CONICS AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

(GST06101)
Japhet Mlenga
November 6, 2024

Locus of a point
Definition: is the rule of condition of which the point obeys. This rule or condition is rep-
resented by an equation and this equation is called Locus equation.
—The plural of locus is called Loci.
—The Equidistant means equal distance.
Example A is the point (1, 0) and B is the point (−1, 0). Find the locus of a point P which
moves so that P A + P B = 4

Example Find the locus of a point which moves so that the sum of the square of its distance
from the point (−2, 0) and (2, 0) is 26 units.

Example Find the locus of a point which is equidistant from the points A(−3, 2) and B(0, 4).

Example Find the locus of a point which is at a distance of 5 units from A(4, −3).

Conic Sections
Definition: Conic sections are the sections of which the ratio of the distance of the variable
point from the fixed point to the distance of the variable point from fixed line is constant

Figure 1: Caption

Where
P (x, y) is the variable point or locus point

Mathematically

SP
=e
MP

Types of conic sections

They are categorized depend on the values of constant (e)

1) Circle (e = 0)

1
 1) Parabola (e = 1)
2) Ellipse (e < 1)
3) Hyperbola (e > 1)

Circle
Definition: A circle is a locus of the point P which moves in a plane such that it is always
at equidistant from the fixed point.
—The fixed point is called the centre point of the circle
—The fixed distance (equidistant) is called the radius (r) of the circle.

Figure 2: Caption

Where
C− is the fixed point (centre point)
r− is the radius of the circle
P (x, y)− is any point on the circumference/plane of the circle.

Equation of the circle with the centre at origin

Consider the circle on the xy−plane below

Figure 3: Caption

From triangle OP Q by using Pythagorous theorem

(OQ)2 + (P Q)2 = (OP )2

x2 + y 2 = r2 ..............equation of a circle

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Equation of the circle with the centre Not at the origin
A circle whose centre is not at origin also is called Translated circle. Consider the circle
on the xy−plane below

Figure 4: Caption

(CQ)2 + (P Q)2 = (CP )2

(x − a)2 + (y − b)2 = r2 .......1

Therefore (x − a)2 + (y − b)2 = r2 is the equation of the circle with centre (a, b) and radius (r).

General Equation of the circle passing any points

From the equation of circle with centre not at origin

(x − a)2 + (y − b)2 = r2
x2 − 2ax + a2 + y 2 − 2by + b2 = r2
x2 + y 2 + 2(−a)x + 2(−b)y + (a2 + b2 − r2 ) = 0

Let −a = g, −b = f and a2 + b2 − r2 = C, hence

x2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2f y + C = 0

—This is the general equation of the circle passing through any points, with centre (−g, −f ).
—The radius of circle with centre (−g, −f ) is calculated as follows
p
r = g2 + f 2 − C

Note: From general form by completing square centre and radius of the circle can be ob-
tained.

QUESTIONS
1. Find the centre and radius of the following circles
a) x2 + y 2 + 2x + 4y + 4 = 0
b) x2 + y 2 − 4x − 6y − 12 = 0
c) 4x2 + 4y 2 − 20x − 4y + 16 = 0
d) x2 + y 2 − 3x + 2 = 0
e) x2 + y 2 = 4y = 0
2. Write down the standard equation of the circle whose centre is (−1, 2) and radius 5
units.
3. Find the equation of the circles passing through (2, 1) and having its centre at (−3, −4).
4 Find the equation of the circle passing through the points

3
 a) (4, 0), (9, 0) and (0, 6)
b) (−1, −5), (6, 2) and (−2, −2)
c) (−5, −10), (−6, −5) and (12, 7)
5 The circle x2 + y 2 + gx + f y + c = 0 passes through the points A(−1, −2), B(1, 2) and
(2, 3). Write down three equations which must be satisfied by g, f and c. Solve these
equations and write down the equation of the circle ABC

4
Points of Intersection of a straight line and Circle
Suppose d is the distance from the centre of radius r to the line l

Figure 5: Caption

Note:
a) If r = d the line touches the circle at only one point that is tangent (there is only one
point of intersection)
b) If r > d the line cuts the circle at two distinct points that is Secant line (there are two
points of intersection)
c) If r < d the line neither cuts nor touches the circle that is there is no point of intersec-
tion.

Conditions for a line to be Tangent to the circle

In order to show the condition for a line to be tangent to the circle two methods may
be used
a) Shortest distance
b) Condition for perfect square
Suppose a line y = mx + c is the tangent to the circle x2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2f y + c = 0

Figure 6: Caption

for a line to be tangent to the circle the shortest distance to the line (tangent) should be
equal to the radius of the circle.

ax1 + by1 + c
d=
a2 + b2

Steps to follow
– find centre (a, b)
– find radius of circle r
– use centre to evaluate d where (a, b) = (x1 , y1 )
–Compare r and d if r = d then the line is the tangent to the circle.

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Questions
1) Show that 5x + 12y − 4 = 0 touches the circle x2 + y 2 − 6x + 4y + 12− = 0
2) Find the value of k if the line 12x+5y+k = 0 is a tangent to the circle x2 +y 2 −6x−10y+9 =
0
3) Show that the line 3x−2y = 13 is a tangent to x2 +y 2 = 13 but not to x2 +y 2 +4x−8y+4 = 0

Tangent line to the circle

Definition: Is the straight line which touches the circle at only one point.

