Topic 4. Conics.

Level 2.
Problem CON2_1. For the ellipse x 2 + 2 y 2 = 4 , find (a) the eccentricity, (b) the coordinates of
the foci, (c) the equations of the directrices. Sketch the ellipse.

1
Answer: (a) ; (b) (± 2 ,0) ; (c) x = ±2 2 .
2

Explanation:

y
x = −2 2 2 x=2 2

S ′( − 2 ,0) S( 2 ,0)
-2 0 2 x

− 2

x2 y2 a = 2, b = 2 ⇒ b < a
x2 + 2y2 = 4 , + =1, ,
4 2 b 2 = a 2 (1 − e 2 )
2 1
eccentricity: e = 1− =
4 2
foci: (±ae,0) ⇒ ( ± 2 ,0)
a
directrices: x = ± ⇒ x = ±2 2 .
e

Problem CON2_2. For the hyperbola x2 − y2 = 4 , find (a) the eccentricity, (b) the coordinates
of the foci, (c) the equations of the directrices, (d) the equations of the asymptotes. Sketch the
hyperbola.

Answer: (a) 2 ; (b) (±2 2 ,0) ; (c) x = ± 2 ; (d) y = ± x .

Explanation:
 y
x=− 2 x= 2
y=x

S ′( −2 2 ,0) S(2 2 ,0)

−2 2 x
0

y = −x

x2 y2 a = 2, b = 2
x2 − y2 = 4 , − =1, 2 ,
4 4 b = a 2 (e 2 − 1)
4
eccentricity: e = 1+ = 2
4
foci: (±ae,0) ⇒ ( ±2 2 ,0)
a
directrices: x=± ⇒x=± 2
e
b
asymptotes: y = ± x ⇒ y = ±x
a

2
Problem CON2_3. The ellipse has eccentricity and directrices x = −9 and x = 9 . Find the
3
equation of the ellipse.

x2 y2
Answer: + =1.
36 20

2
Explanation: We have the eccentricity e = and the directrices x = ±9 of the ellipse
3
x2 y2 a 2
+ = 1 . But the directrices have equations x = ± . Therefore a = 9 ⋅ = 6 . Then
a2 b2 e 3
 4 x2 y2
b 2 = a 2 (1 − e 2 ) = 36 ⋅ 1 −  = 20 . Hence the Cartesian equation of the ellipse is + =1.
 9 36 20

5
Problem CON2_4. The hyperbola has eccentricity and foci (−5,0) and (5,0) . Find the
4
equation of the hyperbola.
 x2 y2
Answer: − =1.
16 9

5
Explanation: We have the eccentricity e = and the foci (±5,0) of the hyperbola
4
x2 y2 4
− = 1 . But the coordinates of the foci are (± ae,0) . Therefore a = 5 ⋅ = 4 . Then
2 2 5
a b
 25  x2 y2
b 2 = a 2 (e 2 − 1) = 16 ⋅  − 1 = 9 . Hence the Cartesian equation of the hyperbola is − =1.
 16  16 9

Problem CON2_5. A variable point P( x , y ) moves so that its distance from (0,1) is one-half its
distance from y = 4 . Find the locus of P.

x2 y2
Answer: + =1.
3 4

Explanation:

y
m M
4

2
P( x , y)

S(0,1)

0 3 x

The locus of a variable point P( x , y ) is the ellipse with focus at S (0,1) , directrix m : y = 4 and
1
eccentricity e = . Let M be the foot of the perpendicular from P to m . Then M has
2
coordinates (x, 4) .
2
1
PS = e ⋅ PM ⇒ x 2 + ( y − 1) 2 =   ( y − 4) 2
2
 1
x 2 + y 2 1 −  = 4 − 1.
 4
x2 y2
Therefore the Cartesian equation of the ellipse is + =1.
3 4
 x2 y2
Problem CON2_6. A point P lies on the hyperbola − = 1 with foci S and S ′ . Find PS ′
9 72
if PS = 8 .

Answer: 14 or 2.

Explanation:

y
m′ m

M′ M
P

S ′ ( − ae,0) S (ae,0)
−a 0 a x

a a
x=− x=
e e
x2 y2
Let m and m′ be the directrices of the hyperbola − = 1 . Then for P on the curve, both
a2 b2
PS = e ⋅ PM and PS ′ = e ⋅ PM ′ , where M and M ′ are the feet of the perpendiculars from P
to m and m′ respectively. Therefore PS − PS ′ = e PM − PM ′ = eMM ′ . Thus PS − PS ′ = 2a .
x2 y2
For the hyperbola − = 1 a = 3 . Hence PS − PS ′ = 6 . Since b 2 = 72 ,
9 72
b2 72
e= +1 = + 1 = 3 . Therefore the coordinates of the foci are (±9,0) . If PS = 8 , then
2 9
a
PS ′ − 8 = 6 . Thus PS ′ = 14 or 2.

