Ellipse



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 Ellipse

In the given figure, S is the focus and NN'

is the directrix. Definition

An ellipse is the locus of the point

which moves in a plane such that
the ratio of its distance from a
fixed point (focus) to fixed straight
line(directrix) is always constant
(called eccentricity).
Let P be a point on the ellipse,

PS
then= e, e < 1 (for ellipse)
PM
Thus, we can find the equation of an ellipse
when the coordinates of its focus, equation
of the directrix and eccentricity (e) are given.

STANDARD EQUATION OF AN ELLIPSE :

Let S be the focus & ZM is the directrix
of an ellipse. Draw perpendicular from
S to the directrix which meet it at Z.
A moving point is on the ellipse such
that
PS = ePM
then there is point lies on the line SZ
and which divide SZ internally at A and
externally at A’ in the ratio of e : 1 .
therefore SA = eAZ …(i)
SA’ = eA’Z …(ii)
Let AA’ = 2a and take C as mid point
of AA’
∴ CA=CA’ = a
Add (i) and (ii)
SA + SA’ = e (AZ + A’Z)
⇒ AA’=e[CZ–CA + CA’ + CZ] 2a = 2eCZ
Ellipse

1.
 a
⇒ CZ = …(iii)
e
Subtract (ii) and (i), we get
SA’–SA = e (A’Z–AZ)
⇒ (CA’ + CS) – (CS–CS)
= e [(CA’ + CZ) – (CZ–CA)]
⇒ 2CS = 2e CA
∴ CS = ae …(iv)

Result (iii) and (iv) are independent of axis.

consider CZ line as x-axis, C as origin and
perpendicular to this line and passes through
C is considered as y-axis. Let P(x, y) is a
moving point, then by definition of ellipse.
PS = ePM ⇒ (PS)2 = e2(PM)2

2
a 
⇒ (x - ae)2 + (y - 0)2 = e2  - x 
e 

⇒ (x – ae)2 + y2 = (a – ex)2
⇒ x2 + a2e2 – 2axe + y2 = a2 + e2x2 – 2xae
⇒ x2(1–e2) + y2 = a2 (1 – e)2
x2 y2 x2 y 2
⇒ 2 + = 1 or = + 1
a (
a2 1 − e2 ) a2 b2

where b2 = a2 (1 – e2)

Tracing of an ellipse :
x2 y 2
Given ellipse is 2 + 2 = 1 …(1)
a b
(i) If we put y = 0 then we see that ellipse cuts
x -axis at (± a, 0).
(ii) If we put x = 0 then we see that ellipse cuts
y -axis at (0, ± b).
(iii) Equation of ellipse does not change when y
is replaced by-y. Hence, ellipse is symmetrical
about x -axis. (Since equation contain even
power of y therefore curve is symmetric
about x -axis).
Ellipse

2.
(iv) When x is replaced by -x, the equation of
curve does not change therefore ellipse is
symmetrical about y-axis. (Since equation
contain even power of x therefore curve is
symmetric about y-axis).
b 2
(v) From (1) y = ± a − x2 , since y is real.
a
∴ a – x ≥ 0 or –a ≤ x ≤ a
2 2

a
Also from (1), x = ± b2 − y 2 , Since x is
b
real. ∴ b2 – y2 ≥ 0 or – b ≤ y ≤ b

Hence ellipse lies entirely between the lines

x = –a and x = a and the lines y = –b and
y = b,
Thus an ellipse is a closed curve. Since curve
is symmetrical about both axis, therefore
first of all we draw its graph only in the first
quadrant and then we will take its image in
both axis.

FACTS ABOUT AN ELLIPSE :

(1) By the symmetry of equation of ellipse, if
we take second focus S’ (–ae,0) & second
directrix x = – a/e and perform same
calculation, we get same equation of ellipse,
therefore there are two foci & two directrix
of an ellipse. The two foci of ellipse are (ae,
0) and (–ae,0) and the two corresponding
directrices are lines x = a/e and x = –a/e. If
focus of the ellipse is taken as (ae,0), then
corresponding directrix is x = a/e and if focus
is (–ae, 0), then corresponding directrix is
x = –a/e.
(2) If equation of directrix is px + qy + r = 0 and
focus is (h,k) then its equation will be
PS2 = e2PM2
2
 
px + qy + r 
e2 ·
(x − h)2 + (y − k)2 =
 p2 + q2 
 
Ellipse

3.
 (3) Distance between foci SS’ = 2ae and
distance between
a
directrix ZZ’ = 2 .
e
(4) Degree of flatness of an ellipse is also called
an eccentricity and written as
CS Distance from centre to focus
= e =
CA Distance from centre to vertex
If e→ 0 ⇒ b → a ⇒ foci becomes closer and
move towards centre and ellipse becomes
circle. If e→ 1 ⇒ b → 0
⇒ ellipse get thinner and thinner
(5) Two ellipse are said to be similar if they have
same eccentricity.
(6) Distance of focus from the extremity of
minor axis is equal to ‘a’ because
a2 e2 + b2 = a2
(7) Let P(x,y) be any point on the ellipse.
x2 y 2 y2 x2
+ = 1 ∴ 1
=−
a2 b2 b2 a2
y 2 (a − x)(a + x) PN2 AN· A 'N
=
⇒ 2 2
⇒
= 2
b a b a2
PN2 b2
⇒ =
AN·A′N a2
(8) By definition of ellipse, the distance of any
point on the ellipse from focus is equal
to e times (the distance of point from the
corresponding directrix).
Let the equation of the ellipse be
x2 y2
+ = 1 ...(1)
a 2 b2

1. Centre:
In the figure, C is the centre of the ellipse. All
chords passing through C are called diameter
and bisected at C.
2. Foci :
S and S’ are the two foci of the ellipse and
their coordinates are (ae, 0) and (–ae, 0)
respectively. The line containing two foci are
Ellipse

4.
 called the focal axis and the distance between S and S’ the focal
length.
3. Directrices :
ZN and ZN’ are the two directrices of the ellipse and their equations
a −a
are x = and x = respectively. Here Z and Z’ are called foot of
e e
directrix.
4. Axes:
 The line segments A’A and B’B are called the major and minor axes
respectively of the ellipse. The point of intersection of major and minor
axis is called centre of the ellipse. Major and minor axis together are
called principal axis of ellipse. Here Semi-Major axis are CA = CA’ = a;
and Semi-minor axis are CB = CB’ = b
5. Vertex:
The points where major axis meet the ellipse is called its vertices. In
the given figure, A’ and A are the vertices of the ellipse.

6. Ordinate and double ordinates:

Let P be a point on the ellipse. From P we draw PM perpendicular to
major axis of the ellipse. Produce PM to meet the ellipse at P’. then
PM is called an ordinate and PMP’ is called the double ordinate of the
point P. It is also defined as any chord perpendicular to major axis is
called its double ordinate.

7. Latus rectum :
When double ordinate passes through focus then it is called the Latus
rectum.
Let L’L = 2k, then LS = k so L = (ae, k).
Here LL’ and MM’ are called latus rectum.
Since L (ae,k) lies on the ellipse (1),

a2e2 k2 k2
therefore + =1 or 1 e2
=−
a2 b2 b2

b2 b4
or (
k2 = b2 1 − e2 = b2 · ) a 2
=
a 2
[∵ b2 = a2 (1 –e2)]

2
b
∴ k=
a
b2
Hence length of semi latus rectum = = MS’
a
Ellipse

5.
 i.e. length of the latus rectum LL’ or
2b2 (minor axis )2
MM’ = =
a major axis
= 2a (1 – e2)
= distance from focus to the corresponding
directrix
And the end points of latus rectum are

 b2   −b2   b2   b2 
L  ae,  ,L'  ae,  ,M  −ae,  & M'  −ae, − 
 a   a   a   a 
 

8. Focal chord:
A chord of the ellipse passing through its
focus is called a focal chord.

AUXILIARY CIRCLE AND ECCENTRIC ANGLE :

A circle described on major axis as diameter
is called the auxiliary circle of the given
ellipse & its equation is
x2 + y2 = a2 …(1)

x2 y2
and given ellipse is + 1
= …(2)
a2 b2
Let Q be a point on the auxiliary circle
x2 + y2 = a2 then line through Q and
perpendicular to x -axis meet the ellipse at
P then P and Q are called the corresponding
points on the ellipse & the auxiliary circle
respectively. Here ∠QOA=θ is called the
eccentric angle of the point P on the ellipse
(0 ≤ θ < 2π).
Since Q lie on the circle therefore Q (acosθ,
asinθ)
So coordinate of P(acosθ, y), which satisfy
the equation of ellipse.

a2cos2 θ y2
∴ + = 1 ⇒ y =bsinθ
a2 b2
Ellipse

6.
 ∴ coordinate of P will be (acosθ, bsinθ) and
this is called parametric equation of ellipse.
Definition
The equations x = acosθ and y = bsinθ
x2 y 2 “If from each point of a circle
together represent the ellipse 2 + 2 =1 perpendiculars are drawn upon
a b
a fixed diameter then the locus
We observe that of the points dividing these
(PN) b Semi minor axis perpendiculars in a given ratio is an
= = ellipse of which the given circle is
(QN) a Semi major axis
the auxiliary circle”. This is another
definition of ellipse.

ELLIPSE AT A GLANCE :

Focal Distance of a point:

Let P(x,y) be any point on the ellipse
x2 y 2
+ = 1 …(1)
a2 b2
Then by definition of ellipse,
a 
SP =ePM =e(MT − PT) =e  − x  =a − ex
e 
Ellipse

7.
 and
a 
( )
S'P =ePM' =e M'T + PT =e  + x  =a + ex
e 
Hence SP + S’P = 2a
Because of the above property, ellipse is
also defined as the locus of a point which
moves in a plane such that the sum of its
distance from two fixed points (called foci)
is a constant (Length of major axis). This
definition is called the physical definition of
the ellipse.
Hence PS +PS’ = QS + QS’ = TS +TS’ = length
of major axis

TWO STANDARD FORMS OF ELLIPSE :

There are two standard forms of ellipse
with centre at the origin and axes along
coordinate axes. The foci of the ellipse are
either on the x-axis or on the y-axis.
1. Major axis along x-axis :
The equation of this type of ellipse is of the
x2 y 2
form 2 + 2 = 1 , where a > b > 0 and
a b
b a 1 − e2 .
=
For this ellipse :
(i) Major axis is 2a
(ii) Minor axis is 2b.
(iii) Centre is (0, 0)
(iv) Vertices are (±a, 0)
(v) Foci are (± ae, 0)
a
(vi) Equations of directrices are x = ±
e
(vii) Equation of major axis is y = 0
(viii) Equation of minor axis is x = 0
2b2
(ix) length of latus rectum =
a
 b2 
(x) Extremity of latus rectum is  ± ae, ± 
 a 

(xi) Area of ellipse = pab
Ellipse

8.
2. Major axis along y-axis :
x2 y2
The equation of this type of ellipse is of the form + 1 . where
=
a2 b2
0 < a < b and a = b 1 − e2 .
For this ellipse :
(i) Major axis is 2b
(ii) Minor axis is 2a
(iii) Centre is (0,0)
(iv) Vertices are (0, ± b)
(v) Foci are (0, ± be)
b
(vi) Equation of directrices are y = ±
e
(vii)Equation of major axis is x = 0
2a2
(ix) Length of latus rectum =
b 
a2
(x) Extremity of latus rectum is  ± , ±be 
 b 
 
(xi) Area of ellipse = pab

COMPARISON CHART BETWEEN STANDARD ELLIPSE :

x2 y2
2
+ =1
Basic Elements a b2

a> b a<b

Centre (0,0) (0, 0)

Vertex (± a, 0) (0, ±b)

Length of major axis 2a 2b

Length of minor axis 2b 2a

Foci (±ae, 0) (0, ±be)

Equation of directrix a b
x= ± y= ±
e e

Relation among a and b b2 = a2 (1–e2 ) a2 = b2 (1–e2 )

Equation of major axis y=0 x=0

Equation of minor axis x=0 y=0

Length of latus rectum 2b2 2a2

a b
Ellipse

9.
 End of latus rectum  b2   a2 
 ±ae, ±  ± , ±be 
 a   b 
  

Focal distance of P(x1, y1) a ± ex1 b ± ey1

SP + SP’ 2a 2b

Distance between foci 2ae 2be

Distance between 2a 2b
directrix e e

(acos q, b sinθ) (a cosθ ,

Parametric equation
(0 < θ < 2π) b sin θ)

x2 y2
If the equation of the ellipse is given as + 1 and nothing is
=
a2 b2
mentioned then the rule is to assume that a > b.
To find the various Parameter of an ellipse :
Equation of an ellipse whose axis are parallel
to coordinate axis and its centre is (h, k). the
foci of the ellipse are either on x-axis or on
the y-axis.

