  b a
n  1 x2 y2
2sin  1 
2sin  a2 b2
n
cos  Hence
x2

y2
 1 , which is an ellipse
Equation of the tangent: a2 b2
y  sin   cos 

x  2cos  2sin  (ii) x = a cos θ, y = b sin θ
2ysinθ − 2sin2θ = -x cosθ + 2cos2θ dx
x cosθ + 2y sinθ = 2   a sin 
d
At the x-axis (A), y = 0 dy
x cosθ = 2  b cos 
d
x = 2secθ
From chain rule,
A(2secθ, 0)
dy dy d 
 
At the y-axis (B), x = 0 dx d  dx
2y sinθ = 2 1
 b cos  
y = cosecθ a sin 
B(0, 2cosecθ) dy b cos 

dx a sin 
Equation of the normal:
At θ = φ;
y  sin  2sin 
 dy b cos 
x  2cos  cos  
dx a sin 
ycosθ – sinθcosθ = 2xsinθ – 4sinθcosθ
ycosθ – 2xsinθ + 3sinθcosθ = 0 Hence the gradient of the tangent to the curve at
b cos 
The point (acosφ, bsinφ) is
At the x-axis (C), y = 0 a sin 
3cos 
x Assuming P(x, y) lies on the tangent, then
2 y  b sin  b cos 
3cos 
C( 2 , 0) 
x  a cos  a sin 
aysinφ − ab sin2φ = -bx cosφ + abcos2φ
Example (UNEB Question)
aysinφ + bx cosφ = ab(cos2φ + sin2φ)
The coordinates of a point P(x, y) on the curve are given

339
 aysinφ + bxcosφ = ab ⟹ 82 = 4 × 16 × 1
aysinφ + bxcosφ − ab = 0 64 = 64
Hence 5y = 4x + 25 is a tangent to the ellipse
(c) If the tangents cut each other at right angles; x2 y2
 1
y 25 9
b) At the point of contact, from x2 + 8x + 16 = 0,
(x + 4)2 = 0
x x = -4
B(acosφ2, bsinφ2)
4 9
A ⟹ y= ( 4 )  5 
5 5
(acosφ1, bsinφ1)
9
Hence the point is (-4, )
5
dy b cos  4
Given the gradient,  Gradient of the tangent =
dx a sin  5
b cos 1 Gradient of the normal = -5/4
Now gradient of the tangent at A 
a sin 1 Equation of the normal:
b cos  2
Gradient of the tangent at B 
a sin  2 y  95 5

Since the tangents are perpendicular, x  4 4
b cos 1 b cos 2 y  95  45 ( x  4)
  1
a sin 1 a sin 2 y  95  5
4
x5
b cosφ1cosφ2 = -a sinφ1sinφ2
2 2
y 5
4
x  5  95
Dividing through by cosφ1cosφ2 y 5
x  165
4
b2 = -a2 tan φ1tan φ2
c) Eccentricity of the ellipse is got from,
Example (UNEB question) b2 = a2(1 − e2)
a) Show that the line 5y = 4x + 25 is a tangent to the ellipse 9 = 25(1 − e2)
1 − e2 = 9/25
x2 y2
 1 9
25 9 1  e2
b) Find the equation of the normal to the ellipse at the point 25
of contact. 16
 e2
c) Determine the eccentricity of the ellipse. 25
Solution 4
e
(a) From 5y = 4x + 25 5
25y2 = (4x + 25)2 ...................................... (i)
x2 y2
Given   1,
25 9
9x2 + 25y2 = 225 ...................................... (ii)
Substituting Eqn (i) into Eqn (ii)
9x2 + (4x + 25)2 = 225
9x2 + 16x2 + 200x + 625 = 225
25x2 + 200x + 400 = 0
x2 + 8x + 16 = 0
For tangency, b2 = 4ac
From x2 + 8x + 16 = 0,
a = 1, b = 8 and c = 16

340
 Since e > 1, a2(1 – e2) < 0
Let –b2 = a2(1 – e2)
HYPERBOLA (e > 1) x2 y2
The hyperbola is a locus of points which move so that the  1
ratio of the distance from the a fixed point F (focus) to the a 2 b 2
distance from a fixed vertical line (directrix) is constant, x2 y 2
 1
greater than 1. a 2 b2
x2 y 2
Directrix

Directrix
  1 is the general equation of a
a 2 b2
hyperbola

(0, 0) F(ae, 0)
Note: The positive term in the equation determines the
F'(-ae, 0) a
nature of the hyperbola
a
x2 y 2
  1 is a horizontal hyperbola whereas
a 2 b2
y 2 x2
  1 is a vertical hyperbola.
x = ea x = ae a 2 b2

Equation of the hyperbola Points to note:

Let the hyperbola be a curve in which the point P(x, y) x2 y 2
lies. The equation of the hyperbola takes its simplest form For the hyperbola   1:
a 2 b2
when we take the foci to be at points (ae, 0) and (-ae, 0)
1. It has a centre at the origin (0, 0).
a 2. The foci are each a distance ae from the centre and
and the directrix at .
e always lie on the major axis produced.
a
3. The directrices are each a distance from the centre
e
N P(x, y)