Problem CON2_7. A hyperbola has center at the origin and foci on the x-axis. The distance
between the foci is 16 units and the distance between the directrices is 4 units. Find the equation
of the hyperbola.

x2 y2
Answer: − =1.
16 48

Explanation: Since foci of a hyperbola are on the x -axes, then the equation of the hyperbola is
x2 y2
− = 1 . Thus we need to find the parameters a and b . Coordinates of the foci are ( ±ae,0) .
a2 b2
a
Therefore the distance between the foci is 2ae = 16 . The equations of the directrices are x = ± .
e
 a
Hence the distance between the directrices is 2 ⋅ = 4 . Thus we have two equations ae = 8 and
e
a 8
= 2 . From the first equation we get e = . Substituting the expression for the e to the second
e a
8
equation we obtain a 2 = 16 . Therefore a = 4 and e = = 2 .
4
Then b = a (e − 1) = 16 ⋅ (4 − 1) = 48 . Hence the Cartesian equation of the hyperbola is
2 2 2

x2 y2
− = 1.
16 48

x2 y2
Problem CON2_8. Show that the equation + = 1 , where k is a real number,
29 − k 4 − k
represents (i) an ellipse if k < 4 ; (ii) a hyperbola if 4 < k < 29 . Show that the foci of each ellipse
in (i) and each hyperbola in (ii) are independent of the value of k.

x2 y2
Explanation: (i) If k < 4 , then 29 − k > 0 and 4 − k > 0 . Therefore + = 1 is an ellipse
29 − k 4 − k
a2 − b2
with a = 29 − k and b = 4 − k . Since b < a , then b 2 = a 2 (1 − e 2 ) . Hence e = and
a
the foci have coordinates (± ae,0) =  ± a 2 − b 2 ,0  = (±5,0) . Thus the foci of the ellipse are
 
independent of the value of k .
x2 y2
(ii) If 4 < k < 29 , then 29 − k > 0 and 4 − k < 0 . Therefore + = 1 is a hyperbola with
29 − k 4 − k
a2 + b2
a = 29 − k and b = k − 4 . For the hyperbola b 2 = a 2 (e 2 − 1) . Hence e = and the foci
a
have coordinates (± ae,0) =  ± a 2 + b 2 ,0  = ( ±5,0) . Thus the foci of the hyperbola are
 
independent of the value of k .

Problem CON2_9. Find the parametric equations of:

(a) The ellipse x 2 + 4 y 2 = 4 ;
(b) The hyperbola x2 − y2 = 4 .

Answer: (a) x = 2 cos θ , y = sin θ ; (b) x = 2 sec θ , y = 2 tan θ .

x2 y2
Explanation: (a) Cartesian equation of the ellipse is x 2 + 4 y 2 = 4 . Then + = 1 . Hence
4 1
a = 2 and b = 1 . Therefore the ellipse has parametric equations x = 2 cos θ and y = sin θ ,
−π<θ≤ π.
x2 y2
(b) Cartesian equation of the hyperbola is x2 − y2 = 4 . Then − = 1 . Hence a = 2 and
4 4
b = 2 . Therefore the hyperbola has parametric equations x = 2 sec θ and y = 2 tan θ ,
π
−π < θ ≤ π,θ ≠ ± .
2
Problem CON2_10. Find the Cartesian equations of :
(a) The ellipse x = 5 cos θ , y = 4 sin θ ;
(b) The hyperbola x = 2 sec θ , y = 5 tan θ .

2 2 2 2
x y x y
Answer: (a) + = 1 ; (b) − =1 .
25 16 4 25

Explanation:

(a) The ellipse has parametric equations x = 5 cos θ , y = 4 sin θ . Therefore

2 2 2 2
x y x y
+ = cos 2 θ + sin 2 θ = 1 . Hence the Cartesian equation of the ellipse is + =1 .
25 16 25 16
(b) The hyperbola has parametric equations x = 2 sec θ , y = 5 tan θ . Therefore
2 2 2 2
x y x y
− = sec 2 θ − tan 2 θ = 1 . Hence the Cartesian equation of the hyperbola is − =1 .
4 25 4 25

Problem CON2_11. The points P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) and Q [ a sec ( π − θ), b tan ( π − θ)] lie on the
2 2
x y
hyperbola − = 1 . Show that PQ passes through ( 0 ,0 ) .
2 2
a b

