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Mathematics / Ellipse
Ellipse
01. Introduction
02. Tangents
03. More on Tangents and Chords
04. Normals
CONCEPT NO CONCEPT NO CONCEPT NO CONCEPT NO CONCEPT NOTES TES TES TES TES
Ellipse
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
F
N
L
Fig - 1
If the eccentricity of this ellipse is given to be e, we must have
( )
( )
Distance of from
Distance of from the line
Q F QF
e
Q L 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.
Fig - 2
y
x
M
Directrix L
P F P'
We can always find two points
and ' such that P P
PF
PM
=
P F '
P M '
= e
Thus, by definition, P and P ' will both lie on the ellipse.
Sec t i on - 1 I NTRODUCTI ON
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):
Fig - 3
y
x
P -a, ( 0)
F
P -a, '( 0)
M
L
Since
PF
e
PM

and
,
P F
e
P M
we have
( ) PF P F e PM P M + +
( ) PP e PM P M +
2 (2 ) a e PM PP +

2 2 ePM ae +
(1 )
a
PM e
e

This gives (1 ) PF ePM a e and .
a
OM OP PM
e
+ Thus the co-ordinates of F are (ae, 0) and that of
M are
, 0 .
a
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:
Fig - 4
y
x
M O
P F
( ,0) a ( ,0) ae
F '
( ,0) ae
P '
( ,0) a
M '
a
e
,0) (
-a
e
,0) (
L L'
That there exist another focus and directrix will become evident once we obtain the equation of the ellipse.
To find the equation of the ellipse we assume the co-ordinates of any point Q lying on the ellipse as (x, y):
Fig - 5
y
x
F( ,0) ae F ' ( ,0) ae
-a
e
,0) (
L L'
N
Q x, y ( )
N'
a
e
,0) (
We thus have
QF
e
QN

2 2
2
2
( ) x ae y
e
a
x
e
+ +

_
+

,
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 x y a e aex e x a aex + + + + +
2 2 2 2 2
(1 ) (1 ) x e y a e +
2 2
2 2 2
1
(1 )
x y
a a e
+
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
where
2 2 2
(1 ) b a e
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

We finally plot the ellipse taking help of the equation obtained.
Fig - 6
y
x
P '
L L'
N
Q
N'
M ' F ' F
O P
R
M
R'
The co-ordinates of R and R' can be obtain by substituting x = 0 in the equation of the ellipse obtained :
y b t
Thus, (0, ) R b and (0, ) R 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
mentioned : (ae, 0) and (ae, 0) so that FF ' = 2ae. Also,
2
.
a
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 such that the sum of its distances from two fixed
points and , i.e., + , is a constant. and are termed the foci of the ellipse.
Q
F F QF QF F F
The two definitions of the ellipse, one through eccentricity and one through the constant sum of distances, are
equivalent.
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 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.
l
Move the pen while
keeping the string taut
Fig - 8
The pen traces
out an 'ellipse'
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
l
e
L

We now discuss some terminology related to an ellipse which weve already seen for the case of parabolas.
FOCAL DISTANCES: Let
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
be the ellipse and F, F ' be the two foci (refer to fig - 6). The focal
OF Q(x, y) distances of Q are simply the two distances QF and QF .
a
QF eQN e x a ex
e
_
+ +

,
a
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
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
we substitute
x ae t
( the x-coordinates of the two foci). Thus
2
2 2
2
1
x
y b
a
_

,

2 2 2
(1 ) a e

2
(1 ) y a e t

2
b
a
t
Thus, the length l of the latus-rectum is
2
2b
l
a
Find the lengths of the major and minor axes and the foci for these ellipses:
(a)
2 2
16 25 400 x y +
(b)
2 2
4 2 0 x y x +
(c)
2 2
25 16 400 x y +
Example 1
Solution: (a) The given equation can be written in the form of the standard equation of an ellipse :
2 2
16 25
1
400 400
x y
+
2 2
1
25 16
x y
+
2 2
2 2
1
5 4
x y
+
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
2
2
3
1
5
b
e
a

Thus, the two foci are at ( , 0), ae t i.e., at ( 3, 0). t
(b) We first rearrange the equation of the ellipse to standard form :
2 2
4 2 1 x y x +
2 2
( 1) 4 1 x y +
2 2
2
2
( 1)
1
1
1
( )
2
x y
+
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) :
1, X x . Y y
so that the equation of the ellipse in the X-Y system is
( )
2 2
2 2
1
1
1
2
X Y
+
Since a = 1 and
1
,
2
b
the major and minor axes are 2 and 1 respectively, while the eccentricity
is
1 3
1 .
4 2
e Thus, the two foci are at (in the X-Y system):
3
, 0
2
_
t

