Ellipse: Concept No Concept No Concept No Concept No Concept Notes TES TES TES TES

LOCUS
Ellipse
CONCEPT NO
TES
NOTES
01.
Introduction
02.
Tangents
03.
More on Tangents and Chords
04.
Normals
Mathematics / Ellipse
LOCUS
Ellipse
Section - 1
INTRODUCTION
Parabolas, which we studied in the last chapter, are conic sections with eccentricity e = 1. In this section, we study
ellipses, which have e < 1. This means, by definition, that an ellipse is the locus of a moving point such that the ratio
of its distance from a fixed point to its distance from a fixed line is a constant less than unity. In fact we will soon
discover that an ellipse has two foci and two directrices.
We now start by first writing down the basic equations representing an ellipse.
Let F represent the focus of an ellipse and L be its directrix. Let Q be any point on the ellipse.
Q
L
Fig - 1
If the eccentricity of this ellipse is given to be e, we must have
( Distance of Q from F )
( Distance of Q from the line L )
QF
=e
QN
Draw a line through F perpendicular to the directrix L, which meets the directrix at M. On this line, we can always
find two points, say P and P', which divide the line segment MF internally and externally respectively in the ratio
1 : e.
y
We can always find two points
P and P ' such that
M
x
P
Directrix L
P'
Fig - 2
Thus, by definition, P and P ' will both lie on the ellipse.

PF P'F
=
=e
PM P'M
LOCUS
We will now introduce co-ordinates into this geometry. We assume the x-axis to coincide with the horizontal line
and the origin to be at the mid-point of PP'. The co-ordinates of P and P' can be assumed to be (a, 0) and
(a, 0):
y
F
M
P(-a, 0)
P'(-a, 0)
L
Fig - 3
PF
PF
= e, we have
= e and
PM
PM
Since
PF + P F = e( PM + PM )
PP = e( PM + P M )
2 a = e(2 PM + PP)
= 2ePM + 2ae
PM =
a
(1 e)
e
a
This gives PF = ePM = a (1 e) and OM = OP + PM = . Thus the co-ordinates of F are (ae, 0) and that of
e
a
M are , 0 .
e
Till now we have assumed F to be the focus of the ellipse and L to be the directrix. However, by the symmetry
inherent in Fig -3, you might be able to infer that there should exist another focus F ' and directrix L ', to the right
of O as shown below:
y
M
( -a ,0)
e
P
F
( a,0) (ae,0)
F'
P'
(ae,0) (a,0)
M'
( a ,0)
e
L'
Fig - 4
That there exist another focus and directrix will become evident once we obtain the equation of the ellipse.
LOCUS
To find the equation of the ellipse we assume the co-ordinates of any point Q lying on the ellipse as (x, y):
y
Q(x, y)
( -a ,0)
e
N'
F(ae,0)
F ' (ae,0)
( a ,0)
e
L'
Fig - 5
We thus have
QF
=e
QN
( x + ae) 2 + y 2
a
x+
e
= e2
x 2 + y 2 + a 2 e2 + 2aex = e2 x 2 + a 2 + 2aex
x 2 (1 e2 ) + y 2 = a 2 (1 e 2 )
x2
y2
+
=1
a 2 a 2 (1 e2 )
x2 y2
+
=1
a2 b2
where b 2 = a 2 (1 e 2 )
This is the equation of the ellipse; any point (x, y) on the ellipse must satisfy this equation.
The symmetric nature of this equation should convince you that there does indeed exist another focus F ' and
another directrix L '. In fact, you are now urged to verify the truth of this explicitly by proving that for any point
Q(x, y) lying on the ellipse as in Fig - 5, we always have
QF QF
=
=e
QN QN
LOCUS
We finally plot the ellipse taking help of the equation obtained.

y
Q
N
N'
P
F'
R'
P'
M'
L'
Fig - 6
The co-ordinates of R and R' can be obtain by substituting x = 0 in the equation of the ellipse obtained :
y = b
Thus,
R (0, b ) and R (0, b ) .
PP', whose length equals 2a, is termed the major-axis of the ellipse, while RR ', whose length equals 2b, is termed
the minor-axis of the ellipse. The names are self-explanatory. The coordinates of F and F ' have already been
2a
mentioned : (ae, 0) and (ae, 0) so that FF ' = 2ae. Also, MM = .
e
We now note a very important fact about any ellipse from Fig - 6. Since Q lies on the ellipse, we have by definition,
QF QF
=
=e
QN QN
QF + QF = e(QN + QN )
= e( NN )
= e( MM )
= 2a
This means that for any point on the ellipse, the sum of its distances from the two foci is a constant, and equal to the
major axis of the ellipse. In fact, this property itself is sometimes used to define an ellipse:
An ellipse is a locus of a moving point Q such that the sum of its distances from two fixed
points F and F , i.e., QF + QF , is a constant. F and F are termed the foci of the ellipse.
The two definitions of the ellipse, one through eccentricity and one through the constant sum of distances, are
equivalent.
LOCUS
There is a very nice way to plot an ellipse very precisely. Fix two pegs on a board at a distance l, and tie a string
of length L > l between these two pegs. Using your pen, stretch this string away from the pegs, so that it becomes
taut :
l
Fig - 7
Now always keeping the string taut, mark out a complete revolution on the paper with the pen. Youve just made
an ellipse ! This is because keeping the string taut ensures that the sum of the distances of the tip of your pen from
the two foci is always constant, equal to L.
Move the pen while

keeping the string taut
The pen traces

out an 'ellipse'
Fig - 8
Can you calculate the eccentricity of this ellipse we just made? If we compare this ellipse with the standard form
obtained earlier, we have
2ae = l
2a = L
e=
l
L
We now discuss some terminology related to an ellipse which weve already seen for the case of parabolas.
LOCUS
x2 y 2
+
= 1 be the ellipse and F, F ' be the two foci (refer to fig - 6). The focal
a 2 b2
distances of Q are simply the two distances QF and QF .
FOCAL DISTANCES: Let

OF Q(x, y)
QF = eQN = e x + = a + ex
e
QF = eQN = e x = a ex
e
Thus, the two focal distances of any point (x, y) are (a + ex) and (a ex). The sum is
2a, as expected.
LATUS RECTUM :
This is the chord passing through any of the two foci and perpendicular to the major
axis. To evaluate the length of the latus-rectum, we must evaluate the y-coordinates of
the two extremities of the latus rectum. In the equation of the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
=1
a 2 b2
we substitute x = ae ( the x-coordinates of the two foci). Thus
x2
y = b 1 2
a
2
= a 2 (1 e 2 ) 2
y = a(1 e 2 )
=
b2
a
Thus, the length l of the latus-rectum is

l=
2b 2
a
Example 1
Find the lengths of the major and minor axes and the foci for these ellipses:
(a) 16 x 2 + 25 y 2 = 400
(b) x 2 + 4 y 2 2 x = 0
(c) 25 x 2 + 16 y 2 = 400
LOCUS
Solution: (a) The given equation can be written in the form of the standard equation of an ellipse :
16 x 2 25 y 2
+
=1
400 400
x2 y2
+
=1
25 16
x2 y2
+
=1
52 4 2
Thus, comparing with the standard form, we have
a = 5, b = 4
The major axis is of length 2a = 10 and the minor axis is of length 2b = 8.
The eccentricity of the ellipse is
e = 1
b2 3
=
a2 5
Thus, the two foci are at ( ae, 0), i.e., at (3, 0).
(b) We first rearrange the equation of the ellipse to standard form :
x2 + 4 y2 2 x = 1
( x 1)2 + 4 y 2 = 1
( x 1) 2
y2
+
=1
12
( 1 )2
2
Instead, of x, we have x 1. This means that the center of the ellipse is at (1, 0) instead of (0, 0).
As in the unit on parabola, we can use a translation of the axes (refer to Parabolas) :
X x 1, Y y.
so that the equation of the ellipse in the X-Y system is

X2
Y2
+
=1
2
12
1
2
1
Since a = 1 and b = , the major and minor axes are 2 and 1 respectively, while the eccentricity
2
1
3
. Thus, the two foci are at (in the X-Y system):
is e = 1 =
4
2
3
, 0

2
In the original x-y system, we use the reverse transformation x X + 1, y Y , so that the foci
in the original system are at
( )
3
,0
1
2
LOCUS
(c) 25 x 2 + 16 y 2 = 400
x2 y2
+
=1
16 25
x2
y2
+
=1
(4) 2 (5) 2
Here, we see that b = 5 is greater than a = 4, which means that the major axis will lie not along the
x-axis but along the y-axis, and obviously, since the foci lie on the major axis, the foci will also lie
on the y-axis. The major and minor axes are of lengths 2b = 10 and 2a = 8 respectively. The
a2
3
eccentricity is e = 1 2 (a and b get interchanged ) = . Thus, the two foci lie at (0, be),
b
5
i.e. at (0, 3).
y
(0,5)
Since the major-axis is
along the y-axis, the two
foci also lie along the y-axis.
Their coordinates are
F1
(-4,0)
(4,0)
x
and
F1= (0, 3)
F2= (0, 3)
F2
(0 ,-5)
Fig - 9
The length of the latus rectum in this case will be given by
32
2a 2
and will be equal to
5
b
LOCUS
10
We pause briefly and summarize whatever weve covered uptill now.
SUMMARY
BASICS ON ELLIPSE
Definition 1
An ellipse is the locus of a moving point such that the ratio

of its distance from a fixed point to its distance from a
fixed line is a constant less than unity. This constant is
termed the eccentricity of the ellipse. The fixed point is the
focus while the fixed line is the directrix.
The symmetrical nature of the ellipse ensures that there
will be two foci and two directrices.
Definition 2
An ellipse is the locus of a moving point such that the sum

of its distances from two fixed points is constant. The two
fixed points are the two foci of the ellipse. To plot the
ellipse, we can use the peg-and-thread method described
earlier.
STANDARD EQUATION
x2 y2
+
=1
a2 b2
Vertices
Foci
Major axis
Minor axis
Directrices
Eccentricity e
Latus-recutm
Focal distances of (x, y)
If a > b
(a, 0) and (-a, 0)
(ae, 0) and (-ae, 0)
2a (along x-axis)
2b (along y-axis)
x=
a
a
and x =
e
e
If a < b
(0, b) and (0, -b)
(0, be) and (0, -be)
2b (along y-axis)
2a (along x-axis)
y=
b
b
and y =
e
e
b2
1 2
a
2
2b
a
2a 2
b
a ex
b ey
a2
b2
LOCUS
11
And lastly, if the equation of the ellipse is

