1 ELLIPSE

ELLIPSE
Definition
An ellipse is the locus of a point which moves such that its distance from a fixed point (focus) bears to its
perpendicular distance from a fixed straight line (directrix) a constant ratio (eccentricity) which is less than
unity.

Standard Equation :
Let ZN be the directrix, S the focus and e the eccentricity of the ellipse whose equation is required.
Draw SZ perpendicular to ZN. Since e < 1, we can divide ZS
both internally and externally in the ratio e : 1, i.e. if the points N y

<
B
of division be A and A’ as in the figure, then AS = e. ZA and P
M 
A’S = e.ZA’.
S S’
Then by definition of the ellipse A and A’ lie on the ellipse. Z   x
Let C be the centre of the ellipse and let AA’ = 2a. A C A’
Then AC = a = CA’. Also
ae <
AS=AC-SC = a -SC = e (ZA) = e (ZC - a) (i)
and A’S = a+SC = e (ZC + a)
a/e <
a
 2a  2e ZC   ZC  and SC = ae.
e
Now let S be the focus (-ae, 0) with C as the origin and x = -a/e as the directrix. Then and point P(x, y) on
the ellipse will satisfy SP 2  e 2 (perpendicular distance of P from ZN) 2

   
2
2 a
 x  ae   y  0   e  x    x 1  e  y  a 1  e .
2 2 2 2 2 2 2

 e

 .
2 2 2 2
x y x y 2 2 2
Therefore,
a2


a2 1  e2   1 or
a2

b2
 1, where b  a 1  e

2 2
 
x y 2
The eccentricity of the ellipse 2
 2
 1 is given by the relation b2  a2 1  e2 , i.e., e2  1  b .
a b 2
a
Since the ellipse is symmetrical about the y-axis, it follows that there exists another focus S’ at (ae, 0) and
a corresponding directrix N’Z’, with the equation x = a/e, such that the same ellipse is described if a point
moves so that its distance from S’ is e times its distance from N’Z’.
Thus, an ellipse has two foci and two directrices.

Central Curve :
A curve is said to be a central curve if there is a point, called the centre, such that every chord passing
through it is bisected at it.

Latus Rectum :
The chord through the focus at right angles to the major axis is called the latus rectum.

Notes :
The major axis AA’ is of length 2a and the minor axis BB’ is of length 2b.
The foci are (-ae, 0) and (ae, 0).
The equations of the directrices are x = a/e and x =-a/e.

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2 ELLIPSE

b2
The length of the semi latus rectum = .
a
Circle is a particular case of an ellipse with e = 0.

Focal Distance of a Point :

<
Since S’P = ePN’ , SP = ePN, P
S’P + SP = e(PN+PN’) N N’
= e (NN’) = e(2a/e) = 2a
Z A S C S’ A’ Z’
 the sum of the focal distances of any point on the
ellipse is equal to its major axis.

Another Definition of Ellipse :

Ellipse is the locus of a point the sum of whose distances from two fixed points is a constant greater than the
distance between the fixed points.

Other Forms :
2 2
x y 2 2
If in the equation 2
 2
 1, a  b , then the major and minor axis of the ellipse lie along the y and
a b
the x-axis and are of lengths 2b and 2a respectively. The foci become (0, ±be), and the directrices
2
2 a
become y = ±b/e where e  1  a . The length of the semi-latus rectum becomes .
2 b
b
If the centre of the ellipse be taken at (h, k) and axes parallel to the x and the y-axis, then the

equation of the ellipse is

x  h2  y  k 2  1.
2 2
a b
Let the equation of the directrix of an ellipse be ax+by+c = 0 and the focus be (h, k).
Let the eccentricity of the ellipse be e(e < 1). y
<

If P (x, y) is any point on the ellipse, then PS 2  e 2 PM2

 x  h  y  k   e
2 2 2 ax  by  c 2 , which is of the
2
a b
2
N P
S
form ax 2  2hxy  by 2  2gx  2fy  c  0 ...(*) where
M
2 2 2 2 O Z x
<
  abc  2fgh  af  bg  ch  0, h  ab .
These are the necessary and sufficient conditions for a general quadratic equation given by (*) to
represent an ellipse.

Position of a Point Relative to an Ellipse :

x
2
y
2  x 12 y12 
The point Px1, y1  is outside or inside the ellipse 2
 2
 1 , according as the quantity 
a 2
 2  1 is

a b  b 
positive or negative.

Parametric Equation of an Ellipse :

2 2
x y
Clearly, x  a cos θ, y  b sin θ satisfy the equation 2
 2
 1 for all real values of θ .
a b

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3 ELLIPSE
2 2
x y
Hence, the parametric equations of the ellipse 2
 2
 1 are x  acosθ, y  b sin θ where θ is the parameter..
a b
2 2
x y
Also a cos θ, b sin θ  is a point on the ellipse 2
 2
 1 for all values of θ0  θ  2π  .
a b
The point a cos θ, b sin θ  is also called the point θ . The angle θ is called the y

>
Q
eccentric angle of the point a cos θ, b sin θ  on the ellipse.

>
Draw a circle with AA’ (the major axis) as the diameter. This circle is called
P
the auxiliary circle of the ellipse. The equation of the circle is x 2  y 2  a 2 . θ A
A’
C M > x
Any point Q on the circle is a cos θ, a sin θ  . Draw QM as perpendicular to
AA’ cutting the ellipse at P. The x-co-ordinate of P = CM = a cos θ
 y - co - ordinate of P is bsin   P  a cos θ, b sin θ  .

>
Illustration1:Find the centre, the length of the axes and the eccentricity of the ellipse
2x 2  3 y 2  4 x  12 y  13  0 .

Solution : The given equation can be written as 2x  12  3y  22  1


x  12  y  22  1  The centre of the ellipse is (1, 2). The major axis = 2.
1
 2.
1 1 2
2 3

1 2 2 b2 2 1 1
The minor axis  2 .   e  1 2
 1   e .
3 3 a 3 3 3

Illustration 2: Find the equation of the ellipse whose foci are (2, 3), (-2, 3) and whose semi minor axis is of
length 5 .
Solution : Here S is (2, 3), S’ is (-2, 3) and b= 5  SS'  4  2ae  ae  2
 
But b 2  a 2 1  e 2  5  a 2  4  a  3 ,Centre C of the ellipse is (0, 3)

Hence the equation of the ellipse is x  0 2  y  3 2 1  5 x 2  9 y 2  54 y  36  0 .

9 5

Illustration 3: Find the equation of the ellipse having centre at (1, 2), one focus at (6, 2) and passing through
the point (4, 6).

With centre at (1, 2) the equation of the ellipse is x  1  y  2  1 . It passes through the
2 2
Solution :
2 2
a b
9 16
point (4, 6)  2
 2
 1. ...(1)
a b
Distance between the focus and the centre = (6 - 1) = 5 = ae
 b 2  a 2  a 2 e 2  a 2  25 ...(2)
Solving for a and b from the equation (1) and (2), we get a2 = 45 and b2 = 20.
2 2

Hence the equation of the ellipse is x  1  y  2  1 .

