Chapter 11

CO NIC S ECTIO NS
Mathematics is like true Love…
A Simple idea but can get complicated!

In this chapter, we shall learn

✓ Definition of Conic section & type of conics
✓ Circle & its Standard equation
✓ Parabola & its Standard equation
✓ Ellipse & its Standard equation
✓ Hyperbola & its Standard equation
✓ Application based sums on various conics
✓ Application based Real Life problems

 INTRODUCTION
In the previous chapter on Straight Lines, we have studied various forms of the equations of a line. In
this chapter, we shall extend our study of coordinate geometry to explore about the curves viz., circles,
ellipses, parabolas and hyperbolas. The names parabola and hyperbola were given by Apollonius in his
book The Conic. These curves are in fact, known as conic sections or simply conics because they can be
obtained as intersections of a plane with a double napped right circular cone. These curves have a very
wide range of applications in the fields such as planetary motion, design of telescopes and antennas,
reflectors in flashlights and automobile headlights, etc. You might recall that you have studied about the
parabolic trajectory of projectiles in Physics. But don’t worry, it is not about Physics and its various
phenomenons here (in case you don’t like Physics), it will be only Mathematics!
Let’s firstly learn about a few important terms.
IMPORTANT TERMS & DEFINITIONS
(a) Conic section: A conic section or conic is the locus of a point P(h, k) which moves in such a way
that its distances from a fixed point F(a, b) always bears a constant ratio to its distance from a fixed
line, all being in the same plane.
(b) Focus: The fixed point F is called the focus of the conic section.
(c) Directrix: The fixed straight line is called the directrix of the conic.
(d) Eccentricity: The constant ratio is called the eccentricity of the conic section and it is denoted by
FP
the lower case letter “e”. Thus e = in Fig1( See next page for the figure).
PM
(e) Axis: The straight line passing through the focus and perpendicular to the directrix is called the axis
of the conic section.
(f) Vertex: The points of intersection of the conic section and the axis are called vertices of the conic.
(g) Centre: The point which bisects every chord of the conic passing through it, is called the centre of
the conic section.
(h) Latus-rectum: The latus-rectum of a conic section is the chord passing through the focus and
perpendicular to the axis.

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Conic Sections By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
(i) Focal distance: The distance of any point P(x, y) on the conic section from the focus F(a, b) is called
the focal distance of point P. Hence FP = ( x − a ) + ( y − b ) .
2 2

M P(h, k)
 Note the followings:
• if e  1 , the conic obtained is an ellipse.
• if e = 1 , the conic obtained is a parabola. F(a, b)
• if e  1 , the conic obtained is a hyperbola.
• if e = 0 , the conic obtained is a circle. Fig.1 Directrix

Now we’ll learn about the conics such as circles, parabolas, ellipses and hyperbolas. We shall learn
about their equations and other aspects. So, here we go!

01. Circle
A circle is defined as the locus of a point which moves in a plane in such a way that its distance from a
fixed point in that plane is always constant. In other words, a circle is the set of all points in a plane that
are equidistant from a fixed point in the plane. The fixed point is called the centre of the circle and the
constant distance from the centre to a point on the circle is called the radius of the circle.
Standard form of equation of circle: (x − h)2 + (y − k)2 = r 2 , where C(h, k) represents the
coordinates of centre and r is the radius of the circle.
 If centre of the circle of radius r coincides with the origin, then its equation is given as x 2 + y2 = r 2 .

General equation of circle: By using (x − h)2 + (y − k)2 = r 2 , we’ve

x 2 + y2 − 2hx − 2ky + h 2 + k 2 − r 2 = 0 .
Replacing –h by g , –k by f and h 2 + k 2 − r 2 by c, we get
x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ...(i)
NOTE In (i), the centre of the circle is given by
 1 1 
 − Coefficient of x , − Coefficient of y  and its radius is given by g 2 + f 2 − c or h2 + k2 − c .
 2 2 

Note that in the general equation of the circle i.e. in equation (i), the coefficients of x 2 and y 2 are same
i.e. unity. There is no term containing xy i.e. coefficient of xy is zero. Moreover the general equation of
circle is quadratic in both x and y. Remember that you must make the coefficients of x 2 and y 2 unity
(in case, if it is not) in order to find the centre and radius of the circle.

