SOLVED SUBJECTIVE EXAMPLES

Example 1 :
Show that the line x cos + y sin = p touches the parabola y2 = 4ax if p cos + asin2  = 0 and
that the point of contact is (a tan2 , – 2a tan)
Solution :
The given line is
x cos + y sin = p
or y = – x cot  + p coses 
 m = – cot  and c = p cosec 
since the given line touches the parabola
a
 c=
m
or cm = a
or (p cosec ) (– cot  = a
 a 2a 
and point of contact is  2 , 
m m 

 a 2a 
i.e.  2 , 
 cot  cot  
or (atan2 , – 2atan)

Example 2 :
x y
Prove that the line + = 1 touches the parabola y2 = 4a (x + b) if m2 ( + b) + a2 = 0.
 m
Solution :
The given parabola is
y2 = 4a (x + b) .......(1)
Vertex of this parabola is (– b, 0)
Now shifting (0, 0) at (– b, 0) then
then x = X + (– b) and y = Y + 0 ........(2)
or x + b = X and y = Y ........(3)
From (1), Y2 = 4aX
x y
and the line + =1
 m
Xb Y
reduces to + =1
 m
 Xb
or Y = m 1  
  
  m  b
 Y =    X + m 1   .......(4)
   
The line (4) will touch the parabola (3), if
a
 b  m
m 1   =   
    

m 2 1  b 
or   =–a
  
or m2 ( + b) + a2 = 0

Example 3 :
Find the equations of the straight lines touching both x2 + y2 = 2a2 and y2 = 8ax.
Solution :
The given curves are
x2 + y2 = 2a2
and y2 = 8ax
The parabola (2) is
y2 = 8ax
or y2 = 4(2a)x
 Equation of tangent of (2) is
2a
y = mx +
m
2
or m x – my + 2a = 0 ......(3)
It is also tangent of (1), then the length of perpendicular from centre of (1) i.e. (0, 0) to (3)
must be equal to the radius of (1) i..e., a 2 .

0  0  2a
 2 =a 2
(m 2 ) 2   m 

4a 2
or  2a 2
m 4  m2
or m4 + m2 – 2 = 0
or (m2 + 2) (m2 – 1) = 0
 m2 + 2  0 (gives the imaginary values)
 m2 – 1 = 0
 m=±1
Hence from (3) the required tangents are
x ± y + 2a = 0.
Example 4 :
Tangents are drawn from the point (x1, y1) to the parabola y2 = 4ax, show that the length of their
chord of contact is
1
2 2 2
.
| a | ( y1  4ax 1 )( y1  4a )
Solution :
Given parabola is
y2 = 4ax ......(1)
Let P  (x1, y1)
Let the tangent from P touch the parabola at Q (at12 , 2at1) and R(at22, 2at2) then P is the point of
intersection of tangents
x1 y
 x1 = at1t2 & y1 = a(t1 + t2) or t1t2 = and t1 + t2 = 1
a a

Now QR = (at12  at 22 ) 2  ( 2at1  2at 2 ) 2

= a 2 ( t1  t 2 ) 2 [( t1  t 2 ) 2  4] = |a| |t1 – t2| {( t1  t 2 ) 2  4}

 y12 4x1   y12 

=|a|  2    2  4  {from equation 2} (at12, 2at1)
a a  a  Q

Chord of
( y12  4ax1 ) ( y12  4a 2 ) P(
x1 ,
Contact
= |a| . y1 )
|a| |a |
R
(at22, 2at2)
1
=
|a| ( y12  4ax 1 )( y12  4a 2 ) .

Example 5 :
A ray of light is coming along the line y = b from the positive direction of x-axis and strikes a
concave mirror whose intersection with the x-y plane is a parabola y2 = 4ax. Find the equation of
the reflected ray and show that it passes through the focus of the parabola. Both a and b are
positive.
Solution :

 b2 
A ray of light along y = b intersects the parabola at  4a ,
P b 
 
Equation to the parabola is y2 = 4ax ... (1)
dy 2a
Differentiating (1) =
dx y
 b
Slope of normal at P is 
2a
b
 If the angle between ray of light and the normal is  then tan  =
2a

Let PQ be reflected ray

Angle between PQ and the normal at P is also 
Let the slope of PQ be m

b b
m m
2a b 2a
   b2 
tan  = b 2 a b Y
 , b
 4a 
1 m 1 m  
2a 2a P
 y=b
Normal
b b2 b S
X
  2 mm A
2a 4a 2a

 4a 2  b 2  2b 4ab
m 2
    m = –
 4a  2a 4a 2  b 2

4ab  b2 
 Equation to the reflected ray is y – b = – 4a 2  b 2  x  4a 

 
4ab  4ax  b 2 
y  b  
4a 2  b 2  4a 
4abx + (5a2 – b2) y – 4a2 b = 0
Substitute S(a, 0)
 Reflected ray passes through the focus.