2 2

45 20

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Exercise - 1
(i) Find the equation of the ellipse whose focus is (1, 0), the directrix is x+y+1 = 0 and eccentricity is
1
.
2
(ii) The foci of an ellipse are (±2, 0) and its eccentricity is 1/2. Find its equation.
2 2
x y
(iii) P is a variable point on the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  with AA’ as the major axis. Find the maximum
a b
value of the area of triangle APA’.
(iv) Find the eccentricity, foci and length of latus rectum of the ellipse x 2  4 y 2  8y  2x  1  0 .

Tangents
x x1 y y1
(i) 2

 1 is tangent to the ellipse at (x1, y1).
a b2
2a 2
Note :The figure formed by the tangents at the extremities of latus rectum is rhoubus of area
e
(ii) y = mx ± a 2 m 2  b 2 is tangent to the ellipse for all values of m.
Note that there are two tangents to the ellipse having the same m, i.e. there are two tangents parallel to
any given direction.
x cos  y sin 
(iii)   1 is tangent to the ellipse at the point (a cos , b sin ).
a b
(iv) The eccentric angles of point of contact of two parallel tangents differ by . Conversely if the difference
between the eccentric angles of two points is p then the tangents at these points are parallel.
cos  2  sin  2 
(v) Point of intersection of the tangents at the point  &  is a ,b .
cos  2  cos  2 

Equation of the Tangent in Terms of its slope; Condition of Tangency :

2 2
x y
To find condition that the line y = mx+c may touch the ellipse 2
 2
 1.
a b
x cos θ y sin θ
Tangent to the ellipse a cos θ, b sin θ  is  1 .
a b
If y - mx = c is also a tangent to the given ellipse at ' θ' , then comparing coefficients, we get

cos sin 1 1 sin cos sin2   cos2  1

   or      c   a2m2  b2 for all values of
 am b   am
2
am b c c b 2 2
a m b 2 2

m.

2 2
x y
Tangent from an External Point (x1, y1) to the Ellipse 2
 2
 1:
a b
2 2 2 2
x y x1 y1 xx1 yy1
Let S  2
 2
 1; S1  2
 2
 1; T  2
 2
 1.
a b a b a b

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Then, equation of the pair of tangents to the ellipse from
x1, y1  is given by SS1  T 2 .

Note :Equation of the chord with mid point x1, y1  : T  S1 .

2 2
x y
Illustration4:Find the locus of the point of intersection of the tangents to the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b 
a b
which meet at right angles.
Solution: The line y  mx  a 2m2  b 2 is a tangent to the given ellipse for all m. Let it pass through (h,
k)
 k  mh  a 2m2  b 2  k 2  m2h2  2hkm  a 2m2  b 2  m2 h2  a 2  2hkm  k 2  b 2  0  
If the tangents are at right angles, then m1m2 = -1
2 2
k b 2 2 2 2
 2 2
 1  h  k  a  b .
h a
Hence the locus of the point (h, k) is x 2  y 2  a 2  b 2 which is a circle. This circle is called
the Director Circle of the ellipse.

Note : The locus of the point of the intersection of two perpendicular tangents to an ellipse is a
circle known as the director circle.

Illustration 5:Prove that the locus of the mid-points of the intercepts of the tangents to the ellipse
2 2
x y a2 b2
2
 2
 1 ,intercepted between the axes, is  4.
a b x2 y2
x cos θ y sin θ
Solution : The tangent to the ellipse at any point a cos θ, b sin θ  is   1.
a b
Let it meet the axes in P and Q, so that P is a sec θ, 0  and Q is 0, b cos ecθ  . If (h, k) is the
a sec θ a b cos ecθ b
mid-point of PQ, then h =  cos θ  and k   sin θ  .
2 2h 2 2k
2 2
a b a2 b2
Squaring and adding, we get 2
 2
 1, Hence the locus of (h, k) is  4.
4h 4k x2 y2

Equation of the Normal to an Ellipse :

a 2x b2 y
(i) Equation of the normal at (x1, y1) is  = a²  b² = a²e².
x1 y1
(ii) Equation of the normal at the point (acos , bsin ) is ; ax. sec   by. cosec  = (a²  b²).
(a 2  b 2 ) m
(iii) Equation of a normal in terms of its slope 'm' is y = mx  .
a 2  b2m2
2 2
Illustration6:If the normals to the ellipse x  y  1 at the points x1, y1 , x 2 , y 2  and x 3 , y 3  are concurrent,
2 2
a b

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x1 y1 x1y1
prove that x 2 y 2 x 2 y 2  0 .
x3 y3 x3 y3

Solution : The equation of the normal to the given ellipse at x1, y1  is


a 2 xy1  b 2 yx 1  a 2  b 2 x1y1  0 ..(1)
Similarly the normals at x 2 , y 2  and x 3 , y 3  are


a 2 xy 2  b 2 yx 2  a 2  b 2 x 2 y 2  0 ...(2)
2
a xy  b yx
3
2
3  a
 b x y  0
2 2
...(3)
3 3

Eliminating a x, b y and a  b  from (1), (2) and (3), we find that the three lines are
2 2 2 2

y1 x1 x1y1 x1 y1 x1y1
concurrent if y 2 x 2 x 2 y 2  0  x 2 y 2 x 2 y 2  0 .
y3 x3 x3y3 x3 y3 x3y3

Equation of the Chord Joining the Points a cos α, b sin α , a cos β, b sin β  is
x αβ y αβ α β
cos    sin    cos  .
a  2  b  2   2 

2 2
x y
Illustration 7:If the eccentric angles of the ends of a focal chord of the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  be α and β ,
a b
α β e 1
prove that tan . tan  .
2 2 e 1
x αβ y αβ α β
Solution : Equation of the chord is cos    sin    cos  .
a  2  b  2   2 
α β α β
It passes through the focus (ae, 0)  e cos  cos
2 2
 α β α β α β α β
 e cos cos  sin sin   cos cos  sin sin
 2 2 2 2  2 2 2 2

 α β α β α β e 1
 e 1  tan tan   1  tan tan  tan . tan  .
 2 2 2 2 2 2 e 1

2 2
To find the length of the chord intercepted by the ellipse x 2  y 2  1 on the straight line
a b
y = mx + c.