( x ) 2 ( y ) 2
+
=1
a2
b2
instead of the usual standard form, we can use the transformation X x and Y y (basically
a translation of the axes so that the origin of the new system coincides with (, ). The equation then
becomes
X 2 Y2
+
=1
a2 b2
We can now work on this form, use all the standard formulae that wed like to and obtain whatever it
is that we wish to obtain. The final result (in the x-y system) is obtained using the reverse transformation
x X + and y Y + .
Example 2
1
Find the equation of the ellipse with centre at the origin, foci at (1, 0) and e = .
2
Solution: Let the major axis be of length 2a. The distance between the two foci, 2ae, is equal to 2 for this
example.
2ae = 2
a=
1
=2
e
Thus,
b = a (1 e 2 ) = 3
The equation of the ellipse is therefore

x2 y 2
+
=1
4
3
Example 3
Find the equation of the ellipse whose major and minor axes lie along the lines x 3 y + 3 = 0 and 3 x + y 1 = 0
and whose lengths are 6 and 2 6 respectively.
LOCUS
12
Solution: The equation to the ellipse will obviously not be in the standard form since the axes are not along the
coordinate axes. However, we can use the coordinate axes formed by these two lines as our reference
frame
B1
A1
P( X,Y )
A1 A2 = 6
B1 B2 = 2 6
L 1 : x 3y + 3 = 0
A2
X
B2
Assume any point on

the ellipse as P(x, y)
referred to the original
axes or P(X, Y) referred
to the new axes
L2 : 3 x + y 1= 0
Fig - 10
Consider an arbitrary point P on the ellipse whose coordinates are (x, y) with respect to the original
axes (not shown) and (X, Y) with respect to the new axes, the L1 L2 system. In this new system, the
equation of the ellipse is simply
X 2 Y2
+
=1
a2 b2
where a = 3 and b = 6. Thus, the equation is
X 2 Y2
+
=1
9
6
...(1)
Now, we wish to write the equation of the ellipse in the x-y coordinate system. For this purpose, we
make the following observations from the figure:
What is X ? It is simply the perpendicular distance of P from L2:
X=
3x + y 1
10
Similarly, Y is simply the perpendicular distance of P from L1 :
Y=
x 3y + 3
10
Thus, using (1), the equation of the ellipse in x-y form is

(3 x + y 1) 2 ( x 3 y + 3) 2
+
=1
90
60
21x 2 6 xy + 29 y 2 + 6 x 58 y 151 = 0
LOCUS
13
As an exercise find the centre and the foci of this ellipse.

(Hint : The centre is simply the intersection of L1 and L2. The foci are at ( ae, 0) in the X -Y system.
To find the foci in the x-y system, find the two points along L1 which are at a distance of ae from O on
either side of it)
Although we will not have much use for it, it is still worth mentioning that given an arbitrary fixed point P(h, k) and
an arbitrary fixed straight line lx + my + n = 0 as the focus and directrix of an ellipse with eccentricity e, its
equation can be written by using the definition of an ellipse. Let (x, y) be any point on the ellipse:
Distance of (x, y ) from P
=e
Distance of (x, y ) from the line
(lx + my + n) 2
( x h) + ( y k ) = e
l 2 + m2
2
This gives us the general equation of an ellipse with a given eccentricity, focus and directrix. However, we will
almost always be using the (simple !) standard form of the equation.
Example 4
x2 y 2
+
1 = 0 and a fixed point P( x1 , y1 ), how will we determine whether P lies
a2 b2
inside or outside the ellipse ?
Given an ellipse S ( x, y ) :
Solution: The approach we will follow here is the same as the one we used in circles and parabolas to solve the
same question. Suppose P lies external to the ellipse as shown below. Drop a vertical line from P
intersecting the ellipse at Q.
y
P ( x 1 , y1 )
Q (x1, y0)
x
Fig - 11
Since Q lies on the ellipse, we have

x12 y02
+
=1
a 2 b2
x2
y02 = b 2 1 12
a
LOCUS
14
Since P lies external to the ellipse, we must have y1 > y0 so that

y12 > y02
x12
y > b 1 2
a
x12 y12
+
1 > 0
a 2 b2
S ( x1 , y1 ) > 0
2
1
This condition must be satisfied if P lies outside the ellipse. (Convince yourself that wherever P may
be outside the ellipse, this condition must hold). Similarly, P lies inside the ellipse if S ( x1 , y1 ) < 0. We
can write all this concisely as
S ( x1 , y1 ) < 0 P( x1 , y1 ) lies inside the ellipse
S ( x1 , y1 ) = 0 P( x1 , y1 ) lies on the ellipse
S ( x1 , y1 ) > 0 P( x1 , y1 ) lies outside the ellipse
Example 5
An athlete running around a race track finds that the sum of his distances from two flag posts is always 10 metres
while the distance between the flag posts is 8 meters. What is the area that the race track encloses ?
Solution:
y
P1
P2
AP1 + AP2 is always

10 metres, for any
position of A on the
race track
Fig - 12
From the situation described, the race track must be an ellipse. The eccentricity is simply
e=
8 4
=
10 5
(Refer to Page -5 to understand how to find eccentricity in such a scenario).

LOCUS
15
If the major axis is of length 2a, we have
PP
1 2 = 2ae = 8
a=5
Thus, b = a (1 e 2 ) = 3. The equation of the elliptical race track is

x2 y 2
+
=1
25 9
To evaluate the area enclosed, we solve the general problem:
x2 y 2
What is the area enclosed by the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 ?
a
b
To find the area, we divide the ellipse into elemental strips of width dx : one such strip is shown below.
y
hx
x
Fig - 13
The area of the elemental strip shown is

dA = 2hx dx
=
2b 2
a x 2 dx
a
The area of the right half of the ellipse is therefore

a
Ahalf =
=
2b
a 2 x 2 dx
a 0
ab
2
The total area of the ellipse is thus

A = 2 Ahalf = ab
For the current example, the area becomes
A = 5 3 = 15 sq. mt.
hx represents the height

of an elemental strip at
distance x from the centre.
Note from the equation
of the ellipse that
b
hx = a a2 x 2
LOCUS
16
Example 6
Show that the sum of the reciprocals of the squares of any two diameters of an ellipse which are at right angles to
one another is a constant.
Solution: By a diameter of an ellipse, we mean any chord which passes through its centre.
x2 y 2
+
= 1 be the ellipse and let AB and CD be any two diameters of the ellipse perpendicular
a 2 b2
to each other.
y
Let
A
C
x
O
D
B
Fig - 14
Since AB and CD are diameters, we can assume AO = OB = r1, and CO = OD = r2. Also, if the slope
of AB is given by , than that of CD is obviously + .

2
Thus, we get the co-ordinates of A, B, C and D as
A, B (r1 cos 1 , r1 sin )
C , D r2 cos + , r2 sin +
2
= (r2 sin , r2 cos )
These coordinates must satisfy the equation of the ellipse; we therefore obtain :
r12 cos 2 r12 sin 2
r22 sin 2 r22 cos 2
+
=
1
+
=1
and
a2
b2
a2
b2
1 cos 2 sin 2
1 sin 2 cos 2
=
+ 2 and 2 =
+
r12
a2
b
r2
a2
b2
Adding these two relations, we have

1 1
1 1
+ 2 = 2+ 2
2
r1 r2 a b
1
1
1
1
+
= 2+ 2
2
2
(2r1 ) (2r2 )
4a
4b
1
1
1
1
+
= 2+ 2
2
2
AB CD
4a
4b
This proves the assertion stated in the question.

(a constant)
LOCUS
17
AUXILIARY CIRCLE
Example 7
x2 y 2
+
= 1 be an ellipse. Assume a > b. A circle is described on the major axis of this ellipse as diameter.
a 2 b2
From any point P on this circle, a perpendicular PQ is dropped onto the major axis of the ellipse. Show that PQ
will always be divided in a fixed ratio by the ellipse.
Let
Solution:
y
P
P = (a cos, a sin)
R
x
R = (a cos, b sin)
Q = (a cos, 0)
The justification for
these coordinates is
given below.
Fig - 15
As is evident, the radius of this circle, called the auxiliary circle of the ellipse, is a, so that its equation
is
x2 + y2 = a2
Now any point P on this circle can be taken in parametric form as P ( a cos , a sin ) where is
the angle that OP makes with the horizontal.
To evaluate the y-coordinate of R, we substitute x = a cos in the equation of the ellipse :
a 2 cos 2 y 2
+ 2 =1
a2
b
y = b sin
Thus, R is the point ( a cos , b sin ) while Q is simply ( a cos , 0). We now see that
PR a sin b sin a
=
= 1
RQ
b sin
b
which is independent of , proving the stated assertion.
x2 y 2
There is one significant fact that we can learn about the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1. We obtained the
a
b
coordinates of R as ( a cos , b sin ). This tells us that an alternative way to specify an ellipse is in
terms of a parameter :
x = a cos , y = b sin
LOCUS
18
x2 y 2
+
= 1. is called the eccentric angle
a 2 b2
of the point ( x, y ) (a cos , b sin ). It is important to note that is not the angle that
( a cos , b sin ) makes with the horizontal; it is the angle which the corresponding point on the
This is referred to as the parametric form of the ellipse
auxiliary circle makes with the horizontal. Depending on what value takes in the range [0, 2)
(or (-, ]), the parametric form ( a cos , b sin ) gives us different points on the circumference of
the ellipse.
The point ( a cos , b sin ) in sometimes simply referred to as the point .
Example 8
What are the eccentric angles of the extremities of the latus-recta in the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
=1 ?
a 2 b2
b2
Solution: As discussed earlier, the co-ordinates of the end-points of the latus-recta are ae, . Thus, if
a
we assume the required eccentric angle to be , we have

a cos = ae
b2
b sin =
a
This gives us four values of , given by
tan =
b
ae
corresponding to the four extremities of the two latus-recta :

y
C'
A'
D
D'
x
B
B'
Fig - 16
The two latus-recta AB and CD

meet the auxiliary circle in A', B', C'
and D'. The slopes of the lines
joining the origin to these four points
give us the eccentric angles of the
four extremities. Here, only one
possible value of has been shown:
the eccentric angle of point A
LOCUS
19
EQUATION OF :
A CHORD
JOINING and
x2 y2
Consider two points and lying on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1.
a
b
We wish to determine the equation of the chord joining these two points.
y
(a cos , b sin )
x
(a cos , b sin )
Fig - 17
Using the two point form, we have

y b sin b sin b sin
=
x a cos a cos a cos
+
cos
y b sin b
2
=
x a cos a
+
sin
x
+ y
+
+
+
cos
+ sin
= cos cos
+ sin sin
a
2 b
2
2
2
x
+ y
+
cos
+ sin
= cos
a
2 b
2
2
This is the most general equation of a chord joining any two arbitrary points and
on the ellipse. As an exercise using this form try writing
(a) the equation of any chord passing through the origin
and
(b) the equation of the latus-recta by using the eccentric angles of its extremities which
we derived earlier.
Example 9
x2 y 2
Suppose that the chord joining the points 1 and 2 on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 intersects the major-axis in (h, 0).
a
b
Show that

