[[[[

Conic Section
A conic section is a section cut off from a right circular cone by a plane in various ways. The
shape of the section depends upon the position of the cutting plane.
Section of a right circular cone by a
plane parallel to its base is a circle as
shown in the figure. When the plane
passes through the vertex, the section
is a point circle.
B
A
Section of a right circular cone by a
plane not parallel to any generator of
the cone and not perpendicular or
parallel, to the axis of the cone is an
ellipse.
B
A
Section of right circular cone by a
plane parallel to a generator of the
cone is a parabola.

Section of a right circular cone by a
plane parallel to the axis of the cone is
a hyperbola.

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Section of a right circular cone by a
plane passing through its vertex is a
pair of straight lines passing through
the vertex of the cone. When this
plane touches the cone, the section is
a line (coincident lines). And when this
plane is not meeting any other part of
the cone, the section is point.

Q
V
P
Analytically, a conic section or conic is the locus of a point, which moves so that its distance from
a fixed point is in a constant ratio to its distance from a fixed straight line, not passing through the
fixed point.
The fixed point is called the focus.
The fixed straight line is called the directrix.
The constant ratio is called the eccentricity and is denoted by e.
When the eccentricity is unity; i.e. e =1, the conic is called a parabola; when e < 1, the
conic is called an ellipse; and when e > 1, the conic is called a hyperbola. Circle (e = 0)
and pair of straight lines (e ) are degenerate cases of an ellipse and a hyperbola
respectively.
Circle
Definition:
A circle is the locus of a point which moves in such a way that its distance from a fixed point is
constant. The fixed point is called the centre of the circle and the constant distance, the
radius of the circle.
Equation of the Circle in Various Forms:
(i) The equation (x a)
2
+ (y b)
2
= r
2
represents a circle with centre (a, b) and radius r.
Let C (a, b) be the fixed point and P (x, y) be any point which is at a constant distance r
from C. Locus of P (x, y) is a circle. The point (a, b) is the centre and r is the radius of the
circle. From the definition, we have
radius = r = |PC| so that
r =
2 2
(x a) (y b) +
or (x a)
2
+ (y b)
2
= r
2
.
(ii) The simplest equation of the circle is x
2
+ y
2
= r
2
whose centre is (0, 0) and
radius `r'.
(iii) The equation x
2
+ y
2
+ 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is the general equation of a circle with centre
(-g, -f) and radius
2 2
g f c +
.
We can write this equation as
(x + g)
2
g
2
+ (y + f)
2
f
2
+ c = 0
or (x + g)
2
+ (y + f)
2
= g
2
+ f
2
c =
( )
2
2 2
g f c +
or (x ( g))
2
+ (y ( f))
2
=
( )
2
2 2
g f c + .
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For the circle to be real, g
2
+ f
2
c > 0.
The general form of the equation of the circle contains three arbitrary constants g, f and
c. Hence, if we specify three independent conditions, we can obtain the equation of the
circle completely.
We note that the general equation of the circle is a second order equation in x and y in
which (i) coefficients of x
2
and y
2
are equal and (ii) there is no term containing xy. This
means that the equation
ax
2
+ ay
2
+ 2g1x + 2f1 y + c1 = 0 (1)
represents a circle. Dividing by a, we have
x
2
+ y
2
+ 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, (2)
where
1 1 1
g f c
g , f , c
a a a
are constants.
Note: If the equation of the circle is given in the form (1), first reduce it to the form (2) by
dividing it by a.
(iv) Equation of the circle with points P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) as extremities of a diameter is (x
x1) (x x2) + (y y1) (y y2) = 0.
Let R(x, y) be any point on the circle. We know that in a semi circle, a diameter subtends
a right angle at any point on the circle i.e. PRQ = 90
0
. Hence lines PR and QR are
perpendicular to each other. Now, the slope of PR = m1 =
1
1
y y
x x

and slope of
QR = m2 =
2
2
y y
x x

.
Hence m1m2 = 1 =
1 2
1 2
(y y )(y y )
(x x )(x x )


(x x1) (x x2) + (y y1) (y y2) = 0.

R(x,y)
P(x1,y1)
Q(x
2
,y
2
)
Equation of a Circle under Different Conditions:
Condition Equation
(i) Touches the x-axis only with
centre (, a) and radius a
(x-)
2
+ (y-a)
2
= a
2
or x
2
+ y
2
2x 2ay +
2
= 0

(, a)
x
y

(, a)
x
y
O

(, a)
x
y
O
(ii) Touches the y-axis only with
centre (a, ) and radius a
(x-a)
2
+ (y-)
2
= a
2
or x
2
+ y
2
2ax 2y +
2
= 0
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(a, )
x
y
O

(a, )
x
y
O
(iii) Touches both the axes with
centre (a, a) and radius a
(x-a)
2
+ (y-a)
2
= a
2

or x
2
+ y
2
2ax 2ay + a
2
= 0

(a, a)
x
y
O
(a, a)
x
y
O
(a, a)
x
y
O
(iv) Passes through the origin with centre
,
2 2
_

,

and radius
2 2
4
+
.
x
2
+y
2
x y = 0
Parametric Equations of a Circle:
The equations x = a cos, y = a sin are called parametric equations of the circle x
2
+ y
2
= a
2

and is called a parameter. The point (a cos , a sin ) is also referred to as point . The
parametric coordinates of any point on the circle (x h)
2
+ (y k)
2
= a
2
are (h + a cos, k + a
sin) with 0 < 2.
Let P (x, y) be any point on the circle with C (h, k)
as its centre. Let CP make an angle , 0 < < ,
with the xaxis. Draw CN parallel to the xaxis, PL
and CM perpendiculars to the xaxis. We have
CP = radius of circle = a,
and x = OL = OM + ML = OM + CR = h + a cos ,
y = PL = PR + RL = PR + CM = k + a sin .

x
C
R

P
N

M L O
Hence the coordinates of any point on the circle are obtained as
x = h + a cos , y = k + a sin
and for different values of , we get different points on the circle. For this reason is called a
parameter. If the centre of the circle is the origin, then the parametric form of the circle becomes
x = a cos , y = a sin .
Illustration 1. Find the centre and the radius of the circle 3x
2
+ 3y
2
8x 10y + 3 = 0.
Solution: We rewrite the given equation as x
2
+ y
2

8
3
x
10
3
y + 1 = 0
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g =
4
3
, f =
5
3
, c = 1.
Hence the centre is
4 5
,
3 3
_

,
and the radius is
16 25
1
9 9
+ =
32
9
=
4 2
3
.
Illustration 2. Find the equation of the circle with centre (1, 2) and which passes through the
point (4, 6).
Solution: The radius of the circle is
( ) ( )
2 2
4 1 6 2 + = 25 = 5.
Hence the equation of the circle is
(x 1)
2
+ (y 2)
2
=25
x
2
+ y
2
2x 4y = 20.
Illustration 3. A circle has radius equal to 3 units and its centre lies on the line y = x 1. Find
the equation of the circle if it passes through (7, 3).
Solution: Let the centre of the circle be (, ). It lies on the line y = x 1
= 1. Hence the centre is (, 1) and the equation of the circle is
(x )
2
+ (y + 1)
2
= 9.
It passes through (7, 3)
(7 )
2
+ (4 )
2
= 9 2
2
22 + 56 = 0