Point of intersection of the ellipse and the line are given by x  mx  c   1
2 2

2 2
a b

  
i.e. a 2m2  b 2 x 2  2a 2cmx  a 2 c 2  b 2  0  ..(1)
Therefore the straight line meets the ellipse in two points (real, coincident or imaginary).
If x1, y1  and x 2 , y 2  be the points of intersection, the length of the chord is

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x1  x 2 2  y1  y 2 2  1  m 2 x1  x 2 , ...(2)

sin ce y 1  y 2  mx 1  x 2   where x1 and x2 are the roots of the equation (1), and

x1  x 2  
2a 2 cm
, x x 

a 2 c 2  b 2 so that 
1 2
a 2m 2  b 2 a 2m 2  b 2

x1  x 2 2  x1  x 2 2  4x1x 2 

4 2
4a c m
2 2
4a c  b  2
  4a b a m  b  c 
2 2 2 2 2 2 2

 a m b 

a m2 2
 b2
2 2 2 2
a m  b  2 2 2 2

Hence the length of the chord is

1  m 4a b a m  b
2 2 2 2 2 2
 c2 
a m  b 2 2 2 2

i.e.
2 ab
a m2  b2
2
1  m a m
2 2 2
 b2  c2 . 
Exercise - 2
2 2
x y
(i) Find the eccentric angles of the extremities of latus - recta of the ellipse 2
 2
 1a  b  .
a b
(ii) Find the equations of the tangents from the point (2, 2) to the ellipse 4x2 + 9y2 = 36. Also find the
angle between the tangents.
(iii) Find the equations of common tangents to the ellipse 4x2 + 9y2 = 36 and the parabola y2 = 4x.
(iv) Find the equation of the locus of a point from which two tangents can be drawn to the ellipse
x 2 y2
 1
a 2 b2
making angles 1 ,  2 with the major axis such that tan 1  tan  2  c (a constant).

Some Useful Results

x2 y2
Refering to an ellipse   1.
a2 b2
1 If P be any point on the ellipse with S & S as its foci then  (SP) +  (SP) = 2a.

2 The product of the length’s of the perpendicular segments from the foci on any tangent to the ellipse is b 2
and the feet of these perpendiculars Y,Y lie on its auxiliary circle.The tangents at these feet to the auxiliary
circle meet on the ordinate of P and that the locus of their point of intersection is a similiar ellipse as that of
the original one. Also the lines joining centre to the feet of the perpendicular Y and focus to the point of
contact of tangent are parallel.

3 If the normal at any point P on the ellipse with centre C meet the major & minor axes in G & g respectively ,
& if CF be perpendicular upon this normal, then
(i) PF. PG = b2 (ii) PF. Pg = a2 (iii) PG. Pg = SP. S P (iv) CG. CT = CS2
(v) locus of the mid point of Gg is another ellipse having the same eccentricity as that of the original ellipse.
[where S and S are the focii of the ellipse and T is the point where tangent at P meet the major axis]

4 The tangent & normal at a point P on the ellipse bisect the external & internal angles between the focal
distances of P. This refers to the well known reflection property of the ellipse which states that rays from
one focus are reflected through other focus & viceversa. Hence we can deduce that the straight lines
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joining each focus to the foot of the perpendicular from the other focus upon the tangent at any point P
meet on the normal PG and bisects it where G is the point where normal at P meets the major axis.

5 The portion of the tangent to an ellipse between the point of contact & the directrix subtends a right angle
at the corresponding focus.

6 The circle on any focal distance as diameter touches the auxiliary circle.

7 Perpendiculars from the centre upon all chords which join the ends of any perpendicular diameters of the
ellipse are of constant length.

8 If the tangent at the point P of a standard ellipse meets the axis in T and t and CY is the perpendicular on
it from the centre then,
(i) T t. PY = a2  b2 and (ii) least value of Tt is a + b.

ANSWER TO EXERCISES

Exercise 1
x2 y2
(i) 3 x 2  3 y 2  2xy  10 x  2y  3  0 (ii)  1
16 12

(iii) ab (iv)
3
2
 
, 1  3 ,  1, 1

Exercise 2
1  b  1 8
(i) tan    (ii) y - 2= 0, 8x + 5y - 26 = 0; tan
 ae  5

(iii) x 2  13 . y  2  13  0 (iv)  
c x 2  a 2  2xy  0

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Problem 1: The tangent at a point P on an ellipse intersects the major axis in T, and N is the foot of the
perpendicular from P to the same axis. Show that the circle drawn on NT as diameter
intersects the auxiliary circle orthogonally.
2 2
x y
Solution : Let the equation of the ellipse be 2
 2
 1. Let Pa cos θ, b sin θ  be a points on the ellipse.
a b
x cos θ y sin θ
The equation of the tangent at P is   1 . Where it meets the major axis, y = 0
a b
 T is a sec θ, 0  . the coordinates of N are a cos θ, 0  . The equation of the circle with NT

as its diameter is x  a sec θ x  a cos θ   y 2  0

 x 2  y 2  ax sec θ  cos θ   a 2  0 .

It cuts the auxiliary circle x 2  y 2  a2 = 0 orthogonal if

2g.0 + 2f.0 = a2 - a2 = 0, which is true.

Problem 2: Let ABC be an equilateral triangle inscribed in the circle x 2  y 2  a 2 . Suppose perpendiculars
2 2
x y
from A, B, C to the major axis of the ellipse 2
 2
 1, a  b meet the ellipse respectively
a b
at P, Q, R so that P, Q, R lie on the same side of the major axis as A, B, C respectively. Prove
that the normals to the ellipse drawn at the points P, Q and R are concurrent.
Solution : Since ABC is an equilateral triangle, the points A, B, C on the circle x 2  y 2  a 2 are taken as

  2π   2π     2π   2π  
A  a cos  θ   , a sin θ   , Ba cos θ, a sin θ  , C a cos  θ   , a sin θ   .
  3   3    3   3  

2 2
x y
Corresponding points P, Q, R on the ellipse 2
 2
 1, are P
a b

  2π   2π     2π   2π  
 a cos  θ   , b sin  θ   , Q a cos θ, b sin θ  and R a cos  θ   , b sin θ   .

  3  


3     3   3  
The equat ions of the normals to the ell ipse at these point s are respectively

a sec  θ 

2π 
3

 x  b cos ec  θ 
 
2π 
3
2 2

 y  a  b  0

 ...(1)


a sec θx  b cos ecθy  a 2  b 2  0  ...(2)


a sec  θ 

2π 
3 

 x  b cos ce  θ 

2π  2 2

y  a  b  0
3 
 ...(3)

If these normals are concurrent, then

R DIANCE
10 ELLIPSE

sec θ cos ecθ 1 sin θ cos θ sin 2θ

 2π   2π   2π   2π   4π 
sec θ   cos ec  θ 
  1  0 i.e. sin θ 
  cos θ 
  sin 2θ 
  0
 3   3   3   3   3 
 2π   2π   2π   2π   4π 
sec θ   cos ec  θ 
  1
 sin θ   cos θ 
  sin 2θ 
 
 3   3   3   3   3 

sin θ cos θ sin 2θ

 2π   2π   2π   2π   4π   4π 
or sin θ    sin θ   cos θ    cos θ   sin 2θ    sin 2θ   0
 3   3   3   3   3   3 
 2π   2π   4π 
sin θ   cos θ   sin 2θ  
 3   3   3 

sin θ cos θ sin 2θ

2π 2π 2π
(Operating R2 +R3) 2 sin θ cos 2 cos θ cos 2 sin 2θ cos 0
3 3 3
 2π   2π   4π 
sin θ   cos θ   sin 2θ  
 3   3   3 

 2π 
which is true  R 2  2 cos R1  .Hence the three normals (1), (2), (3) are concurrent.
 3 

Problem 3:  
If the tangent drawn at a point t 2 , 2t on the parabola y2 = 4x is the same as the normal
drawn at a point  5 cos , 2 sin   on the ellipse 4 x  5 y  20 , find the values of t and  .
2 2

Solution : Equation of the tangent at t , 2t  to the parabola y = 4x is x-ty+t = 0.

