Pair of tangents from ( 𝒙𝟏 , 𝒚𝟏 ) to the ellipse

𝑥2 𝑦2
The pair of tangents to the ellipse + = 1 from ( 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is
𝑎2 𝑏2
SS1 = T 2
𝑥2 𝑦2
where, S = + -1
𝑎2 𝑏2
x12 y21
S1 = 2 + 2 - 1
𝑎 𝑏
𝑥𝑥 y𝑦
T = 21 + 21 - 1
𝑎 𝑏

Chord of contact P (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )

Let P be any external point from which two
tangents PA and PB are drawn to the ellipse. A (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 )
Then, the chord joining the point of contacts B
(𝑥3 , 𝑦3 )
A & B of the tangents is known as chord of
contact of point P.
To find the equation of chord of contact of the point ( 𝒙𝟏 , 𝒚𝟏 ) wrt to
𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
the ellipse + =1
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐
𝑥2 𝑦2
Solution : Given ellipse is + = 1 …………….(i)
𝑎2 𝑏2
Let P ( 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) be given point from which tangents PA and PB are drawn to the ellipse
(i). Suppose co-ordinates of A and B are ( 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ) and ( 𝑥3 , 𝑦3 ) respectively.
∴ Equation of tangent at point A ( 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ) is
𝑥 𝑥2 y 𝑦2
+ 2 =1
𝑎2 𝑏
𝑥𝑥 y𝑦
Also, equation of tangent at point B ( 𝑥3 , 𝑦3 ) is 23 + 23 = 1
𝑎 𝑏
These two tangents pass through the point P ( 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )
𝑥1 𝑥2 𝑦1 𝑦2
∴ + 2 = 1 ………………(ii)
𝑎2 𝑏
𝑥1 𝑥3 𝑦1 𝑦3
and, + 2 = 1 ………………(iii)
𝑎2 𝑏
From (ii) & (iii), we see that both the points A ( 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ) & B ( 𝑥3 , 𝑦3 ) lie on the
𝑥1 𝑥 𝑦1 𝑦
locus 2 + 2 =1
𝑎 𝑏
𝑥 𝑥1 𝑦 𝑦1
i.e. + =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
This is the required equation of the chord of contact of the point P.
Pole and Polar
Let P be any point from which a straight line P ( 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )
PAB is drawn that meets the ellipse at points
A
A & B resp. Then, the locus of point of
intersection of tangent to the ellipse drawn
at points A & B is known as polar of point P T
with respect to the ellipse. Also, point P is
known as pole of polar. B

𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
Theorem : To find the equation of polar of the point P ( 𝒙𝟏 , 𝒚𝟏 ) wrt. the ellipse + =1.
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐
𝑥2 𝑦2
Solution : Let the equation of ellipse is + = 1 ………..(i)
𝑎2 𝑏2
Let P ( 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) be given point from which a straight line PAB is drawn to meet the ellipse (i) at
points A & B .
Suppose tangents at A and B meet at point T ( h, k) .
∴ AB is the chord of contact of point T ( h, k) with respect to the ellipse (i)
𝑥ℎ 𝑦𝑘
So, its equation is + 2 =1.
𝑎2 𝑏
It passes through P ( 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ).
𝑥1 ℎ 𝑦1 𝑘
∴ + =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
1 𝑥𝑥 𝑦𝑦
So, locus of T (h , k) is 2 + 21 = 1
𝑎 𝑏
This is the required polar equation.
Theorem: To find the coordinates of pole of any line wrt to
the ellipse
Solution: Let P ( 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) be the pole of the line lx + my + n = 0 ……….....(i)
𝑥2 𝑦2
We know that the polar of point P ( 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) wrt ellipse + = 1 is
𝑎2 𝑏2
𝑥 𝑥1 𝑦 𝑦1
+ = 1 ……………(ii)
𝑎2 𝑏2
Since polar (i) & (ii) are identical.
𝑙 𝑚 𝑛
𝑥1 = 𝑦1 =
𝑎2 𝑏2
−1

𝑎2 𝑙 𝑏2 𝑚
or, = = -n
𝑥1 𝑦1
𝑎2 𝑙 𝑏2 𝑚
∴ 𝑥1 = - , 𝑦1 = -
𝑛 𝑛

𝑎2 𝑙 𝑏2 𝑚
So, required pole = ( - ,- ).
𝑛 𝑛