2 2
x y
Explanation: The equation of the chord PQ of the hyperbola − = 1 is
2 2
a b
x  θ− φ y θ+φ θ+φ
cos   − sin   = cos   , where P , Q have parameters θ , φ . We have φ = π − θ .
a  2  b  2   2 
x  2θ − π  y  π  π
Hence the equation of the chord PQ transforms into cos   − sin   = cos   . Thus
a  2  b 2 2
x y
sin θ − = 0 . Therefore ( 0 ,0 ) lies on the chord PQ .
a b

Problem CON2_12. The points P ( a cos θ, b sin θ) and Q ( a cos φ, b sin φ) lie on the ellipse
2 2 2
x y θ φ b
+ = 1 . If PQ subtends a right angle at ( a , 0 ) . Show that tan tan =− .
2 2 2 2 2
a b a

Explanation:
y
2 2
x y
+ 2 =1 P(a cos θ, b sin θ)
2
a b b

A(a ,0)
−a O a x

Q(a cos φ, b sin φ)

−b
 2
PAQ is a right-angled triangle. Therefore AP + AQ 2 = PQ 2 .
2 2
a (cos θ − 1) + b 2 sin 2 θ + a 2 (cos φ − 1) 2 + b 2 sin 2 φ = a 2 (cos θ − cos φ) 2 + b 2 (sin θ − sin φ) 2 .
Then − 2 a 2 cos θ + a 2 − 2 a 2 cos φ + a 2 = −2 a 2 cos θ cos φ − 2 b 2 sin θ sin φ ,
2
b
cos θ + cos φ − 1 − cos θ cos φ = sin θ sin φ ,
2
a
2
 2 θ  2 φ  2 θ  2 φ b  θ θ  φ φ
 1 − 2 sin +
  1 − 2 sin  − 1 −  1 − 2 sin  1 − 2 sin  =  2 sin cos  2 sin cos  ,
 2  2  2  2 a2  2 2  2 2
2
θ θ b  θ θ  φ φ
− 4 sin 2 sin
2
=  2 sin cos  2 sin cos  .
a  2  2
2 2 2 2 2
2
θ φ b
Hence tan tan =− .
2 2 2
a

Problem CON2_13. The points P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) and Q ( a sec φ, b tan φ) lie on the hyperbola
2 2 2
x y θ φ b
− = 1 . If PQ subtends a right angle at ( a , 0 ) . Show that tan tan =− .
2 2 2 2 2
a b a

Explanation:

y
P(a sec θ, b tan θ)

A(a ,0)
O x

x2 y2
− =1
a2 b2
Q(a sec φ, b tan φ)

2
PAQ is a right-angled triangle. Therefore AP + AQ 2 = PQ 2 .
2 2
a (sec θ − 1) + b 2 tan 2 θ + a 2 (sec φ − 1) 2 + b 2 tan 2 φ = a 2 (sec θ − sec φ) 2 + b 2 (tan θ − tan φ) 2
Then − 2 a 2 sec θ + a 2 − 2 a 2 sec φ + a 2 = −2 a 2 sec θ sec φ − 2 b 2 tan θ tan φ ,
2
b
cos θ + cos φ − 1 − cos θ cos φ = sin θ sin φ ,
2
a
2
 2 θ  2 φ  2 θ  2 φ b  θ θ  φ φ
1 − 2 sin  + 1 − 2 sin  − 1 − 1 − 2 sin 1 − 2 sin  = 2  2 sin cos  2 sin cos  ,
 2  2  2  2 a  2 2  2 2

θ θ b2  θ θ  φ φ
− 4 sin 2 sin 2 = 2  2 sin cos  2 sin cos  .
2 2 a  2 2  2 2
 2
θ φ b
Hence tan tan =− .
2 2 2
a

Problem CON2_14. The points P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) and Q [ a sec ( −θ), b tan ( −θ)] are the
2 2
x y
extremeties of the latus rectum x = ae of the hyperbola − = 1 . Show that (a) sec θ = e ; (b)
2 2
a b
2b 2
PQ has length .
a

Explanation: (a) Chord PQ has equation x = ae , P has coordinates ( a sec θ, b tan θ) . Hence
a sec θ = ae . Thus sec θ = e .
2
(b) Length of the chord PQ is b tan θ − b tan( −θ) = 2 b tan θ = 2 b sec θ − 1 = 2 b e 2 − 1 . But for
2 2
x y
the hyperbola − = 1 we have b 2 = a 2 ( e 2 − 1) . Therefore the length of the chord PQ is
2 2
a b
2
b 2b
2b ⋅ = .
a a

2 2
x y
Problem CON2_15. The point P ( a cos θ, b sin θ) lies on the ellipse + = 1 with foci
2 2
a b
S (al , 0 ) and S ′( − al , 0 ) . Show that (a) PS = a (1 − e cos θ) and P S ′ = a (1 + e cos θ) ;
(b) PS + P S ′ = 2 a .