2 2 2

Equation of the normal at

 5 cos , 2 sin   to the ellipse x5

2
y2
  1 is 5 sec  x  2 cos ecy  1
4
2 1
or x  cot  y  cos   0 ...(2)
5 5

2 cot   cos 
Since (1) and (2) represent the same line, 1   .
5t 5t 2
Eliminating t from these equations, we get
4 cot 2    5 cos   cos   0 or 5 cos 2   4 cos   5  0

π 3π 1 1 1
1 1
 , or cos    i.e.   π  cos so that t = 0, , .
2 2 5 5 5 5

Problem 4: Prove that the tangent and the normal at any point of an ellipse bisect the angles between the
focal radii of that point.
2 2
x y
Solution : Let PT and PN be the tangent and the normal at Px1, y1  to the ellipse 2
 2
 1 . The equation
a b

R DIANCE
11 ELLIPSE

xx1 yy1
of the tangent is 2
 2
 1.
a b

b 2 x1 a 2 y1
 Slope of the tangent m1    Slope of the normal m 2  
a 2 y1 b 2 x1
If S(ae, 0) and S’ (-ae, 0) are the foci, then slope of
y1 y1
SP  m 3  and slope of S' P  m 4 
x 1  ae x 1  ae

 tanSPN 
m3  m 2
1  m 2m 3
aey 2 2
2 2
 2 1 u sin g a  b  a e .
b

aey1
Similarly tan(S’PN)  2
 SPN  S' PN
b
 PN bisects the angle between the focal radii SP and S’P..
The tangent PT, being perpendicular to PN, is the other bisector.

Problem 5: A man running round a race-course notes that the sum of the distances of two flag-posts
from him is always 10 meters and the distance between the flat - posts is 8 meters. Prove
that the area of the path he encloses in square meters is 15 π .
Solution : Let P(x, y) be the position of the man at any time. Let S(4, 0) and S’(-4, 0) be the fixed flag-
posts, with as the origin. Since SP+S’P = 10 meters i.e. a constant, the locus of P is an
ellipse with S and S’ as foci and the length of the major axis = 10 metes.

 ae  4, and 2a  10  e  4 / 5  b  a 1  e
2 2
 2
b 2  16 
 251 

 9  b 3.
25 

Hence the area of the ellipse = πab  π . 5. 3  15 π .

2 2
x y
Problem 6: Let d be the perpendicular distance from the centre of the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  to the
a b
tangent drawn at a point P on the ellipse. If F1 and F2 are the two foci of the ellipse, then
 b 2 
show that PF1  PF2   4a 1 
2 2
.
d 
2

Solution : Let Pa cos θ, b sin θ  be a point on the ellipse. F1 is (ae, 0) and F2 is (-ae, 0). Hence

PF1  a cos θ  ae 2  b 2 sin2 θ  a 2 cos 2 θ  a 2 e 2  2a 2 e cos θ  b 2 sin2 θ

 a 2

 b2 cos2   b2  a2e2  2a2e cos   a2e2 cos2   a2  2a2e cos   a 1  e cos  .
Similarly PF2  a1  e cos θ 
 PF1  PF2   4a 2 e 2 cos 2 θ .
2
...(1)
x cos θ y sin θ
The tangent to the ellipse at P is  1
a b

1 a 2b 2
 d  d2 
cos 2  sin2  b 2 cos 2   a 2 sin2 

a2 b2

R DIANCE
12 ELLIPSE

 1
b
2
 1
2 2
b cos θ  a sin θ
2 2
 1
2
 2

a 1  e cos θ  a 1  cos θ
2 2
 2

2 2 2
d a a
2
b 2 2 2 2 2 2
 1 2
 1  cos θ  e cos θ  1  cos θ  e cos θ ...(2)
d
From (1) and (2), we get the required result.
Alternative :
Let PM be perpendicular from P to the directrix of the given ellipse. If P is the point
a 
a cos θ, b sin θ  , then PF1  e PM  e   a cos θ   a1  e cos θ  .
e
 
Similarly PF2  a1  e cos θ  so that PF1  PF2  2ae cos θ ...(1)
Also the equation of the tangent at P to the given ellipse is
2 2
x cos θ y sin θ 1 1 cos θ sin θ
  1 so that d  or  
a b cos θ
2
sin θ
2 d2 a2 b2
2
 2
a b

 
2 2
b 2 2 2 2 2 b
or 2
 1  e cos θ  1  cos θ  e cos θ  1  2 ...(2) P
d d M
d
From (1) and (2), we find that
F2 F1
 2 
PF1  PF2 2  4a 2e 2 cos2 θ  4a 2 1  b 2  .
 d  x=a/e

Problem 7: A tangent to the ellipse x2+4y2 = 4 meets the ellipse x2+2y2 = 6 at P and Q. Prove that the
tangents at P and Q to the ellipse x 2  2y 2  6 are at right angles.
Solution : Let (h, k) be the point of intersection of the tangents to x 2  2y 2  6 at P and Q. Hence the
equation of the line PQ is hx+2yk = 6. ..(1)
Tangent at any point 2 cos θ, sin θ  to the ellipse x 2  4 y 2  4 is
2 cos θx  4 sin θy  4 ...(2)
 cos θx  2 sin θy  2 .
Since (1) and (2) represent the same line,
cos θ 2 sin θ 2 h k h2 k 2 2 2 2 2
   cos θ  , sin θ     1 h  k  9  6  3  a  b
h 2k 6 3 3 9 9
where the semi-axes of the ellipse x 2  2y 2  6 are a  6 and b  3 .
Hence the locus of (h, k) is x 2  y 2  a 2  b 2 which is the director circle of the ellipse x2+2y2
=6.
Hence the tangents at P and Q are at right angles.

Problem 8: A variable point P on an ellipse of eccentricity e is joined to the foci S and S’. Prove that the
2e
locus of the in-centre of the triangle PSS’ is an ellipse whose eccentricity is .
1 e