ha
tan 1 tan 2 =
.
2
2 h+a
LOCUS
20
Solution: By the result we just derived, the equation of the chord joining 1 and 2 is
x
+ 2 y
1 + 2
1 2
cos 1
+ sin
= cos
a
2 b
2
2
If this passes through (h, 0), we have

h
+ 2
1 2
cos 1
= cos
a
2
2

cos 1 2
h
2
=
a
+
cos 1 2
2
ha
=
h+a

+
cos 1 2 cos 1 2
2
2

+
cos 1 2 + cos 1 2
2
2

= tan 1 tan 2
2
2
Example 10
x2 y 2
A circle intersects the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 in four points A, B, C and D whose eccentric angles are respectively
a
b
1 , 2 , 3 and 4 . Show that 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 will be an integral multiple of 2.
Solution: Suppose that the circle cuts the ellipse as shown :
y
B(2)
A(1)
x
C(3)
Fig - 18
D(4)
LOCUS
21
Using the general equation of a chord joining two arbitrary points on an ellipse derived earlier, we can
write L1 = 0 and L2 = 0, the equation of AB and CD respectively. Doing this has the advantage that
we can now write (using a family of circles approach) any circle passing through the four point A, B,
C and D as
S + L1 L2 = 0
where S = 0 is the equation of the ellipse. Imposing the necessary condition of for this equation to
represent a circle will finally yield the constraint we are actually looking for.
Thus, any curve through A, B, C, D has the form
x
3 + 4 y
3 + 4
1 + 2 y
1 + 2 x
cos
+
sin
+
cos
sin
x2 y 2
a
2 b
2 a
2 b
2
+
1+
=0
a 2 b2
cos 1 2
cos 3 4
2 "
#""""""$ !""""""
2 "#"""""""
$
!"""""
Equation of AB
Equation of CD
This represents a circle if

Coeff. of x 2 = Coeff. of y 2
Coeff. of xy = 0
1
+
+ 4 1
1 + 2 3 + 4
+ 2 cos 1 2 cos 3
= 2 + 2 sin
sin
2
a
a
2
2 b b
2 2
3 + 4 1 + 2
+ 2 3 + 4
cos 1
sin
+ cos
sin
=0
2 2
2 2
and
The second relation gives

+ 2 + 3 + 4
cos 1
=0
2
1 + 2 + 3 + 4
= n
2
, n%
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 2n
, n%
This is the desired result.

The result weve derived in this question is quite significant and has a good amount of use; it would therefore be
advantageous to remember it.
LOCUS
22
Example 11
x2 y 2
If px + qy + r = 0 cuts the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 in points whose eccentric angles differ by , show that
2
a
b
a 2 p 2 + b 2 q 2 = 2r 2
Solution: The two points of intersection can be assumed to be
P ( a cos , b sin )
Q a cos + , b sin +
2
2
( a sin , b cos )
Since P and Q both lie on the line px + qy + r = 0, their coordinates satisfy its equation. We thus have
ap cos + bq sin + r = 0
and
ap sin + bq cos + r = 0
ap cos + bq sin = r and ap sin + bq cos = r.
Squaring and adding the two relations gives us the described result.
Example 12
x2 y2
+
= 1, 0 < b < a. Let the line parallel to the y-axis passing through P meet
a 2 b2
the circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2 at the point Q such that P and Q are on the same side of the x-axis. For two positive real
Let P be a point on the ellipse
numbers r and s, find the locus of the point R on PQ such PR : RQ = r : s as P varies over the ellipse.
Solution: The circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2 is the auxiliary circle of the given ellipse.
y
Q(a cos , a sin )
R
P(a cos , b sin )
x
Fig - 19
LOCUS
23
We can assume point P to be ( a cos , b sin ) so that Q will be (a cos , a sin ). The point R(h, k)
divides the segment PQ internally in the ratio r : s. Thus,
h=
ar cos + as cos
ar sin + bs sin
,k=
r+s
r+s
We need to eliminate from these two relations to obtain a relation between h and k. Thus,
cos =
h
k (r + s)
, sin =
a
ar + bs
Squaring and adding the two gives us the required relation :
h2 (r + s)2 k 2
+
=1
a 2 (ar + bs) 2
The required locus of R is
x 2 (r + s ) 2 y 2
+
=1
a 2 (ar + bs) 2
which is an ellipse, as might have been expected.
Example 13
Consider the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
= 1. Let F be its focus (ae, 0) and S be its vertex (a, 0). Consider any point P on the
a 2 b2
ellipse whose eccentric angle is , while SFP = . Prove that

tan
1+ e
=
tan
2
1 e
2
Solution:
y
P(a cos , b sin )
F(ae,0)
S(a,0)
Fig - 20
We have, from the figure,

cos =
FT
PF
Drop a perpendicular
PT from P onto the major
axis. The point T is then
T = ( a cos , 0)
LOCUS
24
a
Since F is the focus, note that PF will simply be e times the distance of P from the directrix x = .
e
Thus,
a
PF = e a cos
e
= a ae cos
cos =
a (cos e)
cos e
=
a (1 e cos ) 1 e cos
...(1)
Thus,
1 cos (1 + e)(1 cos )
=
tan 2 =
2 1 + cos (1 e)(1 + cos )
=
{Using (1)}
(1 + e)
tan 2
(1 e)
2
1+ e
tan =
tan
1 e
2
2
Example 14
x2 y 2
Consider a focal chord AB of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 where the eccentric angles of A and B are 1 and 2
a
b
respectively. If e is the eccentricity of the ellipse, prove that
e=
sin 1 + sin 2
sin(1 + 2 )
Solution: The chord joining A and B has the equation

x
+ 2 y
1 + 2
1 2
cos 1
+ sin
= cos
a
2 a
2
2
...(1)
Since AB is a focal chord of the ellipse (say, it passes through F1 (ae, 0)), the coordinates of the focus
must satisfy (1) so that we have
+

e cos 1 2 = cos 1 2
2
2

cos 1 2
2
e=
+
cos 1 2
2
...(2)
LOCUS
25
+
Multiplying the numerator and denominator of the RHS of (2) by 2sin 1 2 , we have
2
+
2 cos 1 2 sin 1 2
2 2
e=
+ +
2 cos 1 2 sin 1 2
2 2
=
INTERSECTION OF A LINE WITH AN ELLIPSE
Example 15
Consider an ellipse
line
sin 1 + sin 2
sin(1 + 2 )
x2 y 2
+
= 1 and a variable line y = mx + c. What is the condition on m and c such that the
a 2 b2
(a) intersects the ellipse in two distinct points ?

(b) touches the ellipse ?
(c) does not intersect with the ellipse ?
Solution: As weve done in the case of circles and parabolas, to find the intersection (points) of the line and the
ellipse, we must solve their equations simultaneously;
x2 y2
+
=1
a2 b2
; y = mx + c
x 2 (mx + c) 2
+
=1
a2
b2
(a 2 m 2 + b 2 ) x 2 + 2a 2 mcx + a 2 (c 2 b 2 ) = 0
...(1)
The line y = mx + c
(a)
intersects the ellipse
(b)
touches the ellipse
(c)
does not touch / intersect the ellipse
accordingly as the quadratic (1) has its discriminant greater than , equal to or less than 0.
The condition for tangency (D = 0) is of special intersect. Verify that it comes out to be
c 2 = a 2 m 2 + b2
Thus, we can say that the line y = mx a 2 m 2 + b 2 will always be a tangent to the ellipse, whatever
may be the value of m. We discuss tangents in more detail in the next section.
LOCUS
26
TRY YOURSELF - I
x2 y 2
+
= 1 with foci S1 and S2. Find max(area(PS1S2 )).
a 2 b2
Q. 1
Let P be a variable point on the ellipse
Q. 2
Find the equation of the ellipse with foci at (0, 4) and eccentricity
Q. 3
Show that x 2 + 4 y 2 + 2 x + 16 y + 13 = 0 is the equation of an ellipse. Where are its foci ?
Q. 4
Find the equation of the ellipse whose foci are ( 2,3) and whose semi-minor axis is of length 5.
Q. 5
A straight rod of length l slides between the x-axis and the y-axis, as shown. Show that the locus of
its mid-point is an ellipse. What is its eccentricity ?
4
.
5
l
x
Q. 6
Show that the traingle with vertices (1, 2), (3, 1) and (2, 1)lies completely inside the ellipse
x 2 + 2 y 2 = 13.
LOCUS
27
Section - 2
TANGENTS
As in circles and parabolas, the equation of a tangent to a given ellipse can take various different forms, all of which
x2 y 2
we discuss in this section. We will use the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 as our standard throughout this discussion.
a
b
TANGENTS AT :
P(x1, y1)
Consider the ellipse

x2 y2
+
=1
a2 b2
and a point P(x1, y1) lying on this ellipse.
S ( x, y ) :
Thus,
x12 y12
+
=1
a 2 b2
...(1)
The slope mT of the tangent at P(x1, y1) can be obtained by evaluating the derivative of
the curve at P. For this purpose, we differentiate the equation of the ellipse :
2 x 2 y dy
+
=0
a 2 b 2 dx
dy b2 x
=
dx a 2 y
dy
mT =
dx
P ( x1 , y1 )
b 2 x1
= 2
a y1
The equation of the tangent can now be obtained using point-slope form :
y y1 =
b 2 x1
( x x1 )
a 2 y1
xx1 yy1 x12 y12

+
=
+
a2 b2 a2 b2
...(2)
Using (1), the RHS in (2) is 1 so that the equation of the ellipse is
xx1 yy1
+
=1
a2 b2
The equation obtained for the tangent can be, as in the case of circles and parabolas,
written concisely in the form
T ( x1 , y1 ) = 0
LOCUS
28
TANGENT AT P( ): If the point P is specified in parametric form instead of cartesian form, we simply substitute
x1 a cos , y1 b sin in the equation of the tangent obtained above. Thus, the
equation in this case is
x
y
cos + sin = 1
a
b
TANGENT OF
: In example-15, we proved that any line of the form
y = mx a 2 m 2 + b 2
SLOPE m
x2 y 2
is a tangent to the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1, whatever the value of m may be.
a
b
As an exercise, show that this tangent touches the ellipse at the point
a 2m
b2
2 2 2 , 2 2
2
a m +b
a m +b
Also show that from any point P, in general two tangents (real or imaginary)can be
drawn to the ellipse (use the approach followed in Circles)
Example 16
Tangents drawn at A(1 ) and B(2 ) on the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
= 1 intersect in P. Find the coordinates of P.
a 2 b2
Solution: The equations of the tangents at A and B, using the parametric form for the tangent, are
x
y
cos 1 + sin 1 = 1
a
b
...(1)
x
y
cos 2 + sin 2 = 1
a
b
...(2)
(1) cos 2 (2) cos 1 gives

