Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

ELLIPSE

IIT-JEE-Syllabus

Standard equation of an ellipse, equation of tangent and normal, parametric

equation of ellipse, equation of chord, director circle of an ellipse..

BASIC CONCEPTS
Definition:

An ellipse is the locus of a point which moves so that its distance from a fixed point (called focus)
bears to its distance from a fixed straight line (called directrix) a constant ratio (called eccentricity)
which is less than unity.
Ellipse is also defined as the locus of a point the sum of whose distances from two fixed points is
a constant and greater than the distance between the two fixed points.

Illustration 1. Identify the curve  x  12  y 2  x 2   y  1  2 .

2

Solution: Since  x  12  y2 represents distance between points (x, y) and (–1, 0). The
given equation states that the point P(x, y) moves in such a way that its sum of
distances from points (–1, 0) and (0, 1) is constant i.e. 2, and which is also
greater than distance between two points. Hence the locus is an ellipse with foci
(–1, 0) and (0, 1).

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. We can divide ZS both internally and externally in the ratio e : 1,
i.e. if the points of divisions be A and A, as shown in the figure, then
AS = e.ZA and AS = e.ZA . y
N N
Then by definition of the ellipse A and A B
lie on the ellipse. Let C be the middle P
M
point of AA and let AA = 2a. Let the x- S S Z
Z A C A x
axis be along AA and the y-axis be
passing through C. Then C is the origin
ae B
and AC = a = CA. a/e

Also AS = AC – SC = a – SC = e(ZA) = e(ZC – a) and AS = a + SC = e(ZC + a)

 2a = 2e(ZC)  ZC = a/e and SC = ae.
Therefore S  (–ae, 0) and equation of the line NZ is x = – a/e. Now any point P(x, y) on the
2 2 2
ellipse will satisfy SP = e (perpendicular distance of P from ZN)
 (x + ae) + (y – 0) = e (x + a/e)  x (1 – e ) + y = a (1– e ).
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

x2 y2 x2 y2
  1 , where b = a (1 - e ).
2 2 2
Therefore, + = 1 or
a 2

a 1 e
2 2
 a 2
b 2

x2 y2
The eccentricity of the ellipse 
 1 is given by the relation
a2 b2
2 2 2 2 2 2
b = a (1 – e ), i.e., e = 1 – b /a
Since 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.

Definitions Associated with Ellipse:

1. 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.
u u
Centre of a central curve is obtained by solving = 0 and = 0, u = 0 is the equation of the
x y

curve and denotes partial derivative with respect to x ( i.e. treating y as a constant).
x
x2 y2
Obviously ellipse is a central curve and the centre of the ellipse   1 is (0, 0).
a2 b2
2. Diameter:

A chord through the centre of a central curve is called diameter . Diameter can also be defined
as the locus of the middle points of a system of parallel chords.
The diameter through the foci of the ellipse is called the major axis and the diameter bisecting it
at right angle is called the minor axis of the ellipse.

Latus Rectum:

The chord through a focus at right angle 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.
2
 The length of the semi latus rectum = b / a
 Circle is a particular case of an ellipse with e = 0.

Focal Distance of a Point:

Let P(x, y) be a point on the ellipse. Then
SP = ePN = e(a/e –x) = a - ex y
SP = ePN = e ( a/e + x) = a + ex P
N N
SP + SP = 2a x
 the sum of the focal distances of any x Z A S C S A Z
point on the ellipse is equal to its major
axis.
y

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

Other forms of Ellipse:

x2 y2
  1 , a < b , then the major and minor axis of the ellipse lie
2 2
(i) If in the equation 2 2
a b
along the y and the x-axes and are of lengths 2b and 2a respectively. The foci become
a2
(0,  be) , and the directrices become y =  b/e where e = 1  . The length of the
b2
a2
semi-latus rectum becomes .
b
(ii) If the centre of the ellipse be taken (h, k) and axes parallel to x and y-axes , then the
 x  h 2  y  k 2
equation of the ellipse is   1.
a2 b2
(iii) Let the equation of the directrix of an ellipse be y
ax + by + c = 0 and the focus be (h, k).
Let the eccentricity of the ellipse be e(e < 1).
If P(x, y) is any point on the ellipse, then P
 ax  by  c 2 N
PS = e PM  (x - h) + (y - k) = e
2 2 2 2 2 2
, S
a2  b2 M
which is of the form O z
2 2
x
ax + 2hxy + by + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, ... (*) where
 = abc +2 fgh –af – bg – ch  0, h < ab,
2 2 2 2

which 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:

x2 y2
The point P(x1, y1) is outside or inside or on the ellipse   1, according as the quantity
a2 b2
 x2 y2 
S1   12  12  1 is positive or negative or zero.
a 
 b 

Parametric Equation of an Ellipse:

x2 y2
Clearly, x = a cos, y = bsin satisfy the equation   1 for all real values of .
a2 b2
x2 y2
Hence (acos , b sin) is always a point on the ellipse = 1 for any value of . 
a2 b2
y
The point (acos, bsin) is also called the point . The angle  is
called the eccentric angle (0   < 2 ) of the point P(a cos, b sin) Q

on the ellipse. To figure out a point on the ellipse with eccentric angle
 we draw a circle with AA (the major axis) as the diameter. This P
 A x
circle is called the auxiliary circle of the ellipse. The equation of the A C M
circle is x + y = a . We draw ACQ= . Then Q  (a cos, a sin).
2 2 2

Draw QM as perpendicular to AA cutting the ellipse at P. The x-co-

ordinate of P = CM = a cos
 y–coordinate of P is b sin  P  (a cos, b sin).