,
In the original x-y system, we use the reverse transformation 1, , x X y Y + so that the foci
in the original system are at
3
1 , 0
2
_
t

,
(c)
2 2
25 16 400 x y +
2 2
1
16 25
x y
+
2 2
2 2
1
(4) (5)
x y
+
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
eccentricity is
2
2
1
a
e
b
(a and b get interchanged )
3
.
5
Thus, the two foci lie at (0, ), be t
i.e. at (0, 3). t

Fig - 9
y
(0 5) ,
F
1
F
2
(4 0) , (-4 0) ,
(0 5) ,-
x
Since the major-axis is
along the -axis, the two
foci also lie along the -axis.
Their coordinates are
y
y
F =
1
(0, 3)
F =
2
(0, 3)
and
The length of the latus rectum in this case will be given by
2
2a
b
and will be equal to
32
5
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

2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ =

If a > b If a < b
Vertices
Foci
Major axis
Minor axis

Directrices

Eccentricity e

Latus-recutm

Focal distances of (x, y)
(a, 0) and (-a, 0)
(ae, 0) and (-ae, 0)
2a (along x-axis)
2b (along y-axis)

and
a a
x x
e e
= =

2
2
1
b
a

2
2b
a

a ex

(0, b) and (0, -b)
(0, be) and (0, -be)
2b (along y-axis)
2a (along x-axis)

and
b b
y y
e e
= =

2
2
1
a
b

2
2a
b

b ey

And lastly, if the equation of the ellipse is
2 2
2 2
( ) ( )
1
x y
a b

+
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
2 2
2 2
1
X Y
a b
+
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 +

Find the equation of the ellipse with centre at the origin, foci at ( 1, 0) t and
1
.
2
e
Solution: Let the major axis be of length 2a. The distance between the two foci, 2ae, is equal to 2 for this
example.
2 2 ae
1
2 a
e

Thus,
2
(1 ) 3 b a e
The equation of the ellipse is therefore
2 2
1
4 3
x y
+
Find the equation of the ellipse whose major and minor axes lie along the lines 3 3 0 x y + and 3 1 0 x y +
and whose lengths are 6 and
2 6
respectively.
Example 2
Example 3
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

Fig - 10
P X,Y ( )
B
2
L x y
2
: 3 + 1= 0
A A
1 2
= 6
A
2
Y
A
1 X
L x y
1
: 3 + 3 = 0
B B
1 2
= 2 6
O
B
1
Assume any point on
the ellipse as
referred to the original
axes or referred
to the new axes
P(x, y)
P(X, Y)
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 L
1
L
2
system. In this new system, the
equation of the ellipse is simply
2 2
2 2
1
X Y
a b
+
where a = 3 and
6. b
Thus, the equation is
2 2
1
9 6
X Y
+ ...(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 L
2
:
3 1
10
x y
X
+
Similarly, Y is simply the perpendicular distance of P from L

1
:
3 3
10
x y
Y
+
Thus, using (1), the equation of the ellipse in x-y form is

2 2
(3 1) ( 3 3)
1
90 60
x y x y + +
+
2 2
21 6 29 6 58 151 0 x xy y x y + +
As an exercise find the centre and the foci of this ellipse.
(Hint : The centre is simply the intersection of L
1
and L
2
. The foci are at ( , 0) ae t in the X -Y system.
To find the foci in the x-y system, find the two points along L
1
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 0 lx my n + + 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 ( , ) from
Distance of ( , ) from the line
x y P
e
x y

2
2 2 2
2 2
( )
( ) ( )
lx my n
x h y k e
l m
+ +
+
+
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.
Given an ellipse
2 2
2 2
( , ) : 1 0
x y
S x y
a b
+ and a fixed point
1 1
( , ), P x y how will we determine whether P lies
inside or outside the ellipse ?
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.
Fig - 11
y
P x , y ( )
1 1
Q x , y ( )
1 0
x
Since Q lies on the ellipse, we have
2 2
0 1
2 2
1
y x
a b
+
2
2 2 1
0 2
1
x
y b
a
_

,
Example 4
Since P lies external to the ellipse, we must have
1 0
y y > so that
2 2
1 0
y y >
2
2 2 1
1 2
1
x
y b
a
_
>