2
11 + 28 = 0 ( 4) ( 7) = 0 = 4, 7.
Hence the required equations are
x
2
+ y
2
8x 6y + 16 = 0 and x
2
+ y
2
14x 12y + 76 = 0.
Illustration 4. Find the equation of the circle whose diameter is the line joining the points (-4, 3)
and (12, -1). Find also the intercept made by it on the y-axis.
Solution: The equation of the required circle is
(x + 4)(x 12) + (y 3) (y + 1) = 0.
On the y-axis, x = 0 48 + y
2
2y 3 = 0
y
2
2y 51 = 0 y = 1 t 52 .
Hence the intercept on the y-axis = 2 52 4 13 .
Illustration 5. Find the equation of the circle passing through (1, 1), (2, -1) and (3, 2).
Solution: Let the equation be x
2
+ y
2
+ 2gx + 2fy + c = 0.
Substituting the coordinates of the three given points, we get
2g + 2f + c = -2,
4g - 2f + c = -5,
6g + 4f + c = -13.
Solving the above three equations, we obtain: f = -1/2; g = -5/2, c = 4.
Hence the equation of the circle is x
2
+ y
2
- 5x - y + 4 = 0.
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Illustration 6. The abscissae of two points A and B are the roots of the equation x
2
+2ax b
2
= 0
and their ordinates are the roots of the equation x
2
+ 2px q
2
= 0. Find the
equation and the radius of the circle with AB as diameter.
Solution: Let the given points A and B be A = (x1, y1), B = (x2, y2)
x1 + x2 = -2a and x1x2 = -b
2
.
Also y1 + y2 = -2p and y1y2 = -q
2
.
Equation of the circle is (x - x1) (x - x2) + (y - y1) (y - y2) = 0
x
2
- (x1 + x2)x + x1x2 + y
2
- (y1 + y2)y + y1y2 = 0
x
2
+ 2ax - b
2
+ y
2
+ 2py - q
2
= 0
x
2
+ y
2
+ 2ax + 2py - b
2
- q
2
= 0.
Radius =
2 2 2 2
a p b q + + +
.
The Position of a Point with respect to a Circle:
The point P(x1, y1) lies outside, on, or inside a circle S x
2
+ y
2
+ 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, according as
S1 x1
2
+ y1
2
+ 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c >, = or < 0.
The centre of the circle is C ( g, f). The point P (x1, y1) lies outside the circle if CP is greater
than the radius of the circle i.e. (x1 + g)
2
+ (y1 + f)
2
> g
2
+ f
2
c

2 2
1 1 1 1
x y 2gx 2fy c 0 + + + + > .
The point P (x1, y1) lies inside the circle if CP < radius
i.e. (x1 + g)
2
+ (y1 + f)
2
< g
2
+ f
2
c
2 2
1 1 1 1
x y 2gx 2fy c 0 + + + + < .
Concentric circles
Two circles having the same centre but different radii r1 and r2 are called concentric circles. Thus
(x h)
2
+ (y k)
2
=
2
1
r and (x h)
2
+ (y k)
2
=
2
2
r , (r1 r2) represent two concentric circles.
Cyclic quadrilateral
If all the four vertices of a quadrilateral lie on a circle, then the quadrilateral is called a cyclic
quadrilateral. The four vertices are said to be concyclic.
Intercepts made on the axes by a circle.
Let the circle x
2
+ y
2
+ 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 intersect the
x-axis at A1 (x1, 0) and A2 (x2, 0), the yaxis at B1 (0, y1)
and B2 (0, y2). |A1A2| and |B1B2| are the length of the
intercepts made by the circle on the axes i.e.
|A1A2| = |x2 x1|; |B1B2| = |y2 y1|.
The circle intersects the xaxis when y = 0 i.e. when
x
2
+ 2gx + c = 0
whose roots are x1 and x2

(0,y
1
)B
1
x
y
(0,y
2
)B
2
(x
1
,0)A
1 A
2
(x
2
,0)

|A1A2| = |x2 x1| =
2 2
1 2 1 2
(x x ) 4x x 2 g c +
.
Similarly |B1B2| =
2
2 f c
.
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e.g. the circle x
2
+ y
2
4x 6y 3 = 0 makes intercepts
|A1A2| =
2
2 g c 2 4 3 2 7 +
on the xaxis,
and |B1B2| =
2
2 f c 2 9 3 4 3 +
on the yaxis.
If the intercept on an axis is zero, it implies that the circle cuts it at one point i.e. it touches it.
If A1A2 = 0 or g
2
= c, then the circle touches the xaxis.
If B1B2 = 0 or f
2
= c, then the circle touches the yaxis.
If the circle touches both the axes, then g
2
= f
2
= c.
If |A1A2| or |B1B2| or both are undefined, then the circle does not intersect the corresponding axis
(or axes).
Exercise 1.
i) Prove that the radii of the circles x
2
+ y
2
= 1, x
2
+ y
2
2x 6y 6 = 0 and
x
2
+ y
2
4x 12y 9 = 0 are in AP.
ii) Find the equation of the circle whose centre is (3, 1) and which cuts off an
intercept of length 6 from the line 2x 5y + 18 = 0.
iii) Find the equation of the circle whose centre is at ( 1, 2) and which passes
through the point (3, 5).
iv) Find the centre and the radius of the circle 2x
2
+ 2y
2
6x + 2y 27 = 0.
v) Find the equation of the circle passing through the points A( 2, 7), B ( 4, 1) and
C (4, 5).
vi) Show that the circle 4x
2
+ 4y
2
12x 12y + 9 = 0 touches both the axes.
Parabola
Standard Equation
A parabola is the locus of a point whose distance from a fixed point S (called the focus) is equal
to its distance from a fixed line ZM (called the directrix).
The straight line passing through the focus and perpendicular to the directrix is called the axis of
the parabola.
Let S be the focus, ZM the directrix and P the moving point.
Draw SZ perpendicular from S on the directrix. Then SZ is
the axis of the parabola. Now the middle point of SZ, say A,
will lie on the locus of P
i.e. AS = AZ. Take A as the origin, the x-axis along AS, and
the y- axis along the perpendicular to AS at A, as in the
figure. Let AS = a, so that ZA is also a. Let (x, y) be the
coordinates of the moving point P. Then
MP = ZN = ZA + AN = a + x. But by definition, MP = PS
MP
2
= PS
2
so that, (a + x)
2
= (x a)
2
+ y
2
or x
2
+ 2ax + a
2
= x
2
2ax + a
2
+ y
2
.
Hence, the equation of parabola is y
2
= 4ax.
Z
M
S
X
N
P
A
Y
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The point A (0, 0) is called the vertex of the parabola. The focus S is at (a, 0) and the equation of
the directrix is x + a = 0.
Latus Rectum:
The chord of a parabola through the focus and perpendicular to the
axis is called the latus rectum.
In the figure LSL is the latus rectum.
Also, LSL= 2( )
4a.a 4a
= double ordinate through the focus S. The
coordinates of L are (a, 2a) and that of L (a, 2a).