Figure 7: Caption

Where
P is the point of tangency
Note: Since tangent line is the perpendicular to the radius then slope of radius m1 × slope
of tangent m2 =-1

Equation of tangent to a circle at given point

The equation of tangnet to the circle at the given point can be obtained by two methods
a) Geometrical method
b) Calculus method

Geometrical method
Consider the tangent line to the circle x2 + y2 = r2 at the given point P (x1 , y1 )

Figure 8: Caption

Slope of radius m1 = xy11−0 y1

−0 = x1
from m1 × m2 = −1 hence the slope of tangent m2 is given by
−1
m2 =
m1
−x1
m2 =
y1

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The equation of tangent can be obtained from

y − y1
m2 =
x − x1
−x1 y − y1
=
y1 x − x1
−x1 (x − x1 ) = y1 (y − y1 )
−xx1 + x21 = yy1 − y12
x21 + y12 = xx1 + yy1
xx1 + yy1 = r2

Therefore equation of tangent to the circle x2 + y 2 = r2 at P (x, y) is given by xx1 + yy1 = r2

Questions
1 Find the equation of tangent to the circle x2 + y 2 = 50 at the point (7, −3)
2 show that the point (7, −5) lies on circle x2 + y 2 − 6x + 4y − 4 = 0. Find the equation of
tangent to the circle at this point.

Equations of tangent to a circle from external point

Consider the tangent to the circle from external points P (x1 , y1 )

Figure 9: Caption

Let m = slope of the tangent, then the equation of tangent

y = m(x − x1 ) + y1
mx − y − mx1 + y1 = 0

Note that for a line to be tangent to the circle the shortest distance from the centre of the
circle to the tangent should be equal to the radius of the circle.

Example Find the equation of two tangents from the origin to the circle x2 +y 2 −4x−2y+4 = 0

Example Find the equation of the tangents from (2, 11) to the circle x2 + y 2 = 25

Equation of the Normal line to a circle

The equation of the normal line to the circle is obtained through the following steps

1 Find the slope of the normal line by using m1 × m2 = −1 where m2 is the slope of
tangent line. That is − yx11+f
+g
then slope of normal line yx11+f
+g

2 choose the point p(x, y) on the normal line and find the slope of this line using p(x, y)
y−y1
and tangency point. That is x−x 1

3 Equating two slopes and simplify to get equation of normal line in form y = mx + c.
y−y1
That is x−x 1
= yx11+f
+g after simplification we got yx1 − xy1 − f (x − x1 ) + g(y − y1 ) = 0

Question Find the equation of the normal line to a circle x2 + y 2 + 2x + 4y = 8 that passes
through the point (1.1) on a circle.

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Intersection of two circles
Two circles may intersect either internally, externally or Orthogonally.

A: Internal intersection Two circle intersect internally if the distance between their cen-
tres is equal to the difference between their radii.

Figure 10: Caption

hence

r1 + d = r2
d = r2 − r1

where d− is the distance between their centres. B: Intersection of two circles Externally
Two circles intersect externally if the distance between their centres is equal to the sum of
their radii. hence

Figure 11: Caption

r1 + r2 = d
d = r1 + r2

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C: Orthogonal circles
Two circles are said to be orthogonal if they meet at right angle (at 90o ). Consider the fol-
lowing orthogonal circles below.

Figure 12: Caption

From triangle C1 C2 C, by using pythagorus theorem

C1 C)2 + C2 C)2 = C1 C2 )2
r12 + r22 = (−g2 + g1 )2 + (−f2 + f1 )2
r12 + r22 = (g1 − g2 )2 + (f1 − f2 )2
r12 + r22 = g12 − 2g1 g2 + f12 − 2f1 f2 + f22

But

r12 = g12 + f12 − c1

r22 = g22 + f22 − c2

hence

g12 + f12 − c1 + g22 + f22 − c2 = g12 − 2g1 g2 + f12 − 2f1 f2 + f22

−c1 − c2 = −2g1 g2 − 2f1 f2
−(c1 + c2 ) = −(2g1 g2 + 2f1 f2 )
c1 + c2 = 2g1 g2 + 2f1 f2

Therefore 2g1 g2 + 2f1 f2 = c1 + c2 is the condition for orthogonal circles.

Circle through the point of intersection

Figure 13: Caption

The equation of the circle passing through the points of intersection of the given circles is
given by

x2 + y 2 + 2g1 x + 2f1 y + c1 + λ(x2 + y 2 + 2g2 x + 2f2 y + c2 ) = 0

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QUESTIONS
1 Show that the circles x2 + y 2 + 2x − 4y + 2y = 0 and x2 + y 2 − 6x − 10y + 25 = 0 intersect
externally.
2 Show that the circles x2 + y 2 + 4x + 5y − 6 = 0 and x2 + y 2 + 5x + 5y − 9 = 0 intersect
internally.
3 Find the equation of the circle through the origin and through the points of intersection
of the circles x2 + y 2 − 2x + 4y + 4 and x2 + y 2 + 8x − 4y + 6 = 0
4 Find the equation of the circle which passes through the origin and cuts both circles
x2 + y 2 − 8y + 12 = 0 and x2 + y 2 − 4x − 6y − 3 = 0

5 Prove that the circle x2 + y 2 + 2x − 8y + 5 = 0 and x2 + y 2 = 4x − 4y + 7 = 0 are orthogonal.

6 Find the equation of the circle which has centre (3, 2) and touches the line 5x+12y = 13
7 Find the equation of the circle which touches the circle x2 + y 2 − 2x − 5y = 0 at the origin
and passes through the point (2, 1).