2
Explanation: (a) Length of PS is ( a cos θ − ae ) + ( b sin θ) 2 = a 2 (cos θ − e ) 2 + b 2 sin 2 θ . For
2 2
x y
the ellipse + = 1 we have b 2 = a 2 (1 − e 2 ) . Therefore the length of PS is
2 2
a b
2 2
a (cos θ − e ) + a 2 (1 − e 2 ) sin 2 θ = a cos 2 θ − 2 e cos θ + e 2 + sin 2 θ − e 2 sin 2 θ =
2
a (cos θ + sin 2 θ) − 2 e cos θ + e 2 (1 − sin 2 θ) = a 1 − 2 e cos θ + e 2 cos 2 θ = a (1 − e cos θ) 2
Hence the length of PS is a (1 − e cos θ) .
2
Length of P S ′ is ( a cos θ + ae ) + ( b sin θ) 2 = a 2 (cos θ + e ) 2 + b 2 sin 2 θ . For the ellipse
2 2
x y
+ = 1 we have b 2 = a 2 (1 − e 2 ) . Therefore the length of P S ′ is
2 2
a b
2 2
a (cos θ + e ) + a 2 (1 − e 2 ) sin 2 θ = a cos 2 θ + 2 e cos θ + e 2 + sin 2 θ − e 2 sin 2 θ =
2
a (cos θ + sin 2 θ) + 2 e cos θ + e 2 (1 − sin 2 θ) = a 1 + 2 e cos θ + e 2 cos 2 θ = a (1 + e cos θ) 2
Hence the length of P S ′ is a (1 + e cos θ) .
(b) PS + P S ′ = a (1 − e cos θ) + a (1 + e cos θ) = 2 a .

Problem CON2_16. Find the equations of the tangent and the normal to the ellipse
2 2
3 x + 4 y = 48 at the point ( 2 , −3) .

Answer: x −2 y = 8 , 2x + y =1.
 2 2 2 2
x y x y
Explanation: 3 x 2 + 4 y 2 = 48 ⇒ + = 1 . The tangent to the ellipse + = 1 at the point
16 12 16 12
2 2
2x − 3y x y
( 2 , −3) has equation + = 1 ⇒ x − 2 y = 8 . The normal to the ellipse + = 1 at the
16 12 16 12
16 x 12 y
point ( 2 , −3) has equation − = 16 − 12 ⇒ 2 x + y = 1 .
2 −3

Problem CON2_17. Find the equation of the tangent and the normal to the hyperbola
9 x 2 − 2 y 2 = 18 at the point ( 2 , −3) .

Answer: 3 x + y = 3 , x − 3 y = 11 .

2 2 2 2
x y x y
Explanation: 9 x 2 − 2 y 2 = 18 ⇒ − = 1 . The tangent to the hyperbola − = 1 at the
2 9 2 9
2 2
2x −3y x y
point ( 2 , −3) has equation − = 1 ⇒ 3 x + y = 3 . The normal to the hyperbola − = 1 at
2 9 2 9
2x 9y
the point ( 2 , −3) has equation + = 2 + 9 ⇒ x − 3 y = 11 .
2 −3

Problem CON2_18. Find the equations of the tangent and the normal to the ellipse
π
x = 4 cos θ, y = 2 sin θ at the point where θ = − .
4

Answer: x −2y = 4 2 , 2x + y = 3 2 .

π
Explanation: The tangent to the ellipse x = 4 cos θ, y = 2 sin θ at the point where θ = − has
4
 π  π
x cos  −  y sin  − 
equation  4 +  4  = 1 ⇒ x − 2 y = 4 2 . The normal to the ellipse
4 2
π
x = 4 cos θ, y = 2 sin θ at the point where θ = − has equation
4
4x 2y
− = 16 − 4 ⇒ 2 x + y = 3 2 .
 π  π
cos  −  sin  −

 4  4

Problem CON2_19. Find the equation of the tangent and the normal to the hyperbola
π
x = 2 sec θ, y = 4 tan θ at the point where θ = − .
4

Answer: 2 2 x + y = 4 , x − 2 2 y = 10 2 .

π
Explanation: The tangent to the hyperbola x = 2 sec θ, y = 4 tan θ at the point where θ = − has
4
 π  π
x sec  −  y tan  − 
equation  4−  4  = 1 ⇒ 2 2 x + y = 4 . The normal to the hyperbola
2 4
 π
x = 2 sec θ, y = 4 tan θ at the point where θ = − has equation
4
2x 4y
+ = 4 + 16 ⇒ x − 2 2 y = 10 2 .
 π  π
sec  −  tan  − 
 4  4

Problem CON2_20. Find the equation of the chord of contact of tangents to the ellipse
3 x 2 + 4 y 2 = 48 from the point ( 6 , 4 ) .