R DIANCE
13 ELLIPSE
2 2
x y
Solution : Let the ellipse be 2
 2
 1 whose foci are S(ae,0 )) and S’ (-ae, 0). If Pa cos θ, b sin θ  is
a b
any point on the ellipse, then SP  a1  e cos θ , S' P  a1  e cos θ  and SS’ = 2ae. Let (h, k)
be the in-centre of the triangle PSS’.
 ae . a1  e cos θ   ae . a1  e cos θ   a cos θ . 2ae
Then h   ae cos θ ,
a1  e cos θ   a1  e cos θ   2ae

b sin θ . 2ae b sin θe

k 
a1  e cos θ   a1  e cos θ   2ae 1 e

 cos θ 
h
, sin θ 
1  ek  h  1  e k  1 2 2 2

2 2 2 2
ae eb a e e b
2 2
x y
Hence the locus of (h, k) is 2 2
 2 2
 1.
a e e b
1  e 2
which is an ellipse, whose eccentricity e1 is given by

e 2a 2 1  e 2   a e 1  e   e
2 2 2

2e
.
1  e 2 1 1
1 e
Alternative :
The in-centre is the point of intersection of the bisectors of the angles of triangle PSS’. We
know that the normal at P to an ellipse bisects the angle SPS’, so that the in-centre lies on the
normal to the ellipse at P. Let the equation of the ellipse be
x2 y2
  1, wherethe fociareS ae, 0 and S' - ae, 0 and SP+PS’ = 2a. If P is the point
a2 b2
1
 2aeb sin θ eb sin θ
a cos θ, b sin θ  , then the in-radius r of PSS'   21 i.e. r  .
s 1 e
2a  2ae
2
Since r is the perpendicular distance of the in-centre from SS’ i.e. the x-axis, the y coordinate
eb sin θ
of the in-centre is y  . Also the in-centre lies on the normal to the ellipse at P..
1 e
Substituting for y in
xa sec θ  by cos ecθ  a 2  b 2 we get

Hence cos 
x
and sin 
1 e y so that locus of the in-centre is x 2  y 2  1 which
2 2 2 2
ae eb a e e b
1  e2

is an ellipse whose eccentricity e 1 is given by


e 2a 2 1  e 2   a e 1  e 
2 2 2
 e1 
2e
.
1  e
2 1
1 e

Problem 9: If two points are taken on the minor axis of an ellipse at the same distance from the centre as
the foci, prove that the sum of the squares of the perpendiculars from these points on any
tangent to the ellipse is constant.

R DIANCE
14 ELLIPSE
2 2
x y
Solution : Let the equation of the ellipse be 2
 2
 1.
a b

b2
The distance of a focus from the centre  ae  a 1 2
 a2  b2 so that the two points on
a

the minor axis are S1  0, a2  b2  and S1'  0,  a2  b2  .

    y
Now any tangent to the ellipse is P1
S1
y  mx  a m  b 2 2 2 where m is a parameter..
The sum of the squares of the perpendiculars
on this tangents from the two points S1 and P2
S 1’ is x
S O S’
2 2
 a2  b2  a2m2  b2    a2  b2  a2m2  b2 
   
 1  m2   1  m2 
    S1’

 2 2
2a b a m b
2 2 2
  2a 2
cons tan t  .

1  m  2

Problem 10 : Find a point on the curve x2 + 2y2 = 6, whose distance from the line x + y = 7 is minimum.
x2 y2
Solution : The given equation can be written as   1 , which represents an ellipse. Any point on
6 3
 
this ellipse is P 6 cos θ, 3 sin θ . The shortest distance between the ellipse and the given
line is along the common normal to both. Slope of the normal at P is
6 sec θ
 2 tan θ  1 = slope of normal to the line x+y = 7.
3 cos ecθ

2 1
Hence cos θ  , sin θ  so that P is (2, 1).
3 3

R DIANCE
15 ELLIPSE

Problem 1 : The length of the major axis of the ellipse 5 x  10 2  5 y  15 2 

3 x  4y  72 is
4
20 20
(a) 10 (b) (c) (d) 4
3 7
2

Solution : x  22  y  3 2   1 3 x  4y  7  is an ellipse, whose focus is (2, -3), directrix 3x - 4y + 7 =
2 5 
0 and eccentricity 1/2.
3  2  4   3   7
Length of the perpendicular from the focus to the directrix is  5 so that
5
a a 10 20
 ae  5  2a   5  a  , So length of the major axis is .
e 2 3 3
Hence (b) is the correct answer.

Problem 2: The tangent and normal to the ellipse x2 + 4y2 = 4 at a point Pθ  on it meets the major axes
in Q and R respectively. If QR = 2, then cos θ is equal to
2 2 1
(a)  (b) (c) (d) none of these
3 3 3

x2
Solution : Ellipse  2
 y  1, Let Pθ   2 cos θ, sin θ  .
4
x cos θ
Equation of the tangent at P :  y sin θ  1 ...(1)
2
 Q  2 sec θ, 0 

3 
Equation of the normal at P : 2x sec θ  y cos ecθ  3  R   cos θ, 0  .
2 

3 4  3 cos 2 θ
Therefore QR  2 sec θ  cos θ  2  2
2 2 cos θ

16  9 cos4   24 cos2   16 cos2  or 9 cos4   40 cos2   16  0

 
or 9 cos 4 θ  36 cos 2 θ  4 cos2 θ  16  0 or 9 cos 2 θ  4 cos 2 θ  4  0 
2 4 2
 cos θ   cos θ   Hence (a) , (b) are the correct answers.
9 3

Problem 3: Tangents are drawn from the points on the line x-y-5 = 0 to x2+4y2 = 4. Then all the chords of
contact pass through a fixed point, whose coordinates are
4 1  1 4  4 1  4 1
(a)  5 ,  5  (b)  5 ,  5  (c)  5 , 5  (d)   5 , 5 
       
Solution : Any point on the line x - y - 5 = 0 will be of the form (t, t - 5). Chord of contact of this point
w.r.t the curve x2+4y2 = 4 is
tx + 4(t - 5)y - 4 = 0 or (-20y - 4) + t(x + 4y) = 0
which is a family of straight lines; each memeber of this family passes through point of
intersection of straight lines -20y - 4 = 0 and x + 4y = 0. Hence (a) is the correct answer.

R DIANCE
16 ELLIPSE

x2 y2
Problem 4: The distance between the directrices of the ellipse   1 is
4 9
9 24 18
(a) (b) (c) (d) none of these
5 5 5

Solution : 
4  9 1 e  e 
2
 3
5
, Distance between the directries =
2b 2  3  3 18
e

5

5
.
Hence (c) is the correct answer.

Problem 5: The distance of the centre of the ellipse x2 + 2y2 - 2 = 0 to those tangents of the ellipse which
are equally inclined to both the axes is
3 3 2 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 2 3 2
2 2
Solution : Equation of the ellipse x  y  1 . General tangent to the ellipse of slope m is
2 1

y  mx  2m2  1 . Since this is equally inclined to the axes, m = ±1. Thus tangents are

3
y  x  2  1  x  3 . Distance of any tangent from origin is then equal to .
2
Hence (d) is the correct answer.

 3  bx  ay  2ab touches the ellipse ax

2 2
y
Problem 6: If   1 , then the eccentric angle θ of the point of
2 2
b
contact is
π π π 
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6 4 3 2

Solution : Equation of tangent is x 3 y1

  1 and equation of tangent at the point
a 2 b2
x y
a cos , b sin   is cos   sin   1 .Both are same i.e. cos   3 , sin   1    π .
a b 2 2 6
Hence (a) is the correct answer.