Example I
Find the coordinates of the centre, foci and vertices of the
(0, 0) F(ae, 0) given hyperbola. Also find the equations of the
F'(-ae, 0)
directrices.
x2 y 2
(a)  1
16 9
(b) 9x2 – y2 = 9
x = ea x = ae (c) 16x2 – y2 = 64
PF ( x  2)2 ( y  1)2
e (d)  1
PN 16 9
PF  ePN ( y  2)2
(e)  ( x  1)2  1
( x  ae)2  y 2  e ( x  ae ) 2  02 4
(f) 4x2 – 3y2 + 16x + 6y + 1 = 0
( x  ae) 2  y 2  e 2 ( x  ae ) 2 (g) y2 – 4x2 – 8x – 4y – 4 = 0
 2ax a 2 
x 2  2aex  a 2 e 2  y 2  e 2  x 2   2 Solution
 e e 
x2 y 2
x – 2aex + a e + y = x e – 2aex + a
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 (a)  1
16 9
x2 – x2e2 + y2 = a2 – a2e2
x2(1 – e2) + y2 = a2(1 – e2) x2 y 2 x2 y 2
Comparing with   1 with 2  2  1 gives
x2 y2 16 9 a b
 1 a2 = 16 b2 = 9
a 2 a 2 (1  e 2 )
X=x Y=y
At the centre, X = 0; Y = 0

341
  0 = x, 0 = y From b2 = a2(e2 – 1);
x2 y 2 9 = 1(e2 – 1)
   1 has its centre at (0, 0) e2 = 10
16 9
From –b2 = a2(1 – e2) e = 10
b2 = a2(e2 – 1)
 b2 = a2(e2 – 1) is the equation used to The foci are each a distance ae from the centre
calculate the eccentricity of the hyperbola. ae = 10
a2 = 16, b2 = 9 a
The directrices are each a distance from the
b = a (e – 1)
2 2 2 e
9 = 16(e2 – 1) centre.
9 a 1 10
= e2 – 1 = 
16 e 10 10
25 5
e2 = e =  The directrices are each a distance
10
from the
16 4 10
5
ae = 4 × =5 centre.
4

Directrix

Directrix
 The coordinates of the foci are (-5, 0) and (5, 0)
a 4 16
 
e 5/4 5
16 (0, 0)
 The directrices are each a distance from the F'(  10 , 0) F( 10 , 0)
5
centre
 The equations of the directrices are x = 16 and
5
x= 16  10 10
x= 10 x= 10
5
Directrix

Directrix

(c) 16x2 – y2 = 64
x2 y 2
  1
4 64
x2 y 2 x2 y 2
F'(-5, 0)
(0, 0) F(5, 0) Compare   1 with 2  2  1 ;
4 64 a b
a2 = 4 b2 = 64
a=2 b=8
X=x Y=y
At the centre, x = 0, 0=y
x = 516 x = 16
5

x2 y 2
(b) 9x2 – y2 = 9  The centre of the ellipse   1 is (0, 0)
y2 4 64
x2 − =1 From b2 = a2(e2 – 1);
9 64 = 4(e2 – 1)
y2 x2 y 2 16 = e2 – 1
Compare x2 − = 1 with 2  2  1 ;
9 a b e2 = 17
2 2
a =1 b =9 e = 17
a=1 b=3
X=x Y=y ae = 2 17
At the centre, x = 0, 0=y
The foci are each a distance 2 17 from the centre
 The centre of the ellipse 9x2 – y2 = 9 is (0, 0)

342
 The coordinates of the foci are (2 17, 0) and The foci are each a distance 5 units from the centre
(  2 17, 0). 16
and the directrices are each a distance from the
5
a 2 2 17
=  centre.
e 17 17
a y
 The directrices are each a distance from the

Directrix

Directrix
e
centre. x

2 17 2 17
 x and x = are the equations of
17 17
F'(-3, -1) (2, -1) F(7, -1)
the directrices of the hyperbola.
Directrix

Directrix

x = 2- 16
5
x = 2+ 16
5

F(- 2 17 , 0) (0, 0)
F( 2 17 , 0) The coordinates of the foci are (-3, -1) and (7, -1) and
6 26
the equations of the directrices are x = and x =
5 5

2 17 ( y  2)2
x= 17 x=
2 17
17 (e)  ( x  1)2  1
4
( y  2)2 X2 Y2
Comparing  ( x  1)2  1 with 2  2  1 ;
( x  2)2 ( y  1)2 4 a b
(d)  1
16 9  X = x + 1; Y=y–2
( x  2)2 ( y  1)2 x2 y 2 At the centre, X = 0 Y=0
Comparing   1 with 2  2  1 ; 0=x+1 y–2=0
16 9 a b
 X = x – 2; Y=y+1 x = -1 y=2
At the centre, X = 0 Y=0 a2 = 4 b2 = 1
0=x–2 y+1=0 ( y  2)2
 The centre of the hyperbola  ( x  1)2  1
x=2 y = -1 4
2
a = 16 b2 = 9 is at (-1, 2)
( x  2)2 ( y  1)2
 The centre of the hyperbola  1 From b2 = a2(e2 – 1);
16 9
1 = 4(e2 – 1)
is at (2, -1)
From b2 = a2(e2 – 1); 1
 1  e2
9 = 16(e2 – 1) 4
9 5
 e2  1 e
16 2
25 5 ae = 5
e e
16 4 a 2 4
 
e 5/2 5
ae = 5
a 5 16 a 4 5
  
e 5/4 5 e 5
4 5
The directrices are each a distance from the
5
centre and the foci are a distance 5 from the
centre.

343
 y  The foci are each a distance 7 from the centre
F(-1, 2  5 ) 3 7
and the directrices are each a distance from
7
the centre.