02. Parabola
A parabola is the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a fixed straight line and a fixed
point (not on the line) in that plane. The fixed point F is called the focus and the fixed line is called the
directrix. Remember here, e = 1 and so, PM = PF in the Fig1.
Facts You Must Know About Parabola
 The fixed line is called the directrix.
 The fixed point F is called the focus.
 The line through the focus and perpendicular to the directrix is called the axis of the parabola.
 The point of intersection of parabola with the axis is called the vertex of the parabola.
 The line segment that is perpendicular to the axis of the parabola through the focus and whose
end-points lie on the parabola is called the latus-rectum of the parabola.

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MATHEMATICIA - Vol. 2 Of Class XI By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
(a) The shapes of four standard forms of parabolas:
(i) y2 = 4ax, a  0 (ii) y2 = −4ax, a  0 (iii) x 2 = 4ay, a  0 (iv) x 2 = −4ay, a  0
Y Y
Y Y F(0,a) y=a
O X
O F(a,0) X F(−a,0) O X
O X
x = −a x=a y = −a
(0, −a)F
(b) Corresponding results of these parabolas are as follows:

Equation of Parabola y 2 = 4ax y 2 = − 4ax x 2 = 4ay x 2 = − 4ay

Coordinates of vertex (V) (0,0) (0,0) (0,0) (0,0)

Coordinates of focus (F) (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
Length of the Latus-rectum 4a 4a 4a 4a
Focal distance of a point P(x, y) a+x a−x a+y a−y
Equation of the Latus-rectum x=a x = −a y=a y = −a

 Note the followings :

(a) If the vertex of the parabola is at the point V(h, k) and its latus-rectum is of the length ‘4a’ units,
then its equation is (i) (y − k)2 = 4a(x − h) or (y − k) 2 = −4a(x − h)

(ii) (x − h)2 = 4a(y − k) or (x − h) 2 = −4a(y − k) .

(b) Parabola is symmetric with respect to the axis of the parabola. If the equation of parabola has a y2
term, then the axis of symmetry is along the x-axis and if the equation has an x2 term, then the axis of
symmetry is along the y-axis.
(c) When the axis of symmetry is along the x-axis then the parabola opens to the
(i) right if the coefficient of x is positive,
(ii) left if the coefficient of x is negative.
(d) When the axis of symmetry is along the y-axis then the parabola opens
(i) upwards if the coefficient of y is positive.
(ii) downwards if the coefficient of y is negative.
(e) The parabola has two real foci situated on its axis one of which is the focus F and the other lies at
infinity. The corresponding directrix is also at infinity.
(f) The parametric equations of parabola y2 = 4ax is given as x = a t 2 , y = 2a t . So, the coordinates of
any point on the parabola can be taken as (a t 2 , 2a t) .

03. Ellipse
An ellipse is the set of all points in a plane, the sum of whose distances from two fixed points in the
plane is a constant less than one. This constant is termed as the eccentricity (so, e  1 in case of the
PM
ellipse). Therefore we have, = e i.e., PM = e  PF in the Fig1. Also the two fixed points are called
PF
the foci (plural of focus) of the ellipse.

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Conic Sections By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
Facts You Must Know About Ellipse
 The two fixed points are called the foci.
 The constant, which is the sum of the distances of a point on the ellipse from the two fixed
points, is always greater than the distance between the two fixed points.
 The mid-point of the line segment joining the foci is called the centre of the ellipse.
 The line segment through the foci of the ellipse is called the major axis and the line segment
through the centre and perpendicular to the major axis is called the minor axis.
 The end points of the major axis are called the vertices of the ellipse.
 The eccentricity of the ellipse is the ratio of the distances from the centre of the ellipse to one
of the foci and to one of the vertices of the ellipse.
 An ellipse is symmetric with respect to both the coordinate axes (discussed later below).
 The line segment that is perpendicular to the major axis of the ellipse through the focus and
whose end-points lie on the ellipse is called the latus-rectum of the ellipse.
Y
(a) The shapes of two standard form of ellipse:
(a > b) x = −a/e Y x = a/e (a  b) V1 (0,a) y = a/e
2 2 (0, b) 2 2 F1 (0,c)
x y x y
(i) 2
+ 2 =1 F2 (−c,0) F1 (c, 0) X (ii) 2
+ 2 =1 (−b,0) (b,0)
a b V2 (−a, 0) O V1 (a,0)
b a O X
F2 (0, −c)
(0, −b)
V2 (0, −a) y = −a/e