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

Illustration 2. Find the centre, the lengths of the axes and the eccentricity of the ellipse
2 2
2x + 3y – 4x – 12y + 13 = 0.

Solution: The given equation can be written as

 x  12  y  2 2
2(x – 1) + 3(y – 2) = 1   1
2 2
1/ 2 1/ 3
 The centre of the ellipse is (1, 2).
1
The major axis = 2. = 2
2
1 2 b2 2 1 1
e =1– = e=
2
The minor axis = 2. = 2
=1– .
3 3 a 3 3 3

Illustration 3. 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 = a (1 – e )  5 = a – 4  a = 3.
2 2 2 2

If P(x, y) is any point on the ellipse, then SP + SP = 2a.

  x  2  2   y  3 2   x  2  2   y  3 2 =6 ... (1)
2 2 2 2
But [(x - 2) + (y – 3) ] – [(x + 2) + (y – 3) ] = – 8x ... (2)
4x
  x  2   y  3    x  2   y  3   
2 2 2 2
... (3)
3
(On dividing (2) by (1)). And then adding (1) and (3), we get
2x
 x  22   y  3 2  3   5x2 + 9y2 – 54y + 36 = 0.
3
Alternative:
Here S  (2, 3) ; S  (–2, 3) and b = 5
SS = 2ae = 4  ae = 2
b = a (1 – e )  5 = a – 4  a = 3
2 2 2 2

Hence the equation to major axis is y = 3

Centre of ellipse is midpoint of SS i.e. (0, 3)
 y  3 2 x2  y  3 
2
x2
 Equation to ellipse is   1 or  1 .
a2 b2 9 5

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

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

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

2 2 2 2
Solving for a and b from the equations (1) and (2), we get a = 45 and b = 20.
 x  12  y  2 2
Hence the equation of the ellipse is  1
45 20
Alternative:
Centre is C (1, 2); One focus is S(6, 2)
Second focus is S  (-4, 2)  The major axis is along y = 2
Also CS = ae = 5 . . . . (1)
and P(4, 6) is a point on the ellipse.
Hence SP + SP = 2a yields
5 5
2 5  4 5 =2a  a = 3 5  e = 
3 5 3
 5 4
and b = a (1 – e ) = 45  1   = 45  = 20
2 2 2

 9  9
 x  12  y  2 2
Hence the equation to the ellipse is   1.
45 20
2 2
Illustration 5. Consider the ellipse x + 3y = 6 and a point P on it in the first quadrant at a
distance of 2 units from the centre. Find the eccentric angle of P.
2 2 Y
Solution: Equation of ellipse is x + 3y = 6
2 2
Equation of auxiliary circle is x + y = 6
Since P  (x1, y1) & Q  (x1, y2) lie on
Q  (x1, y2)
the ellipse and the circle respectively  P  (x1, y1)
we have, 
2 2
x1 + 3y1 = 6 …..(1) 
X
2 2 O N (x1, 0)
x1 + y2 = 6 …..(2)
y
 3y1 –y2 = 0  2  3
2 2
y1
Again OP=2  x1 + y1 = 4
2 2
….(3)
By (1) –(3), we get,
2y1 = 2  y1 = 1  y1 = 1
2 2
[ P is in the first quadrant]
 y2 = 3
Putting y1 in (1), we get, x1 = 3  x1 =
2
3
y   3 
 Eccentric angle of P =  = tan1  2   tan1   .
 3  4
 x1   

Exercise 1:
i) 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.
ii) Find the centre, the length of axes, the eccentricity and the foci of the ellipse
2 2
12x +4 y + 24x – 16y + 25 = 0.
iii) Find the eccentricity of an ellipse, if its latus rectum is equal to one half of its major axis.
iv) Find the equation to the ellipse whose one vertex is (3, 1), the nearer focus is (1, 1) and
the eccentricity is 2/3.
2 2
v) Find the latus rectum, eccentricity and foci of the curve 4x + 9y – 8x– 36y + 4 = 0.