,
2 2
1 1
2 2
1 0
x y
a b
+ >
1 1
( , ) 0 S x y >
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
1 1
( , ) 0. S x y < We
can write all this concisely as
1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1
( , ) 0 ( , ) lies inside the ellipse
( , ) 0 ( , ) lies on the ellipse
( , ) 0 ( , ) lies outside the ellipse
S x y P x y
S x y P x y
S x y P x y
<

>

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:
Fig - 12
y
x
P
1
P
2
AP + AP

A
1 2
is always
10 metres, for any
position of on the
race track
A
From the situation described, the race track must be an ellipse. The eccentricity is simply
8 4
10 5
e
(Refer to Page -5 to understand how to find eccentricity in such a scenario).
Example 5
If the major axis is of length 2a, we have
1 2
2 8 PP ae
5 a
Thus,
2
(1 ) 3. b a e
The equation of the elliptical race track is
2 2
1
25 9
x y
+
To evaluate the area enclosed, we solve the general problem:
What is the area enclosed by the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1 ?
x y
a b
+
To find the area, we divide the ellipse into elemental strips of width dx : one such strip is shown below.

Fig - 13
y
x
x
h
x
x
represents the height
of an elemental strip at
distance from the centre.
Note from the equation
of the ellipse that
h =
x
b
a
a x
2 2
h
x
The area of the elemental strip shown is
2
x
dA h dx

2 2
2b
a x dx
a

The area of the right half of the ellipse is therefore
2 2
half
0
2
a
b
A a x dx
a

2
ab
The total area of the ellipse is thus

half
2 A A ab
For the current example, the area becomes
5 3 15 sq. mt. A
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.
Let
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ be the ellipse and let AB and CD be any two diameters of the ellipse perpendicular
to each other.
Fig - 14
y
x
C
A
B
D
O
Since AB and CD are diameters, we can assume AO = OB = r
1
, and CO = OD = r
2
. 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
1 1 1
, ( cos , sin ) A B r r t
2 2
, cos , sin
2 2
C D r r
_ _ _
t + +

, , ,

2 2
( sin , cos ) r r t
These coordinates must satisfy the equation of the ellipse; we therefore obtain :
2 2 2 2
1 1
2 2
cos sin
1
r r
a b

+
and
2 2 2 2
2 2
2 2
sin cos
1
r r
a b

+
2 2
2 2 2
1
1 cos sin
r a b

+
and
2 2
2 2 2
2
1 sin cos
r a b

+
Adding these two relations, we have
2 2 2 2
1 2
1 1 1 1
r r a b
+ +
2 2 2 2
1 2
1 1 1 1
(2 ) (2 ) 4 4 r r a b
+ +
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1
4 4 AB CD a b
+ +
(a constant)
This proves the assertion stated in the question.
Example 6
Let
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ be an ellipse. Assume a > b. A circle is described on the major axis of this ellipse as diameter.
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.
Solution:
Fig - 15
y
x
P
O
R
Q
P = a , a ( cos sin )
R = a , b ( cos sin )
Q = a , ( cos 0)
The justification for
these coordinates is
given below.
As is evident, the radius of this circle, called the auxiliary circle of the ellipse, is a, so that its equation
is
2 2 2
x y a +
Now any point P on this circle can be taken in parametric form as ( cos , sin ) P a a where
is
the angle that OP makes with the horizontal.
To evaluate the y-coordinate of R, we substitute
cos x a
in the equation of the ellipse :
2 2 2
2 2
cos
1
a y
a b
+
sin y b
Thus, R is the point ( cos , sin ) a b while Q is simply ( cos , 0). a We now see that
sin sin
1
sin
PR a b a
RQ b b

which is independent of , proving the stated assertion.

There is one significant fact that we can learn about the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1.
x y
a b
+ We obtained the
coordinates of R as ( cos , sin ). a b This tells us that an alternative way to specify an ellipse is in
terms of a parameter :
cos , sin x a y b
Example 7 AUXI LI ARY CI RCLE
This is referred to as the parametric form of the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1.
x y
a b
+
is called the eccentric angle

of the point ( , ) ( cos , sin ). x y a b It is important to note that is not the angle that
( cos , sin ) a b makes with the horizontal; it is the angle which the corresponding point on the
auxiliary circle makes with the horizontal. Depending on what value
takes in the range [0, 2 )