(b) Corresponding results of these ellipses are as follows:

x2 y 2 x2 y 2
Equation of the Ellipse + = 1, a  b + = 1, a  b
a2 b2 b2 a2
Coordinates of centre (O) (0,0) (0,0)
Coordinates of the vertices (V) (a,0) (0, a)
Coordinates of foci (F) (c,0) (0, c)
Length of major axis 2a 2a
Length of minor axis 2b 2b

Equation of axes i.e., equation y=0 x=0

of Major axis and Minor axis and and
respectively x=0 y=0
a a
Equation of the directrices x= y=
e e
Eccentricity (e < 1) c b2 c b2
e= or e = 1 − 2 e= or e = 1 − 2
a a a a
2 2
Length of the Latus-rectum 2b 2b
a a
Relation between a, b and c a = b 2 + c2
2
a = b 2 + c2
2

c c
Relation between a, c and e e= i.e., c = ae e= i.e., c = ae
a a
Equation of Latus-rectum x = c y = c

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MATHEMATICIA - Vol. 2 Of Class XI By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
 Note the followings :
(a) If the centre of the ellipse is at point (h,k) and the directions of the axes are parallel to the

(x − h)2 (y − k) 2
coordinate axes then, its equation is: + = 1.
a2 b2
(b) Ellipse is symmetric with respect to both the coordinate axes since if (x, y) is a point on the ellipse,
then (−x, y) , (x, –y) and (– x, –y) are also points on the ellipse.
(c) The foci always lie on the major axis. The major axis can be determined by finding the intercepts on
the axes of symmetry. That is, major axis is along the x-axis if the coefficient of x2 has the larger
denominator and it is along the y-axis if the coefficient of y2 has the larger denominator.
(d) When c = 0, both the foci of ellipse merge together with the centre of the ellipse and a2 = b2, i.e., a =
b, and so the ellipse becomes circle. Thus, circle is a special case of an ellipse.
(e) When c = a, then b = 0. The ellipse reduces to the line segment F1F2 joining the two foci.
x 2 y2
(f) Parametric equations of the ellipse + = 1, a  b are given as x = a cos , y = bsin  where θ is
a 2 b2
the parameter.
x 2 y2
Hence coordinates of any point on the ellipse + = 1 may be taken as (a cos , b sin ) . Note that
a 2 b2
the angle θ is called the eccentric angle of the point (a cos , b sin ) .

What is the eccentric angle? Let’s understand it. We define an auxiliary circle of ellipse
which is a circle described on the major axis of an ellipse taking it as the diameter. Now let
there be a random point P on the ellipse. We draw PM perpendicular on the major axis of
ellipse and produce MP to meet the auxiliary circle in Q. Join OQ, where O is the centre of
the ellipse. The angle XCQ =  is called the eccentric angle of point P on the ellipse.
 Note that here the diagram has been left intentionally. Can you draw it yourself?

(g) An ellipse may also be defined as the locus of a point which moves in the plane such a way that the
sum of its distances from two fixed points (called foci) is a constant.

04. Hyperbola
A hyperbola is the set of all points in a plane, the difference of whose distances from two fixed points in
the plane is a constant. In other words, a hyperbola is the locus of a point in a plane which moves in the
plane in such a way that the ratio of its distance from a fixed point (called focus) in the same plane to its
distance from a fixed line (called directrix) is always a constant ratio, greater than one (i.e., e  1 ).
PM
Therefore we have, = e i.e., PM = e  PF in the Fig1.
PF
Facts You Must Know About Hyperbola
 The two fixed points are called the foci.
 The constant, which is the difference of the distances of a point on the hyperbola from the two
fixed points, is always less than the distance between the two fixed points.
 The mid-point of the line segment joining the foci is called the centre of the hyperbola.
 The line through the foci is called the transverse axis and the line through the centre and
perpendicular to the transverse axis is called the conjugate axis.
 The points at which the hyperbola intersects the transverse axis are called the vertices of the
hyperbola.