Answer: 9 x + 8 y = 24 .

2 2
x y
Explanation: 3 x 2 + 4 y 2 = 48 ⇒ + = 1 . The chord of contact of tangents from the point
16 12
2 2
x y 6x 4y
( 6,4 ) to the ellipse + = 1 has equation + = 1 ⇒ 9 x + 8 y = 24 .
16 12 16 12

Problem CON2_21. Find the equation of the chord of contact of tangents to the hyperbola
9 x 2 − 2 y 2 = 18 from the point (1, 2 ) .

Answer: 9 x − 4 y = 18 .

2 2
x y
Explanation: 9 x 2 − 2 y 2 = 18 ⇒ − = 1 . The chord of contact of tangents from the point
2 9
2 2
x y x 2y
(1,2) to the hyperbola − = 1 has equation − = 1 ⇒ 9 x − 4 y = 18 .
2 9 2 9

2 2
x y
Problem CON2_22. The point P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) lies on the hyperbola − = 1 . The
2 2
a b
PX
tangent at P cuts the x-axis at X and the y-axis at Y. Show that = sin 2 θ and deduce that if P
PY
2
PX e −1
is an extremity of a latus rectum, then = .
PY 2
e

2 2
x y
Explanation: The tangent to the hyperbola − = 1 at the point P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) has
2 2
a b
x sec θ y tan θ
equation − = 1 . Point X has coordinates (a cos θ,0 ) and point Y has coordinates
a b
(0 , −b cot θ) . Hence
2
PX = ( a sec θ − a cos θ) 2 + b 2 tan 2 θ = a 2 cos 2 θ tan 4 θ + b 2 tan 2 θ ,
2
PY = a 2 sec 2 θ + ( b tan θ + b cot θ) 2 = a 2 sec 2 θ + b 2 sec 2 θ cosec 2
θ.
2
PX sin θ( a 2 tan 2 θ + b 2 sec 2 θ)
Therefore = = sin 2 θ . If P is an extremity of a latus rectum,
PY 2 2 2 2 2
cosec θ( a tan θ + b sec θ)
2
1 PX PX 1 e −1
then a sec θ = ± ae . Thus cos θ = ± . But = 1 − cos 2 θ . Hence =1− = .
e PY PY 2 2
e e
 2 2
x y
Problem CON2_23. The point P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) lies on the hyperbola − = 1 . The
2 2
a b
tangent at P meets the asymptotes at the points M and N. Show that PM = PN .

2 2
x y
Explanation: The tangent to the hyperbola − = 1 at the point P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) has
2 2
a b
x sec θ y tan θ b
equation − = 1 . This tangent meets the asymptote y = x at the point
a b a
 cos θ cos θ  b
M a ,b  and meets the asymptote y = − x at the point
 1 − sin θ 1 − sin θ  a
 cos θ cos θ 
N a , −b  . Hence
 1 + sin θ 1 + sin θ 
2 2
2  cos θ   cos θ  2 2 2 2
PM =  a sec θ − a  +  b tan θ − b  = a tan θ + b sec θ ,
 1 − sin θ   1 − sin θ 
2 2
2 cos θ   cos θ  2 2 2 2
PN =  a sec θ − a  +  b tan θ + b  = a tan θ + b sec θ .
 1 + sin θ   1 + sin θ 
Therefore PM = PN .

Problem CON2_24. Show that the tangents at the endpoints of a focal chord of the hyperbola
2 2
x y
− = 1 meet on the corresponding directrix.
2 2
a b

2 2
x y
Explanation: Let PQ be a focal chord of the hyperbola − = 1 . If tangents at P and Q
2 2
a b
xx 0 yy 0
meet in T (x0 , y0 ) , then PQ has equation − = 1 . Hence if S ( ae ,0 ) lies on PQ , then
2 2
a b
a a a
x0 = and T lies on the directrix x = ; if S ′( − ae ,0 ) lies on PQ , then x0 = − and T lies on
e e e
a
the directrix x =− .
e

2 2
x y
Problem CON2_25. The point P ( a cos θ, b sin θ) lies on the ellipse + = 1 . The tangent at
2 2
a b
P meets the tangents at the ends of the major axis at Q and R. Show that QR subtends a right
 2 2 2
angle at either focus. Deduce that if P is the point 1,  lies on the ellipse x + y 2 = 1 with
 3  9
foci S and S ′ , then Q , S , R , S ′ are concyclic, and find the equation of the circle through these
points.