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

TANGENT AND NORMAL

Equation of the Tangent at a point of an ellipse:

x2 y2
(a) Let the equation of the ellipse be   1 . Slope of the tangent to the ellipse at a
a2 b2
 dy  b2 x1
point (x1, y1) =    2
 dx   x1,y1  a y1
b2 x1
Hence the equation of the tangent at (x1, y1) is y - y1 =  x  x1 
a2 y1
xx1 yy1
 2
  1 i.e. T= 0
a b2
(b) Equation of tangent at the point  i.e. (a cos, b sin) is obtained by putting x1 = a cos,
y1 = b sin;
x cos y sin
  1
a b

Equation of the tangent in terms of its slope; Condition of Tangency:

x2 y2
To find the condition that the line y = mx + c may touch the ellipse  1
a2 b2
x cos y sin
Tangent to the ellipse at (a cos, b sin) is  1
a b
If y - mx = c is also a tangent to the given ellipse at ‘’, then comparing the coefficients, we get
cos  sin  1 1 sin  cos  sin2   cos2  1
–   or     c= a2 m2  b2
am b c c b am b   am 
2 2
a m  b2
2 2

x2 y2
Therefore, the equations of the tangent to the ellipse  =1 with slope m are
a2 b2
y = mx  a2 m2  b2 for all finite values of m.

Note :
 Equation of the pair of tangents from an external point (x 1, y1):
x2 y2
Let the equation of the ellipse be 2  2  1 . Then the pair of tangents from (x 1, y1) to
a b
2
the ellipse is given by SS1 = T .
 Equation of the chord with mid point (x1, y1) : T = S1.

Equation of the Normal at a point of an ellipse:

x2 y2
(a) To find the equation of the normal to the ellipse  = 1 at (x1, y1) :
a2 b2
xx1 yy1
Equation of the tangent at (x1, y1) is 2
 1
a b2

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

a2 y1 a2 y1
 slope of the normal is ;  equation of the normal is y-y1 =  x  x1 
b2 x1 b2 x1
x  x1 y  y1
 
2
x1 / a y1 / b2
x  a cos  y  b sin 
(b) Equation of the normal at (a cos, b sin) is 
a cos  b sin 
a2 b2
 ax sec - by cosec = a - b .
2 2

Equation of the Chord Joining the Points (a cos , b sin), (a cos , b sin ):
x    y     
cos    sin  2   cos  2 
a  2  b    

x2 y2 2x
Illustration 6. Prove that the common tangent of the ellipses 2
 2
 and
a b c
x2 y2 2x
  subtends a right angle at the origin.
b2 a2 c

Solution: The equations to the ellipses are given as

x 2 y 2 2x
  0 . . . . (1)
a2 b2 c
x2 y2 2x
2
 2
 0 . . . . (2)
b a c
 x a
2
 y 2 a2 
These equations can be rewritten as      2  2   0
a c b c 

 x b
2
 y 2 b2 
and      2  2   0
b c a c 

ab
Clearly, line y = , is a common tangent , since it cuts the two ellipses in
c
 a2 ab   b2 ab 
points whose coordinates are respectively  ,
 c  and   , 
 c   c c 
say P and Q and the coordinate of C are (0, 0).
ab / c b
Now slope of PC = 2 
a /c a
ab / c a
Slope of QC = 
b / c 2 b
 common tangent subtends rights angle at the centre C.

Illustration 7. Find the locus of the point of intersection of the tangents to the ellipse
x2 y 2
  1 which meet at right angles.
a2 b2

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

Solution: The line y = mx + a2 m2  b2 is a tangent to the given ellipse for all m. Let it
pass through (h, k)
 k – mh = a2 m2  b2  k + m h – 2hkm = a m + b
2 2 2 2 2 2

 m (h – a ) – 2hkm + k – b = 0
2 2 2 2 2

Let m1 and m2 be the roots of this equation. If the tangents are at right angles .
Then m1m2 = –1
k 2  b2
 2  1  h + k = a + b
2 2 2 2

h  a2
Hence the locus of the point of intersection of the tangents i.e, of
2 2 2 2
(h, k) is x + y = a + b , which is a circle.
Note:
 This circle is called the Director Circle of the ellipse.

2 2
Illustration 8. Find the angle between the pair of tangents drawn to the ellipse 3x + 2y = 5
from the point (1, 2).

Solution: Let the equation of the line passing through (1, 2) be

y – 2 = m (x – 1) or y = mx – m + 2 . . . . (1)
2 2
Line (1) touches 3x + 2y = 5 if
2 2
3x + 2(m x – m + 2 ) = 5
2 2 2
or (3 +2m )x - 4m( m-2 ) x + 2m + 8 - 8m – 5 = 0
2 2 2
or (3 +2m )x - 4m( m-2 ) x + 2m + 8m +3= 0
For equal roots, D = 0
 [4m(m-2)] -4( 3 + 2m )(2m – 8m + 3) = 0
2 2 2