2 2
Problem 7: If a tangent, of slope ‘m’ at a point of the ellipse x  y  1 , passes through (2a, 0) and if ‘e’
2 2
a b
denotes the eccentricity of the ellipse then
(a) m 2  e 2  1 (b) 2m 2  e 2  1 (c) 3m 2  e 2  1 (d) none of these
Solution : Any tangent of slope m is y  mx  a 2m2  b 2 . If it passes through (2a, 0), then
2
2 2 2 2 b 2
3a m  b  3m  2
 1  e . Hence (c) is the correct answer..
a

Problem 8: The line 3x+5y = k touches the ellipse 16 x 2  25 y 2  400 is

(a)  5 (b)  15 (c) ±25 (d) none of these

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17 ELLIPSE
Solution : Putting 5y = k - 3x in the equation of the ellipse
16 x 2  25 y 2  400, we get, 16 x 2  k  3 x   400  25 x 2  6kx  k 2  400  0
2

 
D  0  36k 2  100 k 2  400  0  k  25 . Hence (c) is the correct answer.

Problem 9: The point of contact of the line y = x - 1 with 3x2 - 4y2 = 12 is

(a) (-3, 4) (b) (4, 3) (c) (5, 4) (d) (2, 0)
Solution : Putting y = x -1 in the equation 3x2 - 4y2 =12,
we get 3x 2  4x  12  12  x  4, y  3 . Hence (b) is the correct answer.

Problem 10: A line segment of length a + b moves in such a way that its ends are always on two fixed
perpendicular straight lines. The locus of the point on this line which divides it into portions of
lengths a and b is
(a) a parabola (b) a circle (c) an ellipse (d) none of these
 aa  b  cos   b . 0 ba  b  sin   a . 0 
Solution : B  a  b  cos θ, 0 , A  0, a  b  sin θ   Ph, k    , 
 ab ab 
y

>
2 2
h k
i.e. h  a cos θ ; k  b sin θ  2
 2
1 A
a b a
so that locus of (h, k) is
 P(h,k)
2 2
x y
   1  which is an ellipse. θ(
b
2 2
a b
B
>
Hence (c) is the correct answer. x

R DIANCE
18 ELLIPSE

LEVEL - I
1. The number of values of c such that the straight line y = 4x+c touches the curve x2+4y2 = 4, is
(a) 2 (b) 0 (c) 1 (d) infinite

2 2
2. Tangents are drawn from a point P(3, 4) to the ellipse x  y  1 touching the ellipse in the points Q
9 16
and R. The angle between PQ and PR is
(a) 450 (b) 600 (c)90 0 (d)300

3. The equation(s) of the tangent(s) to the ellipse 9(x-1)2+4y2 = 36 parallel to the latus rectum, is (are)
(a) y = 3 (b) y = -3 (c) x = 3 (d) x = -3

4. If the chord, joining two points whose eccentric angles are α and β , cuts the major axis of the elipse
2 2
x y α β
  1 at a distance c from the centre, then tan . tan is equal to
a
2
b
2 2 2

ca c a
(a) 1 (b) c (c) (d)
c a ca

2 2
5. P is a variable point on the ellipse x  y  1 with foci S1 and S2. If A is the area of the triangle
2 2
a b
PS1S2, the maximum value of A is
ab
(a) abe (b) ab (c) πab (d)
e

x2 y2
6. If the normal at the point Pθ  to the ellipse   1 intersects it again at the point Q2θ , then cos θ
14 5
is equal to
(a) 2/3 (b) -2/3 (c) 3/4 (d) none of these

x2 y2
7. The radius of the circle passing through the foci of the ellipse   1 , and having its centre at (0,
16 9
3) is
(a) 4 (b) 3 (c) 12 (d) 7/2

8. In an ellipse the distance between its foci is 6 and its minor axis is 8. Then its eccentricity is
1
(a) 4/5 (b) (c) 3/5 (d) 1/2
52

9. If P  x, y  F1 3,0 , F2  3,0  and 16 x 2  25 y 2  400 , then PF1  PF2 equals

(a) 8 (b) 10 (c) 6 (d) 12

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19 ELLIPSE

10. If the axes of an ellipse coincide with the co-ordinate axes and it passes through the point (4, -1) and
touches the line x+4y-10 = 0 then its equation is
x2 y2 x2 y2 x2 y2
(a)  1 (b)  1 (c)  1 (d) none of these
80 5 / 4 20 5 100 5

x2 y2
11. Let E be the ellipse   1 and C be the circle x2+y2 = 9. Let P and Q be the points (1, 2), and
9 4
(2, 1) respectively. Then
(a) Q lies inside C but outside E (b) Q lies outside both C and E
(c) P lies inside both C and E (d) P lies inside C but outside E

12. The area of the quadrilateral formed by the tangents at the ends of the latus rectum of the
x2 y2
ellipse   1 is
9 5
(a) 9 3 sq. units (b) 27 3 sq. units (c) 27 sq. units (d) none of these

13. An ellipse has OB as its semi-minor axis. F1 and F2 are its foci and angle F1BF2 is a right angle. The
eccentricity of the ellipse is
1 1 1 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 2 3 3

14. Equation x = a cos θ, y  b sin θ a  b  represent a conic section whose eccentricity e is given by
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 a b 2 a b 2 a b 2 a b
(a) e  2 (b) e  2 (c) e  2 (d) e  2
a b a b

15. If the focal distance of an end of the minor axis of the ellipse (referred to its axes as the axes of x
and y respectively) is k and the distance between its foci is 2h, then its equation is
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
x y x y x y x y
(a) 2
 2
1 (b) 2
 2 2
1 (c) 2
 2 2
1 (d) 2
 2 2
1
k h k k h k h k k k h

16. If the normal to the ellipse 3x 2  4y 2  12 at a point P on it is parallel to the line, 2x  y  4 and the
tangent to the ellipse at P passes through Q(4, 4) then PQ is equal to

221 157 61 5 5
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 2 2

ANSWERS

1. A 2. C 3. A,B 4. C,D 5. A
6. B 7. A 8. C 9. B 10. A,B
11. D 12. C 13. A 14. C 15. B
16. D

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20 ELLIPSE

LEVEL - II
2 2
2
1. The ellipse x  y  1 passes through the point (-3, 1) and has the eccentricity . Then the major
2 2 5
a b
axis is
8 2 8 3
(a) 8 5 (b) 8 2 (c) (d)
2 5 3 5

2 2
2. If a tangent to the x  y  1 , whose centre is C, meets the major and the minor axes at P and Q
2 2
a b
2 2
a b
respectively then 2
 2
is equal to
CP CQ
(a) 1 (b) -1 (c) a+b (d) none of these

2 2
3. The locus of the middle point of the chord of the ellipse x  y  1 a  b  , drawn through the positive
2 2
a b
end of the minor axis, is
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
x y y x y x x y y x y x
(a) 2
 2
 0 (b) 2
 2
 0 (c)   0 (d)   0
a b b a b a a
2
b
2 b a
2
b
2 a

4. A point on the ellipse x2+3y2 = 37 where the normal is parallel to the line 6x-5y = 2 is
(a) (5, -2) (b) (5, 2) (c) (-5, 2) (d) (-5, -2)

5. A tangent to the ellipse 16x2+9y2 = 144 making equal intercepts on both the axes is
(a) y = x+5 (b) y = x-5 (c) y = -x+5 (d) y = -x-y