8 Find the equation of the circle passes through the point 4(1,1) concentric with x2 +
y 2 − 2x − 4y = 9
9 Find the equation of the circle which passes through both points of intersection of
x2 + y 2 − 2x − 3y + 3 = 0 and x2 + y 2 − 3x + 2y − 1 = 0 and also passes through the point
(2, 3)

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Points of intersection of circles
Consider the circle S with the equation x2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2f y + c = 0 and circle S ′ with equation
x2 + y 2 + 2g ′ x + 2f ′ y + c′ = 0. To obtain points of intersection the following steps may be used
—Step 1: Rearrange both circle equations so that one side is zero

—Step 2: Put the circle equations equal to each other (i.e. solve simultaneously!)

—Step 3: Simplify into a linear equation that is x2 and y 2 terms will cancel,leaving an
equation of the form y = mx + c

—Step 4: Substitute the linear equation into either ofthe circle equations Solving this equa-
tion will lead to either the x-coordinate(s) or y -coordinate(s) of the intersection(s)

—Step 5: Substitute the x (or y) coordinates into either circle equation to find the cor-
responding y (or x)

Example Find the points of intersection of the circles x2 + y 2 − 2x − 4y + 4 = 0 and x2 +

y 2 − 5x − 8y + 11 = 0

x2 + y 2 − 2x − 4y + 4 = 0
x2 + y 2 − 5x − 8y + 11 = 0

Subtract two equations to obtain a linear equation

3x + 4y − 7 = 0

Make either x or y the subject

7 − 3x
y= (1)
4
Substitute equation (1) into any of the equation of circles provided
7 − 3x 2 7 − 3x
x2 + ( ) − 2x − 4( )+4=0
4 4
25x2 − 26x + 1 = 0
1
Therefore values of x are x = 1 or x = 25 . Then substitute values of x into equation (1) above
to obtain values of y

7−3
For x = 1 then y = 4 = 1, the point is (1, 1)
1
1 7−3( 25 ) 43 1 43
For x = 25 then y = 4 = 25 , the point is ( 25 , 25 ). Therefore points of intersections
1 43
are (1, 1) and ( 25 , 25 ).

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Terms used in conics
1. Focus: This is the fixed point of the conic section

Parabola

Ellipse

Figure 14: Caption

Where S is the focus

2. Directrix: This is straight line where distance from the focus is fixed.

Parabola

Ellipse

Figure 15: Caption

Note that ellipse has two foci and two directrices.

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3. Eccentricity: (e): This is the constant ratio of the distance of the variable point fronm
the focus to the distance of the variable point from the directrix ˜ Parabola

Figure 16: Caption

SP
hence, MP
=e

˜ For Ellipse

Figure 17: Caption

SP
hence, M P
=e
4. Axis of the conic: This is the straight line which cuts the conic section symmetrically
(into two equal parts)
5. Vertex: This is the turning point of the conic section or conic
6. Tangent: This is the straight line which touches the conic at only one point.

Parabola

Ellipse

Figure 18: Caption

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7. Normal:is the straight line which is perpendicular to the tangent at the point of tan-
gency or contact.

Parabola

Ellipse

Figure 19: Caption

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Parabola
Definition this is the conic section whose eccentricity is one (e = 1). Consider the parabolic
below

Figure 20: Caption

SP
=e=1
MP
SP
=1
MP
SP = M P

Equations of the Parabola

There are a) standard equation and b) General equation

Standard Equation
Case 1: Consider the parabola (along Positive x-axis) whose focus is S(a, 0) and directrix
x = −a From SP = M P squaring both side we have

Figure 21: Caption

(SP )2 = (M P )2
(x − a)2 + (y − 0)2 = (x − −a)2 + (y − y)2
x2 − 2ax + a2 + y 2 = x2 + 2ax + a2
−2ax + y 2 = 2ax
y 2 = 4ax

Therefore the standard equation of the parabola along x-axis is y 2 = 4ax

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Case 2: Along Negative x-axis whose focus S(−a, o) and directrix x = a

Figure 22: Caption

Hence standard equation of parabola is given by

y = −4ax

Case 3: Along positive y-axis whose focus S(o, a) and directrix y = −a From SP = M P

Figure 23: Caption

squaring both side we have

(SP )2 = (M P )2
(x − 0)2 + (y − a)2 = (x − x)2 + (y − −a)2
x2 + y 2 − 2ay + a2 + = y 2 + 2ay + a2
−2ay + x2 = 2ay
x2 = 4ay

The standard equation of the parabola along positive y-axis is given by x2 = 4ay

Class Activity: Prove that equation of parabola along y-axis is given by x2 = −4ay

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Tangent to the Parabola
Tangent to the parabola is the straight line which touches the parabola at only one point.

Figure 24: Caption

Equation of Tangent to the Parabola

Equation of tangent is in form of y = mx + c where m slope of tangent line. The following
steps may be used

—Step 1: Find slope of tangent=derivative of parabola y = 4ax at P (x1 , y1 )

—step 2: Find slope of tangent between point Q(x, y) and tangency point P (x1 , y1 )

—Step 3: Equating two slopes and simplify to get the equation of tangent line.