4 5 Sketch
Directrix y = 2+ y
5

Directrix

Directrix
(-1, 2) x

Directrix 4 5
y = 2− 5
(-2, 1)
F'(-2- 7 , 1) F(-2+ 7 , 1)

F'(-1, 2  5 )
3 7 3 7
x = -2- 7 x = -2+ 7

The coordinates of the foci are (-2- 7, 1) and (-2+ 7 , 1)

The coordinates of the foci are (-1, 2+ 5 ) and (-1, 2− 5 )
3 7 3 7
and the directrices are x = -2- 7 and x = -2+ 7
(f) 4x2 – 3y2 + 16x + 6y + 1 = 0
4x2 + 16x – 3y2 + 6y + 1 = 0 (g) y2 – 4x2 – 8x – 4y – 4 = 0
4(x2 + 4x) – 3(y2 – 2y) + 1 = 0 y2 – 4y – 4x2 – 8x2 – 4 = 0
By completing squares;
y2 – 4y – 4(x2 + 2x) = 4
4(x2 + 4x + 4) – 16 – 3(y2 – 2y + 1)– −3 + 1 =0
4(x + 2)2 – 3(y – 1)2 − 16 + 4 = 0 y2 – 4y + 4 – 4(x2 + 2x + 1) – −4 = 4
4(x + 2)2 – 3(y – 1)2 = 12 (y – 2)2 – 4(x + 1)2 = 4
( x  2)2 ( y  1)2 ( y  2)2
 1  ( x  1)2  1
3 4 4
( x  2)2 ( y  1)2 X2 X2 ( y  2)2 2 2
Comparing   1 with 2  2  1 ; Comparing  ( x  1)2  1 with Y 2  X2  1 ;
3 4 a b 4 a b
At the centre, X = 0; Y=0 Gives
X=x+2 Y=y–1
y – 2 = Y, x + 1 = X
x = -2 y=1
At the centre, Y = 0, X = 0
 Centre of the ellipse ( x  2)  ( y  1)  1 is (-2, 1)
2 2

3 4 y–2= 0 x+1=0
a2 = 3 b2 = 4 y = 2, x = -1
Centre (-1, 2)
From b2 = a2(e2 – 1) From b2 = a2(e2 – 1)
4 = 3(e2 – 1) 1 = 4(e2 – 1)
4
= e2 – 1 1
3 = e2 – 1
4
7
e 5 5
3 e2 = e
4 2
ae = 7
ae = 5
a 3 3
 3  a 2 4 4 5
e 7 7   
e 5/2 5 5
a 3 7

e 7

344
  The foci are each a distance 5 from the centre x2 y 2
Find the asymptotes of the hyperbola  1
4 5 4 9
and the directrices are each a distance from Solution
5
the centre x2 y 2
 1
y 4 9
9x2 – 4y2 = 36
F(-1, 2  5 )
9x2 – 36b = 4y2
9 x2
y2 = −9
4
9x2  4 
Directrix y = 2+
4 5
y 1  2 
5
4  x 
3x
(-1, 2) (0, 0) x As x → ±∞, y 

2
Directrix
3x 3 x
y = 2−
4 5 y = and y = are asymptotes to the
5 2 2
x2 y 2
hyperbola  1
4 9

F'(-1, 2  5 )
Tangents and Normals to a Hyperbola
The equations of the foci are (-1, 2  5) and (-1, 2  5)
4 5 Example I
and the equations of the directrices are y = 2− 5 and Find the equations of the tangent and normal of the
4 5 following hyperbolas.
y = 2+ 5 . (a) 9x2 – y2 = 9 at ( 35 , 4)
(b) 4x2 – y2 = 4 at ( 2 , -2)
Asymptotes to a Hyperbola Solution

x2 y 2 (a) 9x2 – y2 = 9 (5 4 , 4)

Consider the hyperbola  1
a 2 b2 d d
 b2x2 – a2y2 = a2b2 (9x2 – y2) = (9)
dx dx
b2x2 – a2b2 = a2y2 d
b 2 x 2 – a 2b 2 18x – 2y =0
y2  dx
a2 dy
2 2 18x = 2y
b x dx
y 2  2 – b2
a dy 9x
=
b2 x2  a 2  dx y
y 1  
a2  x2  dy 9  35

bx dx ( 5 4 , 4
As x → ±∞, y  ± 4)

a dy 15
bx bx 
y and y  are the asymptotes to the dx 4
a a 15
 The gradient of the tangent = .
x2 y 2 4
hyperbola 2  2  1
a b
Let n be the gradient of the normal.
Example I

345
 15 2
 n  1 n
4 4
4
n
15 Equation of the normal:
y  2 2
Equation of the tangent: 
x 2 4
y  4 15
 4( y  2)  2( x  2)
x  35 4
4y + 8 = 2 x – 2
4(y – 4) = -15(x + 5)
4y – 16 = -15x – 23 4y – 2 x + 10 = 0
4y + 15x = -9
4y + 15 + 9 = 0  4y – 2 x + 10 = 0 is the equation of the normal
This is the equation of the tangent

Equation of the normal: Parametric Analysis

y4 4
 x2 y 2
 5
x  4 15 Show that any point on the hyerbola   1 is
a 2 b2
15(y – 4) = 4(x + 5)
represented by (a secθ, btanθ)
4
15y – 60 = 4x + 5
15y − 4x – 65 = 0 Solution
x = a secθ, y = btanθ
 15y – 4x – 65 = 0 is the equation of the normal. 2 2
x y
2
 2 1
4x2 – y2 = 4 a b
d d (a sec )2 (b tan)2
(4x2 – y2) = (4) 
dx dx a2 b2
dy = sec θ – tan θ
2 2
8x – 2y =0 = 1 + tan2θ – tan2θ
dx
=1
dy 4 x
 x2 y 2
dx y Since (asecθ, b tanθ) satisfies the equation  1
a 2 b2
dy 4 2 It implies that any point on the hyperbola is represented

dx ( 2 ,  2) 2 by (a secθ, btanθ)
 2 2 Example
Equation of the tangent: Find the equation of the tangent and normal to the
y  2 x2 y 2
 2 2 hyperbola 2  2  1 at (a secθ, btanθ)
x 2 a b
y2 Solution
 2 2
x 2 x2 y 2
 1
y + 2 = -2 2 (x − 2 ) a 2 b2
x = a secθ, y = btanθ
y + 2 = -2 2 x + 4
y+2 2x=2
y + 2 2 x = 2 is the equation of the tangent