y
2
= 4ax
L
S(a, 0)
L
x
A
y
Note:
Any chord of the parabola y
2
= 4ax perpendicular to the axis of the parabola is called
double ordinate.
Two parabolas are said to be equal when their latus recta are equal.
Since y
2
= 4ax is defined only for x 0, the curve lies only on the right side of the
y-axis.
A line joining any two points on the curve is called a chord.
Four common forms of a Parabola:
Form: y
2
= 4ax y
2
= 4ax x
2
= 4ay x
2
= 4ay
Vertex : (0, 0) (0, 0) (0,0) (0, 0)
Focus : (a, 0) (a, 0) (0, a) (0, a)
Equation of the Directrix: x = a x = a y = a y = a
Equation of the axis: y = 0 y = 0 x = 0 x = 0
Illustration 7. Find the vertex, axis, directrix, and the length of the latus rectum of the parabola
2y
2
+ 3y - 4x - 3 = 0.
Solution: The given equation can be re-written as
2
3 33
y 2 x
4 32
_ _
+ +

, ,
which is of the form Y
2
= 4aX where Y = y +
3
4
, X = x +
33
32
, 4a = 2.
Hence the vertex is X = 0, Y = 0 i.e.
33 3
,
32 4
_


,
.
The axis is
3
y 0
4
+ y = 3/4.
The directrix is X + a = 0
x +
33
32
+
1
2
= 0 x =
49
32
.
Length of the latus rectum = 4a = 2.
Illustration 8. The extreme points of the latus rectum of a parabola are (7, 5) and (7, 3). Find
the equation of the parabola and the points where it meets the coordinate axes.
Solution: Focus of the parabola is the mid-point of the latus rectum
S is (7, 4). Also axis of the parabola is perpendicular to the latus rectum and
passes through the focus. Its equation is y 4 = ( )
0
x 7
5 3

y = 4.
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Length of the latus rectum = (5 3) = 2.
Hence the vertex of the parabola is at a distance 2/4 = .5 from the focus. We
have two parabolas, one concave rightwards and the other concave leftwards.
The vertex of the first parabola is (6.5, 4) and its equation is
(y 4)
2
= 2(x 6.5) and it meets the x-axis at (14.5, 0).
The equation of the second parabola is (y 4)
2
= 2(x 7.5).
It meets the x-axis at ( 0.5, 0) and the y-axis at (0, 4 t15).
Parametric Coordinates:
Any point on the parabola y
2
= 4ax is (at
2
, 2at) and we refer to it as the point t. Here, t is a
parameter, i.e., it varies from point to point.
Illustration 9. Prove that the area of the triangle inscribed in the parabola y
2
= 4ax is
a
2
(t1 t2) (t2 t3) (t3 t1) where t1, t2 and t3 are the vertices.
Solution: The three points on the parabola are (at1
2
, 2at1), (at2
2
, 2at2) and (at3
2
, 2at3).
Hence, area =
2
1 1
2
2 2
2
3 3
at 2at 1
1
at 2at 1
2
at 2at 1
=
2
1 1
2 2 2
2 1 2 1
2 2
3 1 3 1
t t 1
a t t t t 0
t -t t t 0

= | a
2
(t1-t2)(t2-t3) (t3-t1)|.
Focal Distance of a Point:
The focal distance of any point P(x, y) on the
parabola y
2
= 4ax is the distance between the point
P and the focus S, i.e. PS.
Thus the focal distance = PS
= PM =ZN = ZA + AN = a + x.
Z
M
S
X
N
P
A
Y
Position of a point relative to the Parabola:
Consider the parabola y
2
= 4ax. If (x1, y1) is a given point
and y
2
1 4ax1 = 0, then the point lies on the parabola. But
when y1
2
4ax1 0, we draw the ordinate PM meeting the
curve in L. Then P will lie outside the parabola if
PM > LM, i.e., PM
2
LM
2
> 0.
Now, PM
2
= y1
2
and LM
2
= 4ax1 by virtue of the
coordinates of L satisfying the equation of the parabola.
Hence, the condition for P to lie outside the parabola
becomes y1
2
4ax1 > 0.
Similarly, the condition for P to lie inside the parabola is
y1
2
4ax1 < 0.
P(x1, y1)
M
L
X
A
y
Illustration 10. Find the equation of the parabola whose focus is (3, 4) and directrix
x y + 5 = 0.
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Solution: Let P(x, y) be any point on the parabola. Then
( ) ( )
2 2
x y 5
x 3 y 4
1 1
+
+ +
+
(x - 3)
2
+ (y + 4)
2
=
( )
2
x y 5
2
+
x
2
+ y
2
+ 2xy 22x + 26y + 25 = 0
(x + y)
2
= 22x 26y 25.
Illustration 11. Find the equation of the parabola having focus (-6, -6) and vertex (-2, 2).
Solution: Let S(6, 6) be the focus and A(2, 2) the vertex of the parabola. On SA take a
point K (x1, y1) such that SA = AK. Draw KM perpendicular on SK. Then KM is
the directrix of the parabola.
Since A bisects SK,
1 1
6 x 6 y
,
2 2
+ + _

,
= (2, 2)
6 + x1 = 4, and 6 + y1 = 4
or (x1, y1) = (2, 10).
Hence the equation of the directrix KM is
y 10 = m (x + 2). .... (1)
Also gradient of
SK =
10 ( 6) 16
2;
2 ( 6) 8



m=
1
2

M
K
(x1, y1)
S
(6, 6)
P
(x, y)
A
(2, 2)
so that equation (1) becomes
y 10 =
1
2
(x 2)
or x + 2y 22 = 0 is the directrix .
Next, let PM be a perpendicular on the directrix KM from any point P(x, y) on the
parabola .
From SP = PM, the equation of the parabola is
{ }
2 2
2 2
x 2y 22
(x 6) (y 6)
(1 2 )
+
+ + +
+

or 5(x
2
+ y
2
+ 12x + 12y + 72) = (x + 2y 22)
2
or 4x
2
+ y
2
4xy + 104x + 148y 124 = 0
or (2x y)
2
+ 104x + 148y 124 = 0.
Illustration 12. If the point (2, 3) is the focus and x = 2y + 6 is the directrix of a parabola, find
(i) the equation of the axis,
(ii) the co-ordinates of the vertex,
(iii) length of the latus rectum,
(iv) equation of the latus rectum.
Solution: (i) We know that the axis of a parabola is the line through the focus
and perpendicular to the directrix.
The equation of any line passing through the focus (2, 3) is
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P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e 5 7 5 7
y 3 = m(x
2) mx y = 3 2m.
If the line be perpendicular to the directrix x 2y = 6, we have,
m + 2 = 0 m = 2.
Hence the equation of the axis is y 3 = 2(x 2) 2x + y = 7.
(ii) The co-ordinates of the point of intersection (say) A of the directrix
x 2y = 6 and the axis 2x + y = 7 are obtained by solving the two equations; thus
they are (4, 1). Since the vertex O is the middle point of A (4, 1) and the focus
S (2, 3); the co-ordinates of the vertex are
4 2 3 1
, ,
2 2
+ _