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Conic Sections By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
 The line segment that is perpendicular to the transverse axis through the focus and whose end-
points lie on the hyperbola is called the latus-rectum of the hyperbola.
 A hyperbola is symmetrical with respect to both the coordinate axes.
(a) The shapes of two standard form of hyperbola: Y
F1 (0, c)
x = −a/e Y x = a/e
V1 (0,a)
y = a/e
x 2 y2 y2 x 2
(i) − =1 F2 (−c,0) F1 (c, 0) (ii) − = 1 O X
a 2 b2 V2 (−a,0) O V1 (a,0) X a 2 b2
y = −a/e V2 (0, −a)

F2 (0, −c)
(b) Corresponding results of these hyperbolas are as follows:
x2 y 2 y2 x 2
Equation of Hyperbola − =1 − =1
a2 b2 a 2 b2
Coordinates of centre (0,0) (0,0)
Coordinates of the vertices (V) (a,0) (0, a)
Coordinates of foci (F) (c,0) (0, c)
Length of transverse axis 2a 2a
Length of conjugate axis 2b 2b

Length of Latus-rectum 2b 2 2b 2
a a
c b2 c b2
Eccentricity (e > 1) e= or e = 1 + 2 e= or e = 1 + 2
a a a a
a a
Equation of the directrices x= y=
e e
Equation of transverse axis y=0 x=0
Equation of conjugate axis x=0 y=0
Relation between a, b and c a 2 + b2 = c2 a 2 + b2 = c2
c c
Relation between a, c and e e= i.e., c = ae e= i.e., c = ae
a a
Equation of Latus-rectum x = c y = c

 Note the followings :

(a) If the centre of the hyperbola is at the point (h, k) and the direction of the axes are parallel to the
(x − h)2 (y − k) 2
coordinate axes then its equation is: − = 1.
a2 b2
(b) A hyperbola in which a = b is called an equilateral hyperbola.
x 2 y2
That is, 2 − 2 = 1 i.e., x 2 − y2 = a 2 . Also note that for equilateral hyperbola, e = 2 .
a a
(c) Hyperbola is symmetric with respect to both the axes, since if (x, y) is a point on the hyperbola, then
(–x, y), (x, – y) and (– x, – y) are also points on the hyperbola.

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MATHEMATICIA - Vol. 2 Of Class XI By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
(d) The foci are always on the transverse axis. It is the positive term (in the standard form of hyperbola)
x 2 y2
whose denominator gives the transverse axis. For example, − = 1 has transverse axis along x-axis
9 4
y2 x 2
of length 6, while − = 1 has transverse axis along y-axis of length 8.
16 9
x 2 y2
(e) Parametric equations of the hyperbola 2 − 2 = 1 are given as x = a sec , y = b tan  where θ is
a b
the parameter.
x 2 y2
Hence coordinates of any point on the hyperbola 2 − 2 = 1 may be taken as (a sec , b tan ) . Here
a b
the angle  is called the eccentric angle of the point (a sec , b tan ) .

WORKED OUT ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

Ex01. Find the centre and radius of the circle 3x 2 + 3y2 + 6x − 4y − 1 = 0 .
Sol. Here 3x 2 + 3y2 + 6x − 4y − 1 = 0
 4  1
 ( x 2 + 2x ) +  y2 − y  =
4 1
 x 2 + y2 + 2x − y − = 0
3 3  3  3
2
 4  2  16
 ( x + 2x + 1) +  y2 − y +  = 1 + +
4 1 4
 ( x + 1) +  y −  =
2 2

 3 9 3 9  3 9
On comparing with ( x − h ) + ( y − k ) = r 2 , we get : h = −1, k = 2/3, r = 4/3 .
2 2

So, centre is (–1, 2/3) and r is 4/3 units.