Gradient of the normal = n

n × −2 2 = -1
1
n=
2 2

346
 Tangent

Normal
(asecθ, btanθ) (asecθ, btanθ)

(ae, 0)

x2 y 2 (asec𝜙, btan𝜙)
 1
a 2 b2
b tan   b tan 
From x = a secθ, y = btanθ; Gradient of the chord =
a sec  a sec 
dx dy
 a sec  tan  ,  b sec  sin 
 )  b( cos  )
sin 
b( cos
d d 
dy dy d a ( cos1  )  a( cos1  )
 
d d dx b (sin  cos   cos  sin  )
cos  cos 
dx 1  cos   cos 
x  b sec 2   a( cos  cos  )
d a sec tan 
b(sin  cos   cos  sin  )
b sec 
 a (cos   cos  )
a tan 
b[sin(   )]
This is the gradient of the tangent 
a ( 2sin  2 sin  2 )
Let gradient of the normal to the curve at the same b[2sin  2 cos  2 ]
point be n; 
b sec  2a sin  2 sin  2
n  1
a tan  b cos  2

 a tan  a sin  2
n
b sec  y  b tan  b cos  2
 
x  a sec a sin  2
Equation of the tangent:
y  b tan  b sec  y  bcos
sin 
 b cos  2
  
x  a sec a tan  x  cosa  a sin  2
ay tanθ – ab tan2θ = bx secθ – ab sec2θ y cos   b sin  b cos  2
bx secθ – aytanθ = ab(sec2θ – tan2θ) 
x cos  a a sin  2
bx secθ – ay tanθ = ab
ay sin  2 cosθ – ab sinθ sin  2
Equation of the normal
= bxcosθcos  2 – abcos  2
y  b tan   a tan 
 bx cosθcos  2 - aysin  2 cosθ
x  a sec b sec
by secθ – b2tanθ secθ = -axtanθ + a2secθ tan θ = ab[cos  2 - sinθsin  2 ………………. (i)
ax tanθ + bysec θ = (a2 + b2)secθ tan θ
Example (UNEB Question)
Example II (a) Show that the equation of the tangent to the hyperbola
Find that the equation of the chord passing through P(asec (a sec  , b tan  ) is bx – ay sin  – ab cos   0 .
θ, btan θ) and Q(a secϕ, b tanϕ) to the hyperbola
x2 y2
x2 y 2 (b) Find the equations of the tangents to   1 , at
 1 4 9
a 2 b2
Solution the points where  = 450 and where  = –135°.
(c) Find the asymptotes.
Solution

347
 dx The equation of the tangent is at θ = 45°
x = a sec   a sec  tan  3xsec45° – 2ytan45° = 2 × 3
d
y  b tan  3 2  x  2 y  6
dy when   135
0
 b sec2 
d ⟹3x sec(–135°) – 2ytan(–135°) = 2 × 3
dy dy d

dx d dx
•  
3x   2  2 y  6

1 b sec b 2 y  3 2x  6
 b sec2  •  
a sec tan  a tan  a sin  3 2x
y 3
y  b tan  b 2
 of tangent 
Gradient x2 y 2
x  a sec  a sin   1
4 9
Equation of the tangent: 9x2 – 4y2 = 36
y  b tan  b 9x2 – 36 = 4y2
 
x  a sec  a sin 
9 x2
bx  ba sec  ya sin   ba tan  sin  y2 = −9
4
bx  ay sin   ba sec  ba tan  sin   0
9x2  4 
ba ba sin  2 y 1  2 
bx  ay sin    0 4  x 
cos cos 3x
As x → ±∞, y 

bx  ay sin  
ba
cos 
1  sin 2    0 2
3x 3 x
ba y = and y = are asymptotes to the
bx  ay sin    cos 2   0 2 2
cos  x2 y 2
bx  ay sin   ba cos  0 hyperbola  1
4 9
(ii) The parametric equation of hyperbola are Example
x  a sec and y  b tan 
x2 y 2
The equation of tangent at a sec , b tan   . The normal to the hyperbola   1 at P meets the x
9 16
x = asecθ, y = btanθ and y axes at M and N respectively. Show that the locus
dx of the midpoint of NM is another hyperbola and state the
 a sec  tan 
d coordinates of its foci and the equations of its directrices.
dy Solution
 b sec2  x2 y 2
d  1 y
a 2 b2
dy dy d 1
 •  b sec2  •
dx d dx a sec tan  N
b sec (3secθ, 4tanθ)
 x
a tan 
M
y  b tan  b sec
 
x  a sec a tan 
aytanθ – abtan2θ = bxsecθ – absec2θ
absec2θ – abtan2θ = bxsecθ – aytanθ
ab(sec2θ – tan2θ) = bxsecθ – aytanθ x = 3 sec 𝜃; y = 4 tan𝜃
bxsecθ – aytanθ = ab dy dy d
x2 y2  
For the hyperbola  1; dx d dx
4 9 dy dy
a2 = 4 b2 = 9  3sec  tan  ,  4sec 2 
d d
a=2 b3

348
 dy 1 100 5
 4sec 2   e2  e
dx 3sec tan  64 4
dy 4sec 25 5
 ae  
dx 3tan  6 4
Let the gradient of the normal be n 125
ae 
4sec 24
 n  1
3tan  a 25 4 10
  