,
i.e. (3, 1).
(iii) Since OS =
2 2
(3 2) (1 3) 5 +
,
the length of the latus rectum = 4OS = 4 5 .
(iv) Since the latus rectum is the line through the focus parallel to the
directrix, its equation is x-2y+c=0, where c is given by
2 2.3 + c = 0, i.e. c = 4.
Exercise 2.
i) Given the two ends of the latus rectum, find the maximum number of parabolas
that can be drawn.
ii) If the focus of a parabola is (2, 1) and equation of directrix is x + y = 3, find the
vertex of the parabola.
iii) Vertex and the focus of a parabola are (1, 1) and (2, 3) respectively. Find the
equation of the directrix.
iv) Find the coordinates of the focus, equation of the directrix and the latus rectum of
(a) x
2
= 2y, (b) 2x
2
+ 3y = 0, (c) 3y
2
+ 7x = 0.
v) Reduce the equation x + y
2
4y + 5 = 0 to the standard form.
vi) If the equation x
2
+ 4xy + y
2
+ x + 3y + 2 = 0 represents a parabola then find.
vii) Find the length of latus rectum of the parabola
169 {(x 1)
2
+ (y 3)
2
} = (5x 12 y + 17)
2
.
viii) If the parametric equation of a parabola is x = t
2
+ 1, y = 2t + 1 then find the
equation of the directrix.
Ellipse
Definition:
An ellipse is the locus of a point which moves such that its distance from a fixed point (focus)
bears to its perpendicular distance from a fixed straight line (directrix) a constant ratio
(eccentricity) which is less than unity.
Standard Equation:
Let ZN be the directrix, S the focus and e the eccentricity of the ellipse whose equation is
required.
Draw SZ perpendicular to ZN. Since e < 1, we can divide ZS both internally and externally in the
ratio e : 1, i.e. if the points of division be A and A as in the figure, then
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Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e 5 7 5 7
AS = e.ZA and AS = e.ZA.
Then by definition of the ellipse A and A lie
on the ellipse. Let C be the mid-point of AA
and let AA=2a.
Then AC = a = CA. Also
AS=ACSC=aSC=e(ZA)=e(ZC a) (i)
and AS = a + SC = e(ZC + a)
2a = 2e(ZC)
ZC =
a
e
and SC = ae.

N
Z
B
x
A
y
B
C
S
A
ae
a/e
S
M
P
L
L
Take the x-axis along the CA and the y-axis along the line perpendicular to CA.
Now let S be the focus (-ae, 0) with C as the origin and x = -a/e as the directrix. Then any point
P(x, y) on the ellipse will satisfy SP
2
= e
2
(perpendicular distance of P from ZN)
2
(x + ae)
2
+ (y 0)
2
= e
2
(x + a/e)
2
x
2
(1 e
2
) + y
2
= a
2
(1 e
2
).
Therefore,
2
2
x
a
+
( )
2
2 2
y
a 1 e
= 1 or
2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
+ , where b
2
= a
2
(1 e
2
).
The eccentricity of the ellipse
2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
+ is given by the relation
b
2
= a
2
(1 - e
2
), i.e., e
2
= 1 - b
2
/a
2
.
Since the ellipse is symmetrical about the y-axis, it follows that there exists another focus S at
(ae, 0) and a corresponding directrix NZ, 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 NZ.
Thus, an ellipse has two foci and two directrices.
The ellipse intersects the xaxis at (a, 0) and ( a, 0) and intersects the yaxis at (0, b) and
(0, b). The points A ( a, 0) and A (a, 0) are called the vertices of the ellipse. The line segment
AA is called the major axis and BB is called the minor axis of the ellipse. Since
2 2
2 2
y x
1 1
a b
,
we have x
2
a
2
or a x a.
Hence, x takes value in the interval [a, a]. Similarly y takes values in the interval [b, b]. Hence
the curve is a closed curve and symmetrical about both the axes.
Central Curve:
A curve is said to be a central curve if there is a point, called the centre, such that every chord
passing through it is bisected at it.
Latus Rectum:
The chord LSL through the focus at right angles to the major axis is called the latus rectum.
Let the coordinates of L be (ae, k). Since L lies on the ellipse, we get
2 2 2
2 2
a e k
1
a b
+ or
4
2 2 2
2
b
k b (1 e )
a
k = t
2
b
a
.
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P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e 5 7 5 7
Therefore, the coordinates of L are
2
b
ae,
a
_


,

and those of L are
2
b
ae,
a
_

,
. The length of the latus rectum is LL =
2
2b
a
. The equation of the
latus rectum is x = ae.
Note:
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.
The length of the semi latus rectum = b
2
/ a.
Circle is a particular case of an ellipse with e = 0.
C (0, 0) is called the centre of the ellipse.
Focal Distance of a Point:
The distance of any point P on the curve from its focus is called its focal distance (or focal
radius).
Since SP = ePN , SP = ePN,
SP + SP = e(PN + PN)
= e (NN) = e(2a/e) = 2a
the sum of the focal distances of any
point on the ellipse is equal to its major
axis.

A
N
Z S
P
N
Z A S C
Another Definition of Ellipse:
Ellipse is the locus of a point the sum of whose distances from two fixed points is a
constant greater than the distance between the fixed points.
Other Forms:
If in the equation
2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
+ , a
2
< b
2
, then the major and minor axis of the ellipse lie
along the y and the x-axes and are of lengths 2b and 2a respectively. The foci become
(0, t be), and the directrices become y = t b/e where e =
2
2
a
1
b
. The length of the
semi-latus rectum becomes
2
a
b
.
If the centre of the ellipse be taken at (h, k) and axes parallel to the x and the
y-axes, then the equation of the ellipse is
( ) ( )
2 2
2 2
x h y k
1
a b

+
.
Let the equation of the directrix of an ellipse be ax + by + c = 0 and the focus be (h, k).
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Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e 5 7 5 7
Let the eccentricity of the ellipse be e(e < 1).
If P(x, y) is any point on the ellipse, then
PS
2
= e
2
PM
2
(x h)
2
+ (y - k)
2
= e
2
( )
2
2 2
ax by c
a b
+ +
+
, which is
of the form
ax
2
+ 2hxy + by
2
+ 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ... (*) where
= abc +2 fgh af
2
-bg
2
ch
2
0, h
2
< ab.
y
x
N
z
M
P
S
O
These are the necessary and sufficient conditions for a general quadratic equation given
by (*) to represent an ellipse.
Position of a Point Relative to an Ellipse:
The point P(x1, y1) is outside or inside the ellipse
2 2
2 2
y x
1,
a b
+ according as the quantity
2 2
1 1
2 2
x y
1
a b
_
+