(or (- , ]), the parametric form ( cos , sin ) a b gives us different points on the circumference of
the ellipse.
The point ( cos , sin ) a b in sometimes simply referred to as the point .
What are the eccentric angles of the extremities of the latus-recta in the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1 ?
x y
a b
+
Solution: As discussed earlier, the co-ordinates of the end-points of the latus-recta are
2
, .
b
ae
a
_
t t

,
Thus, if
we assume the required eccentric angle to be , we have
cos a ae t
2
sin
b
b
a
t
This gives us four values of , given by
tan
b
ae
t
corresponding to the four extremities of the two latus-recta :

Fig - 16
y
x
A'
The two latus-recta and

meet the auxiliary circle in ', ', C'
and '. 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
AB CD
A B
D
A
C'
D' B'
A
B
D
C
Example 8
EQUATION OF : Consider two points
and lying on the ellipse

2 2
2 2
1.
x y
a b
+
A CHORD We wish to determine the equation of the chord joining these two points.
JOINING and

Fig - 17
y
x
( cos sin ) a , b
( cos sin ) a , b
Using the two point form, we have
sin sin sin
cos cos cos
y b b b
x a a a

cos
sin 2
cos
sin
2
y b b
x a a
+ _

,

+ _

,
cos sin cos cos sin sin
2 2 2 2
x y
a b
+ + + + _ _ _ _
+ +

, , , ,
cos sin cos
2 2 2
x y
a b
+ + _ _ _
+

, , ,
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.
Suppose that the chord joining the points
1
and
2
on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ intersects the major-axis in (h, 0).
Show that
1 2
tan tan .
2 2
h a
h a
_ _

+
, ,
Example 9
Solution: By the result we just derived, the equation of the chord joining
1
and
2
is
1 2 1 2 1 2
cos sin cos
2 2 2
x y
a b
+ + _ _ _
+

, , ,
If this passes through (h, 0), we have
1 2 1 2
cos cos
2 2
h
a
+ _ _

, ,
1 2
1 2
cos
2
cos
2
h
a
_

,

+ _

,
1 2 1 2
1 2 1 2
cos cos
2 2
cos cos
2 2
h a
h a
+ _ _
, ,

+ + _ _
+

, ,

1 2
tan tan
2 2
_ _

, ,

A circle intersects the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ in four points A, B, C and D whose eccentric angles are respectively
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 :
Fig - 18
y
x
A( )
1
B( )
2
C( )
3
D( )
4
Example 10
Using the general equation of a chord joining two arbitrary points on an ellipse derived earlier, we can
write
1
0 L and
2
0, L 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
1 2
0 S L L +
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
3 4 3 4 1 2 1 2
2 2
2 2
1 2 3 4
Equation of Equation of
cos sin cos sin
2 2 2 2
1 0
cos cos
2 2
AB CD
x y x y
a b a b x y
a b
+ + + + _ _ _ _
+ +

, , , ,
+ +
' ;' ;
_ _

, ,
!""""""#""""""$!"""""""#"" $ """""
This represents a circle if
2 2
Coeff. of Coeff. of x y
Coeff. of 0 xy
3 4 3 4 1 2 1 2
2 2 2 2
1 1
cos cos sin sin
2 2 2 2 a a b b
+ + + + _ _ _ _
+ +

, , , ,
and
3 4 3 4 1 2 1 2
cos sin cos sin 0
2 2 2 2
+ + + + _ _ _ _
+

, , , ,
The second relation gives
1 2 3 4
cos 0
2
+ + + _

,
1 2 3 4
2
n
+ + +

,
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.
If 0 px qy r + + cuts the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ in points whose eccentric angles differ by
,
2
show that
2 2 2 2 2
2 a p b q r +
Solution: The two points of intersection can be assumed to be
( cos , sin ) P a b
cos , sin
2 2
Q a b
_ _ _
+ +

, , ,
( sin , cos ) a b
Since P and Q both lie on the line 0, px qy r + + their coordinates satisfy its equation. We thus have
cos sin 0 ap bq r + +
and sin cos 0 ap bq r + +
cos sin ap bq r + and sin cos . ap bq r +
Squaring and adding the two relations gives us the described result.
Let P be a point on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1, 0 .
x y
b a
a b
+ < < Let the line parallel to the y-axis passing through P meet
the circle
2 2 2
x y a + at the point Q such that P and Q are on the same side of the x-axis. For two positive real
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
2 2 2
x y a + is the auxiliary circle of the given ellipse.
y
x
Q a , a ( cos sin )
P a , b ( cos sin )
Fig - 19
R
Example 11
Example 12
We can assume point P to be ( cos , sin ) a b so that Q will be ( cos , sin ). a a The point R(h, k)
divides the segment PQ internally in the ratio r : s. Thus,
cos cos sin sin
,
ar as ar bs
h k
r s r s
+ +