2
2  3  73
Answer: x +  y −  = .
 2 2  8

Explanation:
 y
R
C P(a cos θ, b sin θ)
Q

S ′ (− ae,0) O S (ae,0) x

x2 y2
+ =1
x = −a a 2 b2 x=a

Let the tangent at P meet x=a , x = −a in Q , R respectively. Let QR meet the y -axis in C .
x cos θ y sin θ
Tangent PR has equation + =1.
a b
 b (1 − cos θ)   b (1 + cos θ) 
Hence Q has coordinates  a ,  and R has coordinates  − a , .
 sin θ   sin θ 
2
b (1 − cos θ) b (1 + cos θ) b 1 − cos 2 θ
Gradient QS × gradient RS = ⋅ =− ⋅ .
a (1 − e ) sin θ − a (1 + e ) sin θ 2
a (1 − e )
2
sin
2
θ
2
Then b = a 2 (1 − e 2 ) ⇒ gradient QS × gradient RS = −1 ∴ QS ⊥ RS . Similarly, replacing e by − e ,
Q S ′ ⊥ R S ′ . Hence QR subtends angles of 90 ° at each of S and S ′ , and Q , S , R , S ′ are
concyclic, with QR the diameter of the circle through the points. The y -axis is the
perpendicular bisector of the chord S S ′ , hence the center of this circle is the point C where the
diameter QR meets the y -axis.
 2 2 2
If P 1,  lies on the ellipse x + y 2 = 1 , then QR has equation x + 2 2 y = 1 and meets the
 3  9 9 3


y -axis in C  0 ,
3  8
 . Also b 2 = a 2 (1 − e 2 ) gives e 2 = , and S has coordinates 2 2 ,0 . Hence
9
( )
 2 2
2
2 73  3 2  73
CS = and the circle through Q , S , R , S ′ has equation x +  y −  = .
8  2 2  8

2 2
x y
Problem CON2_26. The point P ( a cos θ, b sin θ) lies on the ellipse + = 1 . The tangent at
2 2
a b
PX
P cuts the x-axis at X and the y-axis at Y. Show that = tan 2 θ and deduce that if P is an
PY
2
PX 1−e
extremity of a latus rectum, then = .
PY 2
e
 2 2
x y
Explanation: The tangent to the ellipse + = 1 at the point P ( a cos θ, b sin θ) has equation
2 2
a b
x cos θ y sin θ
+ = 1 . Point X has coordinates (a sec θ,0 ) and point Y has coordinates
a b
(0 , b cosec θ) . Hence
2
PX = ( a cos θ − a sec θ) 2 + b 2 sin 2 θ = a 2 sin 2 θ tan 2 θ + b 2 sin 2 θ ,
2
PY = a 2 cos 2 θ + ( b sin θ − b cosec θ) 2 = a 2 cos 2 θ + b 2 cos 2 θ cot 2 θ .
2
PX tan θ( a 2 sin 2 θ + b 2 cos 2 θ)
Therefore = = tan 2 θ . If P is an extremity of a latus rectum,
PY 2
cot θ( a 2 sin 2 θ + b 2 cos 2 θ)
PX 1 − e2
then a cos θ = ± ae . Thus cos θ = ± e . Hence = .
PY 2
e

2 2
x y
Problem CON2_27. The point P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) lies on the hyperbola − = 1 . The
2 2
a b
2
PX b
normal at P cuts the x-axis at X and the y-axis at Y. Show that = .
PY 2
a

2 2
x y
Explanation: The normal to the hyperbola − = 1 at the point P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) has
2 2
a b
ax by a2 +b2 
equation = a 2 + b 2 . Point X has coordinates 
+ sec θ, 0  and point Y has
sec θ tan θ  a 
 
 a +b2 2 
coordinates  0 , tan θ  . Hence
 b 
 
2
 
( )
2 2 4 2
a +b  sec 2 θ + b 2 tan 2 θ = b sec 2 θ + b 2 tan 2 θ = b b 2 sec 2 θ + a 2 tan 2 θ ,
PX
2
= a −
 a  2 2
  a a
2
 
( )
2 2 4 2
a +b  tan 2 θ = a 2 sec 2 θ + a tan 2 θ = a b 2 sec 2 θ + a 2 tan 2 θ .
PY
2
= a sec θ +  b −
2 2
 b  2 2
  b b
b 2 2
b sec θ + a 2 tan 2 θ 2
PX b
Therefore =a = .
PY a 2 2 2 2 2
b sec θ + a tan θ a
b

2 2
x y
Problem CON2_28. The point P ( a cos θ, b sin θ) lies on the ellipse + = 1 . The tangent at
2 2
a b
P cuts the y-axis at B and Y is the foot of the perpendicular from P to the y-axis. Show that
2
OY ⋅ OB = b .