,
is
positive or negative.
Let P0 (x1, y0) be the corresponding point on the ellipse so
that
2 2 2 2
0 0 1 1
2 2 2 2
y y x x
1 or 1
a b b a
+ .

y
O
x
P(x1,y1)
N
P0(x1,y0)
If P (x1, y1), is lying outside the ellipse then y1 > y0

2 2 2 2
0 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
y y y x
or 1
b b b a
> > or
2 2
1 1
2 2
x y
1 0
a b
+ > .
Parametric Equations of an Ellipse:
Clearly, x = a cos, y = b sin satisfy the equation
2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
+ for all real values of .
Hence, the parametric equations of the ellipse
2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
+ are x = a cos, y = b sin
where is the parameter.
Also (a cos , b sin) is a point on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
y x
a b
+ = 1 for all values of (0 < 2).
The point (a cos, b sin) is also called the point . Angle is called the eccentric angle of the
point (a cos, b sin) on the ellipse.
Draw a circle with AA (the major axis) as the diameter.
This circle is called the auxiliary circle of the ellipse. The
equation of the circle is x
2
+ y
2
= a
2
. Any point Q on the
circle is (a cos, a sin). Draw QM as perpendicular to AA
cutting the ellipse at P. The x-co-ordinate of P = CM = a
cos
y-co-ordinate of P is b sin
P (a cos, b sin).
y
Q
C
A x
A
P

M
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P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e 5 7 5 7
Illustration 13. Find the centre, the length of the axes and the eccentricity of the ellipse
2x
2
+ 3y
2
4x 12y + 13 = 0.
Solution: The given equation can be written as 2(x - 1)
2
+ 3(y - 2)
2
= 1

( ) ( )
2 2
x 1 y 2
1
1 1
2 3

+

The centre of the ellipse is (1, 2).
Length of the major axis = 2.
1
2
= 2.
Length of the minor axis = 2.
1
3
=
2
3

e
2
= 1
2
2
b
a
= 1
2
3
=
1
3
e =
1
3
.
Illustration 14. Find the equation of the ellipse whose foci are (2, 3), (-2, 3) and whose semi
minor axis is of length 5.
Solution: Here S is (2, 3), S is (-2, 3) and b = 5.
SS = 4 = 2ae ae = 2.
But b
2
= a
2
(1 - e
2
) 5 = a
2
4 a = 3.
Centre C of the ellipse is (0, 3).
Hence the equation of the ellipse is
2 2
(y 3) (x 0)
1
9 5

+
5x
2
+ 9y
2
54y + 36 = 0.
Illustration 15. Find the equation of the ellipse having centre at (1, 2), one focus at (6, 2) and
passing through the point (4, 6).
Solution: With centre at (1, 2) the equation of the ellipse is
( ) ( )
2 2
2 2
x 1 y 2
1
a b

+
. It
passes through the point (4, 6)
2 2
9 16
1
a b
+
. ... (1)
Distance between the focus and the centre = (6 - 1) = 5 = ae
b
2
= a
2
a
2
e
2
= a
2
25. ... (2)
Solving for a
2
and b
2
from the equations (1) and (2), we get a
2
= 45
and b
2
= 20.
Hence the equation of the ellipse is
( ) ( )
2 2
x 1 y 2
1
45 20

+
.
Exercise 3.
i) Find the equation of the ellipse whose focus is (1, 0), the directrix is x + y + 1 = 0
and eccentricity is
1
2
.
ii) The foci of an ellipse are (t2, 0) and its eccentricity is 1/2. Find its equation.
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Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e 5 7 5 7
iii) P is a variable point on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
+ (a > b) with AA as the major axis.
Find the maximum value of the area of triangle APA.
iv) Find the eccentricity, foci and length of latus rectum of the ellipse
x
2
+ 4y
2
+ 8y 2x + 1 = 0.
v) Find the equation of the ellipse with centre at the origin, one vertex at (4, 0) and
which passes through the point P
3
2,
2
_


,
.
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Hyperbola
Definition:
A hyperbola is the locus of a point which moves so that its distance from a fixed point (focus)
bears to its distance from a fixed straight line (directrix) a constant ratio (eccentricity) which is
greater than unity.
Standard Equation:
Let S be the focus and ZM the directrix of a hyperbola.
Since e > 1, we can divide SZ internally and externally in
the ratio e : 1; let the points of division be A and A as in
the figure. Let AA = 2a and be bisected at C. Then, SA
= e. AZ, SA = e. ZA
SA + SA = e(AZ + ZA) = 2ae
i.e., 2SC = 2ae or SC = ae.
Similarly by subtraction, SA - SA



S
x
M
y
M P
S
Z
C
Z


A A
= e(ZA - ZA) = 2e.ZC 2a = 2eZC ZC = a/e.
Now, take C as the origin, CS as the x-axis, and the perpendicular line CY as the y-axis. Then, S
is the point (ae, 0) and ZM the line x = a/e. Let P(x, y) be any point on the hyperbola.
Then the condition PS
2
= e
2
. (distance of P from ZM)
2
gives (x - ae)
2
+ y
2
= e
2
(x - a/e)
2
or
x
2
(1 - e)
2
+ y
2
= a
2
(1 - e
2
)
i.e.
( )
2 2
2 2 2
y x
1
a a e 1

. (i)
Since e>1, e
2
-1 is positive. Let a
2
(e
2
-1) = b
2
. Then the equation (i) becomes
2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
.
The eccentricity e of the hyperbola
2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
is given by the relation
2
2
2
b
e 1
a
_
+


,
.
Since the curve is symmetrical about the y - axis, it is clear that there exists another focus S at (-
ae, 0) and a corresponding directirx ZM with the equation x = -a/e, such that the same hyperbola
is described if a point moves so that its distance from S is e times its distance from ZM.
The points A and A where the straight line joining the two foci cuts the hyperbola are
called the vertices of the hyperbola. The coordinates of A and A are (a, 0) and ( a, 0)
respectively.
The straight line joining the vertices is called the transverse axis of the hyperbola, its
length AA is 2a.
The middle point C of AA possesses the property that it bisects every chord of the
hyperbola passing through it. It can be proved by taking P(x1, y1) as any point on the
hyperbola. If (x1, y1) lies on the hyperbola then so does P(-x1, -y1) because the
hyperbola is symmetrical about the x and the y axes. Therefore PP is a chord whose
middle point is (0, 0), i.e. the origin C. On account of this property the middle point of
the straight line joining the vertices of the hyperbola is called the centre of the
hyperbola.
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The straight line through the centre of a hyperbola which is perpendicular to the
transverse axis does not meet the hyperbola in real points. If B and B be the points on
this line such that BC= CB = b, the line BB is called the conjugate axis.
When the lengths of the transverse axis and the conjugate axis are equal i.e. a = b, then the
equation of the hyperbola becomes x
2
y
2
= a
2
. This is called a rectangular or equilateral
hyperbola and in this case e
2
= 1 + 1 i.e. eccentricity of a rectangular hyperbola is 2 .
A latus rectum is the chord through a focus at right angle to the transverse axis.
The length of the semi - latus rectum obtained by putting x = ae in the equation of the
hyperbola is
2 2
2 2
2
a e
y b 1 b e 1 b.b / a b / a
a
.
A circle having its centre at the centre of the hyperbola and the transverse axis AA as
its diameter is called the auxiliary circle of the hyperbola.
Relation between Focal Distances:
The difference of the focal distances of a point on the
hyperbola is constant. PM and PM are perpendiculars
to the directrices MZ and MZ and
PS PS = e(PM - PM)
= eMM = e(2a/e) = 2a = constant.