3tan  e 6 5 3
n
4sec
y  4 tan  3tan 

 The coordinates of the foci are  1254 , 0  and  125
4
, 0
x  3sec 4sec 10
4y secθ – 16 secθ tanθ = -3x tanθ + 9 secθ tanθ and the equations of the directrices are x  and
3
4y secθ + 3x tanθ = 25secθ tanθ 10
x
At M (x-axis), y = 0 3
3x tanθ = 25 sec tanθ
25
x  sec  Rectangular Hyperbola
3
M  3 sec , 0
25 It is a type of hyperbola for which the asymptotes are
perpendicular. It is also called an equilateral hyperbola or
right hyperbola. It arises when the hyperbola is rotated
At N (y-axis), x = 0 through 45° and the length of semi-major and semi-minor
4y secθ = 25 secθ tanθ axes are equal (a = b)
25
y tan 
4 x2 y 2
N  0, 254 tan  . For the hyperbola   1 , if a = b, then
a 2 b2
x2 y 2
Let the midpoint of MN be (x, y)  1
a2 a2
 25 sec  0 0  254 tan   x2 – y2 = a2
 3 , 
 2 2  The eccentricity of the hyperbola is calculated from the
formula b2 = a2(e2 – 1)
 256 sec , 25
8
tan  
a=b
x= 25
6
sec , y= 25
8
tan  a2 = a2(e2 – 1)
6x 8y 1 = e2 – 1
 sec  ;  tan 
25 25 e = 2 . This is the eccentricity of a rectangular
sec2θ – tan2 θ = 1 hyperbola.
2 2
 6x   8 y  The hyperbola is rotated through 45° about the origin to
     1 obtain the rectangular hyperbola.
 25   25 
36 x 2 64 y 2
 1 The matrix, M of transformation about the origin
=  cos   sin  
625 625
x2

y2
1  sin  cos  
625 / 36 625 / 64  cos 45  sin 45 
M  
 The locus of the midpoint is another hyperbola  sin 45 cos 45 
625 625  2  2 
a2  b2  M  2 2

36 64  2 2 
 2 2 
b2 = a2(e2 – 1)
2 1 1 
625 625 2
64

36
 e  1 M 
2 1 1


349
 X 2 1 1 x  Example I
     Find the equation of the normal and tangents to the
Y  2 1 1  y 
following rectangular hyperbolas at the given points:
X 2  x  y (a) xy = 9 at (-3, -3)
    (b) xy = 16 at (2, 8)
Y  2  x  y
2 2
X  x  y  and Y   x  y  Solution
(a) xy = 9
2 2
2X 2X d d
 x y and  x y ( xy )  (9)
2 2 dx dx
x dy + y dx = 0
From x2 – y2 = a2; dy
x  y0
(x + y)(x – y) = a2 dx
2Y 2 X
 dy  y
= a2 
2 2 dx x
4XY = 2a2 dy (3)
1   1
XY = a2 dx ( 3, 3) 3
2
XY = c2
 -1 is the gradient of the tangent.
2
XY = c is the equation of a rectangular hyperbola with
arms in the first and third quadrants; and xy = -c2 is the Let gradient of the normal be n
equation of a rectangular hyperbola with arms in the n × -1 = -1
second and fourth quadrants. n=1
Equation of the tangent:
y
y  3
 1
x  3
y + 3 = -x − 3
y+x+6=0
xy = c2
Equation of the normal
x
y  3
1
x  3
y+3=x+3
y=x

(b) xy = 16
d d
y
( xy )  (16)
dx dx
x dy + y dx = 0
dy
x  y0
dx
dy  y
xy = −c2 
dx x
x
dy 8
  4
dx (2, 8) 2

 -4 is the gradient of the tangent.

y 8
 4
x 2

350
 y − 8 = -4(x – 2) c
y – 8 = -4x + 8 x = ct; y=
t
y + 4x – 16 = 0. This is the equation of the dy dy dt
tangent  
dx dt dx
c
Equation of the normal: y   ct 1
t
dy c
Let gradient of the normal be n  ct 2  2
n × -4 = -1 dt t
1 x = ct
n= dx
4 c
y 8 1 dt
 dy c 1 1
x 2 4   
dx t 2 c t 2
4(y – 8) = x – 2
y  ct 1
4y – x – 30 = 0 
x  ct t 2
 4y – x – 30 = 0. This is the equation of the normal
yt2 – ct = -x + ct
Example II yt2 + x = 2ct
Given that y = mx + d is a tangent to the rectangular  The equation of the tangent is yt2 + x = 2ct
d 2
hyperbola xy = c2, show that m  2 . Let the gradient of the normal be n
4c
1
Solution n × 2 = -1
y = mx + d ……………………….. (i) t
xy = c2…………………………….. (ii) n = t2
y  ct
 t2
Substituting Eqn (i) in Eqn (ii); x  ct
x(mx + d) = c2 c
mx2 + dx – c2 = 0 y
 xt 2  ct 3
t
For tangency, B2 = 4AC yt – c = xt3 – ct4
(d)2 = 4m(-c2) yt – xt3 = c – ct4
d2 = -4mc2 yt – xt3 = c(1 – t4)
d 2 This is the equation of the normal to the rectangular
m 2
4c hyperbola at the point  ct , ct  .