Example Find the equation of the tangent to the parabola y 2 = 16x at the point (1, 4)

Example Show that the equation of the tangent to the parabola y 2 = 4ax at the point
(x1 , y1 ) is given yy1 = 2a(x + x1 )

Equation of the normal to the Parabola

—Step 1: Find slope of normal by sing the relation m12 = −1 since normal and tangent are
perpendicular to each other.

—step 2: Choose any point let say Q(x, y) and tangency point P (x1 , y1 ) then find slope

—step 3: Equating slopes from step 1 and step 2 and then simplify to obtain the equa-
tion of normal in the form of y = mx = c

Questions

1 find the equation of the normal to the parabola y 2 = 8x at the point (2, −4)
2 find the equations of the tangents and normal to the following parabolas at the given
points a) y 2 = 16x; (1, 4) b) y 2 = 6x; (6, −6)
3 Find the equation of the tangents drawn from the point (1, 3) to ther parabola y 2 = −16x

4 Prove that the line y = 2x + 2 touches the parabola y 2 = 16x and find the coordinates
of the point where this occur.
5 Prove that the line y = x + 6 cuts the parabola y 2 = 32x at two distinct points. Find the
coordinates of these points and the equations of the tangent to the parabola at these
points.
6 Show that the equation x2 + 4x − 3y − 4 = 0 represents a parabola whose focus is at
(−2, 1). Find the equation of the tangent at the vertex.

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Ellipse
Definition This is conic section whose eccentricity is less than one e < 1

Figure 25: Caption

—Axes of an ellipse: an ellipse has two axes which are Major and Minor axis

—Major axis Is the one whose length is large

—Minor axis Is the one whose length is small

Figure 26: Caption

Where
AB- is the major axis
P Q- is the minor axis

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Equation of an ellipse
Consider the ellipse below

Figure 27: Caption

From
′
SP SP
= e and ′ =e
MP MP
SP
Let consider MP
= e we have

SP = eM P
a − s = e(x1 − a).............1
′
SP
and also MP
′ =e
′ ′
SP = eM P
(s − −a) = e(x1 − −a)
a + s = e(x1 + a)..........2

Adding equation 1 and 2, we have

a + a = e(x1 − a) + e(x1 + a)
2a = e(2x1 )
a
x1 =
e
Take equation 1 we have

a − s = e(x1 − a)
a
a − s = e( − a)
e
a − s = a − ae
− s = −ae
s = ae

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Along x-axis
Consider the ellipse along x−axis

Figure 28: Caption

SP
From MP = e, can be written as SP = eM P and by Squaring both sides we have the following

(SP )2 = e2 (M P )2
a
(x − ae)2 + (y − 0)2 = e2 ((x − )2 + (y − y)2 )
e
2 2 2 a 2
(x − ae) + y = e (x − )
e
x2 + a2 x2 + y 2 = e2 x2 + a2
(1 − e2 )x2 + y 2 = a2 (1 − e2 )..........3

Divide Equation 3 by a2 (1 − e2 ) both sides

(1 − e2 )x2 y2 a2 (1 − e2 )
2 2
+ 2 2
= 2
a (1 − e ) a (1 − e ) a (1 − e2 )
x2 y2
2
+ 2 = 1..................4
a a (1 − e2 )

But a2 (1 − e2 ) = b2 then Equation 4 can be modified as

x2 y2
+ =1
a2 b2
Properties of ellipse along x−axis

i a>b

ii a2 (1 − e2 ) = b2
iii Foci are (ae, 0) and (−ae, 0)
iv Vertices are (a, 0) and (−a, 0) along major axis while (0, b) and (0, −b) along minor axis
a −a
v Directrices are x = e and x = e

Exercise
x2 y2
1 Given the equation of an ellipse 9 + 4 = 1. Find eccentriciy, foci and Directrices.
2 Find the foci and directrices of an ellipse 9x2 + 4y 2 = 36
3 Find the equation of an ellipse whose focus is (3, 2) and directix of equation is 2x + 3y =
1. Given that e = 21

20
Equation of Tangent
x2 y2
Consider the tangent to an ellipse a2 + b2 = 1 at the point P (x1 , y1 )

Figure 29: Caption

Slope of Tangent is equal to the derivative of circle at P (x1 , y1 )

x2 y2
+ =1
a2 b2
2x 2y dy
+ 2 =0
a2 b dx
dy −b2 x
m= = 2 ...................5
dx a y
At P (x1 , y1 ) equation 5 become

−b2 x1
m=
a2 y1
Again choose any point let say Q(x, y) and P (x1 , y1 ) find slope of straight line (Tangent line)
y − y1
m=
x − x1
Equating two slopes

−b2 x1 y − y1
=
a2 y1 x − x1
−b2 x1 (x − x1 ) = a2 y1 (y − y1 )
b2 x21 + a2 y12 = b2 x1 x + a2 y1 y....................6

Divide equation 6 by a2 b2 both sides

b2 x21 a2 y 2 b2 x1 x a2 y1 y
2 2
+ 2 21 = 2 2 + 2 2
a b a b a b a b
x21 y12 x1 x y1 y
+ 2 = 2 + 2 ....................7
a2 b a b
x21 y12
But a2 + b2 = 1 then equation 7 become
x1 x y1 y
+ 2 =1
a2 b