(I) Major axis parallel to x-axis :

Here the equation of ellipse is of the form
(x − h)2 (y − k)2
+ = 1 , where a > b and
a2 b2
b2 = a2 (1–e2)
Here the equation of ellipse is of the form
X2 Y 2
+ =1 , where X = x –h and Y = y–k.
a2 b2
(1) Equation of major axis is Y = 0,
i.e., y – k = 0
Equation of minor axis is X = 0,
i.e., x – h = 0
(2) Coordinate of centre of the ellipse are
given by X = 0 and Y = 0 i.e, x – h = 0 and
y–k = 0
∴ Centre of the ellipse is (h,k)
Ellipse

10.
 (3) 
Coordinate of foci of the ellipse are
given by
X = ± ae, Y = 0 i.e., x – h = ± ae
and y – k = 0
∴ Hence foci of the ellipse are (h±ae,k)
(4) Equation of the directrices of the
a a
ellipse are X = ± , i.e., x – h = ± .
e e
a
Thus directrices are x = h ±
e
(5) Coordinate of ends of latus rectum are
b2
given by X = ±ae, Y = ± i.e. x–h = ±ae,
a
b2
y–k = ± Therefore ends of latus
a
 b2 
rectum are given by  h ± ae, k ± 
 a 

(6) Coordinate of vertices of the ellipse are
given by X= ±a, Y=0 i.e., x–h = ±a,
y – k = 0. Hence vertices are (h ± a, k)

(II) Major axis parallel to y-axis :

Here the equation of ellipse is of the form
(x − h)2 (y − k)2
+ = 1 , where a < b and
a2 b2
a2 = b2 (1 – e2)
X2 Y2
Equation (1) is of the form + 1 , where
=
a2 b2
X = x – h and Y = y – k
(1) Equation of major axis is X = 0,
i.e., x–h = 0
Equation of minor axis is Y = 0,
i.e., y– k = 0
(2) Coordinate of centre of the ellipse are
given by X=0 and Y=0
⇒ x–h=0 and y–k=0
∴ Centre of the ellipse is (h,k)
Ellipse

11.
 (3) Coordinate of foci of the ellipse are given by X = 0, Y = ± be
x–h = 0 and y–k = ±be
x = h and y = k ± be
∴ Foci are (h, k ± be)
b
(4) Equation of the directrices of the ellipse are Y = ± ,i.e,. y–k = ±
e
b
e
b
Thus directrices are y = k ± .
e
(5) Coordinate of ends of latus rectum are given by
a2
X = ± & Y= ±ae ,
b
a2
i.e. x − h =± and y –k = ± be,
b
a2
or x= h ± and y = k ± be
b
 a2 
∴  Coordinates of ends of latus rectum are given by  h ± ,k ± be 
 b 
 
(6) Coordinates of vertices of the ellipse is given by X = 0 and Y = ± b
i.e., x – h=0 and y – k = ± b therefore coordinates of vertex are (h,
k ± b)

(x - h)2 (y - k)2
+ =1
Basic Elements a2 b2

a>b a<b

1. Length of major axis 2a 2b

Length of minor axis 2b 2a

Equation of major axis y–k=0 x–h=0

2.
Equation of minor axis x–h=0 y–k=0

3. Centre of ellipse (h, k) (h, k)

4. Eccentricity b2 a2
e
= 1− e
= 1−
a2 b2
Ellipse

12.
 Foci
5. (h ± ae,k ) (h,k ± be)
Equation of directrix a b
6. x= h ± y= k ±
e e

Extremities of latus  b2   a2 
7.  h ± ae,k ±  h ± ,k ± be 
Rectum  a   b 
  
8. Vertices of an ellipse (h ± a,k) (h, k ± b)

Length of latus rectum 2b2 2a2

9.
a b

Equation of chord of an Ellipse:

Equation of a chord of an ellipse joining two
points P(α) and Q(β) on it is equal to
x α +β y α +β α −β
cos   + sin  =cos  
a  2  b  2   2 
(use formula of line joining points P(acosα,
bsinα) and Q(acosβ, bsinβ) ) If this particular
chord passes through (d,0) then we have
α +β
cos  
d
=

cos 
α+β 
cos
=
 α−β 
;  2  a
  
a  2   2  cos  α − β  d
 
 2  Point to Remember!!!
Using compodendo and dividendo rule
If d = ae i.e. PQ is a focal
α +β α −β
cos   − cos   α β e−1
 2   2  = a−d chord then tan tan =
2 2 e+1
α −β α −β a +d
cos   + cos  
 2   2 
2 sin α / 2 sin β / 2 a−d
or − =
2 cos α / 2 cos β / 2 a + d
α β d−a
i.e. tan tan =
2 2 d+a
Ellipse

13.
 Q. Find the equation of the ellipse (referred to its axis as the x-axis and y-axis)
1
whose foci are (±2, 0) and eccentricity = .
2
x2 y2 1
Sol. Let
a 2
+
b 2
1 represent ellipse where e =
=
2
given (± ae, 0) = (±2, 0)
⇒ ae = 2 ⇒ a = 4 ⇒ b2 = a2 (1–e2) gives b2 = 12
x2 y 2
∴ Equation of ellipse is + =1 .
16 12

Q.(a) 
Find the lengths of the axes, the eccentricity, the coordinates of foci,
equations of the directrices and the lengths of latus rectum of the ellipse.
Also find the areas enclosed by the curve. 25x2 + 36 y2 = 900
(b) 
Find the length and equation of major and minor axes, centre, eccentricity,
foci, equation of directrices, vertices and length of the following ellipses
(i) 16x2 + y2 =16
(ii) 2x2 + 3y2 – 4x – 12y + 13 = 0.
(iii) 4x2 + y2 – 8x + 2y + 1 = 0.

Sol. (a) The equation of the ellipse is

x2 y 2
25x2 + 36y 2 = 900 ⇒ + = 1
36 25
x2 y2
Comparing with =1 , we get +
a2 b2
a2 = 36, b2 = 25 ⇒ a = 6, b = 5
 a > b, so it is a horizontal ellipse with axis along the X-axis and the centre at
the origin.

Thus,
Length of major axis = 2a = 12 unit
Length of minor axis = 2b = 10 unit
If e is the eccentricity, then
b2 a2 1 − e2
= ( )
25 36 1 − e2
⇒= ( ) ⇒e=
11
6
11
∴
= ae 6·= 11
6
The coordinates of foci are (ae, 0) and (– ae, 0)
i. e., ( 11, 0) and ( − 11, 0)
Ellipse

14.
 a 6 36
Also, = =
e 11 11
6
The equations of the directrices are
a a
x= and x= − ,
e e
36 36
i.e., x= and x = −
11 11
11x − 36 0
⇒= and =
11x + 36 0

2b2 2·25 25
Length of the latus rectum
= = = unit
a 6 3
Area of the ellipse = πab = π 6 . 5 = 30π sq. unit
(b) (i) Given equation of the ellipse is
x2 y 2
16x2 + y2 = 16 or 2 + 2 = 1 ... (1)
1 4
Here a = 1, b = 4 and a < b
Length of major axis = 2b = 8
Length of minor axis = 2a = 2
Equation of major axis is x = 0
Equation of minor axis is y = 0
Coordinates of centre are (0, 0)
Eccentricity of the ellipse,

a2 1 15
e = 1− = 1− =
b2 16 4

Coordinate of foci are given by

y = ± be, x = 0 i.e., y=
± 15, x =
0

Hence foci are (0, ± 15)

b 16
Equation of directrices are y = ± or y = ±
e 15
Ellipse

15.
 Coordinates of vertices are given by
y = ± b and x = 0 i.e., y = ±4,
x=0
Hence vertices are (0, ± 4).
(ii) The given equation does met contain
the term of xy, so its axes are parallel to
the coordinates axes. We have
2x2 + 3y2 – 4x – 12y + 12 = 0
or ( ) ( )
2 x 2 − 2x + 3 y 2 − 4y + 13 =
0

or
( ) ( )
2 x 2 − 2x + 1 + 3 y 2 − 4y + 4 − 14 + 13 =
0

or 2(x − 1)2 + 3(y − 2)2 =

1

(x − 1)2 (y − 2)2
or + 1
= …(1)
1 1
2 3
Shifting the origin to the point (1, 2)
equation (1) becomes

X2 Y 2
+ 1
=
1 1
2 3

x2 y2
Comparing with + 1 , we get
=
a2 b2
1 2 1 1 1
a2 = ,b = ⇒a= and b =
2 3 2 3
 a > b, so the major axis is parallel to
x - axis.

Length of major axis

1
==2a 2·= 2 unit
2
Length of minor axis
1 2
= 2b
= 2· = 3 unit
3 3
Ellipse

16.
 2b2 1 2 2
Length of latus rectum
= = 2· =· 2 unit
a 3 3

b2 2 1
Eccentricity, e = 1− = 1− =
a 2 3 3

Coordinates of the centre and the foci and the equations of the directrices are given
in the following table:

X, Y System x, y System

x – 1 = 0 and y – 2 = 0
Coordinates of
(0, 0), i.e, X = 0, Y = 0 ⇒ x = 1, y = 2
centre
∴ Centre is (1, 2)

1
x=
−1 − 2 0 and
,y=
6
1
x − 1 =− , y − 2 =0
6
1
⇒ x=
1+ ,y =
2 and
(ae, 0) and (–ae, 0) or 6
Coordinates of force  1   1 
 , 0  and  − , 0 1
  x=
1− ,y =
2
 6   6  6
 6+1 
∴ Foci are  , 2  and
 6 
 
 6−1 
 , 2
 6 
 

a a 6 6
X= and X = − or x−1= and x − 1 =−
Equations of e e 2 2
directrices ⇒ 2x − 2 − 6 =0 and
6 6
X= and X = −
2 2 2x − 2 + 6 =0
Ellipse

17.
 (iii) The axes are parallel to the coordinates axes because the equation does not
contain xy term. We have

4x2 + y2 – 8x + 2y + 1 = 0

or 4(x2 – 2x) + (y2 + 2y) + 1 = 0

or 4(x2 – 2x + 1) + (y2 + 2y + 1) – 5 + 1 = 0

or 4(x – 1)2 + (y + 1)2 = 4

(x − 1)2 (y + 1)2
or + 1 …(1)
=
1 4
Shifting the origin to the point (1,-1), the equation (1) will reduce to

X2 Y 2
+ 1 …(2)
=
1 4

x2 y2
Comparing with the equation + 1 , we have
=
a2 b2
a2 = 1 and b2 = 4 ⇒ a = 1, b = 2

 b > a, so, the major axis is parallel to the Y-axis

Length of major axis = 2b = 4 unit

Length of minor axis = 2a = 2 unit

2a2 2·1
Length of latus rectum of = = 1 unit
b 2

a2 1 3
Eccentricity, e = 1− = 1− =
b2 4 2
3 b 2 4 4 3
Also, be =
2· 3 and
= =
− = =
2 e 3 /2 3 3

Now. the coordinates of the centre and foci and the equations the axes and
directrices are given in the following table:
Ellipse