y
sin(1 2 ) = cos 2 cos 1
b
y=b
(cos 2 cos 1 )
sin(1 2 )
+
b sin 1 2
2
=

cos 1 2
2
LOCUS
29
Similarly,
(1) sin 2 (2) sin 1 gives
+
a cos 1 2
2
x=

cos 1 2
2
Thus, the coordinates of the point of intersection P are
1 + 2
1 + 2
a cos 2 b sin 2
P
cos 1 2 cos 1 2
2
2
DIRECTOR CIRCLE
Example 17
Find the locus of a moving point P such that the two tangents drawn from it to an ellipse are perpendicular.
Solution: Let the equation of the ellipse be
x2 y 2
+
= 1 and P be the point (h, k).
a 2 b2
Any tangent to this ellipse is of the form

y = mx + a 2 m 2 + b 2
If this passes through P(h, k), we have
k = mh + a 2 m 2 + b 2
(k mh) 2 = a 2 m 2 + b 2
(h 2 a 2 )m 2 2hkm + k 2 b 2 = 0
As expected, we obtain a quadratic in m which will give us two roots, say m1 and m2. Since the
tangents through P are perpendicular, we have
m1m2 = 1
k 2 b2
= 1
h2 a2
h2 + k 2 = a2 + b2
Thus, the locus of P is

x2 + y 2 = a 2 + b2
LOCUS
30
which is a circle and is termed the Director Circle of the ellipse. From any point on the Director
Circle of an ellipse, the two tangents drawn to the ellipse are perpendicular.
y
P
From any point on the

director circle of an ellipse,
the two tangents drawn to
the ellipse are perpendicular.
Fig - 21
Example 18
x2 y 2
Prove that the product of the perpendiculars from the foci upon any tangent to the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 is b 2 .
a
b
Solution: We can assume an arbitrary tangent to this ellipse to be
y = mx + a 2 m 2 + b 2
...(1)
The perpendicular distances of the two foci, F1 (ae, 0) and F2 (ae, 0) from the line given by (1) are
d1 =
d2 =
mae + a 2 m 2 + b 2
1 + m2
mae + a 2 m 2 + b2
1 + m2
We thus have,
d1d 2 =
a 2 m 2 + b 2 a 2 m2e2
1 + m2
a 2 m2 (1 e2 ) + b 2
1 + m2
m 2b 2 + b 2
1 + m2
= b2
LOCUS
31
Example 19
Find the locus of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the origin upon any tangent to the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
= 1.
a 2 b2
Solution: We can assume an arbitrary tangent to this ellipse as

y = mx + a 2 m 2 + b 2
Let the foot of perpendicular from the origin upon this tangent be P(h, k):
y
P(h,k)
S
Fig - 22
Thus,
k = mh + a 2 m 2 + b 2
...(1)
Also, OP SP ( the tangent)
k
m = 1
h
m=
h
k
...(2)
Using (2) in (1), we obtain a relation between h and k as

(h 2 + k 2 ) 2 = a 2 h 2 + b 2 k 2
Thus, the required locus of P is
( x 2 + y 2 )2 = a 2 x 2 + b2 y 2
Example 20
Prove that the portion of the tangent to any ellipse intercepted between the curve and a directrix subtends a right
angle at the corresponding focus.
LOCUS
32
Solution: The following diagram makes the phrase corresponding focus clear :
y
T2
P
T1
F1
We need to prove that
F2
PF1T1 = PF2T2 =
Fig - 23
Let the equation of the ellipse be
x2 y 2
+
= 1 and assume P to be ( a cos , b sin ). F1 and F2 are
a 2 b2
(ae, 0) and (ae, 0) respectively.

The equation of the tangent at P is
x
y
cos + sin = 1
a
b
T1 and T2 can now be evaluated since we know their x-coordinates as
a
e
a b(e + cos )
,
T1
e sin
e
T1 :
x=
y=
a
a
and respectively.
e
e
b(e + cos )
e sin
Similarly,
a b(e cos )
T2 ,
e sin
e
Now we evaluate the appropriate slopes :
b(e + cos )
b(e + cos )
mF1T1 = e sin =
a
a sin (1 e 2 )
ae
e
b sin
b sin
mPF1 =
=
a cos + ae a(e + cos )
mF1T1 mPF1 =
which implies FT
1 1 PF1
b 2
b 2
=
= 1
a 2 (1 e 2 ) b2
Similarly, we can show that F2T2 PF2 .

Thus, the two intercepts subtend right angles at their corresponding foci.
LOCUS
33
Example 21
x2 y 2
+
= 1 touching the parabola at A and
16 6
B and the ellipse at C and D. What is the area of the quadrilateral ABDC ?
Common tangents are drawn to the parabola y 2 = 4 x and the ellipse
Solution:
y = 4x
C
Q
P
O
An approximate figure
showing the common
tangents AC and BD
intersecting in E
(which will lie on the
axis due to the symmetry
of the problem)
B
Fig - 24
Any tangent to the parabola y 2 = 4 x can be written in the form

y = mx +
1
m
This line touches the ellipse if the condition for tangency, c 2 = a 2 m 2 + b 2 is satisfied, i.e. if
1
= 10m 2 + 6
m2
giving
m=
1
2 2
Thus, the two tangents AE and BE are

1
y =
x+2 2
2 2
which evidently intersect at E ( 4, 0).
LOCUS
34
a 2a
The point of contact for the parabola y 2 = 4ax is given by 2 , . Thus A and B have the
m m
coordinates (8, 4 2) so that
AB = 8 2
a 2m
b2
,
.
The point of contact for the ellipse will be

a 2 m2 + b2
a 2 m2 + b2
Thus, C and D will have the coordinates 2,

so that
2
CD = 3 2
Finally, PQ can now easily be seen to be 8 + 2 = 10. The area of quadrilateral ABDC (which is
actually a trapezium) is
1
= ( AB + CD ) PQ
2
= 55 2 sq units
Example 22
Prove that in any ellipse, the perpendicular from a focus upon any tangent and the line joining the centre of the
ellipse to point of contact meet on the corresponding directrix.
x2 y 2
Solution: Let the ellipse be 2 + 2 = 1 and let a tangent be drawn to it at an arbitrary point P ( a cos , b sin ) as
a
b
shown :
y
Q
P
T
O
Fig - 25
We need to show that the perpendicular from F onto this tangent, i.e., FT, and the line joining the
centre to the point of contact, i.e. OP intersect on the corresponding directrix; in other words, we
a
need to show that the x-coordinate of Q as in the figure above is x = .
e
LOCUS
35
x
y
cos + sin = 1.
a
b
b
cot
The slope of this tangent is mT =
a
Therefore, the slope of FT is
a
mFT = tan
b
The equation of FT is
The equation of the tangent at P is
FT : y = tan ( x ae)
b
...(1)
OP : y = tan x
a
...(2)
The equation of OP is simply
Comparing (1) and (2) gives x = a e , which proves the stated assertion.
Example 23
x2 y 2
+
= 1 for which the area of PON is the maximum
a 2 b2
where O is the origin and N is the foot of the perpendicular from O to the tangent at P.
Find the coordinates of all the points on the ellipse
Solution: We can assume the point P to be ( a cos , b sin ) so that the tangent at P has the equation
x
y
cos + sin = 1
a
b
...(1)
y
N
P(a cos, b sin)

x
Fig - 26
To evaluate the area of PON , we first need the coordinates of the point N. The equation of ON is
y0 =
a
tan ( x 0)
b
ax sin by cos = 0
...(2)
LOCUS
36
The intersection of (1) and (2) gives us the coordinates of N as
ab 2 cos
a 2b sin
, 2 2
N 2 2
2
2
2
2
a sin + b cos a sin + b cos
The length PN can now be evaluated using the distance formula :
PN =
(a 2 b 2 ) sin cos
a 2 sin 2 + b2 cos 2
The length ON is simply the perpendicular distance of O from the tangent at P given by (1) :
ON =
ab
a sin + b 2 cos 2
2
Thus, the area of OPN is

1
= PN ON
2
The expression
ab(a 2 b 2 )
sin cos
2
2
a sin 2 + b 2 cos 2
a 2 b2
1
2 a tan + b cot
b
a
1
a
b
tan + cot is of the form y + whose minimum magnitude is 2, when
y
b
a
a
tan = 1
b
tan =
sin =
b
a
b
a +b
2
, cos =
a
a + b2
2
When this minimum is achieved, is maximum. Thus, the possible coordinates of P for which area
(OPN ) is maximum are
a2
b2
P
,
2
2
2
2
a +b
a +b
As might have been expected from symmetry, there are four such possible points on the ellipse.
LOCUS
37
Example 24
x2 y 2
+
= 1 and the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 (where b < r < a). A focal chord of
a 2 b2
the ellipse parallel to L meets the circle in A and B. Find the length of AB.
A straight line L touches the ellipse
Solution: L is a common tangent to the ellipse and the circle. We can assume the equation of L to be (using the
form of an arbitrary tangent to an ellipse) :
y = mx + a 2 m 2 + b 2
y
A
N
O
F1
B
L
Fig - 27
Since L is a tangent to the circle too, its distance from (0, 0) must equal r. Thus,
a 2 m2 + b2
1 + m2
=r
r 2 b2
m= 2 2
a r
...(1)
The equation of AB( which passes through F1 (ae, 0)) can now be written as
y 0 = m( x ae)
mx y = mae
...(2)
To evaluate the length AB, one alternative is to find the intercept that the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 makes on
the line AB given by (2).
However, a speedier approach would be to use the Pythagoras theorem in OAN . OA is simply the
radius r. ON is the perpendicular distance of O from the line given by (2). Thus,
ON =
mae
m2 + 1
LOCUS
38
Finally, we have
AB = 2 AN
= 2 OA2 ON 2
= 2 r2
m2 a 2e2
m2 + 1
r 2 b 2 a 2e 2 (a 2 r 2 )
= 2 r2 2 2
2
2
a b (a b )
= 2b
The length of the chord AB is equal to 2b, the same as the minor axis of the ellipse.
Example 25
Find the angle of intersection of the ellipse
x2 y2
+ 2 = 1 and the circle x 2 + y 2 = ab.
2
a
b
Solution: The semi-major and semi-minor axis of the ellipse are of lengths a and b respectively whereas the
radius of the circle is ab . Note that
b < ab < a
Thus, the circle will intersect (symmetrically) the ellipse in four points.
y
P
x
Fig - 28
We need to
find
LOCUS
39
Consider any point of intersection, say P, the one in the first quadrant. The coordinates of P can be
assumed to be ( a cos , b sin ). Since P also lies on the circle, we have
a 2 cos 2 + b 2 sin 2 = ab
(a 2 b 2 ) cos 2 = b(a b)
b
a + b
a
2
sin =
a + b
cos 2 =
...(1)
At P, the tangent to the ellipse has the slope
b
b
cot =
mE =
a
a
(Using (1))
while the tangent to the circle has the slope

a
a
mC =
cot =
b
b
(Again, using (1))
Thus, the angle of intersection is given by

1
a 2 b

mC mE
b
a
tan =
=
b
1 + mC mE
1+
a
a+b
= tan 1
ab
a+b
ab
LOCUS
40
TRY YOURSELF - II
Q. 1
Q. 2
Q. 3
Prove that the tangents at the extremities of the latus rectum of an ellipse intersect on the corresponding
directrix.
x2 y 2
Let P and Q be points on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 whose eccentric angles differ by . Tangents at P
2
a
b
and Q intersect at R. What is the locus of R ?
Prove that the locus of the mid-point of the portion of the tangent to the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
= 1 intercepted
a 2 b2
between the coordinate axes is b 2 x 2 + a 2 y 2 = 4 x 2 y 2 .