Equation of Normal to the ellipse

x2 y2
Consider the normal to an ellipse a2 + b2 = 1 at the point P (x1 , y1 ). Hence, equation of the
normal is given by

a2 y1 y − y1
m= 2
=
b x1 x − x1
a2 (x − x1 ) =b2 x1 (y − y1 )
a2 y1 x − a2 y1 x1 = b2 x1 y − b2 y1 x1
a2 y1 x − b2 x1 y − x1 y1 (b2 − a2 ) = 0 Equation of Normal

21
Exercise
1 Find the centre and vertices of the ellipse below
x2 y2
a) 25 + 16 =1
2 2
x y
b) 169 + 144 = 1
2 2
c) 9x + 4y + 36x − 24y + 36 = 0
(x−1)2 (y−5)2
d) 9 + 25 =1
2 2
e) 3x + 2y = 6
2 Find the equation of the following ellipse

a) Centre (0, 0), focus (2, 0) and vertex (3, 0)

b) Vertices (0, 2) and (4, 2), major axis of length 6 units.
3 Find the equations of tangents and normal to the folliwing ellipse ate the given pouints
x@ y@
a) a2 + b2 = 1 at (3, 0)
2 2
b) 4x + 5y = 120 at (−5, −2)
c) 9x2 + 16y 2 = 40 at (2, 12 )
x2 y2
4 Prove that a line y = mx + c is tangent to the ellipse a2 + b2 = 1 only if c2 = a2 m2 + b2

Hyperbola
Definition is the conic section whose eccentricity is greater than one (e > 1)
– The hyperbola has two foci and two directrices as an ellipes behaves.

Figure 30: Caption

equation of hyperbola
′
Sv Sv
Consider the hyperbola below From mv = e and mv ′ =e

Sv
Let consider mv = e which implies sv = emv

p − a = e(a − x1 ) (2)
′
Again consider Sv
mv ′ = e which implies sv ′ = emv ′

p − −a = e(x1 − −a) (3)

Adding equations we have

2p = e(a − x1 ) + e(a + x1 )
2p = 2ae
p = ae

22
Substitute p = ae into any equation

p − a = e(a − x1 )
ae − a = e(a − x1 )
ae − a = ae − ex1
a
x1 =
e

Along x-axis
Consider the hyperbola along x-axis

Figure 31: Caption

Sp
From mp = e which implies sp = emp and squaring both sides we have

(sv)2 = e2 (mv)2
 
a 2
(x − ae)2 + (y − o)2 = e2 x − ) + (y − y) 2
e
(x − ae)2 + y 2 = (ex − a)2
x2 + a2 e2 + y 2 = e2 x2 + a2
(x2 e2 x2 ) + y 2 = a2 − a2 e2
(1 − e2 )x2 + y 2 = a2 (1 − e2 )
(1 − e2 )x2 y2
+ =1
a2 (1 − e2 ) a2 (1 − e2 )

—Since e > 1 then a2 (e2 − 1) = b2

x2 y2
2
− 2 2 =1
a a (e − 1)
x2 y2
2
− 2 =1
a b
x2 y2
—Equation of hyperbola is a2 − b2 =1

—Properties of hyperbola along x-axis

i) a2 (e2 − 1) = b2
ii) Foci, (±ae, 0)
iii) Directrices, x = ± ae

iv) Vertices,(±a, 0)

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Equation of Tangent to the hyperbola
x2 y2
Consider the tangent to the hyperbola a2 − b2 = 1 at point p(x1 , y1 )

Figure 32: Caption

—The slope of tangent is equal to derivative of hyperbola at point p(x)1 , y1 )

b2 x 1
m=
a2 y1
—Again let find slope of tangent by choosing Q(x, y) and p(x1 , y1 )
y − y1
m=
x − x1
—Equating two slopes to find equation of tangent

b2 x 1 y − y1
=
a2 y1 x − x1
b2 x1 (x − x1 ) = a2 y1 (y − y1 )
b2 x1 x − b2 x21 = a2 y1 y − a2 y12
b2 x1 x − a2 y1 y = b2 x21 − a2 y12

—Dividing by a2 b2 both sides we have

b2 x1 x a2 y1 y b2 x21 a2 y1
− = −
a2 b2 a2 b2 a2 b2 a 2 b2
2
x1 x y1 y x y2
2
− 2 = 21 − 21
a b a b
x1 x y1 y
− 2 =1
a2 b
x1 x y1 y
—Equation of tangent is a2 − b2 =1

Equation of Normal to the hyperbola

x2 y2
Consider the normal to the hyperbola a2 − b2 = 1 at p(x1 , y1 )
—Slope of the normal is given by

−a2 y1
m=
b2 x 1
—Choose Q(x, y) and p(x1 , y1 ) then slope of normal become
y − y1
m=
x − x1
—Equating two slopes we have

−a2 y1 y − y1
2
=
b x1 x − x1
−a2 y1 (x − x1 ) = b2 x1 (y − y1 )
−a2 y1 x − b2 x1 y + (a2 + b2 )x1 y1 = 0
a2 y1 x + b2 x1 y − (a2 + b2 )x1 y1 = 0

24
—Equation of the normal is a2 y1 x + b2 x1 y − (a2 + b2 )x1 y1 = 0

exercise

1. Find the standard form of the equation of the hyperbola whose vertices (0, ±6) and
foci (0, ±7).

x2 y2
2. Find the ecentricy, foci and equation of directrices of the hyperbola 169 − 196 =1

3. Find the foci and equation of the hyperbola with vertices (0, ±1) and asymptote y = 2x

4. Find an equation for the hyperbola given that Foci (1, 3) and (7, 3) and vertices (2, 3)
and (6, 3)

Asymptote to the hyperbola

Definition are the straight lines which do not touch the hyperbola event at infinity.