18.
 X, Y System x, y System

x – 1 = 0 and y + 1 = 0
Coordinates (0, 0), i.e, ⇒ x = 1, y = –1
of centre X = 0, Y = 0 ∴ Coordinates of centre
are (1, –1)

x − 1= 0, y + 1= 3 and

x − 1 =0 y + 1 =− 3
(0, be) and (0, – be)
Coordinates ⇒ x = 1, y = −1 + 3
i.e. (0, 3) and (0, − 3)
of foci
and x = 1, y = −1 − 3

∴ Foci are (1, −1 + 3)

and (1, −1 − 3)

Equation of
X=0 x– 1=0
major axis

Equation of
Y=0 y+1=0
minor axis

4 3
b b y+1= and
Y= and Y = − 3
e e
Equation of 4 3
4 3 y + 1 =−
directrices i.e. , Y = and 3
3
⇒ 3y + 3 − 4 3 =0
4 3
Y= −
3 and 3y + 3 + 4 3 =0
Ellipse

19.
 Q. (a) Find the equation of axes, directrix, co-ordinate of foci, centre, vertices,
(x − 3)2 (y − 2)2
length of latus-rectum and eccentricity of an ellipse + = 1.
25 16
(b) Find the centre, the length of the axes, and the eccentricity of the ellipse
2x2 + 3y2 – 4x + 12y + 13 = 0
(c) Find the centre, the length of the axes, eccentricity and the foci of the
ellipse. 12x2 + 4y2+24x–16y + 25 = 0

X2 Y2
Sol. (a) Let x –3 = X, y –2 = Y, so equation of ellipse becomes as
52
+
42
1
=

a = 5, b = 4 and a > b
equation of major axis is Y = 0 ⇒ y=2.
equation of minor axis is X = 0 ⇒ x=3.
centre (X = 0, Y = 0) & ⇒ x =3,y = 2 C ≡ (3, 2)
Length of major axis 2a = 10 Length of minor axis = 2b = 8.
Let ‘e’ be eccentricity, then
(
∴ b2 = a2 I − e2 )
Ellipse

20.
 a2 − b2 25 − 16 3
=e = =
a2 25 5
2b2 2 × 16 32
Length of latus rectum
= LL
= ′ = =
a 5 5
Co-ordinates foci are X= ± ae, Y = 0
3
x − 3 =±5 ⋅ and y–2 = 0 ⇒ x = 3 ± 3 and y = 2 i.e. (6, 2) and (0, 2)
5

(b) 2x2 + 3y2 – 4x + 12y + 13 = 0

2(x2–2x) +3 (y2 + 4y) + 13 = 0
2(x–1)2 + 3 (y + 2)2 = 1
(x − 1)2 (y + 2)2
+ I
=
 1  1
   
2 3
X2 Y2
+ 1 ;
=
a2 b2
where
1 1
X =−
x 1, Y =+
y 2, a = , b = & a > b
2 3
Centre is: X = 0, Y = 0; x = 1, y = −2

Length of major axis

= 2a
= 2 and Length
2
of minor axis
= 2b
=
3
b2 a2 1 − e2
If e denotes the eccentricity, then,= ( )
1 1 1
∴ =
3 2
( )
1 − e2 ; e =
3
Ans.

(c) The given equation can be written in the form 12(x + 1)2 + 4(y − 2)2 =
3
(x + 1)2 (y − 2)2 1 3
⇒ + =1 here a2 = and b2 = ⇒a<b
1/ 4 3/4 4 4
Co- ordinates of centre of the ellipse are given by x + 1 = 0 and y – 2 = 0 Hence
centre of the ellipse is (–1, 2) ∴ Length of major axis
= 2a
= 3 and Length of
3 1
minor axis = 2b = 1 i.e.
= a = ,b Since
2 2
Ellipse

21.
 ( )
b2 = a2 1 − e2 ∴
1
=
3
⇒ e=
2
∴ ae=
3
×
2
=
1
(
4 4 1 − e2 ) 3 2 3 2
 1 
Co-ordinates of foci are given by x + 1 = 0, y – 2 = ±ae Thus foci are  −1, 2 ± 
 2

Q. (a) Find the equation of the ellipse having its centre at the point (2, –3), one
focus at (3, –3) and one vertex at (4, –3).
(b) Find the equation of the ellipse the extremities of whose minor axis are (3,
1) and (3, 5) and whose eccentricity is 1/2.
(c) Find the equation of the ellipse with its centre at (1, 2), one focus at
(6, 2) and passing through the point (4, 6)
(d) Find the equation to the ellipse whose focus is the point (–1, 1), whose
1
directrix is the straight line x–y + 3 = 0 and eccentricity is .
2

Sol. (a) Let C = (2, –3), S = (3, –3) and A = (4, –3)
Now CA
= (4 − 2)2 + ( −3 + 3)2 = 2 ∴ a = 2

Again, CS = (3 − 2)2 + ( −3 + 3)2 = 1

∴ ae = 1; ∴ e=
1
=
a 2
1
( 

)
1
⇒ b2 =a2 1 − e2 =4  1 −  =3
4
Major axis is y = –3 and parallel to x-axis
(x − 2)2 (y + 3)2
∴ Equation of ellipse is + =1
4 3

(b) Let C be the centre of the ellipse. Let B’ = (3,1) and B = (3,5),
then C = (3, 3)
[Since C is the mid-point of BB’]
Also BB’ = 4 ∴ 2b = 4 ⇒ b = 2
5−1
Also, slope of BB’ = (not defined)
0
Hence minor axis is parallel to y-axis and
therefore, major axis will be parallel to x -axis.
Let a be the length of semi-major axis of the
ellipse, then b2 = a2 (1–e2)
 1 16
∴= 4 a 2  1 −  or a2 =
 4 3
Ellipse

22.
 Since centre of the ellipse is (3, 3), therefore, its equation will be
(x − 3)2 (y − 3)2
+ = 1
16 / 3 4
or 3x2 + 4y2–18x–24y + 47 = 0
(c) Let S ≡ (6, 2) and C ≡ (1, 2). Slope of CS = 0, therefore major axis of the ellipse
is parallel to x-axis and minor axis is parallel to y -axis. Since centre of the
(x − 1)2 (y − 2)2
ellipse is (1, 2), therefore its equation will be of the form + = 1
a2 b2
(4 − 1)2 (6 − 2)2 9 16
Since (4,6) lies on (1), therefore 2
+ 2
1 or 2 + 2 =
= 1
a b a b
Since ae = distance between centre and
focus = 5,
(∴ b2 = a2 (1 – e2 ) = a2–(ae)2 = a2–25 ... (3)
Substituting this value in (2), we have
9 16
2
+ 2 = 1 “or “ a4– 50a2 + 225 = 0
a a − 25
or (a2–45) (a2-5) = 0 or a2 = 45, 5.
When a2 = 5, from (3),b2 < 0 (not possible)
∴ a2 = 45, and from (3),b2 = 45–25 = 20
(x − 1)2 (y − 2)2
Hence from (1), equation of required ellipse is + 1
=
45 20

(d) Let P ≡ (h , k) be moving point,

PS 1
e =
=
PM 2
2
1 h −k + 3
⇒ (h + 1) + (k –1) = 
2 2

4 2 
⇒ locus of P (h, k) is
8{x2 + y2 + 2x –2y + 2} = (x2 + y2 –2xy + 6x–6y + 9)
7x2 + 7y2 + 2xy + 10x –10y + 7 = 0.

Q. The positive difference between the lengths of the latus rectum of

3y = x2 + 4x – 9 and x2 + 4y2 – 6x + 16y = 24 is
1 3 5
(A) (B) 2 (C) (D)
2 2 3

Sol. (A)
Ellipse

23.
 2  13 
( x + 2) = 3 y + 
 3

Length of latus rectum of parabola

L1 = 3
( x − 3)2 ( y + 2)2
+ 1
=
49 (49 / 4)
Lengths of latus rectum of ellipse,
 49 
2 
2b2  4  7/2
L2 =
= =
a 7
7
L 1 − L2 = 3 − =1 / 2
2

4x 2 y 2  17 
Q. An circle concentric to the ellipse + 2= 1  λ <
289 λ 
 passes through foci S1,
2 
x y
S2 and cuts ellipse at point P. If area of ∆PS1S2 is 30 sq. units then find − =1
3 5

1
Sol. area of ∆PS
= 1 S2
2
(PS1 )(=
PS2 ) 30

⇒ (PS1)(PS2) = 60
PS1 = S2P = 2a = 17

2
( S1 S2 ) = PS21 + PS22 = ( 17 ) − 2 ( 60 ) = 169

S 1 S2
∴ =1
13

x2 y2
Q. Find the eccentricity of an ellipse
a2
+
b2
= 1 whose latus rectum is half of its

major axis.

2b2
Sol. According to question
a
=a

1
⇒ 2b2 = a2 ⇒ 2a2 (1 – e2) = a2 ⇒ e =
2
Ellipse

24.
Q. If the focal distance of the end of minor axis of an ellipse is 2q and distance
between its foci is 2p, then find its equation.

x2 y2
Sol. Let the equation of ellipse is
a2
+
b2
=1

According to question 2ae = 2p …(i)

and a = q
⇒ b2 = a2 – a2e2 ⇒ b2 = q2 – p2
2 2
x y
⇒ Equation is 2 + 2 = 1 Ans.
q q − p2

Q. (a) Find the equation of the ellipse having axes along the coordinate axes and
passing through the points (4, 3) and (–1, 4).
(b) Find the equation to the ellipse whose centre is origin, axes are the axes of
co-ordinate and passes through the points (2, 2) and (3, 1).

x2 y2
Sol. (a) Let the equation of the required ellipse be
a2
+
b2
1 …(1)
=

42 ( −3)2 16 9
(4, –3) is on the ellipse ∴ + = 1 or +
= 1 …(2)
a2 b2 a2
b2
( −1)2 42 1 16
(–1, 4) is also on the ellipse ∴ += 1 or 2 + = 1 …(3)
a2 b2
a b2
9 256
(3) × 16 ⇒ 2
+ =16 …(4)
a b2
247 247
(4) − (2) ⇒ 2 = 15 ⇒ b2 =
b 15
1  15  1 240 7 247
From (3), + 16   =1 ⇒ 2 =1 − = ⇒ a2 =
a2
 247  a 247 247 7
∴ The equation of the required ellipse is
x2 y2
+ =1 or 7x2 + 15y2 = 247
247 247
7 15
x2 y 2
(b) Let the equation to the ellipse is 2 + 2 = 1 Since it passes through the
a b
points (2, 2) and (3, 1)
4 4
∴ 2
+ 2 = 1 …(i)
a b
Ellipse

25.
 9 1
and =1 …(ii)
2
+
a b2
from (i) and (ii), we get
32 32
=a2 = and b2
3 5

Q. (a) Find the equation of curve whose parametric equation are x = 1 + 4 cos θ , y
= 2 + 3 sinθ . Also find its eccentricity.
x2 y2
(b) Find the eccentric angle of the point on the ellipse + =1 whose
6 2
distance from the centre is 2.
(c) Find the eccentric angles of the extremity of latus rectum lie in the first
x2 y2
quadrant of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 .
a b
x−1 y−2
Sol. (a) cos θ =
4
and sin θ =
3
(x − 1)2 (y − 2)2
 sin2 θ + cos2=
θ 1 ⇒ + = 1
16 9
b2 9 7
∴e = 1− = 1− = Ans.
a 2 16 4

(b) Any point on the ellipse is ( 6 cos φ, 2 sin φ) , where ϕ is an eccentric angle
of the point. It’s distance from the centre (0, 0) is given and equal to 2, therefore
6cos2 ϕ + 2 sin2 ϕ = 4 or 3 cos2 ϕ + sin2 ϕ = 2
1 π 3π 5π 7 π
2 cos2 ϕ = 1 ⇒ cos ϕ = ± ; φ= , , , Ans.
2 4 4 4 4
x2 y2
(c) The coordinate of any point on the ellipse + 1 whose eccentric angle
=
a2 b2
θ are (a cos θ, b sin θ). The coordinate of the end point of latus rectum are
 b2 
 ae, ± 
 a 

∴ For 1st quadrant
b2 b  b 
a cos θ = ae and b sin θ = ; tanθ = ⇒ θ = tan–1   .
a ae  ae 
Ellipse

26.
 x y
Q. The eccentricity of the ellipse which meets the straight line + =
7 2
1 on the
x y
axis of x and the straight line − =1 on the axis of y and whose axis lie along
3 5
the axes of coordinates is
3 2 2 6 2 3
(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
7 7 7

Sol. (B)
b2 = a2(1 – e2)
25 = 49(1 – e2)
2 6
e=
7

Q. (a) A rod of length 12cm moves with its ends always touching the co-ordinate
axes. Determine the equation of the locus of a point on the rod, which is 3cm
from the end in contact with the x-axis.
(b) A line of fixed length a + b moves so that its ends are always on two fixed
perpendicular lines; prove that the locus of a point, which divide this line into
two portions of lengths ‘a’ and ‘b’ is an ellipse.