2 2 2 4 3 2
or, 4m (m –4m + 4) – ( 6m – 24m + 9 + 4m –16m + 6m ) = 0
4 3 2 2 4 3
or, 4m –16m + 16m –12m –4m +16m +24 m – 9 = 0
2
or, 4m +24 m - 9 = 0
 m1 + m2 = -6 and m1 m2 = -9/4
m1  m2 36  9 3 5 12 12
tan = = = 4     tan1 .
1  m1m2 1 9 / 4 5 5 5

Alternative Method1:
2
Hint: Find the equation of pair of tangent i.e. T = SS1,
2 h2  ab
Find the angle between above two tangents i.e. tan = .
ab

Alternative Method 2:
x2 y2
Equation of the ellipse is  1
5/3 5/2
5 2 5
Let the equation to tangent be y = mx + m 
3 2
5 2 5
which is passing through (1, 2)  2 = m + m 
3 2

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

5 2 5
 (2 – m) = m   4m + 24m – 9 = 0 has two roots m 1 and m2 which
2 2

3 2
are the slopes of the tangents from the point (1, 2)
 m1 + m2 = -6 ; m1m2 = -9/4
-1  m  m2  45 -1 12
 Angle between the tangents is tan  1
-1
 = tan = tan .
 1  m1m2  1 9 / 4 5

x2 y2
Illustration 9. Chord of contacts of tangent to 
 1 from any point on its director circle
a2 b2
intersect the director circle at C and D. Find the locus of point of intersection of
tangents to the circle at C and D.

x2 y2
  1 is x + y = a + b
2 2 2 2
Solution: Equation of director circle of the ellipse 2 2
……(1)
a b
Any point on (1) can be taken as P  a2  b2 cos , 
a2  b2 sin  .
Equation of chord of contact of tangents from point P w.r.t the ellipse is
a2  b2 a2  b2
x cos   y sin   1 ……(2)
a2 b2
line (2) intersects the circle at C and D. Let the point of intersection of tangents to
x + y = a + b at C and D is (, ).
2 2 2 2

 Equation of chord of contact of (, ) is

x + y = (a + b )
2 2
……(3)
Since (2) and (3) represent the same line we have
a2  b2 cos  a2  b2 sin  1
  2
a2  b 2  (a  b2 )
(a2  b2 )3 / 2 (a2  b2 )3 / 2
= cos  and  = sin 
a2 b2
  a +  b = (a + b )
2 4 2 4 2 2 3

 locus of point of intersection of tangents is x a + y b = (a + b ) .

2 4 2 4 2 2 3

Illustration 10. Show that for all real p, the line 2px + y 1  p2 = 1 touches a fixed ellipse. Find
the eccentricity of this ellipse.

x2 y2
Solution: Let the ellipse be 2
 2
 1 . The line y = mx  a2 m2  b2 touches this ellipse
a b
for all m.
2px 1
Hence it is identical with y = -  .
1 p 2
1  p2
2p 2 2 2 1
Hence m = - and a m + b =
1 p 2 1  p2

4p2 1
a.  p (4a - b ) + b - 1 = 0.
2 2 2 2 2 2
+b =
1 p 2
1 p 2

2 2 2
This equation is true for all real p if b = 1 and 4a = b .

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

x2 y2
 b = 1 and a = 1/4. Hence the ellipse is
2 2
 1
1/ 4 1
1 3 3
 1  e2  e =  e =
2
If e is its eccentricity, then .
4 4 2

Exercise 2:
i) If the normal at an end of a latus rectum of an ellipse passes through an end of the
4 2
minor axis, show that e + e = 1 .
ii) Find the condition that the line x cos + y sin = p may be a tangent to the ellipse
x2 y2
2
  1 . Also find the point of contact
a b2
x2 y 2
iii) Find the length of chord of the ellipse   1 , whose middle point is(1/2, 2/5).
25 16
2 2
iv) Find the equations of the tangents from the point (2, 2) to the ellipse 4x + 9y = 36. Also
find the angle between the tangents
v) Prove that the line joining two points of an ellipse the difference of whose eccentric
angles is constant touches a fixed ellipse.
x2 y 2
vi) Let P and Q be two points on the ellipse 2  2  1 whose eccentric angles differ by a
a b
right angle. The tangents at P and Q meet at R. Prove that the chord PQ bisects the line
segment CR where C is the centre of the ellipse.
x2 y2
vii) Find the points on the ellipse 
 1 such that the tangent at each of them makes
a2 b2
equal angles with the axes. Prove also that the length of the perpendicular from the
a2  b2
centre on either of these tangent is .
2

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

ANSWERS TO THE EXERCISES

Exercise 1.