6. If the tangent to ellipse x2+4y2 = 16 at the point P' ' is a normal to the circle x2+y2-8x-4y = 0 then 
is equal to
π π π
(a) (b) (c) 0 (d) 
2 4 4

7. An ellipse having foci (3, 1) and (1,1) passes through the point (1, 3) has the eccentricity
2 1 3 1
(a) 2 1 (b) 3 1 (c) (d)
2 2

8. S and T are the foci of an ellipse and B is an end of the minor axis. If STB is an equilateral triangle,
the eccentricity of the ellipse is
(a) 1/4 (b) 1/3 (c) 1/2 (d) 2/3

x2 y2
9. If P is a point on the elipse   1 whose foci are S and S’. Then PS+PS’ is
16 20
4
(a) 4 5 (b) (c) 10 (d) 4
5

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21 ELLIPSE
10. The locus of the middle point of the intercept of the tangents drawn from an external point to the ellipse x 2
+ 2y2 = 2, between the coordinates axes, is
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(a) 2
 2 1 (b) 2
 2 1 (c) 2
 2 1 (d) 2
 2 1
x 2y 4x 2y 2x 4y 2x y

x y
11. The eccentricity of the ellipse which meets the straight line   1 on the axis of x and the straight
7 2
x y
line   1 on the axis of y and whose axes lie along the axes of coordinates, is
3 5

3 2 2 3 3
(a) (b) (c) (d) none of these
7 7 7

x2 y2
12. The equation   1 represents an ellipse if
10  a 4  a
(a) a<4 (b) a>4 (c) 4<a<10 (d) a>10

13. 
The value of  for which the sum of intercept on the axis by the tangent at the point 3 3 cos  , sin  , 
2
x
0 <  < /2 on the ellipse  y 2 = 1 is least, is :
27
   
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6 4 3 8

14. Which of the following lines touch the ellipse 2x2+3y2 = 1

5 3 5
(a) y  2 x  (b) y  2 x  (c) y  x  (d) none of these
6 5 6

x2 y2
15. The minimum area of triangle formed by the tangent to the ellipse  = 1 and coordinate axes
a2 b2
is

a 2  b2 (a  b ) 2 a 2  ab  b 2
(a) ab sq. units (b) sq. units (c) sq. units (d) sq. units
2 2 3

16. The tangent and normal to the ellipse 3x 2  5y 2  32 at the point P(2, 2) meet the x-axis at Q and R,
respectively. Then the area (in sq. units) of the triangle PQR is
14 16 68 34
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 3 15 15

ANSWERS

1. C 2. A 3. A 4. B.D 5.A,B,C,D
6. A,C 7. A 8. C 9. A 10. C
11. D 12. A 13. A 14. C 15. A
16. C
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22 ELLIPSE

SUBJECTIVE ASSIGNMENTS
LEVEL - I
1. Obtain the equation to an ellipse whose focus is the point (-1, 1), whose directrix is the line x-y+3 =
0 and whose eccentricity is 1/2.

2 2
x y
2. Consider any point P on the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  . Prove that the greatest value of the tangent of
a b
2 2
the angle between OP and the normal at P is a  b , where O is the origin.
2ab

3. Find the latus rectum, the eccentricity, and the coordinates of the foci, of the ellipse 9x2+5y2-30y =0.

4. Show that the equation (10x-5) 2 + (10y-5)2 = (3x+4y-1) 2 represents an ellipse. Find the length of its
latus rectum.
2 2
x y
5. If the normal at an end of a latus rectum of the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  passes through one extremity
a b
of the minor axis, show that the eccentricity of the curve is given by the equation
e4+e2-1 = 0.

2 2
x y
6. Find the equations of the tangents to the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  which make equal intercepts on
a b
the axes.

7. Find the equations of the tangents to the ellipse 4x2+3y2 = 5, which are parallel to the straight line y
= 3x+7. Find also the coordinates of the points of contact of the tangents which are inclined at 600 to
the axis of x.
8. If  is one of the angles between the normals to the ellipse x 2  3y 2  9 at the points

 2 cot 
(3cos , 3 sin ) and (3sin , 3 cos ) ;    0,  ; then find the value of .
 2 sin 2

9. Prove that the product of the perpendiculars from the foci upon any tangent to the ellipse
2 2
x y
2
 2
 1 a  b  is b2.
a b
2 2
x y
10. (i)Prove that the straight line lx+my = n is a normal to the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  if
a b

a
2

b
2

a 2
b 
2 2
.
2 2 2
l m n
2 2
x y
(ii) Show that the line lx+my+n = 0 will cut the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  in points whose eccentric
a b
π 22 2 2 2
angles differ by , if a l  b m  2n .
2

R DIANCE
23 ELLIPSE

LEVEL - II
2 2
1. Prove that the chord of contact of tangents drawn from the point (h,k) to the ellipse x  y  1 a  b 
2 2
a b
2 2
h k 1 1
will subtend a right angle at the centre if 4
 4
 2
 2
.
a b a b
2 2
x y
2. Find the locus of the point of intersection of the tangents to the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  if the
a b
difference of the eccentric angles of their points of contact is 2α .

3 Prove that the locus of the point of intersection of the straight lines
tx y x ty
  t  0 and   1  0 where t is a parameter is an ellipse. Prove also that they meet at the
a b a b
point whose eccentric angle is 2 tan-1t.

4. Show that the area of a triangle inscribed in an ellipse bears a constant ratio to the area of a triangle
formed by joining points on the auxillary circle corresponding to the vertices of the first triangle.

2 2
x y
5. Show that the point of intersection of the tangents at two points on the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  ,whose
a b
2 2
x y
eccentric angles differ by a right angle lies on the ellipse 2
 2
2.
a b
2 2
x y
6. If the normal at any point P on the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  , meets the axes in G and g respectively,,
a b
then prove that PG : Pg = b2 : a2.

2 2
x y
7(i). Find the locus of the middle points of the chords of the ellipse 2
 2
 1 whose distance from the
a b
centre is of constant length c.

2 2
x y
(ii). Find the locus of the middle points of chords of the ellipse 2
 2
 1 which subtend a right angle at
a b
the centre.
2 2
x y
8. From a point O on the circle x2+y2 = d2, tangents OP and OQ are drawn on ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  .
a b
2
 x2 y2  2 2 2
Show that the locus of the mid point of the chord PQ describes the curve x  y  d  2  2  .
 a b 

9. Tangents are drawn from a point P to the circle x2+y2 = r2 so that the chords of contact are tangents
to the ellipse a 2 x 2  b2 y 2  r 2 . Find the locus of P..

x2 y2
10. Find the middle point of the chord intercepted on the line 2x-y+3 = 0 by the ellipse   1.
10 6
R DIANCE
24 ELLIPSE

LEVEL - III
1. Let C1 and C2 be two circles with C2 lying inside C1. A circle C lying inside C1 touches C1 internally
and C2 externally. Identify the locus of the centre of C.

2 2
x y
2. The tangent ata point P a cos θ, b sin θ  on the ellips 2
 2
 1a  b  meets the auxillary circle in two
a b
points. The chord joining them subtends a right angle at the centre. Prove that the eccentricity of the


ellipse is equal to 1  sin2 θ  1/ 2
.