Sol. (a) Let AB be the rod of length 12cm touching the co-ordinate axes at points A
and B.
Let A ≡ (a, 0), B ≡ (0, b)
Now AB2 = 122
⇒ a2 + b2 = 144 …(1)
Let P be a point on AB such that
AB = 3cm
then BP = 12cm –3cm = 9cm
∴ AB : PB = 1 : 3
Hence P divides AB internally in the ratio 1 : 3
 1.0 + 3.a 1.b + 3.0   3a b 
∴ P≡ ,  or P≡ , 
 1+ 3 1+ 3   4 4
3a b 4h
∴ h = and k = ⇒ a= and b = 4k
4 4 3
16h2
Put value of a and b in equation (1) we get + 16k2 =
144
9
Ellipse

27.
 16 2
∴ Locus of P(h, k ) is x + 16y 2 =
144 ,
9
i.e. x2 + 9y2 = 81, which is the equation of the required locus.
(b) Let us assume that the two fixed perpendicular lines are X-axis and Y-axis.
Let the line be AB with the end B on the X-axis and the end A on the Y-axis and
P be the point (h, k) on the line so that A P = a and PB = b.

If AB makes an angle φ with the

X-axis as shown in the figure, then
In the triangle APM.
MP = AP cos φ or h = a cos φ …(1)
In the triangle PBN,
PN = PB sin φ or k = b sin φ …(2)
Eliminating φ from the equations (1) and (2), we get

2 2
h k 
  +  =1
a b
x2 y2
Hence, the locus of P(h,k) is + 1.
=
a2 b2
Which is an ellipse.

Alternatively:
The coordinates of A and B are, say (0, α) and (β, 0), then
α2 + β2= (a + b)2 …(3)
AP a
Now, =
PB b
aβ bα
∴ h
= =and k
a +b a +b

[ P divides AB in ratio a : b internally]

2 2
h k  α2 + β2
∴   +   = = 1 [From the equation (2)]
a b (a + b)2

x2 y2
Thus, the required locus of P(h, k) is + 1
=
a2 b2
Ellipse

28.
Q. A series of ellipse E1, E2, ... En are drawn such that En touches En–1 at the
extremities at the extremities of the major axis of En–1 and the foci of En
coincided with the extremities of minor axis of En–1. If eccentricity of the
ellipse is independent of n, then the value of eccentricity is
5 +1 5 −1 5 −1
(A) 5 (B) (C) (D)
3 4 2 3

Sol. (C)
b' = a, a'e = b
b'2 = a'2 – a'2e2
2 b2
a= − b2
e2
b2
( ) ( )
2
e2 = 2 1 − e2 =1 − e2
a
1 – e2 = ± e
e2 + e – 1 = 0
or e2 – e – 1 = 0
−1 ± 5
⇒ e=
2

or 1 ± 5
2
5 −1
⇒ e=
2

Q. Two circles are given such that one is completely lying inside other without
touching. Prove that the locus of the center of variable circle which touches
smaller circle from outside and bigger circle from inside is an ellipse.

Sol. In the figure, circles with hard line are given circles with centers C1 and C2 and
radius r1 and r2 respectively. Let the circle with dotted line is a variable circle
which touches given two circles as explained in the question which has center
C and radius r.
Now CC2 = r + r2 and CC1 = r1 – r
Hence, CC1 + CC2 = r1 + r2 = (constant)
Then locus of C is ellipse whose foci are C1 and C2.
Ellipse

29.
 Q. Let P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2), y1 < 0, y2 < 0 be the end points the latus rectum of
ellipse x2 + 4y2 = 4. The equations of parabolas with latus rectum PQ are :
(A) x 2 + 2 3y = 3 + 3 (B) x 2 − 2 3y = 3+ 3
(C) x 2 + 2 3y =
3 − 3 (D) x 2 − 2 3y =
3− 3

Sol. (BC)
3
( )
1= 4 1 − e2 ⇒ e=
2
Length of latus rectum of parabola
= 4a
= 2 3
3
⇒a=
2
Equation of parabolas are
  1 3  2
2 3  y −  − −   =x

  2 2 
  1 3  2
or −2 3  y −  − +   =x
 2 2
  

2 3y + (1 + 3 ) 3 =x2
or −2 3y − (1 − 3 ) 3 =x2
or x 2 − 2 3y =3 + 3
x 2 + 2 3y =
3− 3

Q. If (5, 12) and (24, 7) are the foci of an ellipse passing through origin, then find
the eccentricity of the ellipse.

Sol. Let the S(5,12) & S(24,7) are two foci & ellipse passes through origin O.
∴ OS + OS’ = 2a

⇒ 25 + 144 + 576 + 49 =
2a

⇒ 2a = 13 + 25 ⇒ a = 19 and 2ae = SS’ = 386

386
∴ e=
38
Ellipse

30.
Q. Find the equation of the ellipse that passes through the origin and has the foci
at the points (-1,1) and (1,1).

Sol. Let P(x,y) be any point on the ellipse and the

foci be S(–1,1) and S’ (1, 1). and O lie on the
ellipse
OS + OS’ = constant = 2a
⇒ (x + 1)2 + (y − 1)2 + (x − 1)2 + (y − 1)2 =
2 2
Let P(x, y) be any point on the ellipse
⇒ PS + PS’ = 2 2

⇒ (x + 1)2 + (y − 1)2 + (x − 1)2 + (y − 1)2 =

2 2

⇒ (x + 1)2 + (y − 1)2 = 2 2 − (x − 1)2 + (y − 1)2

⇒ (x + 1)2 + (y − 1)2 =8 + (x − 1)2 + (y − 1)2  − 4 2 (x − 1)2 + (y − 1)2

 

⇒ x2 + 2x + 1 + y 2 − 2y + 1 = 8 + x2 − 2x + 1 + y 2 − 2y + 1 − 4 2 (x − 1)2 + (y − 1)2

⇒ 4x − 8 =−4 2 (x − 1)2 + (y − 1)2

⇒ x − 2 =− 2 (x − 1)2 + (y − 1)2

⇒ 4 2 x2 − 2x + 1 + y 2 − 2y + 1
x2 − 4x +=
 
⇒ 0 =x2 + 2y 2 − 4y

⇒ x2 + 2y 2 − 4y =
0 is the required equation of the ellipse.

x2 y2
Q. If base of a triangle is the major axis of the ellipse +
16 9
1 and third vertex
=

moves on the ellipse, then maximum area of triangle will be :

(A) 6 (B) 72 (C) 12 (D) None of these

Sol. (C)
⇒ P(0, 3) or P(0, – 3)
Area of DPAB is maximum when altitude
is maximum. Hence P should be (0, 3)

1
( ∆PAB)max = × 8 × 3 = 12
2
Ellipse

31.
 x2 y2
Q. P and Q are two points on the upper half of the ellipse +
a 2 b2
1 . The centre
=

of the ellipse is at the origin ‘O’ and PQ is parallel to the x–axis such that the
triangle OPQ has the maximum possible area. A point is randomly selected
from inside of the upper half of the ellipse. The probability that is lies outside
the triangle, is :
π−1 2π − 1 π−1 π−1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
π 2π 2π 4π

Sol. (A)
1
Area of ∆OPQ
= (2a cos θ)(b sin θ)
2
ab ab
sin2θ ≤
2 2
πab ab
−
2 2 π−1
Probability
= =
πab π
2

Q. Find the equation of the ellipse having major and minor axes along x and y
axes respectively, the distance between whose foci is 8 units and the distance
between the directrices is 18 units.

Sol. Given, 8 = distance between foci = 2ae

2α
…(1)
and 18 = distance between directrices = …(2)
e
 2a  2
(1) × (2) ⇒ (8) (18) = (2ae)   = 4a ⇒ a = 36 ⇒ a = 6
2
…(3)
 e 
Again, 8 = 2ae = 2(6) e = 12e
8 2
⇒=e =
12 3

Also,
  2 2  5
( )
b2 = a 2 1 − e2 = (6)2 1 −    = 36   = 20
  3   9

∴ Required equation of the ellipse is

x2 y 2 x2 y2
+ = 1 or + =1 [From (3) and (5)
a2 b2 36 20
Ellipse

32.
Q. If the line joining foci subtends an angle of 90° at an extremity of minor axis
then the eccentricity of the ellipse is :
1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
3 2 2

Sol. (B)

a2 + a2 = (2ae)2

1 1
⇒ e2 = ⇒e=
2 2

Q. The locus of incentre of ∆PF1F2 where P is a variable point lying on ellipse

x2 y2
+ = 1 with F1, F2 as foci and eccentricity e is a conic whose:
a 2 b2
x2 y 2 (1 + e)2 x2 y 2 (1 − e)2
(A) equation is + 1 (B) equation is
= + =
1
a 2 e2 b2 e2 a 2 e2 b2 e2
2e 2e
(C) eccentricity is (D) eccentricity is
1+ e 1− e

Ans. (AC)
a2e(1 + e cos θ) − a2e(1 − e cos θ) + 2a2e cos θ
h=
2a + 2ae
⇒=h ae cos θ
2aeb sin θ eb sin θ
=k =
2a + 2ae (1 + e)
h2 k2
∴ + 1
=
(ae)2 be 
2

 
 1+ e
Equation of locus of incentre is
x2 y2
+ = 1
(ae)2  be 2
 
 1+ e
b2e2
( )
2
∴ 2
=a2e2 1 − e′
( 1 + e)
Ellipse

33.
 ⇒
(
a2e2 a − e2 )=
a e (1 − e )
2 2 ′
2

(1 + e)2
1−e 2e 2e
⇒ e′2 =
1− = ⇒ e′ =
1+e 1+e 1+e

( x − 4)2 ( y − 3)2
Q. If the equation of the curve on reflection of the ellipse
16
+
9
=1
k + k2
about the line x–y–2=0 is 16x2 + 9y2 + k1x – 36y + k2 = 0 , then 1 is?
22

Sol. (6)
Image of (h, k) on ellipse about x – y – 2 = 0 is say (h', k')
h' − h k ' − k
∴ =
1 −1
h−k −2
=−2 =−h + k + 2
1+1
⇒ h' = k + 2, k' = h – 2
(h, k) ≡ (k' + 2, h' – 2)
(h − 4)2 (k − 3)2
 + =1
16 9
(k '+ 2 − 4 )2 (h'− 2 − 3 )2
⇒ + 1
=
16 9
⇒ 16(h’)2 + 9k'2 – 36k' – 160h' + 292 = 0
⇒ Equation of relfection of ellipse is
k 1 + k 2 292 − 160
= = 6
22 22

Q. In a triangle ABC with fixed base BC, the vertex A moves that cosB + cosC
=4sin2A/2. If a, b and c denote the lengths of the sides of the triangle opposite
to the angles A, B and C, respectively, then
(A) b + c = 4a
(B) b +c = 2a
(C) locus of point A is an ellipse
(D) locus of point A is a pair of straight line

Sol. (BC)
Ellipse

34.
 A
c os B + c os C =
4 sin2
2
B +C B −C 2 A
2 cos   cos   = 4 sin
 2   2  2
B −C A
⇒ cos   = 2 sin  
 2  2
B −C
cos  
⇒  2  =2 sinB + sinC
⇒ =2
A sin A
sin
2

b + c = 2a(constant)
Hence, locus of vertex A is ellipse with
B and C as foci.