Example 6 :
Find the equation of axis, vertex, directrix, extremities of latus rectum and length of latus rectum of
the parabola x2 – 3y + 2x + 3 = 0.
Solution :
x2 –3y + 2x + 3 = 0
 2
 x2 + 2x + 1 = 3y – 2  (x + 1)2 = 3  y   . Its axis is the line x + 1 = 0. It’s vertex is
 3
 2 2 3  17  2 3
  1,  . It’s focus is x + 1 = 0, y – = i.e.,   1,  . It’s directrix is the line y – = – ,
 3 3 4  12  3 4
1 2 3 17
i.e., y + = 0. It’s latus rectum is the line y – = . i.e., y – = 0. Extremities of it’s latus
12 3 4 12
 3 2  1 17 
rectum are x + 1 = , y– , i.e.,  ,  . Length of it’s latus rectum is 3 units.
2 3  2 12 

Example 7 :
If the line ax + by + c = 0 is a tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax then find the corresponding point of
contact. If the line ax + by + c = 0 is a normal to the parabola y2 = 4ax then find the foot of its
normal.
Solution :
Let the point of contact of tangent be P1(at12, 2at1). Lines ax + by + c = 0 and yt1 – x – at12 = 0
must be identical,
t1  1  at1 2 b
 = =  t1 = – .
b a c a

 b2 
Thus P1   a ,2b  . If foot of normal be P2(at22, 2at2) then y + t2x – 2at2 – at23 = 0 and
 
ax + by + c = 0 must be identical,
3
1 t2  (2at 2  at 2 ) a
 = =  t2 =
b a c b

 a 3 2a 2 
Thus P2   b 2 , b  .
 

Example 8 :
Prove that the area of the triangle formed by three points on a parabola is twice the area of the
triangle formed by the tangents at these points.
Solution :
Let the three points on the parabola be at ( at12 , 2at1 ),

(at 22 , 2at2), (at32, 2at3). The area of the  formed by these points

at122at1 1
1 2
 | at 2 2at2 1
2 2 | = |a2(t1 – t2) (t2 – t3) (t3 – t1)|
at3 2at3 1

The intersection of the tangents, at these points, are the points

{at1 t2, a(t1 + t2)}, {at2t3, a(t2 + t3)}, {at3t1, a(t3 + t1)}
1
The area of the  formed by these points = |a2(t1 – t2) (t2 – t3) (t3 – t1)|.
2
Example 9 :
Find the locus of the point of intersection of two normals to a parabola which are at right angles to
one another.
Solution :
The equation of the normal to the parabola y2 = 4ax is
y = mx – 2am – am3
It passes through the point (h, k) if
k = mh – 2am – am3  am3 + m(2a - h) + k = 0 ... (1)
Let the roots of the above equation be m1, m2 and m3.
Let the perpendicular normals correspond to the values of m1 and m2 so that m1 m2 = –1.

From the equation (1), m1 m2 m3 =  k

a
k
Since m1 m2 = –1, m3 =
a
3
k k
Since m3 is a root of (1), we have a    (2a - h) + k = 0
a a
 k2 + a(2a - h) + a2 = 0  k2 = a(h – 3a)
Hence the locus of (h, k) is y2 = a(x – 3a).

Example 10 :
Three normals from a point to the parabola y2 = 4ax meet the axis of the parabola in points whose
abscissa are in A.P. Find the locus of the point.
Solution :
The equation of any normal to the parabola is
y = mx – 2am – am3
It passes through the point (h, k) if
am3 + m (2a - h) + k = 0 ... (1)
The normal cuts the axis of the parabola viz., y = 0 at point where x = 2a + am2
Hence the abscissa of the points in which the normals through (h, k) meet the axis of the parabola
are
x1 = 2a + am12 , x2 = 2a + am22, x3 = 2a + am32
Since x1, x2, x3 are in A.P.
(2a + am12 ) + (2a + am32 ) = 2 (2a + am22 )

 m12  m22  2m22 ... (2)

Also, from (1), m1 + m2 + m3 = 0, ... (3)
2a  h
m2m3 + m3m1 + m1m2 = ... (4)
a
 k
and m1 m2 m3 = – ... (5)
a
From (3),
(m1 + m3)2 = m 22  m12  m 32 + 2m1 m3 = m 22

k 2k
 2m 22  2.  m 22  m 22 
am 2 am2

 am32  2k
Since m2 is a root of (1), am23 + m2(2a – h) + k = 0
 2k + m2 (2a – h) + k = 0
2k
 {m2(h–2a)}3 = 27k3  (h – 2a)3 = 27k3
a
 27 ak2 = 2 (h – 2a)3.
Hence the locus of (h, k) is 27 ay2 = 2(x – 2a)3 .