2 2 2 2
(x ae) y (x ae) y 2a + + + t
or
2 2 2 2
(x ae) y 2a (x ae) y + + t + +
Squaring both sides, we get


S x
M
y
M
P
S Z C
Z


(x + ae)
2
+ y
2
= 4a
2
+ (x ae)
2
+ y
2
t 4a
2 2
(x ae) y +
or 4aex 4a
2
= t 4a
2 2
(x ae) y +
or ex a = t
2 2
(x ae) y +
.
Squaring again, we get
e
2
x
2
+ a
2
2aex = x
2
+ a
2
e
2
2aex + y
2

or
2 2
2 2 2
y x
1
a a (e 1)

2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
.
Another definition of Hyperbola:
A hyperbola can be defined in another way; Locus of a moving point such that the difference of its
distances from two fixed points is constant, would be a hyperbola.
Relative Position of a Point with respect to the
Hyperbola:
The quantity
2 2
1 1
2 2
x y
1
a b
is positive, zero or negative,
according as the point (x1, y1) lies within, upon or without
the curve. It means that for the point (x1, y1) lying outside
x
y
O
Interior
region
Interior
region
Exterior region
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P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e 5 7 5 7
the curve,
2 2
1 1
2 2
x y
1
a b
+ +
> 0 and when lying inside,
2 2
1 1
2 2
x y
1
a b
+ + < 0.
Parametric Coordinates:
We can express the coordinates of a point of the hyperbola
2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
in terms of a single
parameter, say .
Any point on the curve, in parametric form is x = a sec, y = b tan.
In other words, (a sec, btan ) is a point on the hyperbola for all values of . The point (a sec, b
tan) is briefly called the point ''.
Another form of parametric equations of the hyperbola is:
x =
a 1 b 1
t , y t
2 t 2 t
_ _
+

, ,
.
Illustration 16. Find the equation of the hyperbola the distance between whose foci is 16, whose
eccentricity is 2 and whose axis is along the x-axis with centre being the origin.
Solution: We have b
2
= a
2
(e
2
- 1) = a
2
b = a.
Also 2ae = 16 ae = 8 a = 42.
Hence the equation of the required hyperbola is
2 2
y x
1
32 32
x
2
y
2
= 32.
Illustration 17. Find the equation of the hyperbola one of whose foci is (2, 2), eccentricity 2 and
the equation of the directrix x + y = 9.
Solution: Let P(x, y) be any point on the hyperbola. Let PM be perpendicular from P on the
directrix.
Then
SP
PM
= e (x - 2)
2
+ (y - 2)
2
= 2
2
2
x y 9
2
1 +
1
]
x
2
+ y
2
- 4x - 4y + 8 = 2(x + y - 9)
2
x
2
+ y
2
+ 4xy - 32x - 32y + 154 = 0.
Exercise 4.
i) Find the equation of the hyperbola whose directrix is 2x + y = 1, focus (1, 2) and
eccentricity 3 .
ii) For the hyperbola 3x
2
6y
2
= -18, find the lengths of transverse and conjugate
axes, eccentricity and coordinates of foci and vertices; length of the latus rectum,
equation of the directrices.
iii) Prove that the straight lines
y x
m
a b
and +
y x 1
a b m
, where a and b are given
positive real numbers and m is a parameter, always meet on a hyperbola.
General equation of the second degree:
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Consider the general equation of the second degree
ax
2
+ 2hxy + by
2
+ 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 (1)
Let lx + my + n = 0 be the directrix of a conic section and let (p, q) be the corresponding
focus. If e is the eccentricity of the conic, then from the definition of a conic,
( ) ( )
2
2 2
2
2 2
lx my n
e x p y q
l m
_
+ +
1
+

]
+ ,
(2)
If (2) represents a parabola, then e = 1 and
(lx + my +n)
2
= (l
2
+ m
2
) (x
2
+ y
2
2px 2qy + p
2
+ q
2
)
or m
2
x
2
2lmxy + l
2
y
2
2[ln + p(l
2
+ m
2
)]x 2[mn + q(l
2
+ m
2
)]y
+ (p
2
+ q
2
) (l
2
+ m
2
) n
2
= 0 (3)
We find that for a parabola, the second degree terms form a perfect square. In analogy, (1) will
represent a parabola, if the second degree terms form a perfect square. For this
4h
2
4ab = 0 h
2
ab = 0 h
2
= ab.
Again, equation (2), on simplification, gives
[e
2
l
2
(l
2
+ m
2
)]x
2
+ 2e
2
lmxy + [e
2
m
2
(l
2
+ m
2
)]y
2

+ 2[e
2
ln + p(l
2
+ m
2
)] x + 2[e
2
mn + q(l
2
+ m
2
)]y + e
2
n
2
(p
2
+ q
2
) (l
2
+ m
2
) = 0 (4)
If (1) and (4) represent the same curve, then
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
a b h
t
e l (l m ) e m (l m ) e lm

+ +
a = [l
2
e
2
(l
2
+ m
2
)]t, b = [m
2
e
2
(l
2
+ m
2
)]t, h = lmt etc.
Hence h
2
ab = (e
4
l
2
m
2
[e
2
l
2
(l
2
+ m
2
)] [e
2
m
2
(l
2
+ m
2
)] ) t
2

= (l
2
+ m
2
)
2
(e
2
1) t
2

= 0 for e = 1 (parabola),
< 0 for e < 1 (ellipse)
> 0 for e > 1 (hyperbola).
We find that the second degree equation
ax
2
+ 2hxy + by
2
+ 2gx+ 2fy + c = 0
represents
a pair of lines if abc + 2fgh af
2
bg
2
ch
2
= 0 i.e., = 0
(for two parallel lines, = 0, h
2
= ab),
an ellipse if h
2
< ab, 0 (for a circle a = b and h = 0),
a parabola if h
2
= ab, 0
a hyperbola if h
2
> ab. 0 (for a rectangular hyperbola a + b = 0),
Exercise 5.
What conics do the following equations represent
(i) 12x
2
23xy + 10y
2
25x + 26y = 14
(ii) 2x
2
72xy + 23y
2
4x 28y 48 = 0
(iii) 3x
2
8xy 3y
2
+ 10x 13y + 8 = 0
(iv) (x y)
2
+ (x a)
2
= 0
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P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e 5 7 5 7
Answers to Exercises
Exercise 1.
(ii) x
2
+ y
2
6x + 2y 28 = 0 iii) x
2
+ y
2
+ 2x 4y 20 = 0
(iv)
3 1
,
2 2
_