Q. 4
We generalise Question - 2 (above) in this question. What is the locus of the point of intersection of
x2 y 2
tangents to the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 at points whose eccentric angles differ by a constant 2 .
a
b
Q. 5
Q. 6
Q. 7
x2 y 2
Find the locus of the foot of perpendicular on any tangent to the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 from either of its
a
b
foci.
A family of ellipses have the same major axis, but different minor axis. Prove that the tangents at the
end-points of their latus - rectums will always pass through a fixed point.
x2 y 2
Let P be any point on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 with y-coordinate k. Prove that the angle between the
a
b
b2
tangent at P and the focal chord through P is tan 1
.
aek
Q. 8
Q. 9
x2 y 2
+
= 1 cuts the axes in A and B and touches the ellipse at P in the first quadrant.
a 2 b2
What is the equation of this tangent if AP = PB ?
A tangent to
If the tangent at any point on
x2 y 2
+
= 1 makes an angle with the major axis and an angle with
a 2 b2
the focal radius of the point of contact, show that the eccentricity of the ellipse e satisfies e =
Q. 10
cos
.
cos
Prove that the tangent at any point on the ellipse bisects the external angle between the focal radii of
that point.
LOCUS
41
Section - 3
MORE ON TANGENTS AND CHORDS
We will find, in this section, that the equations of chord of contact, chord bisected at a given point, and pair of
tangents from a point take the same form as they do in the case of circles and parabolas. We will use the ellipse
x2 y2
S ( x, y ) 2 + 2 1 = 0 in this discussion.
a
b
CHORD OF
CONTACT FROM
P(x1, y1):
x2 y 2
+
= 1,
a 2 b2
touching this ellipse at points A and B. We need to find the equation of AB, the chord of
contact.
: Two tangents are drawn from an external point P(x1, y1) to the ellipse
A
P(x1,y1)
x
B
AB is the chord of
contact for the
tangents drawn
from P to the ellipse
Fig - 28
To determine this equation, well follow precisely the same approach as we did in the
case of circles and parabolas.
Assume the coordinates of A and B to be (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) respectively. The tangents
at A and B then have the equations :
xx2 yy2
xx
yy
+ 2 = 1 and 23 + 23 = 1
2
a
b
a
b
Since these tangents intersect at P, ( x1 , y1 ) must satisfy both these equations. Thus,
x1 x2 y1 y2
xx
yy
+ 2 = 1 and 1 2 3 + 1 2 3 = 1
2
a
b
a
b
Now, from these two equations, we can deduce that ( x2 , y2 ) and ( x3 , y3 ) are actually
two solutions of the linear equation
xx1 yy1
+
=1
a2 b2
which means that this must be the chord of contact.
The equation of the chord of contact can be written concisely as

T ( x1 , y1 ) = 0
LOCUS
42
CHORD BISECTED : Let the required chord be AB, where the coordinates of A and B are (x2, y2) and (x3, y3)
AT P(x1, y1)
respectively.
y
A(x2, y2)
x
P ( x 1 , y1 )
B(x3, y3)
Fig - 30
Since A and B lie on the ellipse, we have

x22 y22
+
=1
a 2 b2
...(1)
x32 y32
+
=1
a 2 b2
...(2)
By (1) (2), we have

( x2 x3 )( x2 + x3 ) ( y2 + y3 )( y2 y3 )
+
=0
a2
b2
We also have to use the fact that P is the mid-point of AB, so that
...(3)
x2 + x3 = 2 x1 and y2 + y3 = 2 y1
...(4)
Using (4) in (3), we obtain
2 x1 ( x2 x3 ) 2 y1 ( y2 y3 )
+
=0
a2
b2
y2 y3
b2 x
= 2 1
...(5)
x2 x3
a y1
Observe carefully that what (5) gives is simply the slope of AB.
Once we know the slope of AB, we can use the point-slope form to write its equation
as :
y y1 =
b 2 x1
( x x1 )
a 2 y1
xx1 yy1 x12 y12

+
=
+
a2 b2 a2 b2
If we subtract 1 from both sides, we have
xx1 yy1
x12 y12
+
1 = 2 + 2 1
a2 b2
a
b
which can be written concisely as
T ( x1 , y1 ) = S ( x1 , y1 )
LOCUS
43
PAIR OF TANGENTS: Let Q(h, k) be any point on the pair of tangents drawn from P to the ellipse.
FROM P(x1, y1):
y
Q (h , k )
P ( x 1 , y1 )
x
Fig - 31
The equation of PQ, by two-point form is

y y1 k y1
=
x x1 h x1
k y1 hy1 kx1
y=
x+
h x1 h x1
...(1)
PQ being a tangent to the ellipse, the condition c 2 = a 2 m 2 + b 2 for tangency must be

satisfied in (1). Thus,
2
hy1 kx1
2 k y1
2
=a
+b
h x1
h x1
...(2)
As expected, (2) is a second degree equation in h and k, since the point Q(h, k) can lie
on essentially two different lines (the two tangents). Thus, what (2) represents is the pair
of tangents from P to the ellipse.
After some manipulation, the relation in (2) can be written as
h 2 k 2 x12 y12 hx1 ky1
2 + 2 1 2 + 2 1 = 2 + 2 1
b
b
b
a
a
a
Using (x, y) instead of (h, k), the equation to the pair of tangents becomes
2
x 2 y 2 x12 y12 xx1 yy1

2 + 2 1 2 + 2 1 = 2 + 2 1
b
b
b
a
a
a
which can be written concisely as
T ( x1 , y2 ) 2 = S ( x, y ) S ( x1 , y1 )
or simply T 2 = SS1.
LOCUS
44
Example 26
Find the locus of the point such that the chord of contact of the tangents drawn from it to the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
=1
a 2 b2
touches the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 .

Solution: Let P (h, k ) be such a point.
y
P
Fig - 32
The equation of the chord of contact AB from P(h, k) is

T ( h, k ) = 0
hx ky
+ =1
a 2 b2
b 2 h
b2
y = 2 x+
k
ak
This is a tangent to the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 , if the condition for tangency for the case of circles
(c 2 = a 2 (1 + m 2 )) is satisfied :
b4
b4 h2
2
= r 1 + 4 2
k2
ak
a 4b 4 = a 4 r 2 k 2 + b 4 r 2 h 2
h2
k2
=1
=1
( r) ( r)
a2
b2

x2
y2
( a r ) (b r )
2
which is an ellipse
LOCUS
45
Example 27
x2 y 2
A variable chord AB of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 subtends a right angle at its centre. Tangents drawn at A and B
a
b
intersect at P. Find the locus of P.
Solution: Let P be the point (h, k).
y
P(h,k)
A
B
x
Fig - 33
Since AB is the chord of contact for the tangents drawn form P, the equation of AB will be
T ( h, k ) = 0
hx ky
+ =1
a 2 b2
...(1)
We can now write the joint equation of OA and OB by homogenizing the equation of the ellipse
using the equation of the chord AB obtained in (1) :
x 2 y 2 hx ky
Joint equation of AB : 2 + 2 = 2 + 2
a
b
b
a
...(2)
Since OA and OB are perpendicular, we must have

Coeff. of x 2 + Coeff. of y 2 = 0
1 h2 1 k 2
+
=0
a 2 a 4 b2 b4
h2 k 2 1 1
+
= +
a 4 b4 a 2 b 2
The locus of P is therefore

x2 y 2 1 1
+
=
+
a 4 b4 a 2 b 2
in (2)
LOCUS
46
Example 28
x2 y 2
x2 y 2
+
=
1
E
:
+
= a + b at P and Q. Prove that
intersects
the
ellipse
2
a2 b2
a
b
the tangents drawn to E2 at P and Q intersect at right angles.
A tangent drawn to the ellipse E1 :
Solution: Let the point of intersection be R ( h, k ).

y
P
R(h,k)
E1
E2
Fig - 34
PQ is the chord of contact for the tangents drawn from R ( h, k ) to E2. Thus, the equation of PQ is
T ( h, k ) = 0
hx ky
+
= a+b
a
b
b
bh
y=
x + ( a + b)
k
ak
PQ touches the inner ellipse E1 if the condition for tangency for ellipses (c 2 = a 2 m2 + b 2 ) is satisfied.
Thus,
2 2
b2
2
2b h
( a + b) = a 2 2 + b 2
2
k
a k
h 2 + k 2 = ( a + b) 2
...(1)
By Example -17, any point (h, k ) lying on the director circle of E2 must satisfy
h2 + k 2 = a(a + b) + b(a + b)
= ( a + b) 2
... (2)
From (1) and (2), it is evident that the point R ( h, k ) itself lies on the director circle of E2, and thus, by
definition of a director circle, PRQ = 90.
LOCUS
47
Example 29
Find the locus of the point of intersection of tangents to the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
= 1 which are inclined at an angle .
a 2 b2
Solution: Let P(h, k) be the point of intersection; we need to find the locus of P.
y
P(h, k)
Fig - 35
Since we are dealing with the angle between the two tangents, it would be best to use the slope form
for the tangent. Any arbitrary tangent of slope m to this ellipse can be written as
y = mx + a 2 m 2 + b 2
If this tangent passes through P(h, k), we have
k = mh + a 2 m 2 + b 2
(h 2 a 2 )m 2 2hkm + k 2 b 2 = 0
As expected, a quadratic in m is formed, which will give two roots (both real if P(h, k) is external to
the ellipse) m1 and m2, where
2hk
k 2 b2
m1 + m2 = 2
, m1m2 = 2
h a2
h a2
...(1)
The angle is given by
tan =
m1 m2
1 + m1m2
(1 + m1m2 )2 tan 2 = (m1 m2 )2

= (m1 + m2 )2 4m1m2
...(2)
LOCUS
48
Using (1) in (2) and simplifying, we obtain a relation in h and k :

h 2 + k 2 = (a 2 + b 2 ) + 4 cot 2 (b 2 h 2 + a 2 k 2 a 2b 2 )
x 2 + y 2 = ( a 2 + b2 ) + 4 cot 2 (b 2 x 2 + a 2 y 2 a 2b 2 )
From (3), we observe that the particular case of =
...(3)
gives the locus of P as