Figure 33: Caption

Equation of asymptotes to the hyperbola

x2 y2
Consider a line y = mx + c as a tangent to the hyperbola a2 − b2 =1

x2 mx + c
− =1
a2 b2
b x − a (mx + c) = a2 b2
2 2 2

b2 x2 − a2 (m2 x2 − 2mcx + c2 ) = a2 b2
b2 x2 − a2 m2 x2 − 2a2 mcx − a2 c2 = a2 b2
(b2 − a2 m2 )x2 − 2a2 mcx − (a2 c2 + a2 b2 ) = 0

By using general formula

p
2a2 mc ± (2a2 mc)2 + (b2 − a2 m2 )(a2 c2 + a2 b2 )
x=
2(b2 − a2 m2 )

Let consider when Discriminant=0

a2 mc
x=
b2 − a2 m2
For the line to be asymptote the denominator should be zero

b2 − a2 m2 = 0
b2
m2 =
a2
b
m=±
a

25
—Slope of asympotote line is m = ± ab
b
—From condition for tangency c2 = a2 m2 − b2 but m = a

b
c2 = a2 ( )2 − b2
a
c2 = b2 − b2
c=0

—From equation of straight line y = mx + c substitute m = ± ab and c = 0 we have

b
y=±
a
—Therefore Equation of asymptote is y = ± ab x

x2 y2
Question Find the asymptote of the hyperbola 25 − 16 =1

Question Find the verices and asymptotes of the hyperbola 9y 2 − 16x2 = 144

Question Find the asymptotes of the hyperbola 3x2 − 4y 2 − 12 = 0

Rectangular Hyperbola
Definition is the hyperbola whose asymptotes are orthogonal or perpendicular to each
other.

Figure 34: Caption

Equations of asymptotes of the rectangular hyperbola

From general equations of asymptotes y = ± ab x with slopes m1 = ab and m2 = − ab . Since
asymptote are perpendicular to each other hence satisfies the following

m1 m2 = −1
  
b b
− = −1
a a
b2 = a2
a=b

—Substitute a = b into y = ± ab x we have

a
y=± x
a
y = ±x

Therefore equations of asymptotes of rectangular hyperbola are y = ±x that is y = x and

y = −x

Question Prove that the straight line lx + my = n touches rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 if

n2 = 4mlc2 .

Question Tangents are drawn from the point (−3, 3) to the rectangular hyperbola with

26
equation xy = 16. Find the coordinates of the point of contact of these tangents with hyper-
bola.
Exercise
1. Find the equation of the ellipse whose axes are along the coordinate exes, foci at (0, ±4)
and eccentricity 45
2. Find eccentricity and coordinates of the foci of the hyperbola 25x2 − 36y 2 = 225
3. Find the equation of the circle passing through (3, −2), (−2, 0) and has its centre on the
line 2x − y = 3
4. Prove that the radii of the circle x2 +y 2 = 1, x2 +y 2 −2x−6y−6 = 0 and x2 +y 2 −4x−12y−9 =
0 are in A.P
5. If a parabola reflector is 20cm in diameter and 5cm deep, find its focus.
6. Find the coordinates of the foci, the equation of the directrices and the length of the
latus rectum of y 2 = −12x
7. Find the equation of a circle whose radius is 6 and the centre is at the origin.
8. Find the centre and radius of the circle given by the equation 2x2 + 2y 2 + 3x + 4y + 89 = 0
9. Find the equation of the circle thet passess through the points (1, 0), (−1, 0) and (0, 1)

Differential equation
Definition Is the mathematical equation which involves one or more derivatives of the
function.
dy
+1=0
dx
Definition of Order: is the highest derivative of deferential equation

Example
dy
a) dx = First order
d2 y
b) dx2 = Second order
dn y
c) dxn = nth order

Definition of degree: is the highest power of the highest order of the differential equa-
tion.

Example
 2
d2 y
a) dx2 + 6y = tan x with degree three

 5
d2 y dy
b) dx2 +b dx = 0 with degree one.

Formulation of differential equation

— An ordinary differential equation is formed by eliminating of arbitrary constant from a
relation in the variables and constants.

Example Formulate differential equation y = ax

Soln

y = ax

27
—Differentiating with respect to x

dy
=a (4)
dx
From relation y = ax make a the subject
y
a=
x
— Substitute into equation above we have

dy y
=
dx x
—Hence this is the first order differential equation

Example Formulate the differential equation y = ax3 + bx2

Example Formulate differential equation xy = Aex + Be−x

Linear differential equation

Definition a differential equation is said to be linear if the dependent variable and all of its
derivatives in the equation occur only in the first degree and are not multiplied together.
Takes the following form

dn y dn−1 y d2 y d1 y
an (x) + an−1 (x) + ... + a 2 (x) + a1 (x) + a0 (x)y = f (x)
dxn dxn−1 dx dx1

Non-linear differential equation

Is the differential equation which is not linear or a differential equation is said to be non-
linear if
i) The differential coefficient has the exponent more than one.
ii) The exponent of the dependent variable is more than one.

iii) It may contains the product of the dependent variable and its differential coefficient.