Ex02. Find the equation of circle whose end points of one of its diameters are (–2, 3) and (0, –1).
Sol. Here diametric end points of the circle are at (–2, 3) and (0, –1).
By using ( x − x1 )( x − x 2 ) + ( y − y1 )( y − y2 ) = 0 , we get :
( x + 2)( x − 0) + ( y − 3)( y + 1) = 0  x 2 + y2 + 2x − 2y − 3 = 0 .
Ex03. Find the length of latus-rectum for the parabola y2 = kx , which passes through (2, –3).
Sol. As the parabola y2 = kx passes through (2, –3) so, (−3)2 = k(2) i.e., k = 9/2 .
9 9
So, the parabola becomes, y 2 = x i.e., y 2 = 4   x .
2 8
9 9
Now length of latus-rectum of this parabola is 4a = 4  = units .
8 2
[On comparing with the length of latus-rectum of standard parabola y2 = 4ax .]
Ex04. If the eccentricity of the hyperbola is 2 , then find the general equation of hyperbola.
x 2 y2 y2 x 2
Sol. Let the equation of hyperbola be 2 − 2 = 1 or, 2 − 2 = 1 …(a)
a b a b
c
As e = = 2  c = a 2...(i)
a
Also, for hyperbola, we have : a 2 + b2 = c2  a 2 + b2 = 2a 2 [By (i)
 a 2 = b2
x 2 y2
By equation (a), we get : 2
− 2 = 1 i.e., x 2 − y2 = a 2
a a
y2 x 2
Or, 2 − 2 = 1 i.e., y2 − x 2 = a 2 .
a a
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Conic Sections By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
Ex05. Find the equation of the ellipse with foci at (5, 0) and 5x = 36 as one of the directrices.
x 2 y2
Sol. Let the equation of ellipse be 2 + 2 = 1 …(a)
a b
As foci are at (5,0) = (c,0) c = 5
Also for ellipse, we have : a 2 = b2 + c2  a 2 = b2 + 25 …(i)
a 36
One of directrices is : x = 36/5  = [ eq. of directrices are x = a/e
e 5
a 2 36 a 2 36
So, =  =  a 2 = 36 a = 6 [ e = c/a
c 5 5 5
By (i), 36 = b2 + 25  b2 = 11 .
x 2 y2
By (a), the required equation is + = 1.
36 11
Ex06. Find the equation of parabola if its focus is at (–1, –2) and equation of directrix is x – 2y + 3 = 0.
Sol. Let P (h, k) be a random point on the parabola. Let M (–1, –2) be the focus of parabola. Also let PN
be perpendicular to the line of directrix x – 2y + 3 = 0.
As per the definition of parabola, PM = PN i.e., PM2 = PN2
2
 h − 2k + 3  h 2 + 4k 2 + 9 − 4hk − 12k + 6h
 ( h + 1) + ( k + 2 ) =   ( h + 1) + ( k + 2 ) =
2 2 2 2

 12 + (−2) 2  5
 5h 2 + 5k 2 + 10h + 20k + 25 = h 2 + 4k 2 + 9 − 4hk − 12k + 6h
 4h 2 + 4hk + k 2 + 4h + 32k + 16 = 0
On replacing h and k by x and y respectively, we get the required equation of parabola as :
4x 2 + 4xy + y2 + 4x + 32y + 16 = 0
Ex07. Find the equation of set of all points, the sum of whose distance from (3, 0) and (9, 0) is 12 units.
Write the name of this curve.
Sol. Let P (h, k) be a random point such that AP + BP = 12, where A (3, 0) and B (9, 0).
Now AP + BP = 12
 (h − 3)2 + (k − 0)2 + (h − 9)2 + (k − 0)2 = 12
 h 2 − 6h + 9 + k 2 + h 2 − 18h + 81 + k 2 = 12
 h 2 − 6h + 9 + k 2 = 12 − h 2 − 18h + 81 + k 2
On squaring both sides, we get :
 h 2 − 6h + 9 + k 2 = 144 + h 2 − 18h + 81 + k 2 − 24 h 2 − 18h + 81 + k 2
 24 h 2 − 18h + 81 + k 2 = 216 −12h
 2 h 2 − 18h + 81 + k 2 = 18 − h
Again squaring both sides, we get :
 4h 2 − 72h + 324 + 4k 2 = 324 − 36h + h 2
 3h 2 − 36h + 4k 2 = 0
On replacing h and k by x and y respectively, we get : 3x 2 − 36x + 4y2 = 0 .
This curve is an ellipse.
Ex08. Find the equation of the set of all points such that the difference of their distance from (4, 0) and
(–4, 0) is always equal to 2 units. Write the name of the curve.
Sol. Let P (h, k) be a random point such that | AP – BP | = 2, where A (4, 0) and B (–4, 0).
Now AP − BP = 2
 (h − 4)2 + (k − 0)2 − (h + 4)2 + (k − 0)2 = 2
 h 2 − 8h + 16 + k 2 − h 2 + 8h + 16 + k 2 = 2
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MATHEMATICIA - Vol. 2 Of Class XI By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
On squaring both sides, we get :
 h 2 − 8h + 16 + k 2 + h 2 + 8h + 16 + k 2 − 2 h 2 − 8h + 16 + k 2 h 2 + 8h + 16 + k 2 = 4
 2h 2 + 32 + 2k 2 − 2 h 2 − 8h + 16 + k 2 h 2 + 8h + 16 + k 2 = 4
 h 2 + 14 + k 2 = h 2 + 16 + k 2 − 8h h 2 + 16 + k 2 + 8h
Again squaring both sides, we get :
 h 4 + 196 + k 4 + 28h 2 + 28k 2 + 2h 2 k 2 = (h 2 + 16 + k 2 )2 − (8h)2
 h 4 + 196 + k 4 + 28h 2 + 28k 2 + 2h 2 k 2 = h 4 + 256 + k 4 + 32h 2 + 32k 2 + 2h 2k 2 − 64h 2
 60h 2 − 4k 2 = 60 or, 15h 2 − k 2 = 15
On replacing h and k by x and y respectively, we get : 15x 2 − y2 = 15 .
This curve is a hyperbola.
Ex09. Find the equation of a circle, which has the portion of the line 3x + 4y = 14 intercepted by the
lines x – y = 0 and 11x – 4y = 0 as a diameter.
Sol. The given lines are L1 : 3x + 4y −14 = 0 ,
L2 : x − y = 0 and, L3 :11x − 4y = 0 .
Consider the diagram.
Clearly L1 and L2 meet at A(2, 2) and, L1 and
L3 meet at B(1, 11/4).
So equation of the circle having AB as its one
the diameter is :
 11 
(x − 2)(x − 1) + (y − 2)  y −  = 0
 4
Therefore, 4x + 4y − 12x −19y + 30 = 0 .
2 2