2
x2 + y 2 = a 2 + b2
which is the equation of the director circle; weve already obtained this result earlier.
Example 30
Find the locus of the mid-points of focal chords of the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
= 1, passing through a particular focus, say
a 2 b2
F1 (ae, 0).
Solution: Assume P(h, k) to be the mid-point of a focal chord. We can write the equation of the chord bisected
at P(h, k) as
T ( h, k ) = S ( h, k )
hx ky h 2 k 2
+ = +
a 2 b2 a 2 b2
Since this passes through F1 ( ae, 0 ) , we have

hae h 2 k 2
= 2+ 2
a2
a b
xe x 2 y 2
= +
a a 2 b2
LOCUS
49
TRY YOURSELF - 3
Q.1
x2 y 2
x2 y 2
Find the locus of the mid-point of chords of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 touching the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1
a
b
c
d
Q. 2
From a point P, tangents drawn to
x2 y 2
+
= 1 are perpendicular. Prove the chord of contact is a
a 2 b2
tangent to
x2 y2
1
+ 4 = 2
4
a
b
a + b2
Q. 3
A tangent to the ellipse x 2 + 4 y 2 = 4 meets the ellipse x 2 + 2 y 2 = 6 at A and B. Prove that tangents
to the latter ellipse at A and B are perpendicular.
Q. 4
Tangents are drawn from any point P on the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
= 1 to the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 . Prove that
a 2 b2
the chord of contact is a tangent to a 2 x 2 + b 2 y 2 = r 4
LOCUS
50
Section - 4
NORMALS
x2 y2
Consider an ellipse 2 + 2 = 1. We need to find the equation of the normal to this ellipse at a given point P on it.
a
b
In general, we also need to find what condition must be satisfied if y = mx + c is to be a normal to this ellipse.
NORMAL AT :
The slope of the tangent at P can be found by evaluating the derivative
P(x1, y1)
Thus,
mT =
dy
dx
=
P
dy
at P.
dx
b 2 x
b2 x1
=
a 2 y P a 2 y1
Therefore, the slope of the normal is

a 2 y1
mN = 2
b x1
The equation of the normal can now be written using point-slope form:
a 2 y1
y y1 = 2 ( x x1 )
b x1
NORMAL AT
P ( a cos , b sin )
a2
b2
x y = a 2 b2
x1
y1
If P has been specified in parametric form, the equation for the normal can be obtained
by the substitution x1 a cos , y1 b sin in the equation obtained above :
ax sec by cosec = a 2 b 2
This form of the normal is the most widely used. It represents the normal at a point
whose eccentric angle is .
NORMAL OF :
Let y = mx + c be a normal to the ellipse (say at the point P( x1 , y1 )).
SLOPE m
The equation of the normal at P( x1 , y1 ) can be written as

a 2 x b2 y
= a 2 b2
x1
y1
a 2 y1
This has a slope m = 2
b x1
...(1)
...(2)
LOCUS
51
Since P( x1 , y1 ) lies on the ellipse, we have

x12 y12
+
=1
a2 b2
Using (2) in (3), we obtain
...(3)
x12 b 2 m 2 2
+ 4 x1 = 1
a2
a
x1 =
a2
a 2 + b2 m2
b2m
y1 =
From (2),
...(4)
...(5)
a 2 + b2 m2
Using (4) and (5) in (1), we finally obtain the equation of the normal with slope m as
y = mx
m( a 2 b 2 )
a 2 + b2m2
We can say that any line of the form (6) will be a normal to the ellipse
the points of contact given by (4) and (5).
Example 31
When is the straight line px + qy + r = 0 a normal to the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
=1 ?
a 2 b2
Solution: Any normal to the ellipse can be written using the parametric form as
ax sec by cosec = a 2 b 2 .
If
px + qy = r
is also a normal to the ellipse, we have
a sec
b cosec a 2 r 2
=
=
P
q
r
cos =
ar
br
, sin =
2
2
2
p(a b )
q(a b 2 )
Eliminating gives us the required condition :

cos 2 + sin 2 = 1
(a 2 b 2 ) 2 a 2 b 2
= 2+ 2
r2
p q
...(6)
x2 y 2
+
= 1, with
a 2 b2
LOCUS
52
Example 32
x2 y 2
What is the farthest distance at which a normal to the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 can lie from the centre of the ellipse ?
a
b
Solution: Any normal to the ellipse is of the form
ax sec by cosec = a 2 b 2
The distance of this normal from the centre (0, 0) is
d=
a2 b2
a 2 sec2 + b 2 cosec2
We need to find the maximum value of d, or equivalently, the minimum value of

f () = a 2 sec 2 + b 2 cosec 2
We have
f () = 2 a 2 sec 2 tan 2b 2 cosec 2 cot
2
f () = 0 when tan =
b
a
tan =
b
a
Verify that at this value of , f () is positive so that this indeed gives us the minimum value of
f ( ).
f min () = a 2 sec 2 min + b 2 cosec 2 min
Now,
= a 2 (1 + tan 2 min ) + b 2 (1 + cot 2 min )

= ( a + b) 2
d max =
a 2 b2
f min ()
a 2 b2
(a + b )
= ab
LOCUS
53
Example 33
Find the point on the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
= 1 whose distance from the line x + y = 7 is minimum.
6
3
Solution: Any point on the given ellipse can be assumed to be P ( 6 cos , 3 sin ). From the following
figure, observe that for the distance of P from the given line to be minimum, the normal at P must be
perpendicular to the given line.
y
If P is the point of the minimum

distance from the given line, the
normal at P must be perpendicular
to the given line.
Q
P
x
Fig - 36
The equation of the normal at P, using parametric form, is

( 6 sec ) x ( 3cosec ) y = 3
whose slope is
mN = 2 tan
If the normal is perpendicular to x + y = 7, we have
mN = 1
tan =
1
2
sin =
1
2
and cos =
3
3
Thus, the point P is ( a cos , b sin ) (2,1).
LOCUS
54
Example 34
x2 y 2
The normal at any point P on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 meets the major and minor axes at A and B respectively. ON
a
b
is the perpendicular upon this normal from the centre O of the ellipse. Show that
PA PN = b 2 and PB PN = a 2
y
Solution:
M
P
O
A
N
B
Fig - 37
Assume the point P to be (a cos , b sin ). The normal at P has the equation
(a sec ) x (b cosec ) y = a 2 b 2
The coordinates of A are therefore
Similarly, B is
...(1)
a 2 b2
A
, 0 (ae 2 cos , 0)
a
sec
b2 a 2 a 2 e2
sin
B 0,
0,
b
b cosec
PA and PB can now be evaluated using the distance formula :

PA = (a cos ae 2 cos ) 2 + (b sin ) 2
b4
=
cos 2 + b 2 sin 2
2
a
=
b
a 2 sin 2 + b 2 cos 2
a
a 2e2
PB = (a cos ) + b sin +
sin
b
...(2)
2
=
a 2 2
a sin + b 2 cos 2
b
...(3)
LOCUS
55
PN can be evaluated either using the perpendicular distance of O from the normal
at P( PN 2 = OP 2 ON 2 ) or simply as the perpendicular distance of O from the tangent at P.
The tangent at P has the equation
bx cos + ay sin ab = 0
Thus,
PN =
ab
b 2 cos 2 + a 2 sin 2
...(4)
From (2), (3) and (4), we have

PA PN = b 2 and PB PN = a 2
Example 35
Prove that from any given point P (h, k ), four normals (real or imaginary) can be drawn to the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
=1
a 2 b2
and the sum of the eccentric angles of the feet of these four normals is an odd integral multiple of .
Solution: Any normal to the ellipse is of the form
(a sec ) x (b cosec ) y = a 2 b2
If this passes through P ( h, k ), we have
ah sec bk cosec = a 2 b 2
...(1)
We need to show that this equation will in general yield four values of . For this purpose, we use the
substitution
cos
1 t2
2t
, sin =
2
1+ t
1+ t2
where t = tan . Thus, (1) transforms to,

2
1+ t2
1+ t2
2
2
2 2
ah
bk
= a b = a e ( b 2 = a 2 (1 e2 ))
2
1 t
2t
bkt 4 + 2( ah + a 2 e2 )t 3 + 2( ah a 2 e2 )t bk = 0
...(2)
LOCUS
56
This is a biquadratic equation in t, yielding four roots, say t1 , t 2 , t3 , t4 . This shows that in general four
normals can be drawn.
From (2), we have
s1 = t1 + t2 + t3 + t4 =
2( ah + a 2 e2 )
bk
s2 = t1t2 + t1t3 + t1t4 + t2 t3 + t2t4 + t3t4 = 0

s3 = t1t2t3 + t1t2t4 + t1t3t4 + t2t3t4 =
s4 = t1t2t3t4 =
2(ah a 2 e2 )
bk
bk
= 1
bk
Thus,
s s

tan 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 1 3 =
2 2 2 2 1 s2 + s4
1 2 3 4
1
+ + + = n +
2 2 2 2
2
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = (2n + 1)
This proves that the sum of the eccentric angles is an odd multiple of .
LOCUS
57
TRY YOURSELF - IV
Q. 1
Q. 2
The normal at any point P on an ellipse cuts its major axis in Q. Show that the locus of the mid-point
of PQ is an ellipse.
and is the angle between

2
the normals at A and B, prove that the eccentricity e of the ellipse is given by
If the eccentric angles of points A and B on the ellipse are and +
2
1 e 2 = sin 2 2 tan 2 .
2
e
Q. 3
The tangent drawn at the point (t 2 , 2t ) on the parabola y 2 = 4 x is the same as the normal drawn at
a point ( 5 cos , 2 sin ) on the ellipse 4 x 2 + 5 y 2 = 20. What are the values of t and ?
Q. 4
If the normal at an end of a latus rectum of an ellipse passes through are extremity of the minor axis,
show that its eccentricity e satisfies 1 e 2 = e 4 .
Q. 5
(a)
A ray is incident on the ellipse 16 x 2 + 9 y 2 = 400 at a point with y-coordinate 4. The source of
this ray is at (3, 0). Find the equation of the reflected ray.
(b)
Prove that the normal at any point on an ellipse bisects the angles between the focal radii of that
point.
LOCUS
58
SOLVED EXAMPLES
Example 1
Let F1 and F2 be the foci of an ellipse with eccentricity e. For any point P on the ellipse, prove that
tan PF1 F2
PF2 F1 1 e
tan
=
2
2 1+ e
Solution: Assume the ellipse to be
x2 y 2
+
= 1, and let P be the point (a cos , b sin ).
a 2 b2
y
P(a cos , b sin )
1
F1 = (-ae, 0)
F1
F2
F2 = (ae, 0)
Fig - 38
Using the sine rule in PF1F2 , we have

PF2
PF1
F1 F2
=
=
sin 1 sin 2 sin( (1 + 2 ))
PF2 + PF1
F1 F2
=
sin 1 + sin 2 sin(1 + 2 )
2a
2ae
=
sin 1 + sin 2 sin(1 + 2 )
+
cos 1 2
2 =e

cos 1 2
2

+
cos 1 2 cos 1 2
2
2 = 1 e

+ 1+ e
cos 1 2 + cos 1 2
2
2

1 e
tan 1 tan 2 =
2
2 1+ e
This is the desired result.