2 2
x y
Explanation: The tangent to the ellipse + = 1 at the point P ( a cos θ, b sin θ) has equation
2 2
a b
x cos θ y sin θ
+ =1 .
a b
 y

B
P(a cos θ, b sin θ)
Y

x
−a S′ O X S a A

−b

The point B has coordinates ( 0 , b cosec θ) and the point Y has coordinates ( 0 , b sin θ) . Hence
2
OY ⋅ OB = b sin θ ⋅ b cosec θ = b .

2 2
x y
Problem CON2_29. The point P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) lies on the hyperbola − = 1 . The
2 2
a b
tangent at P cuts the y-axis at B and Y is the foot of the perpendicular from P to the y-axis. Show
that OY ⋅ OB = b 2 .

2 2
x y
Explanation: The tangent to the hyperbola − = 1 at the point P ( a sec θ, b tan θ) has
2 2
a b
x sec θ y tan θ
equation − =1 .
a b

Y P(a sec θ, b tan θ)

S′ -a S
O A X x

The point B has coordinates ( 0 , −b cot θ) and the point Y has coordinates ( 0 , b tan θ) . Hence
2
OY ⋅ OB = b tan θ ⋅ b cot θ = b .
Problem 2_30. For the rectangular hyperbola xy = 16 , find (a) the eccentricity; (b) the
coordinates of the foci; (c) the equations of the directrices; (d) the equations of the asymptotes.
Sketch the hyperbola.

Answer: (a) 2 ; (b) ( 4 2 , 4 2 ) , ( −4 2 , −4 2 ) ; (c) x + y = ±4 2 ; (d) x =0 , y = 0 .

Explanation:

y
y = −x m y=x

m′ S(4 2 ,4 2 )

x
O

x+ y=4 2

S ′( −4 2 ,−4 2 )
x + y = −4 2

2
For the hyperbola xy = 16 we have c = 16 ⇒ c = 4 . Hence the hyperbola xy = 16 has
eccentricity e = 2 ,
foci S (c 2 , c 2 ) = S ( 4 2 ,4 2 )
and S ′( −c 2 , −c 2 ) = S ( −4 2 , −4 2) ,
directrices x + y = ± c 2 ⇒ x + y = ±4 2 ,
asymptotes x = 0 and y = 0 .

Problem 2_31. Find the parametric equation of the rectangular hyperbola xy = 25 .

5
Answer: x = 5t , y = .
t

Explanation: For the hyperbola xy = 25 we have c

2
= 25 ⇒ c = 5 . Hence the hyperbola xy = 25
c 5
has parametric equations x = ct , y = ⇒ x = 5t , y = .
t t

3
Problem CON2_32. Find the Cartesian equation of the rectangular hyperbola x = 3t , y = .
t

Answer: xy = 9 .

3 3
Explanation: The hyperbola x = 3t , y = has Cartesian equation xy = 3t ⋅ ⇒ xy = 9 .
t t
Problem CON2_33. Find the equations of the tangent and the normal to the rectangular
hyperbola xy = 12 at the point ( −3, −4 ) .

Answer: 4 x + 3 y = −24 , 3x − 4 y = 7 .

2
Explanation: For the hyperbola xy = 12 we have c = 12 . Hence the tangent to the hyperbola
2
xy = 12 at the point P ( x1 , y 1 ) = P ( −3, −4 ) has equation xy 1 + yx 1 = 2 c ⇒ 4 x + 3 y = −24 and the
2 2
normal has equation xx 1 − yy 1 = x1 − y1 ⇒ 3x − 4 y = 7 .

Problem CON2_34. Find the equations of the tangent and the normal to the rectangular
3
hyperbola x = 3t , y = at the point t = −1 .
t

Answer: x + y = −6 , x − y = 0 .

3
Explanation: For the hyperbola x = 3t , y = we have c = 3. Hence the tangent to the hyperbola
t
3 2
x = 3t , y = at the point where t = −1 has equation x + t y = 2 ct ⇒ x + y = −6 and the normal has
t
y  1 
equation tx − = c  t 2 −  ⇒ x − y = 0 .
t 2
 t 

Problem CON2_35. Find the equation of the chord of contact of tangents from the point (1, −2 )
to xy = 6 .

Answer: 2 x − y = −12 .

Explanation: For the hyperbola xy = 6 we have c 2 = 6 . Hence the chord of contact of tangents
from the point T ( x 0 , y 0 ) = T (1, −2 ) to the hyperbola xy = 6 has equation
2
xy 0 + yx 0 = 2 c ⇒ 2 x − y = −12 .