Example II
Parametric Analysis Find the equation of the chord joining the points  ct , c

t
2
and  cT , 
Show that any point on the rectangular hyperbola xy = c c
on the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2.
is represented by  ct , ct  T

Solution
Solution
xy = c2 y
c
x = ct, y=
t
c
c (ct, )
ct ×
t
= c2
t
 xy = c2 is satisfied by the point  ct , .
c x
t

c
Example I (cT, T
)
Find the equation of the tangent and normal to the
rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 at the point  ct , ct  . c
t  Tc
Solution Gradient of the chord =
ct  cT

351
 cT  ct
c(t  T t=2
 tT
 x + t2y – 2ct = 0
c(t  T ) ctT (t  T )
2
1 2 2 2
 When t  ,  x    y  2 4  0
tT 3  
3 3
9x + 4y − 48 = 0
Equation of the chord: When t = 2,  x + (22)y – (2 × 4 × 2) = 0
y  ct 1 x + 4y − 16 = 0

x  ct tT Equations of the tangent at (4, 3) are
ytT – cT = -x + ct x + 4y − 16 = 0 and 9x + 4y − 48 = 0
ytT + x = ct + cT
ytT + x = c(t + T) Example III (UNEB Question)
The normal to the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 at the
Example II (UNEB Question) point  ct , ct  meets the hyperbola again at Q. Find the
Find the equation of the chord joining the points ct1,  c
t1  coordinates of Q
Solution
and  ct2 , c
 on a hyperbola xy = c2.
t2 y
Hence deduce the equation of the tangent at  ct , ct  .
Find the equation of the tangents to the hyperbola x = 4t, y =
c
4/t which passes through point (4, 3) P(ct, t
)
Solution
c
t2
 tc 1
t2
 t1 x
Gradient of PQ  1
 1

ct2  ct1 t2  t1 Q
t1  t2 1
 
t1t2 t2  t1
-  t2  t1  1 -1
   c
t1t2  2 1  2t1
t  t t x = ct; y=
t
y  tc -1 y = ct−1
 1
 dy dy dt
x  ct1 t2 t1  
t1t2 y  ct2   x  ct1 dx dt dx
dy
x  t1t2 y  ct1  ct2  0  ct 2
dt
x  t1t2 y  c  t1  t2   0 dx
c
Required chord is x  t1t2 y  c t1  t2   0 dt
At the tangent, t1  t2  t in the above equation dy c 1 1
  
⟹ x + t2y − 2ct = 0 dx t 2 c t 2
Consider hyperbola x = 4t, y  4 t ; we have coordinates y  ct 1

x  ct t 2
 4t , 4t  . Comparing this with  ct , ct  , we have c = 4 Let the gradient of the normal be n
From x + t2y − 2ct = 0 1
n  2  1  n  t 2
We have x = 4, y = 3, c = 4 t
⟹ 4 + 3t2 − 2 × 4t = 0 y  ct
3t2 − 8t + 4 = 0  t2
x  ct
3t2 − 2t − 6t + 4 = 0 c
t(3t − 2) − 2(3t − 2) = 0 y   xt 2  ct 3
t
(3t − 2)(t − 2) = 0 yt – c = xt2 – ct3
Either : 3t −2 = 0 yt – xt2 = c – ct3
2 yt – xt2 = c – ct3 ………………………. (i)
t
3 xy = c2
Or t−2=0

352
 c2 3
y ……………………………….. (ii) y  3    6
x  y
Substituting Eqn (ii) in Eqn (i);
c2 y 2  9  6 y
 t  xt 2  c  ct 3 y2  6 y  9  0
x
c2t – x2t2 = cx – ct3x For tangency, B2 = 4AC
x2t2 + c(1 – t3)x – c2t = 0 From the above equation, a = 1, b = -6 and c = 9
b2 = (-6)2 = 36
c(1  t 3 )  [c(1  t 3 )]2  4t 2c 2t
x 4ac = 4 × 1 × 9 = 36
2t 2 L.H.S = R.H.S, hence the proof
c(1  t 3 )  c 2 (1  2t 3  t 6  4t 3 )

2t 2 Revision Exercise
c(1  t )  1  2t  t
3 3 6
1. Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of the

2t 2 tangents at the points t1, t2 of the parabola y = 4ax.
c  ct 3  c(1  t 3 ) 2. Points t1, t2 lie on the parabola y = 4ax. Find a relation
x connecting t1, t2 of the line joining the points is a focal
2t 2
c  ct 3  c  ct 3 chord.
x 3. Prove that the tangents at the ends of a focal chord of a
2t 2
parabola are perpendicular.
2ct 3
 2  ct 4. Find the focus of the parabola x2 = 2y.
2t
5. Find the equation of a parabola whose focus is (2, 0) and
c  ct 3  c  ct 3
x directrix y = -2.
2t 2 6. Find the equation of the parabola whose focus is (-1, 1)
2c c
 2  2 and directrix x = y.
2t t 7. Find the gradients of the normal to the parabola y2 = 4ax
2
c at P(at2, 2at) and the gradient of the chord joining P to
From y = ;
x (at12, 2at1). Deduce the coordinates of the point where
c the normal at P cuts the parabola again.
When x = ct, y =
t 8. Prove that the foot of the perpendicular from the focus
c c2 of a parabola on any tangent lies on the tangent at the
When x = 2 , y =  ct 2
t c / t 2
vertex.
 Q( t 2c , -ct2) are the coordinates of Q 9. Find the point on the parabola y2 = 8x where (a) the
tangent and (b) the normal are parallel to the line 2x + y
Example IV = 1.
Prove that y = -3x + 6 is a tangent to a rectangular 10. The tangents at the end of the focal chord meet each
hyperbola whose parametric co- coordinates are of the other at P and the tangent at the vertex at Q, R. Show
 3 that the centroid of the triangle PQR lies on the line 3x +
form  3t , 
 t  a= 0.
Solution 11. Find the point of intersection of the normal at the points
x  3t ............................. (i) t1, t2 of the parabola y2 = 4ax
12. Prove that at any point (h, k), three normal can be drawn
3
y .............................. (ii) to a parabola.
t
13. If the normal from a point (h, k) meet the parabola y2 =
3
From Eqn (ii), t  4ax at three points t1, t2, t3, show that t1 + t2 + t3 = 0
y 14. PQ is a variable chord of a parabola. If the chords
Substituting for t in Eqn (i) joining A to P and Q are perpendicular, show that PQ
3 3 meets the axis of the parabola in a fixed point R, and
x  3 
y y find the length of AR.
Substituting for x into y = -3x + 6