POSITION OF A POINT w.r.t. AN ELLIPSE:

x2 y 2
( )
Let S x, y = 2 + 2 − 1 be the given
a b
ellipse and P(x1, y1) is the given point.
(i)   If S(x1,y1) > 0 then P(x1,y1) lie outside the
ellipse.
(ii) If S(x1,y1 ) < 0 then P(x1,y1) lie inside the
ellipse.
(iii)   If S(x1,y1 ) = 0 then P(x1, y1) lie on the
ellipse.
This result holds true for circle and parabola also.

Q. Check whether the point P(3, 2) lies inside, on or outside of the ellipse
x2 y2
+ =1.
25 16
9 4 9 1
Sol. S(3,2) ≡ +
25 16
− 1= + −1<0
25 4
∴ Point P(3, 2) lies inside the ellipse.

Q. Find the set of values of ‘α’ for which the point P(α,–α) lies inside the ellipse
x2 y2
+ = 1.
16 9

Sol. If P(α,–α) lies inside the ellipse then

Ellipse

35.
 α2 α2 25
∴ S ( α, −α ) < 0 ⇒ + −1<0⇒ ⋅ α2 < 1
16 9 144

144  12 12 
⇒ α2 < ; ∴ α ∈ − , .
25  5 5
INTERACTION OF A LINE AND AN ELLIPSE:
Let the equations of the line is
y = mx + c … (1)
and equation of ellipse is
x2 y 2
+ = 1 …(2)
a2 b2
The points of intersection of the line and
the ellipse can be obtained by solving the
two equations simultaneously. Hence by
eliminating y from (1) and (2), we get

x2 (mx + c)2
+ 1
=
a2 b2

i.e. (b2 + a2m2 ) x2 +2a2 cmx + a2 (c2–b2 ) = 0

...(3)
Let x1, x2 be the roots of the quadratic
equation (3). The line meets the ellipse in
real and distinct points if the roots x1 and x2
are real and different. The line is a tangent
to the ellipse if x1 =x2 and the line does not
meet the ellipse if the roots x1 and x2 are
imaginary. All these will be decided by the
discriminant of quadratic equation (3).

TANGENTS :
(i) Point form:
xx 1 yy 1
 + 2 = 1 is tangent to the ellipse at
a2 b
(x1, y1) Since point (x1, y1) lie on the curve
therefore we can use standard substitution
to obtain the equation of tangent.
Ellipse

36.
(ii) Slope form:
 Let the given line is y = mx + c and given
x2 y2
ellipse is 2 + 2 = 1.
a b
If line touch is the ellipse then by solving the
two equations simultaneously (by eliminating
y from
x2 (mx + c)2
(1) & (2)), we get + 1.
=
a2 b2
i.e. (b
2
)
+ a2m2 x2 + 2a2cmx + a2 c2 − b2 =
0 ( )
Since line is tangent to the ellipse therefore
its D = 0
or 4a4c2m2 –4(b2 + a2 m2).a2(c2 – b2) = 0
or 4a2 [a2c2m2 –b2c2 –a2c2m2 + b4 + a2b2m2]
=0
or b2(–c2+n2 + a2m2) = 0
which is the required condition of tangency.
Substituting this value of c in y = mx + c, we
have y =+
mx a2 m2 + b2 or
y = mx– a2 m2 + b2 , which are tangents to
the ellipse for all values of mHere ± sign
represents two tangents to the ellipse having
the same m, i.e. there are two tangents
parallel to any given direction.
The equation of any tangent to the ellipse

(x − h)2 (y − k)2
+ 1
=
a2 b2

( y − k )= ( )
m x − h ± a2m2 + b2

(iii) Parametric form:

xcosθ ysinθ
+ = 1 is tangent to the ellipse at
a b
the point (a cos θ, b sin θ).
Ellipse

37.
 Q. Find the equations of the tangents to the ellipse 3x2 + 4y2 = 12 which are
perpendicular to the line y + 2x = 4.

x2 y 2
Sol. Slope of tangent to the given line =–2 Given ellipse is
4
+
3
1
=

mx ± 4m2 + 3
Equation of tangent whose slope is ‘m’ is y =
1 1
m = ∴ y = x ± 1+ 3
2 2
2y =x ± 4

x2 y2
Q. A tangent to the ellipse
a2
+
b2
1 touches at the point P on it in the first
=

quadrant and meets the co-ordinate axes in A and B respectively. If P divides

AB in the ratio 3 : 1, find the equation of the tangent.

Sol. Let P = (a cosθ, b sinθ)

x y
∴ equation of tangent is cosθ + sinθ = 1]
a b
A = (a secθ, 0) B = (0, b cosecθ) ∵ P divide AB internally in the ratio 3:1
asecθ 1 1 3bcosecθ 3
∴ acosθ= ⇒ cos2 θ= ⇒ cosθ= and
= bsinθ =⇒ sinθ
4 4 2 4 2
x 3y
∴ tangent is + =1 ⇒ bx + 3ay =2ab ans.
2a 2b

Q. Find the equations of the tangents drawn from the point (2, 3) to the ellipse
9x2 + 16y2 = 144.

Sol. mx ± 16m2 + 9
Let the equation of the tangent is y =
It passes through the point (2, 3)
⇒ 3 = 2m + 16m2 + 9
⇒ (3 – 2m)2 = 16m2 + 9
⇒ 12m2 + 12 = 0
⇒ m = 0, – 1
⇒ Tangent are y = 3 or y = – x + 5
Ellipse

38.
Q. Find the equations of the tangents to the ellipse x2 + 16y2 = 16 each one of
which makes an angle of 60° with the x-axis.

x2 y2
Sol. We have, x2 + 16y 2 = 16 ⇒
42
+
12
=1

x2 y2
This is of the form += 1,
a2 b2
where a2 = 16 and b2 = 1 So, the equations of the tangents are
mx ± a2m2 + b2
y=

i.e. y= 3x ± 16 × 3 + 1 ⇒ y= 3x ± 7

Q. For what value of λ does the line y = x + λ touches the ellipse 9x2 + 16y2 = 144.

Sol. ∵ Equation of ellipse is

x2 y 2
9x2 =
+ 16y 2 144 or = + 1
16 9
x2 y2
Comparing this with 2
+ 2
1 then we get a2 = 16 and b2 = 9
=
a b
& comparing the line y = x + λ with y = mx + c
∴ m = 1 and c = λ
therefore condition of tangency c2 = a2m2 + b2 ⇒ λ2 = 16 × 12 + 9 ⇒λ2 = 25
∴ λ = ±5

x2 y2
Q. A circle of radius r is concentric with the ellipse
a2
+
b2
1. Prove that the
=

common tangent is inclined to the major axis at an angle

 r 2 − b2 
tan-1  .
 a2 − r2 
 

Sol. Let the equation of circle is x2 + y2 = r2 …(i)

x2 y 2
and 2 + 2 = 1 ...(ii)
a b
mx − a2m2 + b2 i.e. mx − y + a2m2 + b2 =
Tangent to be ellipse is y = 0. Since it
is tangent to the circle also, therefore perpendicular distance from centre (0,0)
Ellipse

39.
 a2m2 + b2
will be equal to radius r , ∴ r
=
m2 + 1
⇒ a2m2 + b2 = r2 (I + m2)
r2 − b2
⇒ m2 =
a2 − r2
r2 − b2
∴ m
= tan=
θ
a2 − r2
r2 − b2
∴ θ =tan−1
a2 − r2

x2 y2
Q. For the ellipse
9
+
4
1 with vertices A and A’, tangent drawn at the point P
=

in the first quadrant meets the y-axis at Q and the chord A´P meets the y-axis
at M. If O is the origin, then OQ2 – MQ2 equals to
(A) 9 (B) 13 (C) 4 (D) 5

Sol. (C)
Let point P be (acos θ, bsinθ)
Equation of the tangent at point P is
x y
cos θ + sin θ = 1
a b
Then point Q is (bcosec θ, 0)
b sin θ
=
Equation of chord A’P is y − 0 ( x + a)
a cos θ + a
b sin θ
Putting x = 0, we have y =
cos θ + 1
Then
OQ2 – MQ2
2b2 b2 sin2 θ
= −
cos θ + 1 (cos θ + 1)2

b2  2 cos θ + 2 − sin2 θ 
=  
cos θ + 1  (cos θ + 1) 
b2  2 cos θ + 1 + cos2 θ 
=  
cos θ + 1  (cos θ + 1) 
= b2 = 4
Ellipse

40.
 x2 y2
Q. Prove that in the ellipse
a2
+
b2
1 the locus of the middle points of the
=

a2 b2
portions of tangents included between the axes is the curve + 4.
=
x2 y2

Sol. Equation of any tangent to the given ellipse may be taken as

xcosθ ysinθ
+ = 1
a b
Let this tangent meet the x -axis in P and y -axis in Q.
Putting y = 0 In (1), we get x = a secθ.
∴ Co-ordinates of P are (a secθ,0)
Similarly co-ordinates of Q are (0,b cosecθ) Let (h, k) be the mid. point of PQ.
asecθ + 0 asecθ 0 + bcosecθ bcosecθ
∴ h
= = =and k =
2 2 2 2
a
Hence 2cosθ =
h
b
and 2sinθ =
k
a2 b2
Squaring and adding (2) and (3), we have =
4 + .
h2 k2
a2 b2
∴ Locus of (h, k) is + 4.
=
x2 y2

Comprehension for Q.1 to Q.3

The tangent at any point P of the circle x2 + y2 = 16 meets the tangent at a fixed
point A at T, and T is joined to B, the other end of the diameter through A.

Q.1 The locus of the intersection of AP and BT is conic whose eccentricity is

1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 3 3

Ans. (B)

Q.2 Sum of focal distances of any point on the curve is

(A) 12 (B) 16 (C) 20 (D) 8

Ans. (D)
Ellipse

41.
 Q.3 Which of the following does not change by changing the radius of the circle?
(A) coordinates of focii (B) length of major axis
(C) eccentricity (D) length of minor axis

Sol. (C)
Tangents at P (4cosθ, 4sinθ) to x2 + y2 = 16 is x cosθ + ysinθ = 4
sin θ
Equation of
= AP is y ( x − 4)
cos θ − 1
From (i), coordinates of the point T are given by
 4(1 − cos θ) 
 4, 
 sin θ 
1 − cos θ
Equation of= BT is y ( x + 4) … (iii)
2 sin θ
let (h, k) be the point of intersection of the
lines (ii) and (iii). Then we have
1
k2 = (
− h2 − 16
2
)
h2 k 2
⇒ + 1
=
16 8
x2 y2
Therefore, locus of (h, k) is + 1
=
16 8
1
Which is an ellipse with eccentrically e =
2
Sum of focal distances of any point = 2a = 8
1
Considering circle x2 + y2 = a2. We find that the eccentricity of ellipse is
2
which is constant and does not change by changing the radius of the circle

Q. Find the locus of the foot of the any tangent to perpendicular drawn from the
x2 y2
center upon any the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1
a b

Sol. Let the foot of perpendicular is P(h, k)

k
Then the slope of OP is (O is centre)
h
h
⇒ Slope of the tangent is −
k
h
⇒ Equation of the tangent is y − k =− (x − h)
k
Ellipse

42.
 h h2 + k2
or y =
− x+
k k
2 2
 h2 + k2  h
This touches the ellipse, then  =  a2   + b2
 k  k 
 