2 2
(i) 7(x + y ) + 2xy + 10(x - y) + 7 = 0
(ii) (-1, 2) , 3 , 1, 2 / 3 , (-1, 2  1/ 2 ) (iii) 1/ 2

(iv)
2 2
5x + 9y + 30x – 18 y – 126 = 0 (v)
8
3
,
3
5
,  5  1, 2 
Exercise 2.

 a2 cos  b2 sin  
a cos  + b sin  = p , 
2 2 2 2 2
(ii)

, 
 p p 
7
(iii) 41
5
–1 8
(iv) y – 2 = 0, 8x + 5y – 26 = 0; tan
5
 a2 b2 
(vii)  , 
 2 
 a b a2  b2 
2

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

FORMULAE AND CONCEPTS AT A GLANCE

1. If L1 = a1x + b1y + c1 and L2 = a2x + b2y + c2, then the equation

2 2
a x b y c  a x b y c 
 1 1 1  2 2 2 
 a1  b1 
2 2  a2  b2
2 2 
  
 1
a2 b2
represents an ellipse in the plane of the perpendicular lines L 1 = 0 and L2 = 0 such that
i) The centre of the ellipse is the point of intersection of the lines L1 = 0 and L2 = 0.
ii) The major axis lies along L2 = 0 and minor axis along L1 = 0, if a > b.

2. Area of the triangle formed by three points having eccentric angles ,  and  on the
x2 y2       
ellipse 2  2  1 is 2ab sin   sin   sin  .
a b  2   2   2 

3. Semi latusrectum of an ellipse is the harmonic mean of the segments of a focal chord of
the ellipse.

4. The tangents at two points P(acos1, bsin1) and Q(acos2, bsin2) in the ellipse
  1  2     2  
2 2  a cos   b sin  1 
x

y
 1 intersect at the point   2 ,  2 .
a2 b2   1  2     2  
 cos   cos  1 
  2   2 

5. Tangents at the extremities of a latus rectum of an ellipse intersect on the corresponding

directrix.

6. The area of the triangle formed by the tangent at points P(acos, bsin), Q(acos, bsin)
x2 y2       
and R(acos, bsin) to the ellipse 2  2  1 , is ab tan    tan  2   tan  2  .
a b  2     

7. If an ellipse slides between two perpendicular lines, then the locus of the centre is a
circle.

x2 y2 m2 (a2  b2 )2
8. If the line y = mx + c is a normal to the ellipse   1 , then c 2  .
a2 b2 a 2  b 2 m2

x2 y2
9. The sum of the eccentric angles of conormal points on the ellipse   1 is an odd
a2 b2
multiple of .

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

SOLVED PROBLEMS (SUBJECTIVE)

Prob 1. Find the equation of an ellipse having major axis along the line y = 4, the point
1
(2, 1) as one extremity of the minor axis and eccentricity as .
2

Sol. Length of semiminor axis is the distance A (2, 1)

between (2,1) and y=4
1 4
i.e. b =
1 y=4
2
b = |3| or b = 9. C
2 2 2
Now b = a (1 –e )
1 2 1 3a 2
and given e = , we have a  1   = 9  = 9  a = 12.
2

2  4 4
Equation of the minor axis, as It passes through (2, 1) and is perpendicular to
y = 4, is x = 2, so co-ordinates of C are (2, 4).
 x  2 2  y  4 2
Hence equation of the ellipse is  = 1.
12 9

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

x2 y2
Sol. Let the ellipse be 
 1 whose foci are S(ae, 0) and S(-ae, 0). If P(a cos, b
a2 b2
sin) is any point on the ellipse, then SP = a(1 - ecos), SP = a(1 + ecos) and SS =
2ae.
Let (h, k) be the incentre of the triangle PSS.
ae.a 1  e cos    ae.a 1  e cos    a cos .2ae
Then h = = a e cos
a 1  e cos    a 1  e cos    2ae
b sin .2ae b sin e
k = 
a 1  e cos    a 1  e cos    2ae 1 e
h 1  e  k
 cos = , sin =
ae eb
h2 1  e 2 k 2
  1
a2 e2 e2 b2
x2 y2
Hence the locus of (h, k) is  1
a2 e2 e2 b2 / 1  e 
2

which is an ellipse, whose eccentricity e1 is given by

e2 b2 2e
e1 = 1   e1 =
2
.
a e 1  e  e
2 2 2 1

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

2 2
Prob 3. From a point O on the circle x + y = 25, tangents OP and OQ are drawn to the
x2 y 2
ellipse   1 . Show that the locus of the mid point of the chord PQ describes
4 1
2
 x2 y 2 

2 2
the curve x + y = 25   .
 4 1 
Sol. O  (5 cos, 5 sin) P
Let R be middle point of PQ.
Let R  (h, k). Equation of the chord of contact PQ is T = 0 R(h,k) O
5x cos  5y sin 
i.e.  1 …. (1) Q
4 1
Equation of the chord PQ with middle point R(h, k) is
xh yk h2 k 2 xh yk h2 k 2
T = S1 i.e.  1   1 or    ….(2)
4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1
(1) and (2) are the same equations.


5 cos  5 sin 
  2
1

h2  k 2 .
1 
= 1.
h k 2 2 25
h

k  h2
k 2 
  
4 1
 4 1 
2
 x2 y2 

2 2
Hence locus of (h, k) is (x + y ) = 25   .
 4 1 

Prob 4. Prove that the tangent and the normal at any point of an ellipse bisect the angles
between the lines of the focal distance of that point.