2 2
x y
3. Let P be a point on the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  . Let the line parallel to the y-axis passing through
a b
P meet the circle x2+y2 = a2 at the point Q such that P and Q are on the same side of the x-axis. For
two positive real numbers r and s, find the locus of the point R on PQ such that PR:RQ = r:s, as P
varies over the ellipse.

2 2
x y
4. Show that the angle between the tangents to the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  and the circle x2+y2 = ab
a b
ab
at their point of intersection is tan 1 .
ab

5. Prove that the circle on any focal distance as diameter touches the auxilliary circle of the ellise.
2 2
x y
6. Q is a point on the auxilliary circle corresponding to a point P on the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  . Two
a b
points L and M are selected on the x-axis and the y-axis respectively such that the line PLM is
parallel to OQ. Prove that PL : PM = b:a.

2 2
x y x2 y2
7. A tangent to the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  , meets the ellipse   a  b in the points P and Q.
a b a b
Prove that the tangents at P and Q are at right angles.

8. Prove that, in an ellipse, the perpendicular from a focus upon any tangent and the line joining the
centre of the ellipse to the point of contact meet on the corresponding directrix.

2 2
x y
9. If p is the length of perpendicular from the focus S of the ellipse 2
 2
 1 a  b  , on the tangnet at
a b
2
b 2a
P, then show that 2
  1.
p SP

2 2
x y
10. Find the coordinates of all the points P on the ellipse 2
 2
 1 , for which the area of the triangle
a b
PON is maximum, where O is the origin and N, the foot of the perpendicular from O to the tangent
at P.

R DIANCE
25 ELLIPSE

MISCELLANEOUS ASSIGNMENTS
1. If the axes of an ellipse coincide with the co-ordinate axes and the ellipse passes through the point (4,
-1) and touches the line x + 4y - 10 = 0, then its equation is

x 2 y2
 1 x 2 y2 x 2 y2
(a) 80 5 (b)  1 (c)  1 (d) none of these
4 20 5 100 5

x y x y
2. The locus of the point of intersection of the straight lines t     t  0 and  t    1  0 is
a b a b

x 2 y2 b2 a 2
(a) 2  2  1  0 (b) 2  2  1  0
a b x y
(c) b 2 x 2  a 2 y 2  a 2 b 2  0 (d) b 2 y 2  a 2 x 2  x 2 y 2  0

3. If the tangent to the ellipse x 2  4 y 2  16 at a point  is normal to the circle

x 2  y 2  8x  4 y  0, then  is equal to
  
(a) (b) 0 (c) (d) 
2 4 3

4. The line 2x + y = 3 cuts the ellipse 4 x 2  y 2  5 at P and Q. If  be the angle between the normals
at these points, then tan  is equal to
2
3  4 3
(a) (b) 1    (c) 5 (d)
4 5 5

x 2 y2
5. If the normal at  on   1  0 intersects the curve again at  , then
a 2 b2
  b
2

(a) tan  tan    1 (b) tan  tan    2

 2   2  a
 
(c) tan  tan    e 1 (d) tan  tan    2
2

 2   2 

6. An ellipse having foci (3, 1) and (1, 1) passing through the point (1, 3) has eccentricity equal to

1 3 1
(a) 2 1 (b)
2 1
(c) 3 1 (d)
2

x 2 y2
7. P is a variable point on the ellipse   1 with AA’ as the major axis. Then the maximum value
a 2 b2
of the area of the triangle APA’ is
R DIANCE
26 ELLIPSE

(a) ab (b) a 2  b 2 (c)

1 2
4
 
a  b 2  a  b 
2
 (d)
ab
2

8. The distance of the centre of the ellipse x 2  2 y 2  2  0 to those tangents of the ellipse which are
equally inclined to both the axes is
3 3 3 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 2 2 6

9. The normal at P x1 , y1  on an ellipse with eccentricity e meets the major axis at G. Then

1 SG a 2  b2 SG
(a) SG  SP (b) SG = eSP (c)  (d)  e2
e SP a SP

x 2 y2
10. The perpendicular from the focus upon any tangent to   1 and the line joining the centre to
a 2 b2
the point of contact meet
a
(a) on the corresponding directrix. (b) at a point whose abscissa is
e
a
(c) at a point whose x co-ordinate is  (d) at a point whose x co-ordinates is ae2
e

11. The distance of a point P on the ellipse x2 + 3y2 = 6, from the centre is 2. Then the coordinates of P
are
(a)  3, 1  (b)  3,  1 
(c)  3 , 1  
(d)  3 ,  1 
x 2 y2
12. S and S’ are the two foci of the ellipse 2  2  1 . The equation of the similar ellipse with S and S’
a b
as the ends of the major axis is

x2 y2 x2 y2 x 2 y2 x2 y2
 1  1  2  e2   a 2e2
(a)
a 2e 2 b 2
(b)
a 2 a 2e 2
(c)
a 2
b
(d)
1 
1  e2 
x 2 y2
13. Let P be a variable point on the ellipse 2  2  1 with foci F1 and F2. If A is the area of the triangle
a b
PF1F2 , then the maximum value of A is
(a) b a 2  b 2 (b) b a 2  b 2 (c) a 2e 1  e 2 (d) bae

14. The focus of the curve 4 x 2  9 y 2  8x  36 y  4  0 is

(a)  3, 2  (b)  5  1, 2  (c)  3  1, 2  

(d)  5  1, 2 
15. The equaiton of the tangent from the point (2, 2) to the ellipse 4x2 + 9y2 = 36 is
(a) y - 3 = 0 (b) y - 2 = 0 (c) 8x - 10y + 13 = 0 (d) 8x + 5y - 26 = 0
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27 ELLIPSE

ANSWERS TO SUBJECTIVE ASSIGNMENTS

LEVEL-I
 
1. 7 x 2  y 2  2xy  10x  y   7  0 2.10 3.
10 2
, , 0, 5  and 0, 1
3 3
4.
1
2

2 2 1 155  3 2  2
6.  x  y  a  b 7. y  3 x  ;   65 ,  195  8.
2 3  26 39  3

LEVEL- II
2 2
x y 2
2. 2
 2
 sec α
a b
2
 x2 y2   2 y2 
7
2 x
(i)  2  2   c  4  4  (ii). a 2

 b 2 b 2 x 2  a2 y 2 
2

 a 2b 2 b 4 x 2  a 4 y 2 
a b  a b 

2 2
x y 2  30 9 
9. 2
 2
r 10.   , 
a b  23 23 

LEVEL- III
y r  s   a2 b2 
2 2 2
x  
1. Ellipse. 3.  1 10.  , 
a 2
ra  sb2 2 2 2 2 .
 a b a b 

ANSWERS TO MISCELLANEOUS ASSIGNMENTS

1. AB 2. AC 3. AB 4. BD 5. BC

6. AB 7. AC 8. BD 9. BC 10. ABC

11. AC 12. CD 13. BCD 14. BD 15. BD

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