( )
2
⇒ a2 x2 + b2 y 2 = x2 + y 2

Q. Common tangents are drawn to parabola y2 = 4x and the ellipse 3x2 + 8y2 = 48
touching parabola at A and B and ellipse at C and D. If the area of quadrilateral
of ABCD is 55 N , then N =

Sol. (2)
Equation of tangent at A is ty = x + t2
1
=y x +t
t
 It is tangent to ellipse also
16
⇒ t2 = 2 + 6
t
⇒ t4 – 6t2 – 16 = (t2 – 8)(t2 + 2) = 0
⇒ t =±2 2
∴ A,B =
(8, 4 2 ) and (8, −4 2 )
Let D ≡ (h, k)
Tangent to y2 = 4x at A is 2 2y − x =
8 … (1)
Tangent to ellipse at B is 2xh + 8ky = 48 … (2)
 (1) and (2) are identical
8k 3h 48
=− = = 6
2 2 1 8
3
h = 2, k =
2
3
⇒h=−2, k=
2
 3  and  −2, − 3 
∴ D, .C ≡  −2,   
2
 2 
1
Area of trapezium = ABCD (8 2 + 3 2 )10
2
= 55 2 ⇒=
N 2
Ellipse

43.
 Q. Find the locus of the point of intersection of tangents to the ellipse if the
2π
difference of the eccentric angle of the points is .
3
2π
Sol. | α − β |=
3
α+β
cos
2 α+β
=h a= 2a cos
α−β 2
cos
2
α+β
and k = 2b sin
2
h2 k2
⇒ + 1
=
4a2 4b2
x2 y2
⇒ + 4
=
a2 b2

x2 y2
Q. The tangent at any point on the ellipse +
a 2 b2
1 meets the auxiliary circle
=

in two points which subtend a right angle at the centre. Show that the
1
eccentricity of the ellipse is .
1 + sin2 α

Sol. Given ellipse is

x2 y 2
+ = 1 …(1)
a2 b2
Its auxiliary circle is
x2 + y 2 =a2 …(2)
Let P ≡ (acosα, bsinα)
Equation of tangent to the ellipse at P(acos α, bsinα) is
xcosα ysinα
+ = 1 …(3)
a b
Making equation (2) homogeneous with the help of (3), we get
2
2  xcosα ysinα 
2 2
x + y −a  + 0
 =
 a b 
 a2 
( 

)b 

a
or 1 − cos2 α x2 +  1 − 2 sin2 α  y 2 − 2 ( cos α )(sinα )xy =
b
0 …(4)

(4) is the joint equation of OL and OM.

Ellipse

44.
 Since ∠LOM=90°
∴ Coefficient of x2+ coeff. of
y2 = 0
a2
∴ 1 − cos2 α + 1 − 2 sin2 α =0 or
b
 a2 
sin2 α  2 − 1  =1
b 
 
or
 1
sin2 α 
1−e
2

  (
− 1 = 1  b2= a2 1 − e2 
 )
2 2 2
(
or e sin α = 1 − e or e2 1 + sin2 α =1 )
1
or e =
1 + sin2 α
NORMALS
(i) Point form:
Equation of the tangent to the ellipse at
(x1, y1) is
xx 1 yy 1
+ 2 = 1
a2 b
−x 1 b2
(
The slope of the tangent at x 1 , =
y1
a2
× )
y1
a2 y 1 a2 y
( )
∴ Slope ofthe normalat x 1 , y 1 = × 2 = 2 1
x1 b b x1
Hence the equation of the normal at (x1, y1) is
a2 y 1
y −=
y1
b2 x 1
(
x − x1 )
Point to Remember!!!

(ii) Parametric form: Equation of a normal in terms of its

In above equation if we put
= x acosθ and
slope ‘m’ is y = mx −
( )
a2 − b2 m
.
=y bsinθ then we will get normal equation a2 + b2 m2
in parametric form.
∴ ax secθ-by cosecθ = a2–b2 =a2 e2
This is equation of normal in parametric
form.
Ellipse

45.
 x2 y2
Q. If the normal at one end of a latus-rectum of an ellipse
a2
+
b2
1 passes
=

5−1
through other extremity of the minor axis, then show that e2 = .
2
 b2 
Sol. Equation of normal at P  ae, 

 a 
b2
y−
x − ae
is = 2 a
ae b /a
a2 b2
ax
⇒ − ya = a2 − b2 Since it passes through (0,-b)
e

(a )
2
⇒ 0 + ab = a2 − b2 ⇒ a2b2 = 2
− b2

( ) (a ) 5 −1
2
⇒ a 2 ⋅ a 2 1 − e2 = 2
⋅ e2 ⇒ e4 + e2 − 1= 0 ⇒ e2 = .
2

Q. Find the condition that the line lx + my = n may be a normal to the ellipse
x2 y2
+ = 1.
a 2 b2
ax by
Sol. Equation of normal to the given ellipse at acosθ,bsinθ is ( ) −
cosθ sinθ
=a2 − b2

If the line lx + my = n is also normal to the ellipse then there must be a value of
θ for which line (1) and line lx + my = n are identical. For that value of θ we have
l m n l msinθ n
= = or cosθ = − =
 a   −b 
   
2
a −b 2
( a ) b a − b2
2
( )
 cosθ   sinθ 
an
∴ cosθ = …(3)
(
l. a − b22
)
−bn
and sinθ = ...(4)
(a 2
− b2 m)
n2  a2 b2 
Squaring and adding (3) and=
(4), we get 1  2 + 2  which is the
l m 
(a )
2
2
− b2 

required solution.
Ellipse

46.
 x2 y2
Q. If normal at any point P to the ellipse +
a 2 b2
= 1 (a > b) meet the axes at M
PM 2
and N so that = , then the value of eccentricity is:
PN 3
1 2 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
2 3 3

Sol. (C)
(PM)2 = a2cos2θ(1 – e2)2 + b2sin2θ
= b2(1 – e2 cos2θ)
sin2 θ
(P N) = a 2 cos2 θ + 2 (b2 + a 2 e2 )
2 2

b
a4
(
=2 1 − e2 cos2 θ
b
)
2
 PM  b4 4
 = =
 PN  a4 9
b2 2
= = 1 − e2
a2 3
1
e=
3

x2 y2
Q. If a tangent of slope 2 of the ellipse +
a 2 b2
1 is normal to the circle x2 + y2 +
=

4x + 1=0, then find the maximum value of ab.

Sol. (4)
x y
Equation of tangent of ellipse at point (a cosθ, b sinθ) is cos θ + sin θ = 1
a b
It passes through (–2, 0)
2
⇒ − cos θ =1
a
b
Also its slope = − cot θ = 2
a
2 b
∴ sec θ = − , tan θ = −
a 2a
4 b2
∴ 1
=+
a2 4a 2
⇒ 16 = 4a2 +b2 ≥ 2(2ab) ⇒ ab ≤ 4
Ellipse

47.
 x2 y2
Q. If the normal at any point P of the ellipse
a2
+
b2
1 meets the major and
=

minor axes at G and E. respectively, and if CF is perpendicular upon this

normal from the centre C of the ellipse, show that :PF ⋅ PG = b2 and PF.PE = a2

Sol. Given ellipse is

x2 y 2
+ = 1 …(1)
a2 b2
Let P(acosθ,bsinθ) be any point on ellipse (1)
Equation of normal to ellipse (1) at P is
axsecθ–bycosecθ=a2–b2 …(2)
since line (2) meets the major axis (x- axis) and minor axis (y-axis ) at G and E
respectively, therefore

G≡
 a2 − b2 
cosθ, 0  and E ≡  0,
(
 − a2 − b2 
sinθ 
)
 a   b 
   
 
PF = CQ = length of perp. form C(0,0) on
the tangent at P,
xcosθ ysinθ
i.e. on the line + −1= 0
a b
| −1 | ab
= = …(3)
cos2 θ sin2 θ b2 cos2 θ + a2 sin2 θ
+
a2 b2

( )
2
 a2 − b2 cosθ 
  2
Also PG
=  − acos θ  + (0 − bsinθ)
 a 
 

b4cos2 θ b 2
= b2sin2 θ
+= b cos2 θ + a2sin2 θ …(4)
a 2 a
2
2 2
 a2 − b2 
PE = a cos θ +  bsinθ + sinθ 
 b 
 

a4 sin2 θ a
= a2cos2 θ + = b2cos2 θ + a2sin2 θ …(5)
b 2 b
From (3) and (4), PF.PG = b2
From (3) and (5), PF.PE = a2
Ellipse

48.
 Q. Any ordinate NP of an ellipse meets the auxiliary circle in Q, prove that the
locus of the intersection of the normals at P and Q is the circle
x2 + y2 = (a + b)2

Sol. Equation of the ellipse is

x2 y 2
+ = 1 …(1)
a2 b2
Equation of its auxiliary circle is
x2 + y2 = a2 …(2)
If coordinates of P are (a cos φ, b sin φ),
then those of Q are (a cos φ, a sin φ)
Equation of the normal to the ellipse at P is
= a2 − b2
ax sec φ − by cosec φ …(3)
Equation of the normal to the circle at Q is
y = x tan φ …(4)
By eliminating φ from equations (3) and (4), we will get the required locus.
From the equation (4), we have
x2 + y 2 x2 + y 2
=sec φ = and cosec φ
x y
Substituting in the equation (3), we get
a x2 y 2 − b x2 + y 2 = a2 − b2
+

or x2 + y 2 =a + b or x2 + y 2 =(a + b)2
Which is the required locus.

Q. If the normals at P(x1, y1), Q(x2, y2) and R(x3, y3) to the ellipse are concurrent,
x1 y1 x1y1
the prove that x 2 y 2 x 2 y 2 = 0
x3 y3 x3 y3

Sol. The equations of the normals at P(x1, y1), Q(x2, y2) and R(x3, y3) to the ellipse are
a2 x b2 y
− =a2 − b2
x1 y1

a2 x b2 y
− =a2 − b2
x2 y2

a2 x b2 y
− =a2 − b2 , respectively
x3 y3
These three lines will be concurrent, if
Ellipse

49.
 a2 −b2
a2 − b2
x1 y1
a2 −b2
a2 − b2 =
0
x2 y2
a2 −b2
a2 − b2
x3 y3

1 1
1
x1 y1

⇒ −a2b2 a2 − b2 ( ) 1
x2
1
y2
1 =0

1 1
1
x3 y3

y1 x1 x1y 1
⇒ y2 x2 x2 y 2 =
0
y3 x3 x3 y 3

DIRECTOR CIRCLE:
Locus of the point of intersection of the
tangents which meet at right angles is called
the Director Circle. Let equation of any
tangent is y =+
mx a2 m2 + b2 If it passes
through (h, k) then
k =±
mh a2 m2 + b2
(k –mh)2 = a2m2 + b2
(h2 – a2)m2–2khm + k2–b2 = 0 …(3)
Equation (3) has two roots m1 and m2
2hk
m1 + m2 = …(4)
h − a2
2

Point to Remember!!!
k2 − b2
m1 m2 = …(5)
h2 − a2 If a right triangle, right angled
Hence passing through a given point there at A circumscribes an ellipse
can be a maximum of two tangents. then locus of the point A is the
If PA⊥PB then m1 m2=–1 director circle of the ellipse.
k2 − b2
i.e. m1 m2 = 2
h − a2
i.e. k2 – b2 = a2 – h2 ;
i.e. x2 + y2 = a2 + b2
Ellipse

50.
 which is the director circle of the ellipse.
Hence director circle of an ellipse is a circle
whose centre is the centre of ellipse and
whose radius is the length of the line joining
the ends of the major and minor axis.
Equation (3) can be used to determine the
locus of the point of intersection of two
tangents enclosing. If from any point P(h,k)
pair of tangents are drawn to the ellipse
which include an angle α, then

(m1 + m2 )
2
m1 − m2 − 4m1m2
tanα
= =
1 + m1m2 1 + m1m2
By putting value of m1 + m2 and m1 m2 in above
equation we will get the angle between pair
of tangents.