Example 11 :
P, Q are the points t1, t2 on the parabola y2 = 4ax. The normals at P, Q meet on the parabola.
Show that the middle point of PQ lies on the parabola y2 = 2a(x + 2a).
Solution :
The points P and Q are (at12, 2at1) and (at22, 2at2)
As the normals at t1 & t2 meet on the parabola, t1t2 = 2 ... (i)
Also if (x1, y1) be the midpoint of PQ, then
1 1
x1 = (at12 + at22) and y1 = (2at1 + 2at2) ... (ii)
2 2
2 2
From (iii) we get (t1 + t2) = (y1/a)
 (y1/a)2 = t12 + t22 + 2t1t2 = (2x1/a) + 4, using (i) and (ii)
 y12 = 2a (x1 + 2a)
Hence the locus of (x1, y1) is y2 = 2a(x + 2a).
Example 12 :
If a circle intersects the parabola y2 = 4ax in four points then show that the algebraic sum of the
ordinates is zero. Also show that the line joining one pair of these four points and the line joining the
other pair have slopes equal in magnitude.
Solution :
Solving y2 = 4ax and x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 we have y1 + y2 + y3 + y4 = 0 (y1, y2, y3, y4 are
ordinates of the points of intersection)  y1 + y2 = – (y3 + y4)
Slope of line joining (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is m (say)
y 2  y1 y 2  y1 4a
m  2 2

 x 2  x1 y 2 y1 y1  y 2

4a 4a
Slope of line joining (x3 y3) and (x4 , y4) is m (say)
 y 4  y 3 y 4  y3 4a
m   2 2

 x 4  x 3 y4 y3 y3  y 4

4a 4a
Since y1 + y2 = –(y3 + y4),
We have m = – m  Slopes are equal in magnitude.
Example 13 :
Tangents are drawn to the parabola at three distinct points. Prove that these tangent lines always
make a triangle and that the locus of the orthocentre of the triangle is the directrix of the parabola.
Solution :
Let the three points be A(at12 , 2at1), B(at22, 2at2), C(at32, 2at3).
Tangents at these point are t1y = x + at12 , t2y = x + at22 , t3y = x + at32 .
Since t1, t2, t3 are distinct, no two tangents are parallel or coincident. Hence these tangents will
form a triangle. The vertices of the triangle are [at 1 t2, a(t1 + t2)], [at2t3, a(t2 + t3)] and
[at3t1, a(t3 + t1)]. Equation of the two altitudes are
[y – a(t2 + t3)] = –t1 [x - at2t3] ... (1)
and [y – a (t3 + t1)] = –t2 [x – at3 t1] ... (2)
Subtracting (2) from (1), we get x = –a
Hence the locus of the orthocentere is x + a = 0 which is the directrix of the parabola.

Example 14 :
Tangents are drawn to a parabola from a point T. If P, Q are the points of contact, prove that the
perpendicular distances from P, T and Q upon any tangent to the parabola are in G.P.
Solution :
Let the equation of the parabola be y2 = 4ax. Let P(at12, 2at1) and Q(at22, 2at2) be the two points
of contact. Then the coordinates of T will be (at1 t2, a(t1 + t2)). The equation of the tangent to the
parabola at any point (at2, 2at) is ty = x + at2. Let p1, p2, p3 be the length of the perpendicular on
this tangent from the points P, T and Q respectively. Then

at12  at2  2att1 a(t  t1 )2

p1 | | | |
1 t 2 1 t 2

at22  at2  2att2 a(t  t 2 )2

p3 | | | | so that
1 t 2 1 t 2
2
a 2 (t  t1 )2 (t  t 2 )2  at1t 2  at 2  at ( t1  t 2 ) 
p1p3  | | =   = p22
(1  t 2 )  1 t 2

 p1, p2, p3 are in G.P.