353
15. Find the equations of the tangents to the parabola y2 = 31. Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of the
4ax from the point (16a, 17a). x2 y 2
16. If the tangents at the end of the focal chord of a parabola tangents to the ellipse   1 at the point whose
a 2 b2
meet the tangent at the vertex in C, D. Prove that CD
eccentric angles are θ, φ.
subtends a right angle at the focus.
32. Write down the equations of the tangents to
17. Show that the equation x2 + 4x – 8y – 4 = 0 represents a
x2 y 2
parabola whose focus is at (-2, 1). Find the equation of (a)   1 with gradient 2
the tangents at the vertex. 4 9
18. Prove that x = 3t2 + 1 and y = ½(3t + 1) are the (b) x2 + 3y2 = 3 with gradient -1
parametric equations of a parabola and find its vertex (c) 4x2 + 9y2 = 144 with gradient ½.
and length of the latus rectum. 33. Prove that the line x – 2y + 10 = 0 touches the ellipse 9x2
19. Find the focus of the parabola y = 2x2 + 3x – 5. + 64y2 = 576
3 1 34. Find the equations of the tangents to the ellipse x2 + 4y2 =
20. Prove that the line y = 3x + m  touches the 4 which are perpendicular to the line 2x – 3y = 1
4 m
35. The line y = x – c touches the ellipse 9x2 + 16y2 = 144.
parabola y2 = 4x + 3 whatever the value of m.
Find the value of c and the coordinates of the point of
21. If ax + by + c = 0 touches the parabola x2 = 4y, find the
contact.
equation connecting a, b and c.
36. Find the condition for the line y = mx + c to cut the
22. A parabola symmetrical about the axis of y passes
x2 y 2
through the points (1, 3) and (2, 0). Find its equation and ellipse   1 in two distinct points.
that of the tangent at (1, 3). a 2 b2
23. A variable chord of the parabola y2 = 4ax has a fixed x2 y 2
gradient k. Find the locus of the midpoint.
37. The line y = mx + c touches the ellipse  1.
a 2 b2
24. Find the foci and directrices of the ellipse Prove that the foot of the perpendicular from a focus onto
(a) 4x2 + 9y2 = 36 this line lies on the auxiliary circle x2 + y2 = a2
(b) x2 + 16y2 = 25 38. Find the locus of the foot of the perpendicular from the
25. Write down the equation of the tangent to
x2 y 2
2
x y2 centre of the ellipse   1 onto any tangent.
(a)   1 at (3cosθ, 2sinθ) a 2 b2
9 4 39. P is any point on the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2. Show
(b) 9x2 + 2y2 = 9 at (1, -2) that the line joining P to the centre and the tangent at P
26. Find the equation of the normal to are equally inclined to the asymptotes.
(a) 9x2 + 16y2 = 25 at (1, 1)
x2 y 2
(b) x2 + 2y = 9 at (1, -2) 40. P is any point on the hyperbola   1 and Q is the
a 2 b2
27. A point moves so that its distance from (3, 2) is half its
point (a, b). Find the locus of the point dividing PQ in the
distance from the line 2x + 3y = 1. Why is the locus an
ratio 2:1.
ellipse? Find the equation of the major axis.
41. Prove that the product of the lengths of the perpendicular
28. P is any point on an ellipse. S, S' are the foci. Prove
from any point of a hyperbola to its asymptote is
directly from the focus-directrix definition of the ellipse
constant.
that SP + S'P = 2a, where 2a is the length of the major
42. Find the coordinates of the point at which the normal at
axis.
29. Find the equation of the tangents to the ellipse  ct , c t  meets the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 again.
x2 y 2 43. Any tangent to the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 meets
  1 at the end of the latus rectum which lies in the asymptote at L and M. Find the locus of the midpoint
a 2 b2
the 1st quadrant. of LM.
30. The tangent at P to an ellipse meets a directrix at Q. 44. Find the equation of the chord of the hyperbola xy = c2
Prove that lines joining corresponding focus to P and Q whose midpoint is (x1, y1).
are perpendicular. 45. Show that, in general four normal can be drawn from any
point to the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2
46. Find the locus of the foot of the perpendicular from the
origin onto a tangent to the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2.