EXERCISE FOR PRACTICE

TYPE-A
 Based On Circles
Q01. Find the equation of a circle having centre (a, b) and radius a 2 − b2 units.
Q02. Find the centre and radius of the circle 2 x 2 + 2 y 2 − x = 0 .
Q03. Find the equation of the circle passing through the points (2, 3) and (–1, 1) and whose centre is
on the line x − 3 y − 11 = 0 .
Q04. Find the equation of the circle whose centre lies on the line x − 4 y = 1 and which passes through
the points (3, 7) and (5, 5).
Q05. Determine the equation of a circle, the end points of one of whose diameters are A(2,–3) and
B(–3, 5).
Q06. Find the equation of a circle which is concentric with the circle 2 x 2 + 2 y 2 − 6 x + 8 y + 1 = 0 and
of double its area.
Q07. Write the equation of a circle whose radius is 5units and whose centre lies on x-axis such that
the circle passes through the point (2, 3).
Q08. Find the equation of the circle drawn on the diagonal of the rectangle as its diameter, whose
sides are given by x = 6, x = −3, y = 3 and y = −1 .
Q09. If y = 2 x is a chord of the circle x 2 + y 2 − 10 x = 0 , find the equation of the circle with this
chord as a diameter.
Q10. Find the equation of a circle which passes through the origin and cuts off the intercepts –2 and 3
from the x-axis and y-axis respectively.
Q11. Find the equation of a circle passing through the points (5, 7), (6, 6) and (2,–2). Hence find its
centre and the radius.
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Conic Sections By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
Q12. Find the equation of a circle passing through the vertices of a triangle whose sides are
represented by the equations x + y = 2, 3x − 4 y = 6 and x − y = 0 .
Q13. Find the equation of a circle which passes through the centre of the circle x2 + y 2 + 8x + 10 y − 7
= 0 and is concentric with the circle 2 x 2 + 2 y 2 − 8x − 12 y − 9 = 0 .
 5 7
Q14. Does the point  − ,  lie inside, outside or on the circle x 2 + y 2 = 25 ?
 2 2
Q15. Prove that the centres of the circles whose equations are given by x 2 + y 2 = 1 , x 2 + y 2 +
6 x − 2 y − 1 = 0 and x 2 + y 2 − 12 x + 4 y − 1 = 0 are collinear.
Q16. Prove that the radii of the circles having equations x 2 + y 2 = 4 , 4 x2 + 4 y 2 − 8x − 24 y + 15 = 0
and x 2 + y 2 − 4 y − 5 = 0 are in arithmetic progression.
Q17. Check whether the radii of the circles x 2 + y 2 = 1 , x 2 + y 2 − 2 x − 6 y − 6 = 0 and x 2 + y 2
−4 x − 12 y − 9 = 0 are in arithmetic progression or not.
Q18. The equations of the two diameters of a circle are x + y = 6 and x + 2 y = 4 and its radius is 10
units. Find the equation of the circle.
Q19. Write the equation of a circle the coordinates of whose centre is (3, 4) and which touches the
straight line 5x + 12 y − 1 = 0 .
Q20. What is the area of an equilateral triangle which has been inscribed in the circle having the
equation as x 2 + y 2 + 4 x − 4 y + 1 = 0 ?
Q21. Find the equation of circle passing through the point (0, 0) and the points where the line
3x + 4 y − 12 = 0 meets the axes of coordinates.