PF1 + PF2 will always equal
the length of the major axis
LOCUS
59
Example 2
x2 y 2
Let d be the perpendicular distance from the centre of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 to the tangent drawn at a point P on
a
b
the ellipse. If F1 and F2 are the two foci of the ellipse, prove that
b2
( PF1 PF2 ) 2 = 4a 2 1 2
d
Solution: Let P be the point (a cos , b sin ) whereas F1 and F2 are given by ( ae, 0).
y
d
F2
F1
Fig - 39
By definition, the focal distance of any point on an ellipse is e times the distance of that point from the
corresponding directrix. Thus,
a
PF1 = e a cos
e
= ae cos a
= a ae cos
a
PF2 = e a cos +
e
= a + ae cos
( PF1 PF2 )2 = 4a 2 e2 cos 2
Now, the equation of the tangent at P is

bx cos + ay sin ab = 0
...(1)
LOCUS
60
The distance of (0, 0) from this tangent is d. Thus,

d=
ab
a sin + b 2 cos 2
2
b2
b2
2
=
sin
+
cos 2
d2
a2
b2 b2 2
= 1 cos
d 2 a2
= e 2 cos 2
b2
4a 2 1 2 = 4a 2 e2 cos 2
d
...(2)
From (1) and (2), we see that the equality stated in the question does indeed hold.
Example 3
Find the radius of the largest circle with centre (1, 0) that can be inscribed inside the ellipse
x2 y2
+
= 1.
16 4
Solution: The following diagram shows the largest such circle. Observe it carefully :
y
R1
O
C(1,0)
R2
Fig - 40
Note that the largest possible circle lying completely inside the ellipse must touch it, say, at the points
R1 and R2, as shown. At these points, it will be possible to draw common tangents to the circle and the
ellipse.
Let point R1 be (4 cos , 2 sin ). The equation of the tangent at R1 is
x cos y sin
+
=1
4
2
x cos + 2 y sin = 4
LOCUS
61
If CR1 is perpendicular to this tangent ( which must happen if this tangent is to be common to both the
ellipse and the circle), we have
2sin 0 cos
= 1
4 cos 1 2sin
1
cos =
3
4 4 2
Thus, R1 is ,
. The largest possible radius is therefore
3 3
rmax
4 4 2
= CR1 = 1 +
0
3 3
11
=
3
Example 4
x2 y2
x2 y 2
E
:
+
= 1 at the points A and B.
which
cuts
the
ellipse
+
=
1
2
c2 d 2
a2 b2
Tangents to this second ellipse at A and B intersect at right angles. Prove that
A tangent is drawn to the ellipse E1 :
a2 b2
+
=1
c2 d 2
Solution: Let the point of intersection of the two tangents be P ( h, k ).
y
A
P(h,k)
E1
E2
Fig - 41
Note that since AB is the chord of contact for the tangents drawn from P to E2, we have the equation
of AB as
T ( h, k ) = 0
hx ky
+
=1
c2 d 2
d 2 h
d2
y = 2 x+
k
ck
LOCUS
62
If AB is to touch the inner ellipse E1, the condition of tangency must be satisfied :
4 2
d4
2 d h
=
a
+ b2
k2
c4 k 2
...(1)
c 4 d 4 = a 2 d 4 h 2 + b 2c 4 k 2
Since PA and PB intersect at right angles, P must lie on the director circle of the ellipse E2. Thus,
...(2)
h2 + k 2 = c2 + d 2
2
2
(1) and (2) can be considered a system of equations in the variables h and k :
(a 2 d 4 )h 2 + (b 2 c 4 )k 2 = c 4 d 4
h2 +
k2 = c2 + d2
If these relations are to hold for variable h and k, they must in fact be identical. Thus, these variables
can now easily be eliminated to obtain :
a2d 4
1
b 2c 4
1
= 2
;
= 2
4 4
2
4 4
cd
c +d
cd
c + d2
a2
c2
=
c2 c2 + d 2
a 2 b2
+
=1
c2 d 2
b2
d2
=
d 2 c2 + d 2
Example 5
Let ABC be an equilateral triangle inscribed in the circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2 . Perpendiculars from A, B, C to the major
x2 y 2
axis of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 (where a > b) meet the ellipse respectively at P, Q, R so that P, Q and R lie on the
a
b
same side of the major axis of A, B and C respectively. Prove that the normals to the ellipse at P, Q and R are
concurrent.
Solution: The following figure graphically portrays the situation described in the question :
y
B
Q
P
O
x
R
C
Fig - 42
We need to show that

the normals at P, Q and
R are concurrent
LOCUS
63
All the information given about ABC being equilateral and all can be reduced to this single piece of
significant information : the polar angles of A, B and C, and hence, the eccentric angles of P, Q and R,
will be evenly spaced at
2
, by virtue of ABC being equilateral.
3
Thus, we can assume the eccentric angels of P, Q and R to be , +
Now, the equation of a normal to
2
2
, .
3
3
x2 y 2
+
= 1 at eccentric angle is given by
a 2 b2
ax sec by cos ec = a 2 b 2 .
ax sin by cos =
(a 2 b 2 ) sin 2
.
2
Thus, the normals at P, Q and R are respectively given by

NP
NQ
NR
ax sin by cos =
(a 2 b 2 ) sin 2
2
2
2
2
2 ( a b )
4
ax sin + by cos + =
sin 2 +
3
3
2
3
2
2 ( a 2 b 2 )
4
ax sin by cos =
sin 2
3
3
2
3
Let us evaluate , the determinant of the coefficients of these three equations :

sin
=
cos
sin 2
ab(a b )
2
2
4
sin +
cos +
sin 2 +
2
3
3
3
2
2
4
sin cos sin 2

3
3
3
Using the row operation R1 R1 + R2 + R3 , the first row reduces to zero, which means that
=0
Thus, the normals at P, Q and R must be concurrent.
LOCUS
64
Example 6
An ellipse slides between two lines at right angles to one another. Show that the locus of its centre is a circle.
Solution: It would be easiest to assume the two lines to be the coordinate axis, and an ellipse of fixed dimensions
sliding between these two lines as shown below :
y
S(h,k)
Q
O
The ellipse has fixed

dimensions, say,
Major axis = 2a
Minor axis = 2b
Assume the centre S
to be (h, k)
Fig - 43
From the view-point of the ellipse, since the tangents to it at P and Q intersect at right angles at O, the
point O must lie on the director circle of the ellipse. Since the radius of the director circle is a 2 + b 2 ,
we must have
OS = a 2 + b2
OS 2 = a 2 + b 2
h2 + k 2 = a2 + b2
This must be the locus of the centre S! It can be written in x y form as

x2 + y 2 = a 2 + b2
It is evident that this is a circle centred at the origin and of radius a 2 + b2 .
Example 7
Find the locus of the point P such that tangents drawn from it to the ellipse
in concyclic points.
x2 y 2
+
= 1 meet the coordinates axes
a 2 b2
LOCUS
65
Solution:
y
P(h, k)
The tangents from P (h , k) to the
ellipse meet the coordinate axes
in A, B, C and D (not shown)
which are concyclic.
Fig - 44
The pair of tangents PA and PC has the joint equation

J1
T 2 (h, k ) = S ( x, y ) S (h, k )
x 2 y 2 h 2 k 2 hx ky
2 + 2 1 2 + 2 1 2 + 2 1 = 0
b
a
a b
a b
2
J1
The coordinate axes has the joint equation
J2
xy = 0
We can treat J1 and J2 as two curves, which intersect in four different points A, B, C, D. Any second
degree curve through these four points can be written in terms of a parameter as
J1 + J 2 = 0
We now simply find that for which this represents a circle, since A, B, C, D are given to be
concyclic.
x 2 y 2 h2 k 2 hx ky
2 + 2 1 2 + 2 1 2 + 2 1 + xy = 0
b
b
a
a
a b
2
This represents a circle if
Coeff. of x 2 = Coeff. of y 2
Coeff. of xy = 0
k2
1
h2
1
=
2
2 2
2
2 2
ab a
ab b
h2 k 2 = a 2 b2
2hk
a 2b 2
(1) itself gives the locus of P(h, k) as

x2 y 2 = a2 b2
...(1)
...(2)
LOCUS
66
Example 8
x2 y 2
Through any arbitrary fixed point P () on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1, chords at right angles are drawn, such that the
a
b
line joining the extremities of these chords meets the normal through P at the point Q. Prove that Q is fixed for all
such chords.
Solution:
y
P()
x
A
Fig - 45
We can assume the eccentric angles of A and B as 1 and 2 .

The normal at P has the equation :
PQ : ax sec by cosec = a 2 b 2
...(1)
The chord AB has the equation

x
+ 2 y
1 + 2
1 2
AB : cos 1
+ sin
= cos
a
2 b
2
2
...(2)
Also, since PA PB, we have

+ 1
+ 2
b cos
b cos
2
2 = 1
+ 1
+ 1
a sin
a sin
2 $
2 $
!""#""
!""#""
slope of chord PA
slope of chord PB
+ 1 + 2 2
+ 1
+ 2
a 2 sin
sin
+ b cos
cos
=0
2 2
2
2
Using trignometric formulae, this expression can be rearranged to

+ a 2 + b2

cos + 1 2 = 2 2 cos 1 2
2 a b
2
...(3)
LOCUS
67
From (2) and (3), we have

2
2
x
1 + 2
1 + 2 y
1 + 2 a b
AB : cos
+ sin
= 2 2 cos +
2
a
2 b
2 a +b
...(4)
The point Q can now be obtained as the intersection of the lines represented by (1) and (4). Let us
write them as a system and solve for Q using the Cramers rule:
where =
PQ :
(a sec ) x + ( b cosec ) y + (b 2 a 2 ) = 0
AB :
(b cos ) x + (a sin ) y
ab( a 2 b 2 )
cos( + ) = 0
a 2 + b2
1 + 2
has been substituted for convenience.
2
We now have
x
ab (a b )
cosec cos( + ) a sin (b 2 a 2 )
2
2
a +b
2
y
a b( a 2 b 2 )
b(b 2 a 2 ) cos +
sec cos( + )
a2 + b2
2
1
a sec sin + b 2 cosec cos
2
ab 2 (a 2 b 2 )
cos( + ) a sin sin (b2 a 2 )
2
2
x = a +b 2
sin ( a sec sin + b2cosec cos )
=
and
y=
a(a 2 b 2 )
cos
a 2 + b2
...(5)
a 2 b( a 2 b 2 )
cos( + )
a2 + b2
cos (a 2 sec sin + b 2 cosec cos )
b(b 2 a 2 ) cos cos +
b(b 2 a 2 )sin
a 2 + b2
...(6)
Thus, the point Q, whose x and y coordinates are given by (5) and (6) respectively, can be seen to be
1 + 2
. Q is the therefore fixed for such pairs of chords PA and PB and
2
depends only on the eccentric angle of P.
independent of or
LOCUS
68
Example 9
x2 y 2
Consider three points on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1, P(1 ), Q(2 ) and R(3 ). What is the area of PQR ? When
a
b
is this area maximum ?
Solution: The three points have the coordinates
P (a cos 1 , b sin 1 ); Q (a cos 2 , b sin 2 ); R (a cos 3 , b sin 3 )
The area of this triangle, by the determinant formula, is
a cos 1
1
= a cos 2
2
a cos 3
=
b sin 1 1
b sin 2 1
b sin 3 1
...(1)
ab
{cos 1 (sin 2 sin 3 ) + sin 1 (cos 3 cos 2 ) + (cos 2 sin 3 sin 2 cos 3 )}
2
=
ab
{sin(2 1 ) + sin(1 3 ) + sin(3 2 )}
2
ab
1 2
1 + 2
3
sin(2 1 ) + 2sin
cos
2
2
2
+

= ab sin 1 2 cos 3 1 2 cos 1 2
2
2
2
3 3 1
= 2ab sin 1 2 sin 2
sin
2 2 2
This is the area of the triangle PQR.