Q. How many real tangents can be drawn from the point (4,3) to the ellipse
x2 y2
+ =1. Find the equation of these tangents and angle between them.
16 9

Sol. Given point P = (4,3)

ellipse
x2 y 2 16 9
S= + − 1 = 0  SI = + −1= 1>0
16 9 16 9
⇒ Point P = (4, 3) lies outside on director
circle of the ellipse.
∴ Two tangents can be drawn from the
point P(4, 3). One x = 4 and other y = 3
π
angle between them =
2

Q. An ellipse slides between two lines at right angles to another. Show that the
locus of its centre is a circle.

Sol. Let the two given perpendicular lines be taken as the

x and y axes respectively.
Let C(α, β) be the centre of the ellipse in any position.
Here the position of centre C changes as the ellipse slides.
Ellipse

51.
 Let a and b be the semimajor and minor axes of the
ellipse. Equation of the director circle of the
ellipse is
(x–α)2 + (y–β)2 = a2 + b2 …(1)
Since OX and OY are mutually perpendicular tangents
to sliding ellipse for all its positions, therefore, O(0,0)
will lie on its director circle (1)
∴ α2 + β2 = a2 + b2 …(1)
Hence locus of C(a, b) is x2 + y2 = a2 + b2 …(2)

Q. The length of sides of square which can be made by four perpendicular

x 2 2y 2
tangents to the ellipse + =1 is :
7 11
(A) 1 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) None of these

Sol. (B)

(2 )
2
2 + =
2
)2
( AC= a 2 + b2

 11 
2l 2 4  7 + 
=
 2

l2 = 14 + 11 = 25
l=5
1  2 1 
⇒ tan θ = ⇒ P ≡  6 , 3  ≡ (2, 1)
2  3 3 

CHORD OF CONTACT:
Pair of tangents drawn from outside point
P(x1, y1 ) to the ellipse which meet it at A and
B. Now line joining A and B is called the
chord of contact of point P(x1, y1) w.r.t. the
ellipse. The equation of chord of contact is
xx 1 yy 1
+ 2 = 1
a2 b
Ellipse

52.
Q. If the chords of contact of tangents from two points (x1,y1 ) and (x2, y2) to the
x2 y2 x1 x2
ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 are at right angles, then Find the value of .
a b y1 y2

Sol. The equations of the chords of contact

of tangents drawn from (x1, y1) and
x2 y 2
(x2, y2) to the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 are
a b
xx 1 yy 1 xx2 yy 2
+ 1 &
= + 1
=
a2 b2 a2 b2
It is given that (i) and (ii) are at right angles.

−b2 x 1 −b2 x2 x 1x 2 a4
∴ x =−1 ⇒ =−
a2 y 1 a2 y2 y 1y2 b4

x2 y2
Q. Show that the tangents drawn at those points of the ellipse
a
+
b
= a+b ,( )
x2 y2
where it is cut by any tangent to + 1 , intersect at right angles.
=
a2 b2
x2 y2
Sol. Given ellipse are
a2
+
b2
1
= ...(i)

and
x2 y2
+ 1 ...(ii)
=
a (a + b) b (a + b)

The chord of contact (x1, y1) w.r.t. (ii) ellipse is

xx 1 yy 1
+ = 1
(
a a +b )
b a +b ( )
−bx 1 b (a + b)
i.e.
= y x+ …(iii)
ay 1 y1
(iii) is tangent to ellipse (i) which is also given as
mx + a2m2 + b2 …(iv)
y=
Hence, (iii) & (iv) is identical
Ellipse

53.
 bx 1
∴ m= − …(v)
ay 1

b2 (a + b)2
and a2m2 + b2 = 2 …(vi)
yI
Now eliminate m from (v) & (vi), we get
x21 + y 21 = (a + b)2

( )
∴ Locus of P x, y is x2 + y 2 = (a + b)2

Q. Equation of the chord of contact of pair of tangents drawn to the ellipse

4x2 + 9y2 = 36 from the the point (m, n) where m,n = m + n, m, n being non-
zero positive integer is
(A) 2x + 9y = 18 (B) 2x + 2y = 1 (C) 4x + 9y = 18 (D) None of these

Sol. (C)
Given m(n – 1) = n
n is divisible by n – 1
⇒n=2⇒m=2
x2 y2
Hence, chord of contanct of tangents drawn from (2, 2) to + 1 is
=
9 4
2x 2y
+ = 1
9 4
⇒ 4x + 9y = 18

PAIR OF TANGENTS:
Pair of tangents PA and PB are drawn from
outside point P(x1,y1), which is shown below.
Hence joint equation of line PA and PB is
given by SS1 = T2.
x2 y 2
Here S ≡ 2 + 2 − 1
a b
x21 y 21
S1 ≡ + −1
a2 b2
xx 1 yy 1
T≡ 2
+ −1
a b2
Ellipse

54.
Q. Find the locus of point of intersection of perpendicular tangents to the ellipse
x2 y2
+ = 1
a 2 b2

Sol. Let P(h, k) be the point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents

2
 x2 y 2   h2 k2   hx ky 
⇒  2 + 2 − 1   2 + 2 − 1 =  2 + 2 − 1 
a b   
 a b  a b 
x2  k2  y 2  h2 
⇒ 
2  2
− 1  + 2  2 − 1  + ……… = 0 …(i)
a b  b a 
Since equation (i) represents two perpendicular lines
1  k2  1  h2 
∴ 2  2 − 1 + 2  2 − I = 0
a  b  b a
 


⇒ k2 − b2 + h2 − a2 = 0 ⇒ locus is x2 + y 2 = a2 + b2

x2 y2
Q. Tangent area drawn to the ellipse
a2
+
b2
1 from the point
=

 a2 
 , a 2 + b2  , Prove that they intercept on the ordinate through the
 a 2 − b2 
 
nearer focus a distance equal to the major axis.

Sol. Equation of pair of tangents from point P is SS1 = T2

2
 x2 y 2  1 a2 + b2   xa y a2 + b2 
⇒  2 + 2 − 1  2 + − 1=
  + − 1 
a b   2   ea2 2 
 e b   b 

Solving this with x = ae, we get

Ellipse

55.
  2 y2  1
2 2
a2  y a + b
 e + 2 − 1  2 + 2  = 2 2
2
( )
 b e b  bb
 

2 2
(
 y 2 b2   b2 + a2 − b2  y a + b
⇒  2 − 2   =2 2
2
)
b a   b2e2  bb
 

 b2 
 using e2 = 1 − 2 
 a 


2 2
(
 a2 y 2 − b4   a2  y a + b
⇒   =
2
)
 a2b2   b2e2  b4
  
⇒ ( ) (
a2 a2 y 2 − b4 = y 2 a4 − b4 )
[using (a2e2 = a2 – b2)]

⇒ a2b4 = y2b4
⇒ y2 = a2
⇒ y=±a ⇒ AB = 2a

Q. =
The set of values of m for which it is possible to draw the chor y mx + 1 to
the curve x2 + 2xy + (2 + sin2a)y2 = 1, which subtends a right angle at the origin
for some value of a is
(A) [2,3] (B) [0,1] (C) [1,3] (D)None of these

Sol. (A)
Combined equation of pair of lines through the origin joining the points of
=
intersection of line y mx + 1 with the given curve is
x2 + 2xy + (2 + sin2θ)y2 – ( y − mx )2 = 0
For the chord to subtend a right angle at the origin (1 – m) + (2 + sin2a – 1) = 0
(as sum of the coefficients of x2 + y2 = 0)
⇒ sin2a = m – 2
⇒0≤m–2≤1
⇒2≤m≤3
Ellipse

56.
CHORD WITH A GIVEN MIDDLE POINT:
Here chord AB is shown in the figure whose
mid point is P(x1, y1).
Then equation of this chord AB is T = S1 Here
x2 y2
S1 ≡ 21 + 12 − 1
a b
xx 1 yy 1
T≡ 2
+ −1
a b2

x2 y2
Q. Find the locus of the mid - point of focal chords of the ellipse
a2
+
b2
=
1.

Sol. Let P=(h,k) be the mid-point

xh yk h2 k2
∴ Equation of chord whose mid-point is given + − 1= + −1
a2 b2 a2 b2
Since it is a focal chord, therefore it passes through focus, either (ae, 0) or
(–ae, 0) If it passes through (ae, 0)
ex x2 y 2
∴ locus is = +
a a2 b2
If it passes through −ae, 0 ( )
ex x2 y 2
∴ locus is − = 2 + 2 Ans.
a a b

Q. Tangents are drawn from the point (3,2) to the ellipse x2 + 4y2 = 9. Find the
equation to their chord of contact and the middle point of this chord of
contact.

Sol. x2 + 4y2 = 9

Equation of the chord of contact of

the pair of tangents from (3, 2)
3x + 8y = 9 …(i)
This must be the same as chord
whose middle point is (h, k)
T = S1
2
hx ky h k2
+ = +
9 9/4 9 9/4
⇒ hx + 4ky = h2 + 4k2 …(ii)
Equations (i) and (ii) represent same straight lines.
Ellipse

57.
 Comparing coefficient of (i) and (ii),
we get
h 4k h2 + 4k2
= =
3 8 9
⇒ 2h = 3k and 3h = h2 + 4k2
4h2
⇒ 3h = h2 + 4 ×
9
25h2
⇒ = 3h
9
27 18
⇒ h
= = and k
25 25

x2 y2
Q. The normal at a variable point P on an ellipse +
a 2 b2
1 of eccentricity e
=

meets the axes of the ellipse in Q and R then the locus of the mid-point of QR
is a conic with an eccentricity e' such that :
(A) e' is independent off e (B) e' = 1
(C) e' = e (D) e' = 1/e

Sol. (C)
2h = ae2 q
−a 2 e2 sin θ
2k =
b
4h2 4k 2
⇒ + 1
=
( ae )
2 2 2
 2 e2 
a 
 b 
x2 y2
2
+ 2
1
=
 ae2   a 2 e2 
   
 2   2b 
a2e4 a4e4
=
4 4b2
(
1 − (e ')2 )
b2 = a2(1 – (e')2)
⇒ e = e'
Ellipse

58.
 x2 y2
Q. Find the locus of the middle points of chords of the ellipse
a2
+
b2
1 , the
=

tangents at the ends of which intersect at right angles.

Sol.
Let M(h, k) be the mid-point of a chord QR, then its equation is
T = S1
hx ky h2 k2
⇒ + = + …(1)
a2 b2 a2 b2
If the tangents at the ends Q and R of this chord meet perpendicularly in
P(x1, y1), then P must lie on the director circle, whose equation is
x2 + y2 = a2 + b2. So,
x21 + y 21 = a2 + b2 …(2)
Now the equation of the chord of contact of the tangents drawn from P is
xx 1 yy 1
+ 2 = 1 …(3)
a2 b
Clearly the equations (1) and (3) represent the same line.
Thus,
x1 y1 1
= =
h k h 2
k2
+
a2 b2
h k
=
⇒ x1 =2 2
and y 1 2
h k h k2
+ +
a2 b2 a2 b2
Substituting the values of x1 and y1 in the equation (2), we get
2
 h2 k2 
2 2
h +k = (a 2 2
+b )  2 + 2
a
 b 
Hence, the required locus of M (h, k) is
2
 x2 y 2 
2 2
x +y = (a 2
+b 2
)  2 + 2
a
 b 
DIAMETER :
The locus of the middle points of a system of
parallel chords with slope ‘m’ of an ellipse is
a straight line passing through the centre of
the ellipse, called its diameter and has the
equation
b2
y= − 2 x
a m
Ellipse

59.
 Chord of contact, pair of tangents, chord with
a given middle point are to be interpreted as
same as they are in parabola.