Example 15 :
Three normals are drawn from the point (c, 0) to the curve y2 = x. Show that c must be greater than
1/2. One normal is always the x-axis. Find c for which the other two normals are perpendicular to
each other.
Solution :
Equation to normal to the parabola
m m3
y2 = x is y = mx – – is passing through (c, 0)
2 4

m m3  1  m3
0 = cm –   m c   
2 4  2 4

1 m2
m = 0 or c  
2 4

1  m2 
c 0  sin ce  0 
 4
2  

1 1
c  . If c = , then m = 0
2 2
Then only one normal will be there i.e., x-axis.
1
Since three normals are there,  c >
2

 1 1
Then  2 c     2 c   = –1
 
2 2 


1 1 3
 c–   c=
2 4 4
 SOLVED OBJECTIVE EXAMPLES
Example 1 :
Equation of parabola having it’s focus at S(2, 0) and one extremity of it’s latus rectum as (2, 3) is
(A) y2 = 4(3 – x) (B) y2 = 4(1 – x)
(C) y2 = 8(3 – x) (D) y2 = 8(1 – x)
Solution :
Clearly the other extremity of latus rectum is (2, – 2). It’s axis is x-axis. Corresponding value of
20
a= = 1. Hence it’s vertex is (1, 0) or (3, 0). Thus it’s equation is y2 = 4(x – 1)
2
or y2 = – 4(x – 3).

Example 2 :
Equation of parabola having the extremities of it’s latus rectum as (3, 4) and (4, 3) is
2 2 2 2 2 2
 7  7  x  y6  7  7  x  y8
(A)  x   +  y   =   (B)  x   +  y   =  
 3  3  2   2  2  2 
2 2 2
 7  7  x y4
(C)  x   +  y   =   (D) None of these
 2  2  2 
Solution :
7 7 1 2
Focus is  ,  and it’s axis is the line y = x. Corresponding value of ‘a’ is (1  1) = .
2 2 4 4
| 3x  4   | 2
Let the equation of it’s directrix be y + x + = 0.  = 2.  = – 6, – 8
2 4
Thus equation of parabola is
2 2
 7  7 ( x  y  6) 2
x   + y  =
 2  2 2
2 2
 7  7 ( x  y  8) 2
or x   + y  = .
 2  2 2

Example 3 :
An equilateral triangle is inscribed in the parabola y2 = 4ax, such that one vertex of this triangle
coincides with the vertex of the parabola. Side length of this triangle is -
(A) 4a 3 (B) 6a 3
(C) 2a 3 (D) 8a 3
Solution :
If triangle OAB is equilateral then OA = OB = AB. Thus AB will be a double ordinate of the
parabola.

Thus AOX = XOB = .
6
Let A = (at12, 2at1) then B  (at12 , 2at1)

2 1
mOA = t =
1 3

 t1 = 2 3  AB = 4at1 = 8a 3 units.

Example 4 :
If the normal drawn to parabola y2 = 4ax at the point A(at12, 2at1) meets the curve again at
B(at22, 2at2) then
(A) |t2|  2 2 (B) |t2|  2 2
(C) |t1|  2 2 (D) |t1|  2 2
Solution :
2
We have t2 = – t1 – t  t12 + t1t2 + 2 = 0.
1

Since ‘t1’ is real, thus t22 – 8  0  |t2|  2 2.

Example 5 :
Locus of trisection point of any double ordinate of y2 = 4ax is
(A) 3y2 = 4ax (B) y2 = 6ax
(C) 9y2 = 4ax (D) None of these
Solution :
Let AB be a double ordinate, where A  (at2, 2at), B  (at2, – at). If P(h, k) be it’s trisection point
h 3k
then 3h = 2at2 + at2, 3k =4at – 2at  t2 = , t =
a 2a
9k 2 h
Thus locus is 2 = , i.e., 9y2 = 4ax.
4a a

Example 6 :
Tangents drawn to parabola y2 = 4ax at the point A and B intersect at C. If ‘S’ be the focus of the
parabola then SA, SC and SB are in
(A) A.P. (B) G.P.
(C) H.P. (D) none of these
Solution :
If A  (at12, 2at1), B  (at22, 2at2),  C  (at1at2, a(t1 + t2)).
Now SA = a + at12, SB = a + at22,
SC = (at 1 t 2  a 2 )  a 2 ( t1  t 2 ) 2

 a t12  t 22  1  t12 t 22 = a (1  t12 )(1  t 22 )

Clearly SC2 = SA. SB

Example 7 :
Double ordinates AB of the parabola y2 = 4ax subtends an angle /2 at the focus of the parabola
then tangents drawn to parabola at A and B will intersect at
(A) (– 4a, 0) (B) ( –2a, 0)
(C) (–3a, 0) (D) None of these
Solution :
2 2 2 2
Let A  (at2 , 2at), B  (at2, – 2at). mOA = , mOB = – . Thus . – = – 1  t2 = 4.
t t t t
Thus, tangents will intersect at (– 4a, 0).