354
47. Find the locus of the point of intersection of area of the rectangle and show that when m = 3, the area
is 32 c 2 .
2 2
perpendicular tangents to the hyperbola x  y  1 .
2 2
a b 5
48. Find the locus of the foot of the perpendicular from the 55. Find the equation of the chord joining P (cp, c p ) and
x2 y 2 Q(cq, c
q) on xy = c2. If the chord is also a normal at P,
origin to the tangent of the hyperbola   1.
a 2 b2 prove that p3q + 1 = 0. If in this case, the normal at Q
2 2
x y cuts the hyperbola again at R, prove that PR has equation
49. PQ is a variable chord of the hyperbola  2 1
a 2
b x + p10y = cp(1 + p8).
with constant gradient m1. Show that the locus of the 56. The chord through two variable points P and Q on the
midpoint of PQ is a diameter with gradient m2 such that rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 cuts the x-axis at R. If S is
the midpoint of PQ and O is the origin, prove that the
b2
m1m2  . triangle OSR is isosceles. Show that if OP, OQ and OS
a2
make angles θ1, θ2 and θ3 respectively with OR, then
50. The perpendicular from the foci of the hyperbola b2x2 –
tan2θ3 = tam θ1tanθ2.
a2y2 = a2b2 onto any tangent are or lengths P1, P2. Prove
57. If the normal at P(ap2, 2ap) to the parabola y2 = 4ax
that |P1P2| = b2.
meets the curve again at Q(aq2, 2aq), prove that p2 + pq +
51. (a) P1(at12, 2at1), and P2(t22, 2at2) are points on the
2 = 0. Prove that the locus of the point of intersection of
parabola y2 = 4ax. Derive the equation of the chord P1P2
the tangents to the parabola at P and Q is y2(x + 2a) + 4a3
in the form 2x – (t1 + t2)y + 2at1t2 = 0. Hence or
= 0.
otherwise find in terms of t, the equation of the normal
58. If the normal at P(ap2, 2ap) on y2 = 4ax meets the y-axis
to the parabola at the point P(at2, 2at).
at Q and PQ is produced to R such that PQ = QR. Find in
(b) The normal to the parabola y2 = 4ax at the point
terms of P the coordinates of R and show that the locus of
P(at2, 2at) cuts the x-axis at Q. R is the midpoint of PQ.
R is ay2 + 4x(x – a)2 = 0.
As t tarries, find the Cartesian equation of the locus of R.
59. (a) Show that the line y = ma + d touches the parabola y2
52. (a) Show that the line x + y touches the ellipse
1 cm
x2 y 2 = Ax + By + C if d  ( A  Bm) 2  .
  1 and find the coordinates of the point P of 4mA A
12 4 (b) Given that O is the vertex of the parabola y2 = 4ax
contact. and P is a point on the parabola, find the coordinates of
(b) Given that the hyperbola xy = c2 passes through P the point of intersection of the normal at P and the
above, show that the acute angle between the ellipse perpendicular bisector of the line OP.
and the hyperbola at P is tan 1  12  . c
60. (a) x = ct, y  , where c > 0 is an equation of a
(c) Find the distance between the two focal chords of t
the ellipse above which are perpendicular to the line rectangular hyperbola. Find the equation of its normal
x+y=4 and tangent at  ct , c
t .
53. (a) Write down the equation of the tangent at
(b) The tangent at a point A to the curves xy = c2 meets
P(ap2, 2ap) to the parabola y2 = 4ax
the y-axis at point B. The line through B parallel to
(b) The tangent to the points P(ap2, 2ap) and Q(aq2,
the x-axis meets the curve at D. If E is the foot of the
2aq) on this parabola meet at right angles at T and
perpendicular from A on the x-axis, prove that DE is
the normal at P and Q meet at N. Find the
the tangent to the curve at D.
coordinates of the point T and show that p + q = a.
61. The tangents to the parabola y2 = 4ax with vertex O(0,0)
(c) Show also that in this case, if P and Q vary, the
at the point (at2, 2at) meets the directrix at Q. Show that
locus of N is a parabola.
SP and SQ are perpendicular, where S is the focus of the
54. The line y = mx + c meets the hyperbola xy = c2 (c > 0) at
parabola. A perpendicular from the vertex meets the
points R and S. Prove that the tangents to the hyperbola
tangent at B. find the locus of the midpoint of B.
at R and S are parallel. Find the distance between the
parallel tangents and show that as m varies, the maximum Answers
distance between them is 2c 2 . The tangents and 1. (at1t2, a(t1 + t2)) 2. t1t2 = -1
normals at R and S together form a rectangle. Find the 3. (0, ½) 5. (x – 2)2 = 4(y + 1).

355
6. (x + y)2 + 4(x – y + 1) = 0
2
7. –t, ,  a(t  2t )2 ,  2a(t  2t ) 
(t1  t )
9. (a) (½, -2) (b) (8, 8)
11. (a(t12 + t1t2 + t22 + 2), -at1t2(t1 + t2) 14. 4a
15. x – y + a = 0, x – 16y + 256a = 0
17. y + 1 = 0 18. (1, ½), ¾ 19. (-3/4, -6)
21. a2 = bc 22. y = 4 – x2, 2x + y – 5 = 0
2a
23. y 
k
24. (a)   5, 0  , x   9 35 (b)   5, 0  , x   4 315
25. (a) 2xcosθ + 3ysinθ – 6 = 0 (b) 9x + 16y – 25 = 0
26. (a) 16x – 9y – 7 = 0 (b) 4x + y – 2 = 0
27. 3x – 2y – 5 = 0
29. ex + y – a = 0
31.  a cos 2 (   ) , b sin 2 (   ) 
1 1

 cos 2 (   )
1
sin 2 (   ) 
1

32. (a) 2x – y±5 = 0 (b) x + y ± 2 = 0 (c) x – 2y±10 = 0

34. 3x + 2y  10  0
35. ±5, (16/5, -a/5), (-16/5, a/5)
36. c2 < a2m2 + b2
38. (x2 + y2)2 = a2x2 + b2y2
40. ab2x2 – 9a2y2 – 12ab2x + 12a2by – a2b2 = 0
42.  c t 3 ,  ct 3  43. xy = c2
44. y1x + x1y – 2x1y = 0 46. (x2 + y2)2 = 4c2xy
47. x2 + y2 = a2 – b2 48. (x2 + y2)2 = a2x2 – b2y2

356