Main types of differential equation

There are two main types of differential equation which are Ordinary and Partial differen-
tial equation.

—Ordinary differential equation is the kind of differential equation which contain one
derivative with respect to a single independent variable.

d2 y dy
2
+ + y = sin x
dx dx
—Partial differential equation is the kind of differential equation which contains partial
derivatives of one or more dependent variables

∂y ∂y
+2 = e2x
∂x1 ∂x2
—In this module we will concentrate on solving ordinary differential equations and its ap-
plications. In this module only first and second order of ordinary differential equation will
be covered.
dy
—First order differential equation is the differential equation which contain dx which
is the highest derivative.

28
Methods of solving first order differential equations
By Separable method: This is method of solving first order differential equation by sepa-
rating the variables. consider steps below
—Step 1: Write the given differential equation as f (y)dy = Q(x)dx

— Step 2: Obtain the required solution by integrating both sides.

dy
Example Solve the differential equation x dx =y

Example Solve the differential equation cos(x + y)dx − sin ydy = cos(x − y)dx
q
dy 1−y 2
example Solve the differential equation dx = 1−x 2

dy
—Homogeneous differential equation A differential equation dx = F (x, y) is said to be
n
homogeneous differential equation of degree n if F (λx, λy) = λ F (x, y).

Example: Which of the following differential equations are homogeneous

dy
a) x2 dx =x+y
dy
b) xy dx = x2 + y 2
dy
c) x dx =x+y
dy
d) x2 dx = x2 + y 2
dy
e) x dx = x2 + y 2
How to solve Homogeneous differential equation

—Homogeneous first order differential equation can be solved by substitution y = ux that

dy
is dx = u + x du
dx

dy
Example Solve the differential equation xy dx = x2 + y 2
dy x−y
Example solve the differential equation dx = x+y

dy
p
Example Solve the differential equation x dx =y+ x2 + y 2

Non-homogeneous differential equation

dy ax+by+c
—This is the differential equation of the form dx = dx+ey+f where the determinant is not
a b
equal to zero that is =0
d e
How to solve Non-homogeneous differential equation
dy dY
—Substitute x = X + h, y = Y + k which implies dx = dX

Example Solve the differential equations

dy x−y+1
a) dx = x+y−1

dy x−y+2
b) dx = x+y

dy y−x+2
c) dx = y−x+4

Exact differential equation

A differential equation
M (x, y)dx + N (x, y)dy = 0 (5)
is said to be exact if there exists a function denoted by U (x, y), such that
∂U ∂U
dU = dx + dy = M dx + N dy
∂x ∂y

29
Theorem Equation 1 is exact if and only if

∂M ∂N
=
∂y ∂x

The solution of the equation 1 is

Z x Z y
M (x, y)dx + N (a, y)dy = C
a a

Where a, b are any convenient constants.

Alternative method
There exist a function f (x, y) such that

∂f ∂f
= M (x, y) and = N (x, y)
∂x ∂y
∂f
Let take ∂x = M (x, y)

∂f
= M (x, y), Integrating
∂x
f (x, y) = M (x, y) + g(y), Derivative W.r.t y
fy′ (x, y) = M (x, y) + g ′ (y)

But fy′ (x, y) = N (x, y)

N (x, y) = M (x, y) + g ′ (y), Solve g(y) by integrating

Z


g(y) = N (x, y) − M (x, y) dy

Then f (x, y) becomes

Z


f (x, y) = M (x, y) + N (x, y) − M (x, y) dy = C

Example Solve the differential equation 2xydx + (x2 − y 2 )dy = 0

Solution

Z x Z y
2xydx + (−y 2 )dy = C
0 0
y3
x2 y − =C
3
Examples Solve
a) (2xy 2 − 4)dx + (2x2 y + 3)dy = 0
b) 2xydx + (x2 − y 2 )dy = 0
c) (x3 ex+y + 3x2 ex+y − x)dx + (x3 ex+y + y)dy = 0

d) (x ln y + xy)dx + (y ln x + xy)dy = 0

Inexact differential equation

— A differential equation which is not exact differential is called inexact differential equa-
tion. It takes the following form

dy
+ P (x)y = Q(x)
dx

30
To make it exact we need to multiply by factor, let say µ(x)
 
dy
µ(x0 + P (x)y = Q(x)
dx
dy
µ(x) + µ(x)P (x)y = µ(x)Q(x)................∗
dx
This become product rule

d

µ(x)y = µ(x)Q(x)
dx
dy
µ(x) + yµ′ (x) = µ(x)Q(x).............. ∗ ∗
dx
Comparing equations ∗ and ∗∗ we observe that

µ(x)P (x)y = yµ′ (x)

µ′ (x)
p(x) = integrating
µ(x)
Z Z ′
µ (x)
p(x)dx = dx
µ(x)
Z
p(x)dx = ln µ(x)write in exponential
R
p(x)dx
µ(x) = e require factor should be multiplied

Example Solve
dy
a) x2 dx + 2xy = cos x
dy
b) dx + 2y = ex
dy
c) sin x dx + y = sin2 x
dy
d) dx + 2y cot x = cosec2 x