TYPE-B
 Based On Parabola
Q01. Find the coordinates of the focus, axis of the parabola, the equation of the directrix and the
length of the latus-rectum for the followings:
(a) y 2 = 12 x
(b) y 2 = −8 x
(c) x 2 = −9 y .
Q02. Find the equation of the parabola that satisfies the given conditions in the following cases:
(a) Focus (6, 0); directrix x = −6
(b) Vertex (0, 0); focus (–2, 0)
(c) Vertex (0, 0), passing through (5, 2) and symmetric with respect to y-axis.
Q03. Find the equation of the parabola which is symmetric about the y-axis, and which passes through
the point (2, −3) .
Q04. Find the equation of the parabola with the focus at (3, 0) and directrix x + 3 = 0 .
Q05. Find a parabola whose vertex is at the origin, the axis along the x-axis and which passes through
the point (2, 3).
Q06. Find the equation of parabola if its focus is at (1, –2) and equation of directrix is 2x – y + 3 = 0.

TYPE-C
 Based On Ellipse
Q01. Find the coordinates of the foci, the vertices, the length of major axis the minor axis, the
eccentricity and the length of the latus-rectum of the ellipses given below:
x2 y2
(a) + =1
16 9
(b) 9 x 2 + 4 y 2 = 36 .

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MATHEMATICIA - Vol. 2 Of Class XI By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
Q02. Find the equation of the ellipse that satisfy the given conditions:
(a) Vertices ( 13,0) , foci ( 5,0)
(b) Ends of major axis ( 3,0) , ends of minor axis (0, 2)
(c) Length of major axis 26, foci ( 5,0)
(d) Centre at (0, 0), major axis on the y-axis and passes through the points (3, 2) and (1, 6).
Q03. Find equation of an ellipse whose one of the foci is at (4, 0) and eccentricity is 1/3.
Q04. Find the equation of an ellipse whose major axis lies on the x-axis and which passes through the
points (4, 3) and (6, 2).
Q05. Write the equation of an ellipse whose centre lies at the origin, major axis lies on the x-axis, the
eccentricity is 2/3 and the length of latus-rectum is 5units.
Q06. Find the equation of an ellipse whose foci are at (0, 6) and the length of whose semi minor axis
is given as 8.

TYPE-D
 Based On Hyperbola
Q01. Find the coordinates of the foci and the vertices, the eccentricity and the length of the latus-
rectum of the hyperbolas:
(a) 16 x2 − 9 y 2 = 576
(b) y 2 − 16 x2 = 1 .
Q02. Find the lengths of the axes, the coordinates of foci and vertices; the eccentricity and the length
of the latus-rectum of hyperbola y 2 − 16 x 2 = 16 .
Q03. Find the equations of the hyperbola satisfying the given condition:
(a) Vertices ( 2,0) , foci ( 3,0)
(b) Foci (0, 12) , length of latus-rectum 36
(c) Foci (0,  10) , passing through (2, 3).
Q04. Write the equation of a hyperbola the coordinates of whose foci are given by ( 5,0) and whose
transverse axis is of length 8units.
Q05. Write the equation of a hyperbola whose foci are (0, 6) and the length of the conjugate axis is
of measure 2 11 units.
Q06. Find the equation of a hyperbola the coordinates of whose vertices are given by ( 7,0) and
whose eccentricity is 4/3.
Q07. Find the equation of a hyperbola the coordinates of whose foci are given by ( 2,0) having the
eccentricity is 3/2.
Q08. Write the equation of hyperbola whose eccentricity is 2 and the distance between the foci is
16, taking the transverse and conjugate axes of the hyperbola as x and y axis respectively.
Q09. Find the equation of the ellipse whose eccentricity is 4/5 and whose foci coincide with those of
the hyperbola 9 x 2 − 16 y 2 + 144 = 0 .

TYPE-E
 Based On Applications
Q01. A parabolic reflector is 9cm deep and its diameter is 24cm. How far is its focus from the vertex?
Q02. If a parabolic reflector is 20cm in diameter and 5 cm deep, find the focus.
Q03. The focus of a parabolic mirror is at a distance of 5cm from its vertex and the mirror is 15cm
deep. Find the length of the diameter of mirror.
Q04. An arch is in the form of parabola with its axis vertical. The arch is 10m high and 5m wide at the
base. Find its width at a distance of 2m from its vertex.
Q05. An equilateral triangle is inscribed in the parabola y 2 = 4a x so that one angular point of the
triangle is at the vertex of the parabola. Find the length of each side of the triangle.