Sol. Let PT and PN be the tangent and the y

normal at P(x1, y1) to the ellipse P

x2 y2
  1 . The equation of the tangent
a2 b2
T S N S x
xx yy
is 21  21  1 .
a b

b2 x1
 Slope of the tangent is m 1 = -
a2 y1
a2 y1
 Slope of the normal m 2 = .
b2 x1
If S(ae, 0) and S(-ae, 0) are the foci, then slope of
y1 y1
SP m3 = and slope of SP m4 =
x1  ae x1  ae
m  m2 aey1
 tan(SPN) = 3
2 2 2 2
= (using a - b = a e )
1  m2 m3 b 2

aey1
Similarly tan(SPN) =  SPN = SPN
b2
 PN bisects the angle between the focal lines SP and SP.
The tangent PT, being perpendicular to PN, is the other bisector.

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

x2 y 2
Prob 5. A chord of the ellipse   1 passing through the positive focus subtends an
16 9
0
angle of 90 at the centre. Find the co-ordinates of the point where it goes on to
intersect the y-axis.

Sol. Comparing the equation of the ellipse with Y

x2 y2 x2 y2
  1 we get, a = 4 & b = 3  1
16 9
a2 b2 A lx + my = 1
7
b = a (1 –e )  e =
2 2 2
4
P (7, 0)
 S  (ae, 0) = ( 7 , 0). X
O
Let the equation of the focal chord PQ be
B
lx +my = 1.
Making PQ homogeneous with the curve we get the joint equation of OA & OB as
x2 y2  1  1 
  lx  my  or x 2 
2
  l2   y 2   m2   2lmxy  0
16 9  16  9 
Since POQ = 90 , we have
0

2 2
Coefficient of x + coefficient of y = 0
1 1
  l2   m2  0 ….(1)
16 9
1
Since lx + my = 1 passes through ( 7 , 0), we have l =
7
1 1 1 31 1 31
    m=
2
Putting in (1) we get, m =
16 7 9 7  144 12 7
 1  7 
 The line lx + my = 1 cuts the y-axis at the point  0,     0, 12 .
 m   31 

x2 y2
Prob 6. There are exactly two points on the ellipse  = 1 whose distance from its
a2 b2
a2  2b2
centre is the same and is equal to . Find the eccentricity of the ellipse.
2
x2 y2
Sol. Since there are exactly two points on the ellipse 
= 1, whose distance from
a2 b2
centre is same, the points would be either end points of the major axis or of the minor
axis.
a2  2b2
But > b, so the points are the vertices of major axis.
2
a2  2b2
 a = 2b .
2 2
Hence a =
2
b2 1
Therefore e = 1 2
= .
a 2

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

x2 y2
Prob 7. Let d be the perpendicular distance from the centre of the ellipse  1 to the 2

a b2
tangent drawn at a point P on the ellipse. If F 1 and F2 are the two foci of the ellipse,
2 b2 
then show that (PF1 - PF2) = 4a 1  2  .
2
 d 

Sol. Let P(a cos, b sin) be a point on the ellipse. F1 is (ae, 0) and F2 is
(-ae, 0). Hence PF1 = a( 1-e cos)
and PF2 = a(1 + e cos)
 (PF1 - PF2) = 4a e cos 
2 2 2 2
. . . . .(1)
x cos  y sin 
The tangent to the ellipse at P is  =1
a b
1 a2 b2
d= d =
2

cos2  sin2  b2 cos2   a2 sin2 


a2 b2

 1-
b2
=1-
b2 cos2   a2 sin2 
= 1-
 
a2 1  e2 cos2   a2 1  cos2   
d2 a2 a2
b2
1- = 1 - cos  + e cos  - 1 + cos  = e cos  . . . . .
2 2 2 2 2 2
2
(2)
d
From (1) and (2), we get the required result.

x2 y2
Prob 8. Tangent is drawn at any point A on the auxiliary circle of ellipse = 1, A line 
a2 b2
parallel to OA (O be the origin) and passing through B (the corresponding point of A)
intersects the tangent at C. Find the locus of the circumcentre of triangle ABC.

 D
Sol. OAD = A
2 C

ACB =
2
 B
so the circumcentre be the midpoint of AB
A  (a cos , a sin ) O

B  (a cos , b sin )
Let the circumcentre of ABC be (x1, y1).
a cos   a cos  x
So, x1 =  cos  = 1
2 a
a sin   b sin 
y1 =
2
2y1
sin  =  sin  + cos  = 1
2 2
ab
x2 4y 2
So the locus is  = 1.
a2 (a  b)2
2 2 2 2
Prob 9. A tangent to the ellipse x + 4y =4 meets the ellipse x + 2y = 6 at P and Q. Prove
2 2
that the tangents at P and Q of the ellipse x + 2y = 6 are at right angles.