,
, 4 (v) (x 3)
2
+ (y 2)
2
= 50
Exercise 2.
(i) 2 (ii) (1, 2)
(iii) 3x + 2y + 14 = 0
(iv) (a)
1
0,
2
_

,
, y +
1
2
= 0, 2 (b)
3
0,
8
_

,
, y
3
8
= 0,
3
2
(c)
7
, 0
12
_

,
,
7
x 0
12
,
7
3
(v) Y
2
= X, Y = y 2, X = x + 1.
(vi) 4 (vii)
28
13
(viii) x = 0
Exercise 3.
(i) 3x
2
+ 3y
2
2xy 10 x 2y + 3 = 0 (ii)
2 2
y x
1
16 12
+
(iii) ab (iv)
( )
3
, 1 3, 1 , 1
2
t
(v) x
2
+ 16y
2
= 16
Exercise 4.
(i) 7x
2
2y
2
+ 12xy 2x + 14y 22 = 0
(ii) Length of transverse axes = 23, length of conjugate axes = 26, e = 3, foci = (0, t 3),
vertices = (0, t 3), latus rectum = 43, equation of directrices y = t 1.
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MA-CONIC-
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Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e 5 7 5 7
Solved Problems
Problem 1: Find the equation of the circle, concentric with the circle x
2
+ y
2
4x + 6y + 1 = 0,
and passing through the point (1, 5).
Solution: Centre of the given circle and hence that of the required circle is (2, 3). Let its
radius be r. Its equation is
(x 2)
2
+ (y + 3)
2
= r
2
.
Since it passes through (1, 5),
( 1 2)
2
+ (5 + 3)
2
= r
2

r
2
= 9 + 64 = 73.
Hence the equation of the circle is
x
2
+ y
2
4x + 6y + 4 + 9 = 73
or, x
2
+ y
2
4x + 6y = 60.
Problem 2: Find the equation of the circle of radius 5 units whose two diameters are the lines
2x + 3y = 5 and 7x 2y = 5.
Solution: The centre of the circle is the point of intersection of the lines 2x + 3y = 5 and
7x 2y = 5. The coordinates of this point are (1, 1). With the radius of the circle
being 5 units, its equation is (x 1)
2
+ (y 1)
2
= 25
or x
2
+ y
2
2x 2y = 23.
Problem 3: Equation of the directrix of a parabola is x = 3 and its focus is (1, 4). Find the
coordinates of its vertex and the length of its latus rectum.
Solution: Let P(x, y) be any point on the parabola. Hence its equation is
(x 1)
2
+ (y + 4)
2
=
2
x 3
1
_

,
or x
2
2x + 1 + y
2
+ 8y + 16 = x
2
6x + 9
or y
2
+ 8y + 16 = 4x + 8
or (y + 4)
2
= 4(x 2). (1)
Shifting the origin to (2, 4) we find that this equation reduces to Y
2
= 4X
(standard form).
Also, the latus rectum is parallel to the directrix and hence its equation is x = 1.
For x = 1, (1) gives
(y + 4)
2
= 4(1 2) = 4 or y + 4 = t 2
y = 2, 6
the length of the latus rectum = |6 + 2| = 4.
Problem 4: If the point (4, 3) is the vertex and the point (2, 3) is the focus of a parabola, find
the equation of the directix and that of the parabola.
Solution: The vertex (4, 3) and the focus (2, 3) lie on the line y = 3 which is the axis of the
parabola. The directix is, thus, a line parallel to the y-axis and its equation is of
the type x = h. It meets y = 3 at the point (h, 3).
Now, vertex (4, 3) is the mid-point of the points (2, 3) and (h, 3)
4 =
2 h
2
+
or h = 10.
Hence the directix is x = 10.
The equation of the parabola is (x 2)
2
+ (y 3)
2
= (x + 10)
2

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MA-CONIC--22
P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e 5 7 5 7
or (y 3)
2
= x
2
+ 20x + 100 x
2
+ 4x 4
= 24x + 96 = 24(x + 4).
Problem 5: Find the equation of the ellipse in the standard form
2 2
2 2
x y
1
a b
+ (a > b), given
that the distance between its directrices is 32 and that the distance between its
foci is 8.
Solution: Here, 2ae = 8 and
2a
32
e

4a
2
= 256 or a
2
= 64 a = 8
e =
8
2a
=
1
2
.
Hence b
2
= a
2
(1 e
2
) = 64
1
1
4
_

,
=16 3 = 48.
Hence the equation of the ellipse is
2 2
x y
1
64 48
+ .
Problem 6 Two ends of the major axis of an ellipse are (t 5, 0), and the focus of the ellipse
lies on the line 3x 5y = 9. Find the equation of the ellipse.
Solution: The major axis lies along the x-axis and its length i.e. 2a = 10 a = 5.
The line of the foci must be along the x-axis
i.e y = 0. Its intersection with the line 3x 5y = 9 is (3, 0) and the foci lie at
(t 3, 0), and ae = 3 e =
3
5
.
From this, we get b
2
= a
2
(1 e
2
) = 25
9
1
25
_

,
= 16.
Hence the equation of the ellipse is
2 2
x y
1
25 16
+ .
Problem 7: Find the equation of the hyperbola in the standard form
2 2
2 2
x y
1
a b
given that
one of vertices is (10, 0) and the corresponding directirx is 3x = 20.
Solution: The equation of the directix is x =
20 a
3 e
.
Also a = 10
20 10
3 e
e =
3
2
.
Hence one of the foci is at (ae, 0) or (15, 0).
Hence the equation of the hyperbola is
(x 15)
2
+ (y 0)
2
=
2
9 3x 20
4 3
_

,
or x
2
30x + 225 + y
2
=
( )
2
1
9x 120x 400
4
+
or 4x
2
+ 900 + 4y
2
= 9x
2
+ 400 or 5x
2
4y
2
= 500.
Hence the required equation is
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MA-CONIC-
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Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e 5 7 5 7
2 2
x y
1
100 125
.
Problem 8: Find the equation of the hyperbola in the form
2 2
2 2
x y
1
a b
whose eccentricity is
4
3
and which passes through the point ( )
4, 7
.
Solution: The hyperbola passes through the point ( )
4, 7
.
Hence
2 2
16 7
1
a b