Properties of the ellipse:

(1) Let the equation of an ellipse is
x2 y 2
+ =1 ...(i)
a2 b2
x − x1 y − y1
(
& Normal at P x 1 , y 1 ) is
x1 / a 2
=
y 1 / b2
…(ii)

The normal meet x -axis at G ⇒ Put y = 0 in

equation (ii) we get
 a2 − b2  2
CG= x=   x = e x1
 a2  1
 
∴ SG = CS − CG = ae − e2 x 1 = e a − ex 1 = eSP
 ( )
Similarly S’ G = eSP
SG eSP SP

∴ = = ⇒ PG is bisector of angle
S′G eSP S′P
'

∠P in ΔS’ PS.
Tangent and normal at any point P bisect the
external & internal angles between the focal
distances of SP and S’P.

This lead to reflection property of ellipse.

If incoming light ray passes through focus S’ (or
S), strike the concave side of ellipse the after
reflection it will pass through other focus.
x2 y 2
(2) Let ellipse is 2 + 2 = 1 ...(i)
a b
its tangent is y − mx
= a2m2 + b2 ...(ii)
Equation of perpendicular to above the passes
through focus (ae, 0) is
my + x = ae …(iii)

Eliminate m from (ii) & (iii) we will get focus of

intersection point.
For that square & add (ii) & (iii) we will get an
answer
Ellipse

60.
 ∴ y 2 + m2 x2 − 2mxy + x2 + my 2 + 2mxy= a2m2 + b2 + a2e2

( ) ( )
⇒ x2 1 + m2 + y 2 1 + m2 = a2m2 + a2

⇒ x2 + y 2 =
a2 which is the auxiliary circle.
The locus of the point of intersection of feet of perpendicular from foci
on any tangent to an ellipse is the auxiliary circle.
(3) From previous equation of any tangent is
mx − y + a2m2 + b2 =0

a2 m2 + b2 + am ' a2 m2 + b2 − ame
SN = & SN ′
2
1+m 1 + m2

SN ⋅ S′N′ =
(a 2
)
m2 + b2 − a2 m2e2
=
( )
a2 m2 + b2 − a2 − b2 m2
=b2  a2e2 =a2 − b2
(1 + m )2
1+m 2

The product of perpendicular distance from the foci to any tangent of

an ellipse is equal to square of the semi minor axis.
 b2 
(4) Equation of tangent at L  ae,  is
 a 

 b2 
y 
( )
x ae
+
 a 
  = 1 ⇒ xe + y = a …(i)
a2 b2
 b2 
and equation of tangent at L  ae, −  is
 a 

ex –y = a …(ii)
a
 Solve (i) & (ii) we get = x = & y 0 i.e. at the directrix of ellipse.
e
Tangents at the extremities of latus-rectum of an ellipse intersect on
the corresponding directrix.
(5) If P be any point on the ellipse with S and S’ as its foci then
l (SP)+ l (S’P) = 2a.
(6) 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
(7) The portion of the tangent to an ellipse between the point of contact
& the directrix subtends a right angle at the corresponding focus.
Ellipse

61.
 Q. The co-ordinates (2, 3) and (1, 5) are the foci of an ellipse which passes
through the origin, then the equation of
(A) tangent at the origin is (3 2 − 5)x + (1 − 2 2 )y =
0
(B) tangent at the origin is (3 2 + 5)x + (1 + 2 2y ) =
0
(C) normal at the origin is (3
x(32 2+ −5)x
5) − (2
y(1 2
− 2+ 1)y
2) =
0
=
(D) normal at the origin is

Sol. (AC)
Tangent and normal are bisectors of ∠SPS´
Now equation of SP is y = 3x/2 and that of S´P is y = 5x
3x − 2y 5x − y
Then their equations are = ±
13 26
5x − y
or 3 x − 2y =
±
2
⇒ lines are (3 2 − 5)x + (1 − 2 2 )y =
0
and (3 2 + 5)x − (2 2 + 1)y =
0

Now (2, 3) and (1, 5) lie on the same side of (3 2 − 5)x + (1 − 2 2 )y =

0 , which is
equation of tangent
Point (2, 3) and (1, 5) lie on the different side of
(3 2 + 5)x − (2 2 + 1)y = 0 , which is equation of normal.

Q. An ellipse has foci at (9, 20) and (49, 55) in the x-y plane and is tangent to
L 
x-axis. Let the length of its major axis is L, then   = (where [∙] = G.I.F)
 11 

Sol. (7)
2a = PF1 + PF2 = PF1 + PF2
= F=
1 F2 402 + (75)2 =
85
⇒ L = 85
L 
∴  =7
 11 
Ellipse

62.
Comprehension for Q.1 and Q.2
Let an ellipse having major axis and minor axis parallel to x-axis and y-axis
respectively. Its two foci S and S’ are (2, 1), (4, 1) and a line x + y = 9 is a tangent
to this ellipse at point P.

Q.1 Eccentricity of the ellipse is :

1 1
1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 3 13 2 4

Ans. (B)

Q.2 Length of major axis is :

(A) 13 (B) 2 11 (C) 2 13 (D) 4 3

Sol. (C)
2ae = 2 ⇒ ae = 1 …(1)
2 4 6
P1P=
2 b= = 12
2 2
b2 = 12 …(2)
b2 = a2 – a2 e2 = a2 – 1
⇒ 12 = a2 – 1 ⇒ a = 13
⇒ Length of major axis = 2a = 2 13 = 52
ae = 1 (from …(1))
1
⇒e=
13
Comprehension for Q.3 to Q.4
x2 y2
A tangent is drawn at any point P (4 cosθ, 3 sin θ) on the ellipse + 1 and
=
16 9
on it is taken a point Q(a, b) from which pair of tangents QA and QB are drawn
to the circle x2 + y2 = 12.

Q.3 The locus of the point of concurrency of chord of contact AB of the circle
x2 + y2 = 12 is
x2 y2 x2 y2 x2 y2 x2 y2
(A) + = 1 (B) + =1 (C) + =1 (D) + = 1
9 16 12 4 12 16 6 8

Ans. (A)
Ellipse

63.
 Equation of chord of contact AB is
ax + by = 12 …(1)
Equation of tangent to ellipse at P is
x cos θ y sin θ
+ = 1
4 3
 (a, b) lies on it
⇒ 3a cosq + 4b sinq = 12 …(2)
From eqn. (1) and (2)
Lines ax + by = 12 are concurrent at points ( 3 cosq, 4 sinq)
x2 y2
∴ Locus of point of concurrency is + = 1.
9 16

π
Q.4 The locus of the circumcentre of ΔQAB if θ =
4
is
x y x y 1 2 2 x y 1
(A) + =3 (B) + = (C) x + y =6 (D) + =
4 3 4 3 2 3 4 2

Sol. (B)
Equation of tangent to ellipse at P  4 , 3  is,
 
 2 2
x y
+ = 1
4 2 3 2
 (a, b) lies on it
⇒ 3α + 4β = 12 2 …(1)
From figure it is clear that OQ is diameter
of circumcircle of ΔQAB
⇒ 2h = a , 2k = b
∴ From (1) we get
3 ( 2h ) + 4 ( 2k ) =
12 2
\ The required. locus is 3x + 4y = 6 2

x2 y2
Q. Consider an ellipse S 1 = +
(
a 2 a 2 1 − e2
1 . Let S2 = 0 be a parabola on the
=
)
right of the y-axis confocal with S1 = 0 having vertex at the centre of S1 = 0. Let
P be the point of intersection of the parabola and the directrix of ellipse in the
first quadrant and L = 0 is the directrix of the parabola.
If the tangent of point Q on S1 = 0 and the line joining the point P to the focus
of S1 = 0 intersect at the auxiliary circle of S1 = 0, then eccentric angle of the
Ellipse

64.
 point Q (Q lies in first quadrant) is
 e  −1
 2e 
(A) tan−1   (B) tan  2

2
 1+e   1−e 
 2e   e 
(C) tan−1   (D) tan−1  
2 2
 1+e   1−e 

Sol. (B)
∴ Foot of perpendicular from focus of ellipse to any tangent to it lies on
auxiliary circle.
⇒ FP ⊥ Tangent at Q
2a − 0 a sin θ a
= = tan θ
a
− ae b cos θ b
e
b 2e
⇒ tan θ =
a 1 − e2

=
a ( )
1 − e2 2e
a (1 − e 2
)

 2e 
⇒ θ =tan−1  
2
 1−e 

Q. Let P1 and P' be the feet of the perpendicular drawn foci foci S, S on a tangent
10
T to an ellipse whose length of semi-major axis is 20, If ∑ (SP) ( SP ) = 2560 ,
i =1
i

then the value of eccentricity is

1 2 3 4
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 5 5 5

Sol. (C)
10

∑ (SP) ( SP ' ) = 2560

i =1

⇒ 10b2 = 2560
⇒ b2 = 256
⇒ b = 16
16
⇒ 256 = 400 (1 – e2) ⇒ 1 − e2 =
25
3
⇒ e=
5
Ellipse

65.
 Equation of an ellipse referred to two
perpendicular lines :
x2 y 2
+ = 1 is given ellipse
a2 b2
Let P(x, y) be any point on the ellipse, then
PM = y and PN=x
∴ above equation can be written as
PN2 PM2
+ 1
=
a2 b2
From above we conclude that if perpendicular
distances p1 & p2 of a moving point P(x, y) from
two mutually perpendicular straight lines L1 ≡
lx + my +n1 = 0 & L2 ≡ mx-ly + n2 = 0 respectively
then equation of ellipse in the plane of line
p2 p2
will be 22 + 12 = 1
a b
2 2
 mx − ly + n   lx + my + n 
2 1
   
 2 2   2 2 
l + m l + m
⇒   +   =
1
a2 b2

Q. Find the equation the ellipse whose axis are of length 6 & 2 6 and their
equations are x–3y + 3 = 0 and 3x + y – 1 = 0

Sol. Equation of ellipse will be

2 2
 x − 3x + 3   3x + y − 1 
   
 10  +  10 
1
=
( 6) 2
(3)2

Q. Find the equation of the straight lines joining the foci of the ellipse
x2 y2 x2 y2
+ = 1 to the foci of the ellipse + = 1 . Also find the area of the
25 16 24 49
figure formed by the foci of these two ellipse.

Sol. Foci of 1st ellipse (± 3, 0) foci of 2nd ellipse (0, ± 5)

Ellipse

66.
 x y
equation of st. lines ± ± =1
3 5

Length of AB = 9 + 25 =34

Length of BC = 9 + 25 =34

Area = 34 sq. units

Q. If Parametric point α, β, γ, δ on ellipse are concyclic P.T. α, β, γ, δ = 2nπ, n ∈ I.

x2 y2
Sol. Let the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 cuts the ellipse
a2
+
b2
1 in four points
=

P, Q, R, S.
Solving circle and ellipse (x = a cosθ, y = b sin θ), we have
a2 cos2 θ + b2 sin2 θ + 2ag cos θ + 2bf sin θ + c = 0
2 2
 1 − t2 
2 2  2t 
 1 − t2   2t  θ
⇒a   + b   + 2ag   +2bf  =  + c 0, where
= t tan
1+ t 2 2
1+ t  1+ t 2 2
1+ t  2
   

( ) ( )( 1 + t ) + 4bft ( 1 + t ) + c(1 + t ) = 0
2
⇒ a2 1 − t2 + 4b2 t 2 + 2ag 1 − t 2 2 2 2 2

(
⇒ a2 − 2ag + c t 4 + 4bft 3) + ( −2a + 4b + 2c ) t + 4bft + (a + 2ag + c) = 0
2 2 2 2

α β γ δ
Roots of the equation are tan , tan , tan tan , where α, β, γ, δ are
2 2 2 2
eccentric angles of P, Q, R, S, respectively.
Also
α β γ δ s1 − s3
⇒ tan  + + = +  = 0
 2 2 2 2  1 − s2 + s4
α+β+γ+δ
⇒ = nπ,n ∈ Z
2
⇒ α + β + γ + δ= 2nπ,n ∈ Z
Ellipse

67.
68.