Example 8 :
If a normal chord of y2 = 4ax subtends an angle /2 at the vertex of the parabola then it’s slope is
equal to
(A) ± 1 (B) ± 2
(C) ± 2 (D) none of these
Solution :
Let AB be a normal chord, where A  (at12, 2at1) and B  (at22, 2at2).
2
We have t2 = – t1 – t and t1t2 = 4  t1t2 = – t12 – 2 = – 4  t12 = 2.
1

2
Now slope of chord AB = t  t = – t1 = ± 2
1 2

Example 9 :
Length of the shortest normal chord of the parabola y2 = 4ax is
(A) a 27 (B) 3a 3
(C) 2a 27 (D) none of these
Solution :
2
Let AB be a normal chord where A  (at12, 2at1), B  (at22, 2at2). We have t2 = – t1 – t .
1

2
 2 4  16a 2 (1  t12 )3
2 2 2
AB = [a (t1 – t2) (t1 + t2) + 4] 2
= a2  t1t1    2  4  =
 t1   t1  t14
 d (AB 2 )  t14 [3(1  t12 ) 2 .2 t1 ]  (1  t12 )3 .4 t13  a 2 .32(1  t12 ) 2
 = 16a2   = (t12 – 2)
dt1  t18  t 15

t1 = 2 is indeed the point of minima of AB2.

4a
Thus ABmini = (1 + 2)3/2 = 2a 27 units.
2

Example 10 :
If three distinct and real normals can be drawn to y2 = 8x from the point (a, 0) then
(A) a > 2 (B) a > 4
(C) a (2, 4) (D) none of these
Solution :
Equation of normal in terms of m is y = mx – 4m – 2m3. If it passes through (a, 0) then
am – 4m – 2m3 = 0
a 4
 m(a – 4 – 2m2) = 0  m = 0, m2 = .
2
For three distinct normal, a – 4 > 0  a > 4

Example 11 :
An equilateral triangle SAB is inscribed in the parabola y2 = 4ax having it’s focus at ‘S’. If chord
AB lies towards the left of S, then side length of this triangle is
(A) 3a(2 – 3) (B) 4a(2 – 3)
(C) 2(2 – 3) (D) 8a(2 – 3)
Solution :
 2at1 1
Let A (at12, 2at1), B  (at22, – 2at1). We have mAS = tan    at 2  a = –
6 1 3

 t12 + 2 3 t1 = – 1 = 0  t1 = – 3 ±2

Clearly t1 = – 3 – 2 is rejected. Thus t1 = (2 – 3 ). Hence AB = 4at1 = 4a(2 – 3 ).

Example 12 :
Locus of the midpoint of any focal chord of y2 = 4ax is
(A) y2 = a(x – 2a) (B) y2 = 2a(x – 2a)
(C) y2 = 2a(x – a) (D) none of these
Solution :
Let the midpoint be P(h, k). Equation of this chord is T = S1. i.e., yk – 2a(x + h) = k2 – 4ah. It must
pass through (a, 0)
 2a(a + h) = k2 – 4ah. Thus required locus is y2 = 2ax – 2a2.

Example 13 :
Slope of the normal chord of y2 = 8x that gets bisected at (8, 2) is
(A) 1 (B) – 1
(C) 2 (D) – 2
Solution :
2
Let AB be the normal chord where A (2t12, 4t1), B  (2t22, 4t2). It’s slope = t  t We also
1 2

2
have t2 = – t1 – t and 16 = 2(t12 + t22), 4 = 4(t1 + t2)  t1 + t2 = 1. Thus slope is 2.
1

Example 14 :
The length of latus rectum of he parabola, whose focus is (a sin2, a cos2) and directrix is the line
y = a, is
(A) |ra cos2| (B) |4a sin2|
(C) |4a cos2| (D) |a cos2|
Solution :
Distance of focus from directrix is |a cos 2 – a|. Thus length of latus rectum is |4a sin2|.
Example 15 :
In the adjacent figure a parabola is drawn to pass through the vertices B, C and D of the square
ABCD. If A(2, 1), C(2, 3) then focus of this parabola is -

 11   11 
(A) 1,  (B)  2, 
 4  4
 13   13 
(C)  3,  (D)  2, 
 4  4
Solution :
Clearly AC is parallel to y-axis. It’s midpoint is (2, 2). Thus B  (1, 2).
Parabola will be in the form of (x – 2)2 = (y – 3).
It passes through (3, 2)
 l = –  . Thus parabola is (x – 2)2 = – 1(y – 3).
1  11 
It focus is x – 2 = 0. y – 3 = – , i.e.,  2,  .
4  4