Bernoulli’s differential equation

This is the differential equation of the form

dy
+ py = Q(x)y n
dx
—The differential equation of the form above (Non-linear) can be reduced to linear form by
substitution

z = y 1−n

Example Solve
dy
a) dx + 2y = xy 2
dy
b) dx + y = xy 3
dy
c) x dx + y log y = xyex
dy y y2
d) dx + x = x2
dy
e) x2 dx + 2xy − y 3 = 0
f) y ′ + 2y = y 2 ex

g) y ′ = y 4 cos x + y tan x
h) 3y 2 y ′ − ay 3 = x + 1

31
Second order differential equations
1. Second order de reduced to first order de: This is the second order de which can be
reduced to first order by substitution

dy dp d2 y
p= , = 2
dx dx dx
2
d y dy
Example Solve the differential equation x2 dx 2 − 2x dx = 0

Soultion

Let
dy
p=
dx
Derivative of p w.r.t x

dp d2 y
= 2
dx dx
Substitute
dp
x2 − 2xp = 0
dx
By separable method
dp dx
=
p 2x
Z Z
dp dx
= 2
p x
ln p = 2 ln x + C
ln p = 2 ln x + ln A
ln p = ln(Ax2 )
p = Ax2
dy
But p = dx

dy
Ax2 =
Z Z dx
2
dy = Ax dx

Ax3
y= + B.......#
3
d2 y dy 2
Example Solve dx2 = 2( dx )
2
d y dy 2
Example solve y dx 2 + ( dx ) = 0

2. Second order de of the form

d2 y dy
a +b + cy = 0
dx2 dx
This form of differential equation is called Auxiliary quadratic equation(A.Q.E) if we let
dy
m = dx , then

am2 + bm + cy = 0

—The general solution of A.Q.E is given by

√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
m=
2

32
 —If b2 − 4ac > 0 the A.Q.E has two distinct real solutions or roots
—If b2 − 4ac < 0, the A.Q.E has a complex roots.
— If b2 − 4ac = 0, the A.Q.E has identical roots.

Case 1: Distinct roots

d2 y dy
a +b + cy = 0
dx2 dx
Let α and β be two distinct roots of A.Q.E then the general solution of second order
differential equation takes the following form

y = Aeαx + Beβx

Case 2: Identical roots

d2 y dy
a 2
+b + cy = 0
dx dx
Let α = β = p be identical roots of A.Q.E then the general solution of second order
differential equation takes the following form

y = (Ax + B)epx

Case 3: Complex roots

d2 y dy
a +b + cy = 0
dx2 dx
Let m = p ± qi be complex roots of A.Q.E then the general solution of second order
differential equation takes the following form
 
px
y=e cos qx + i sin qx

Examples Solve the following differential equations

a) y ′′ + 3y ′ + 2y = 0
b) y ′′ − 4y ′ + 4y = 0
d2 x
c) dt2 + 6 dx
dt + 10x = 0

3. Second order de of the form

d2 y dy
a +b + cy = q(x)
dx2 dx
where q(x)− is any function. The differential equation in L.H.S is called complimentary
function (C.F) and the function q(x) is called Particular integral (P.I).
—The solution of ode of this form is given by

y = yC.F + yP.I

Where
y− is the general solution of ode
yC.F − is the solution of the complementary function
yP.I − is the solution of particular function.

Case 1: If q(x) is the linear function. Then particular solution takes the following
form

yP.I = px + q

Example Solve the differential equation y ′′ − 3y ′ + 2y = 2x + 3

33
Solution

yC.F is obtained by equating ode equal to zero

y ′′ − 3y ′ + 2y = 0, let m = y ′
m2 − 3m + 2 = 0
√
3 ± 32 − 4 × ×1 × 2
m=
2×1
m = 2 or 1
Since complementary function has two distinct roots then

yC.F = Ae2x + Bex

dy d2 y
Let yP.I = px + q, take derivative dx = p, dx2 = 0 substitute in original ode we have
0 − 3p + 2(px + q) = 2x + 3
2px + 2q − 3p = 2x + 3
p = 1, q = 3
Therefore yP.I = x + 3
The general solution of ode is given by
y = Ae2x + Bex + x + 3
Case 2: If q(x) is quadratic equation. Then we let
yP.I = px2 + qx + r
Example Solve the differential equation y ′′ + y ′ − 4y = x2

Solution

Part of complementary function

y ′′ + y ′ − 4y = 0, Let m = y ′
m2 + m − 4 = 0
√
−b ± b2 − 4ac
m=
p 2a
−1 ± 1 + 4(1)(4)
m=
2(1)
−1 ± 3
m=
2
m = 1 or − 2
Therefore yC.F = Aex + Be−2x
dy d2 y
Part of particular function, let y = px2 +qx+r then dx = 2px+q and dx2 = 2p. Substitute
into original ode we have
2p + (2px + q) − 4(px2 + qx + r) = x2 + ox + 0
−4px2 + (2p − 4q)x + (q − 4r) = x2 + 0x + 0, comparing

Case 3 If q(x) is constant function. Then we let

yP.I = k
Case 4 If q(x) is trigonometric function. then we let
yP.I = A cos qx + B sin qx
Case 5 if q(x) is exponential function that is ex

34