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

x2 y2
Sol. Given ellipses are  1 ……(1)
4 1
x2 y2
and,  1 …….(2)
6 3
x cos  y sin 
any tangent to (1) is  1 ……(3)
2 1
It cuts (2) at P and Q, and suppose tangent at P and Q meet at (h, k)
Then equation of chord of contact of (h, k) with respect to ellipse (2) is
hx ky
 1 ……(4)
6 3
cos  sin  h k
comparing (3) and (4), we get   1  cos  = and sin  =
h/3 k/3 3 3
h +k =9
2 2

locus of the point (h, k) is x + y = 9  x + y = 6 + 3 = a + b

2 2 2 2 2 2

i.e. director circle of second ellipse. Hence the tangents are at right angles.

Prob 10. 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.

x2 y2
Sol. Let the equation of the ellipse be   1 . Let P(a cos, b sin) be a point on the
a2 b2
x cos  y sin 
ellipse. The equation of the tangent at P is   1 . It meets the major axis
a b
at T  (a sec, 0).
The coordinates of N are (a cos, 0). The equation of the circle with NT as its diameter
2
is (x - asec) (x - acos) + y = 0
 x + y - ax(sec + cos) + a = 0
2 2 2

2 2 2
It cuts the auxiliary circle x + y - a = 0 orthogonally if
2 2
2g.0 + 2f.0 = a - a = 0, which is true.

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

SOLVED PROBLEMS (OBJECTIVE)

x2 y 2
Prob 1. A point P on the ellipse   1 is at a distance of 2 from its focus S. The ratio
2 1
of its distances from the directrices of the ellipse is
(A) 1 : 3 (B) 1 : 2
(C) 1 : 1 (D) none of these

2 2
Sol. Here a = 2, and b = 1
 1 = 2 (1  e )
2
P
1 1 M M
e = e
2

2 2
PS 1 S
Given PS = 2 
PM 2
 PM = 2
2a 2 2
But MM =  4
e 1/ 2
 PM = 2
 PM : PM = 1 : 1.

x2 y2
Prob 2. If PQR be an equilateral triangle in the auxiliary circle of the ellipse  1 (a > 
a2 b2
b) and PQR be corresponding triangle inscribed within the ellipse then centroid of
the triangle PQR lies at
(A) centre of the ellipse (B) focus of the ellipse
(C) vertex of the ellipse (D) none of these

 2   4 
Let P(), Q     and R   
3 
Sol. , then centroid of the triangle PQR (x, y) is
 3  
  2   4  
a  cos   cos      cos    3  
  3   
x= =0
3
  2   4  
b  sin   sin      sin    
  3   3  
y= = 0.
3

x2 y2
Prob 3. The minimum area of triangle formed by the tangent to the ellipse 2
  1 and
a b2
coordinate axes is
a2  b2
(A) ab sq. units (B) sq. units
2
( a  b )2 a2  ab  b2
(C) sq. units (D) sq. units
2 3

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

Sol. A tangent of the given ellipse is y = mx + a2 m2  b2 .

 

It meets the axes at   a m  b , 0  and 0, a2 m2  b2 . 
2 2 2

 m 
1 a m2  b 2
2 1 2
Hence the area of the triangle is  a2 m  b  ab .
2 m 2 m
Alternate:
x cos  y sin 
The equation of tangent at (acos, bsin) is   1.
a b
It meets the coordinate axes at A  (0, b cosec ), B  (a sec , 0).
ab ab
Area of triangle = =  ab .
2 sin  cos  sin 2

x2 y 2
Prob 4. If the line y = x + 3 touches the ellipse   1 , then the point of contact is
4 1
 2 1   4 1 
(A)  ,  (B)  , 
 3 3  3 3
 2 1 
(C)  ,  (D) none of these
 3 3
xx  yy 
Sol. Let the point of contact be (x, y) then equation of tangent is   1 comparing
4 1
it with y  x = 3 , we get
x y 1 4 1
   x  and y   .
4 1 3 3 3
2 2
Prob 5. The equation of common tangents to the ellipse x + 2y = 1 and the circle
2 2 2
x +y = is
3
7
(A) y = x 3 (B) y = 7x + 3
2
(C) y = 7 x  2 (D) none of these

2 2
Sol. The equation of any tangent to the circle x + y =
2 2
is y = mx  1  m2 since it
3 3
touches the given ellipse then
2 1 2 2 1 7
 1  m2  m2    m2  m2   m  
3 2 3 3 2 2
7
y= x  3 is the common tangent.
2

x2 y2 x2 y 2
Prob 6. A tangent of the ellipse  = 1 is normal to the hyperbola  = 1 and it
a2 b2 4 1
2 2
has equal intercepts with positive x and y axes, then the value of a + b is
(A) 5 (B) 25
25
(C) 16 (D)
9

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

x2 y2
Sol. The equation of normal to the hyperbola  = 1 at
4 1
(2 sec , tan ) is 2x cos  + y cot  = 5.