(1)
Also b
2
= a
2
(e
2
1)
= a
2
16
1
9
_

,
9b
2
= 7a
2
(2)
Hence (1) gives
2 2
16 9
1
a b

a
2
= 7 b
2
=
49
9
.
Hence the equation of the hyperbola is
2 2
x 9y
1
7 49

or 7x
2
9y
2
= 49.
Problem 9: Prove that the point
a 1 b 1
t , t
2 t 2 t
1 _ _
+
1
, , ]
lies on a hyperbola for all t.
Solution: Let h =
a 1
t
2 t
_

,
, k =
b 1
t
2 t
_

,
or
2h 1
t
a t
+ ,
2k 1
t
b t
.
Square and subtract, and get
2 2
2 2
2 2
4h 4k 1 1
t t
t t
a b
_ _
+

, ,
= 4.
Hence locus of (h, k) is
2 2
2 2
x y
1
a b

which is a hyperbola.
Problem 10: Prove that the equation 4x
2
+ 9y
2
32x + 54y + 109 = 0 represents an ellipse
and reduce it to the standard form.
Solution: Here a = 4, b = 9 and h = 0 h
2
< ab.
Moreover, abc + afgh af
2
bg
2
ch
2
= abc af
2
bg
2

= 4 9 109 4(27)
2
9(16)
2
= 4 9 (109 81) 9 (16)
2

= 9(4 28 256) = 9(112 256) 0.
Hence the given equation represents an ellipse.
The given equation is 0 = 4x
2
+ 9y
2
32x + 54y + 109
= (2x 8)
2
64 + (3y + 9)
2
81 + 109 = 4(x 4)
2
+ 9(y + 3)
2
36
or
( ) ( )
2 2
x 4 y 3
1
9 4
+
+
.
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P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e 5 7 5 7
Shifting the origin to (4, 3), the equation becomes
2 2
x y
1
9 4
+ .
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Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e 5 7 5 7
Assignment
1. Find the lengths of the intercepts made on the axes by the circle
x
2
+ y
2
+ 6x 8y 16 = 0.
2. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the origin and makes intercepts of
lengths a and b on the x and yaxis respectively.
3. Find the equation of the circle whose centre is the point of intersection of the lines
2x 3y + 4 = 0 and 3x + 4y 5 = 0 and which passes through the origin.
4. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the points (1, 2) and (4, 3) and
whose centre lies on the line 3x + 4y = 7.
5. Find the eqation of the parabola with
(a) focus at F ( 1, 3) and the line y = 1 as the directrix.
(b) focus at F (3, 4) and the line x = 2 as the directrix.
Find also the vertex of each the parabolas.
6. Reduce the following equation of the parabola to the standard form:
(a) 4x y
2
+ 2y + 13 = 0,
(b) x
2
+ 4x + 16y + 52 = 0.
Find also the vertex, the focus and the equation of the directrix for each of the parabola.
7. Find the position of the point
(a) (10, 5) with respect to the parabola x
2
= 16y,
(b) ( 2, 2) with respect to the parabola y
2
4y + 9x + 13 = 0.
8. Prove that the circle (x 3a)
2
+ y
2
= 8ax intersects the parabola y
2
= 4ax at the ends of
the latus rectum of the parabola. Find the acute angle between the curves at one of the
ends of the latus rectum.
9. Find the length of the latus rectum, the eccentricity and the coordinates of the foci of the
ellipse
(a) x
2
+ 3y
2
= a
2
, (b) 5x
2
+ 4y
2
= 1.
10. Find the equation of the ellipse with the centre at the origin and whose
(a) foci are (t 4, 0), and eccentricity is
2
3
,
(b) foci are (0, t 3), and eccentricity is
3
4
.
11. Find the locus of all points P such that the ratio of the distance of P from the point (4, 0)
to its distance from the line x = 6 is equal to
6
3
.
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P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e P i n n a c l e S t u d y Pa c k a g e 5 7 5 7
12. For the ellipse bx
2
+ a
2
y
2
= a
2
b
2
, find a, and b if the distance between the directrices is
5 5 and the distance between the foci is 4 5 .
13. Find the coordinates of the vertices and foci, lengths of the transverse and conjugate
axes, eccentricity, and the latus rectum for each of the hyperbola:
(a) 4x
2
9y
2
= 36, (b) 16y
2
4x
2
= 9
(c) x
2
y
2
= 16.
14. Find the equation of the hyperbola in the form
2 2
2 2
y x
1
a b
whose
(a) length of transverse and conjugate axes are 3 and 6,
(b) length of conjugate axis is 5 and distance between foci is 13,
(c) distance between foci is 16 and eccentricity is 2 ,
(d) eccentricity is
4
3
and which passes through the point ( )
4, 7
,
(e) vertices are at (t 2, 0) and foci are at (t 5, 0).
15. Find the locus of the point such that the difference of its distances from the points (0, 6)
and (0, 6) is 3 units.
16. P and Q are two points on the hyperbola b
2
x
2
a
2
y
2
= a
2
b
2
such that PQ passes through
its centre. For any other point R on the hyperbola, prove that the product of the slopes of
PR and QR is
2
2
b
a
.
17. Prove that the lines 3x y 4 3m and 3mx my 4 3 + intersect on a hyperbola.
18. What conics do the following equations represent
(a) 6x
2
5xy 6y
2
+ 14x + 5y + 4 = 0
(b) xy + a
2
= a(x + y)
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Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e Pi n n a c l e St u d y P a c k a g e 5 7 5 7
Answers to Assignment
1. 10, 8 2 2. x
2
+ y
2
t ax t by = 0.
3. ( )
2 2
17 x y 2x 44y 0 + +
4.
2 2
15x 15y 94x 18y 55 0 + + +
5. (a) x
2
+ 2x + 8y + 9 = 0, V ( 1, 1),
(b) y
2
2x 8y + 21 = 0, V
5
, 4
2
_

,
6. (a) (y 1)
2
= 4 (x 3), V (3, 1), F (4, 1), x = 2
(b) (x + 2)
2
= 16 (y + 3), V ( 2, 3), F ( 2, 7), y = 1.
7. (a) outside (b) inside
8.
1
1
tan
2

_

,
9. (a)
2a 1 a 6
, 6, , 0
3 3 3
_
t


,
(b)
4 5 5
, , 0,
5 5 10
_
t


,
10. (a)
2 2
y x
1,
36 40
+ (b)
2 2
y x
1
7 16
+ .
11. x
2
+ 3y
2
= 24
12. a = 5, b =
5
13. (a) V (t 3, 0); F (t 13 , 0); 6, 4;
13 8
;
3 3
(b) V
3
0,
4
_
t

,
; F
3 5 3
0, ; , 3; 5; 6
4 2
_
t


,
(c) V (t 4, 0); F (t 4 2 , 0); 8, 8; 2 ; 8.
14. (a) 4x
2
y
2
= 9 (b) 25x
2
144y
2
= 900,
(c) x
2
y
2
= 32 (d) 7x
2
9y
2
= 49;
(e) 21x
2
4y
2
= 84
15. 60y
2
4x
2
= 135
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MA-CONIC--28