To find its maximum value, we use a rather indirect route. Suppose we had to calculate the area of
a triangle inscribed in the circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2 with the same polar angles as P, Q, R. The only difference
between and will be that in the determinant expression for in (1), we will have all a instead
of b in the terms of the second column.
This means that and will always be in a constant ratio :
b
=
a
Thus, the maximum for will be achieved in the same configuration as the one in which the maximum
of be achieved !
LOCUS
69
Since the area of a triangle inscribed in a circle has the maximum value when that triangle is equilateral
(this should be intuitively obvious but can also be easily proved), and hence will be maximum
when
1 2 = 2 3 = 3 1 =
Thus, the three eccentric angels must be equally spaced apart at
2
3
2
.
3
Example 10
Prove that the circle on any focal distance as diameter touches the auxiliary circle of the ellipse.
Solution: Let P () be an arbitrary point on the ellipse
x2 y 2
+
= 1 and let F1 be one of its foci.
a 2 b2
P
C
O
F1
Auxiliary circle
Fig - 46
The radius of the auxiliary is a. The circle on PF1 as diameter will touch the auxiliary circle (internally)
if :
OC + (radius of this circle) = a
C, being the mid-point of PF1, has the coordinates

a cos ae b sin
C
,
2
2
LOCUS
70
Thus,
a cos ae b sin
OC =
+
2
2
1 2
a cos 2 + b 2 sin 2 + a 2 e 2 2a 2e cos
2
a
cos 2 + (1 e 2 ) sin 2 + e 2 2e cos
2
a
1 + e 2 cos 2 2e cos
2
a
(1 e cos )
2
Also, the radius of the inner circle is

a cos ae
b sin
+ ae +
CF1
2
2
a
cos 2 + (1 e 2 ) sin 2 + e 2 + 2 cos
2
a
(1 + e cos )
2
This gives
OC + CF1 = a
which proves the stated assertion.
LOCUS
71
ASSIGNMENT
[ LEVEL - I ]
Q 1.
Q 2.
Q 3.
Q 4.
Q 5.
Q 6.
x2 y 2
If the normals at the points 1 , 2 and 3 on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 are concurrent, prove that
a
b
sec 1 cosec1 1
sec 2 cosec2 1 = 0
sec 3 cosec3 1
x2 y 2
The tangent and normal at a point P on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 meet the minor axis at A and B respectively.
a
b
Prove that the circle with AB as diameter passes through P as well as the two foci of the ellipse
x2 y 2
Let AB be a focal chord of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1. The tangent at A and the normal at B intersect in P. Find
a
b
the locus of P.
x2 y 2
A line intersects the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 at A and B and the parabola y 2 = 4d ( x + a) at C and D. AB
a
b
subtends a right angle at the centre of the ellipse. Tangents to the parabola at C and D intersect in E. Prove
that the locus of E is
1 1
y 2 + 4d 2 = 4d 2 ( x + 2 a ) 2 2 + 2
a b
Prove that the common chords of an ellipse and a circle are equally inclined to the axes of the ellipse.
x2 y 2
Prove that the minimum length of the intercept made by the axes on the tangents to the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1
a
b
is equal to a + b.
2
2
Q 7. If d is the length of the perpendicular from the focus F of x 2 + y2 = 1 upon a tangent at any point P on the
a
b
ellipse, prove that
2
b
2a
1+ 2 =
d
FP
Q 8. With a given point and line as focus and directrix, a series of ellipses are described. Prove that the locus of
the extremities of their minor axis is a parabola.
x2 y 2
Q 9. The tangent at any point P on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 meets its auxiliary circle in A and B. AB subtends a
a
b
right angle at the centre of the ellipse. Let e be the eccentricity of the ellipse and be the eccentric angle of
P. Show that
1
sin = 2 1
e
Q 10 Show that the common tangent to the ellipses
x2 y2 2x
x2 y 2 2x
+
=
=0
and 2 + 2 +
a2 b2
c
a
b
c
subtends a right angle at the origin.
LOCUS
72
[ LEVEL - II ]
Q 11. If a variable point P on an ellipse is joined to the two foci F1 and F2, show that the incentre of PF1F2 lies
on another ellipse.
Q 12. Two tangents to a given ellipse intersect at right angles. Prove that the sum of the squares of the chords
which the auxiliary circle intercepts on these tangents, is a constant.
Q 13. From any point P on the ellipse E1 : a 2 x 2 + b 2 y 2 = (a 2 + b 2 )2 , tangents are drawn to the ellipse
E2 : b 2 x 2 + a 2 y 2 = a 2b 2 , which touch E2 at A and B. Prove that the orthocentre of PAB lies on E2.
Q 14. Normals to the ellipse
x1
x2
x3
x2 y 2
+
= 1 at the points ( xi , yi ), i = 1, 2, 3, are concurrent. Show that
a 2 b2
y1
y2
y3
x1 y1
x2 y2 = 0
x3 y3
Q 15. A point P moves so that circle with PQ (where Q ( a, 0)) as diameter touches the circle x 2 + y 2 = 4a 2
internally. Prove that the locus of P is an ellipse.
x2 y 2
Q 16. Normals at the points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 on the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 are concurrent. Prove that
a
b
(cos 1 + cos 2 + cos 3 + cos 4 ) (sec 1 + sec 2 + sec 3 + sec 4 ) = 4
x2 y 2
+
= 1 to the circle x 2 + y 2 = 1. Find the locus of the
Q 17. Tangents are drawn from any point on
16 9
mid-point of the chord of contact.
x2 y 2
+
= 1 and two of its opposite vertices lie on the straight
a 2 b2
lines x = c. Find the locus of the other two vertices of the parallelogram.
Q 18. A parallelogram circumscribes the ellipse
Q 19. The base of a variable triangle is of a fixed length d and the sum of its side, s, is also fixed. Prove that the
locus of the incentre of the triangle is an ellipse.
x2 y 2
+
= 1. A parabola is drawn having its focus at P and passing
a 2 b2
through the foci of the given ellipse. Show that two such parabolas can be drawn. Prove also that their
directrices will be inclined at an angle 2.
Q 20. Let P () be a point on the ellipse
LOCUS
73
ASSIGNMENT
( ANSWERS )
[ LEVEL - I ]
3.
x2
b2 y 2
+
a 2 (2a 2 b2 )2 = 1
[ LEVEL - II ]
17.
x2 y2
2
2 2
16 + 9 = ( x + y )
18.
a 2 y 2 x 2 y 2 a 2 x 2 y 2
2 2 = 2 + 2 1 2 2 + 2 1
b c a
b
a
b c
LOCUS
74
ANSWERS
TRY YOURSELF - I
1.
[abe]
2.
x2 y2
9 + 25 = 1
3.
3 1, 2
4.
5 x 2 + 9 y 2 54 y + 36 = 0
5.
3
e =
TRY YOURSELF - II
2.
x2 y 2
a 2 + b2 = 2
4.
x2 y2
2
a 2 + b 2 = sec
5.
x 2 + y 2 = a 2
8.
x y
a + b = 2
TRY YOURSELF - III

1.
x2 y2 1
a4 + b4 = c2
TRY YOURSELF - IV
3.
1
1
, cos 1
5.
[4 x + 3 y = 12]

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LOCUS

More on Tangents and Chords

If the eccentricity of this ellipse is given to be e, we must have

( Distance of Q from the line L )

Thus, by definition, P and P ' will both lie on the ellipse.

We finally plot the ellipse taking help of the equation obtained.

R (0, b ) and R (0, b ) .

Move the pen while

The pen traces

FOCAL DISTANCES: Let

Thus, the length l of the latus-rectum is

so that the equation of the ellipse in the X-Y system is

The length of the latus rectum in this case will be given by

We pause briefly and summarize whatever weve covered uptill now.

An ellipse is the locus of a moving point such that the ratio

An ellipse is the locus of a moving point such that the sum

And lastly, if the equation of the ellipse is

The equation of the ellipse is therefore

Assume any point on

Similarly, Y is simply the perpendicular distance of P from L1 :

Thus, using (1), the equation of the ellipse in x-y form is

As an exercise find the centre and the foci of this ellipse.

Since Q lies on the ellipse, we have

Since P lies external to the ellipse, we must have y1 > y0 so that

AP1 + AP2 is always

(Refer to Page -5 to understand how to find eccentricity in such a scenario).

If the major axis is of length 2a, we have

Thus, b = a (1 e 2 ) = 3. The equation of the elliptical race track is

The area of the elemental strip shown is

The area of the right half of the ellipse is therefore

The total area of the ellipse is thus

hx represents the height

of AB is given by , than that of CD is obviously + .

A, B (r1 cos 1 , r1 sin )

= (r2 sin , r2 cos )

Adding these two relations, we have

This proves the assertion stated in the question.

The point ( a cos , b sin ) in sometimes simply referred to as the point .

we assume the required eccentric angle to be , we have

corresponding to the four extremities of the two latus-recta :

The two latus-recta AB and CD

Using the two point form, we have

If this passes through (h, 0), we have

This represents a circle if

The second relation gives

This is the desired result.

ap cos + bq sin = r and ap sin + bq cos = r.

Squaring and adding the two gives us the required relation :

ellipse whose eccentric angle is , while SFP = . Prove that

We have, from the figure,

Solution: The chord joining A and B has the equation

INTERSECTION OF A LINE WITH AN ELLIPSE

(a) intersects the ellipse in two distinct points ?

intersects the ellipse

touches the ellipse

does not touch / intersect the ellipse

Let P be a variable point on the ellipse

Show that x 2 + 4 y 2 + 2 x + 16 y + 13 = 0 is the equation of an ellipse. Where are its foci ?

Consider the ellipse

xx1 yy1 x12 y12

: In example-15, we proved that any line of the form

(1) cos 2 (2) cos 1 gives

Any tangent to this ellipse is of the form