Slope of normal =  2 sin  =  1   =
6
5 5
yintercept of normal = 
cot  3
x2 y2
Since it touches the ellipse  1
a2 b2
25
a +b =
2 2
.
9

3
Prob 7. The equation of the ellipse with e = , foci on yaxis, centre of the origin and passing
4
through the point (6, 4) is
2 2 2 2
(A) x + 2y = 16 (B) 16x + 7y = 688
2 2
(C) 16x + 7y = 344 (D) none of these

2 9  7 2
b = a 1  
2
Sol.  a .
 16  16
16x 2 y2
Then equation is   1 , it passes through (6, 4)
7a2 a2
16  62 16
 2
 1
7a a2
688
a =
2

7
 16x + 7y = 688 is ellipse.
2 2

The centre of the ellipse 3x + 4y  12x  8y + 4 = 0 is

2 2
Prob 8.
(A) (1, 1) (B) (2, 1)
(C) (3, 1) (D) none of these

Sol. The equation of the ellipse can be written as

3 (x  4x + 4) + 4 (y  2y + 1) = 12
2 2

(x  2)2 (y  1)2
  1
4 3
 (2, 1) is the centre.

x2 y2
Prob 9. A square is inscribed inside the ellipse   1 , the length of the side of the
a2 b2
square is
ab 2ab
(A) (B)
a  b2
2
a2  b2
(C) a2  b2 (D) none of these

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

Sol. Let one vertex of the square be (p, p)

p2 p2
then 2  2  1 (p,p)
a b
a2 b2 ab
p = p
2

a b2 2
a  b2 2

2ab
 Length of side = .
a2  b2

Prob 10. A man running a race course notes that the sum of his distances from the two flag
posts is always 10m and the distance between the flag posts is 8m. The equation of
the path traced by him is
x2 y 2 x2 y 2
(A)  1 (B)  1
25 9 4 1
x2 y 2
(C)  1 (D) none of these
2 1

Sol. Here 2a = 10  a = 5 and 2ae = 8

8 4  16 
e=   b2  100  1  9
10 5  25 
x2 y2
   1 is equation of the path.
25 9

x2 y 2
Prob 11. Equation of tangent to two ellipse   1 which cut off equal intercepts on the
9 4
axes is
(A) y  x  13 (B) y   x  13
(C) y  x  13 (D) y   x  13

x2 y2
Sol. Equation of tangent to ellipse  1 is y  mx  9m2  4
9 4
Here m =  1  tangents are y  x  13 .

The values of a for which (13x  1) + (13y  2) = (a  1) (5x + 12y  1) represents

2 2 2 2
Prob 12.
an ellipse is
(A) (1, 2) 
(B)  2 ,  1 

(C) 1, 2  (D) none of these

Sol. Given ellipse can be written as

2

2
1  2 
2
 5x  12y  1 
 x  13    y  13   (a  1)  
2
    2 
 5  12 
2

0<a 1<1
2


 a   2,  1  1, 2 .   

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive
 Ace the Fundas of Mathematics with Anshul Singhal Sir

2 2
Prob 13. The tangents from which of the following points to the ellipse 5x + 4y = 20 are
perpendicular

(A) 1, 2 2  
(B) 2 2 , 1 
(C)  2, 5  (D)  5, 2 
2 2
Sol. Given equation of ellipse is 5x + 4y = 20
2 2
Equation of director circle will be x + y = 4 + 5 = 9.
From any point on this circle angle between tangents drawn to ellipse will be 90° and
all the given points lie on this circle.

( x  y  1)2 ( x  y  2 )2
Prob 14. For the ellipse   1 the end of major axis are
9 4
(A) (1, 3) (B) (2, 0)
1 1 
(C) (2, 4) (D)  , 
2 2

(x  y  1)2 (x  y  2)2
Sol. Given ellipse  1
9 4
Equation of major axis is x  y + 2 = 0 …(1)
(x  y  1)2
 ends of major axis is given by 1
9
x+y1=3 …(2)
Solving (1) and (2), we get (1, 3) and (2, 0).

2 2 2 2 2 2
Prob 15. The locus of extremities of two latus rectum of the family of ellipse b x + a y = a b is
(A) x  ay = a (B) x  ay = b
2 2 2 2

2 2 2 2
(C) x + ay = a (D) x + ay = b

x2 y2  b2 
Sol. Given ellipse is  1  ae, 
a2 b2  a 
2
b
= a(1  e )
2
Let h = ae , k =
a
 h2  F2
k  a 1  2 
 a 
 
 b2 
Locus ay = a  x
2 2
 ae,  
2 2  a 
x + ay = a .
Similarly between h = ae and
b2
k  a(1  e2 )
a
 h2 
 k  a  1  2 
 a 
 
ay = a + x  x  ay = a .
2 2 2 2

Join me on Telegram https://t.me/anshulsinghalsir

To get 10% scholarship use code
Anshulsirlive