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Conic Sections By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
Q06. The cable of a uniformly loaded suspension bridge hangs in the form of a parabola. The roadway
which is horizontal and 100m long is supported by vertical wires attached to the cable, the
longest wire being 30m and the shortest being 6m. Find the length of a supporting wire attached
to the roadway 18m from the middle.
Q07. Find the area of the triangle formed by the lines joining the vertex of the parabola. x 2 = 12 y to
the ends of its latus-rectum.
Q08. A rod AB of length 15cm rests in between two coordinate axes in such a way that the end point
A lies on x-axis and end point B lies on y-axis. A point P(x, y) is taken on the rod in such a way
that AP = 6cm . Show that the locus of P is an ellipse.
Q09. A rod of length 12cm moves with its ends always touching the coordinate axes. Determine the
equation of the locus of the path of a moving point P on the rod, which is 3cm from the end in
contact with the x-axis.
Q10. A beam is supported at its ends by supports which are 12metres apart. Since the load is
concentrated at its centre, there is a deflection of 3cm at the centre and the deflected beam is in
the shape of a parabola. How far from the centre is the deflection 1cm?
Q11. A man running a racecourse notes that the sum of the distances from the two flag posts from him
is always 10 m and the distance between the flag posts is 8 m. Find the equation of the path
traced by the man.
Q12. An arch is in the form of a semi-ellipse. It is 8 m wide and 2 m high at the centre. Find the
height of the arch at a point 1.5 m from one end.
Q13. The focus of a parabolic mirror is at a distance of 5cm from its vertex. If the mirror is 45 cm
deep, find the length of the diameter of mirror.
OR The focus of a parabolic mirror as shown in the adjacent
figure is at a distance of 5 cm from its vertex. If the mirror
is 45 cm deep, find the distance AB.

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MATHEMATICIA - Vol. 2 Of Class XI By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)

TEST For SELF EVALUATION - 11 

Time Allowed : 60 Minutes Max. Marks : 35

Q01. Determine the length of latus-rectum of parabola 2y2 + 3x = 0 . [11

Q02. Determine the centre and radius of 3x + 3y + 6x – 4y + 3 = 0.
2 2
[2 1
Q03. Find the equation of a parabola whose vertex is at the origin, the axis along the x-axis and which
passes through the point (2, 3).
Q04. For 9x2 + 7y2 = 63, find the centre, vertices, foci, length and eq. of major-minor axis, length of
latus-rectum. Also find the equations of latus-rectum, eccentricity and equations of directrices.
Q05. Obtain the expression for the length of latus rectum of a hyperbola whose transverse axis and
conjugate axis are along x and y axes respectively.
x 2 y2
Q06. Foci of a hyperbola coincide with the foci of + = 1 . Find the equation of hyperbola, if its
25 9
eccentricity is two.
Q07. Determine the value of eccentricity e of an ellipse if the distance between its foci is same as the
length of its latus-rectum. [4  5
Q08. An equilateral triangle is inscribed in a parabola y = 4p x , whose one vertex is at the vertex of
2

the parabola. Find the length of the side of the triangle.

Q09. A rod AB of length 15cm rests in between two coordinate axes in such a way that the end point
A lies on x-axis and end point B lies on y-axis. A point P(x, y) is taken on the rod in such a way
that AP = 6cm . Show that the locus of P is an ellipse. [6  2

 ANSWERS
3
Q01. units
2
Q02. Centre (–1, 2/3), radius = 2/3
Q03. 2y2 = 9x.
Q04. Centre : (0, 0), vertices : (0, 3 ), foci : (0,  2 ), length of major-minor axis : 6,
2
eq. of major axis : x = 0, length of latus rectum : 14/3, eq. of latus-rectum : y =  2 , e : and
3
9
the eq. of directrices : y =  .
2
2b 2
Q05.
a
x 2 y2
Q06. − =1
4 12
5 −1
Q07.
2
Q08. 8 3 p units
x 2 y2
Q09. + =1
81 36

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Conic Sections By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)
How to use this space below? Well, why don’t you write your Important Notes here?

48 By Rajesh Sarswat (+91-9810307106)