Problem CON2_36. Find the equation of the chord of contact of tangents from the point
( −1, −3 ) to the rectangular hyperbola xy = 4 . Hence find the coordinates of their points of
contact and the equations of these tangents.

 2 
Answer: 3x + y = −8 , (−2,−2) ,  − , −6  .
 3 

Explanation: The chord of contact of tangents from the point ( −1, −3 ) to the hyperbola xy = 4
has equation 3 x + y = −8 . Let T ( x 0 , y 0 ) be a point of contact. Then
T lies on the chord ⇒ 3 x 0 + y 0 = −8 ,
T lies on the hyperbola ⇒ x 0 y 0 = 4 .
2
Hence x 0 ( −8 − 3 x 0 ) = 4 ⇒ 3 x 0 + 8 x 0 + 4 = 0 ⇒ ( 3 x + 2 )( x + 2 ) = 0
 2
∴ x 0 = − , y 0 = −8 − 3 x 0 = −6 or x 0 = −2 , y 0 = −8 − 3 x 0 = −2 .
3
Equation of tangent at the point T ( x 0 , y 0 ) is xy 0 + yx 0 = 2 c 2 . Therefore the tangents from the
point ( −1, −3 ) to the hyperbola xy = 4 are y = − x − 4 , with point of contact P(−2,−2) and
 2 
y = −9 x − 12 , with point of contact P− , −6  .
 3 

  c  c
Problem CON2_37. The points P  cp ,
 and Q  cq ,  lie on the rectangular hyperbola
 p  q

2  c
xy = c . The chord PQ subtends a right angle at the another point R  cr ,  on the hyperbola.
 r
Show that the normal at R is parallel to PQ.

1 1 1 1
−  c  c  − 
p r q r
Explanation: The gradient of PR is  , the gradient of QR is 
1 1
=− =− .
c( p − r) pr c (q − r ) qr
1 1
Therefore PR ⊥QR ⇒ gradient PR × gradient QR = −1 ⇒
2
= −1 ⇒ r 2 = − . The normal at the
pqr pq

1 1
 c  −
 c 2 p q 1 1
point R  cr ,  has gradient r , the gradient of PQ is =− . Since r 2 = − , then
 r c( p − q) pq pq
gradient of the normal at R equals to gradient of PQ . Thus the normal at the point R is parallel
to the chord PQ .

 c 2
Problem CON2_38. The point P  ct ,  , where t ≠ 1 lies on the rectangular hyperbola xy = c .
 t 
The tangent and the normal at P meet the line y=x at T and N respectively. Show that
2
OT ⋅ ON = 4 c .

Explanation:

y
P N

T
x
O
 2  c
The tangent to the hyperbola xy = c at the point P  ct ,  has equation x + t 2 y = 2 ct . As y = x
 t 
 2 ct 2 ct 
the point T has coordinates   . The normal to the hyperbola xy = c 2 at the point
,
2 2
1 + t 1 + t 
 c y  2 1 
P  ct ,  has equation tx − = c  t −  . Therefore the point N has coordinates
 t t 2 
 t 
 t 2 +1 t 2 +1
c ,c .
 t t 
 
2
2 ct t +1
OT = 2 ,ON = c 2 ⇒ OT × ON = 4 c 2 .
2
1+t t

Problem CON2_39. On the rectangular hyperbola xy = c 2 there are variable points P and Q.
The tangents at P and Q meet at R. Find the equation of the locus of R if PQ passes through the
point ( a , 0 ) .

2
2c
Answer: y = .
a

Explanation: Let R has coordinates ( x 0 , y 0 ) . PQ is the chord of contact of tangents from R to

2 2
the hyperbola xy = c . Hence PQ has equation xy 0 + yx 0 = 2 c . Then ( a ,0) lies on PQ .
2
2 2c
Therefore ay 0 = 2 c . Thus the locus of R has equation y= .
a

 c 2
Problem CON2_40. The point P  ct ,  lies on the rectangular hyperbola xy = c . The tangent
 t 
at P cuts the x-axis at X and the y-axis at Y. Show that PX = PY .

2  c
Explanation: The tangent to the hyperbola xy = c at the point P  ct ,  has equation
 t 
2
x + t y = 2 ct . Hence the point X has coordinates ( 2 ct ,0 ) and the point Y has coordinates
2 2
 2c  2 c  1   c 2c   1 
 0 ,  . PX = ( ct − 2 ct ) +   = c 2  t 2 +
2
 and PX 2
= ( ct ) +  −  = c 2  t 2 +
2
 .
 t  t   t
2
 t t   t
2

Therefore PX = PY .