+ +
We need to eliminate
from these two relations to obtain a relation between h and k. Thus,

( )
cos , sin
h k r s
a ar bs
+

+
Squaring and adding the two gives us the required relation :
2 2 2
2 2
( )
1
( )
h r s k
a ar bs
+
+
+
The required locus of R is
2 2 2
2 2
( )
1
( )
x r s y
a ar bs
+
+
+
which is an ellipse, as might have been expected.
Consider the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1.
x y
a b
+ Let F be its focus (ae, 0) and S be its vertex (a, 0). Consider any point P on the
ellipse whose eccentric angle is , while
. SFP
Prove that
1
tan tan
2 1 2
e
e
+ _
,
Solution:

Fig - 20
y
x
P a , b ( cos sin )
T

F ae, ( 0) S a, ( 0)
Drop a perpendicular
from onto the major
axis. The point is then
( cos 0)
PT P
T
T = a ,
We have, from the figure,
cos
FT
PF

Example 13
Since F is the focus, note that PF will simply be e times the distance of P from the directrix .
a
x
e
Thus,

cos
a
PF e a
e
_

,
cos a ae
(cos ) cos
cos
(1 cos ) 1 cos
a e e
a e e

...(1)
Thus,
2
1 cos (1 )(1 cos )
tan
2 1 cos (1 )(1 cos )
e
e
+ _

+ +
,
{Using (1)}

2
(1 )
tan
(1 ) 2
e
e
+ _
,
1
tan tan
2 1 2
e
e
+ _ _

, ,

Consider a focal chord AB of the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ where the eccentric angles of A and B are
1
and
2
respectively. If e is the eccentricity of the ellipse, prove that

1 2
1 2
sin sin
sin( )
e
+
+
Solution: The chord joining A and B has the equation
1 2 1 2 1 2
cos sin cos
2 2 2
x y
a a
+ + _ _ _
+

, , ,
...(1)
Since AB is a focal chord of the ellipse (say, it passes through
1
( , 0)), F ae the coordinates of the focus
must satisfy (1) so that we have
1 2 1 2
cos cos
2 2
e
+ _ _

, ,
1 2
1 2
cos
2
cos
2
e
_

,
+ _

,
...(2)
Example 14
Multiplying the numerator and denominator of the RHS of (2) by
1 2
2sin ,
2
+ _

,
we have
1 2 1 2
1 2 1 2
2cos sin
2 2
2cos sin
2 2
e
+ _ _

, ,
+ + _ _

, ,

1 2
1 2
sin sin
sin( )
+
+

Consider an ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ and a variable line . y mx c + What is the condition on m and c such that the
line
(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;
2 2
2 2
1 ;
x y
y mx c
a b
+ +
2 2
2 2
( )
1
x mx c
a b
+
+
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
( ) 2 ( ) 0 a m b x a mcx a c b + + + ...(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
2 2 2 2
c a m b +
Thus, we can say that the line
2 2 2
y mx a m b t +
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.
Example 15 I NTERSECTI ON OF A LI NE WI TH AN ELLI PSE
Q. 1 Let P be a variable point on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
with foci S
1
and S
2
. Find
1 2
max(area( )). PS S
Q. 2 Find the equation of the ellipse with foci at (0, 4) t and eccentricity
4
.
5
Q. 3 Show that
2 2
4 2 16 13 0 x y x y + + + + is the equation of an ellipse. Where are its foci ?
Q. 4 Find the equation of the ellipse whose foci are ( 2, 3) t 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 ?
y
x
l
Q. 6 Show that the traingle with vertices (1, 2), (3, 1) and (2, 1)lies completely inside the ellipse
2 2
2 13. x y +
TRY YOURSELF - I
As in circles and parabolas, the equation of a tangent to a given ellipse can take various different forms, all of which
we discuss in this section. We will use the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ as our standard throughout this discussion.
TANGENTS AT : Consider the ellipse
P(x
1
, y
1
)
2 2
2 2
( , ) : 1
x y
S x y
a b
+
and a point P(x
1
, y
1
) lying on this ellipse.
Thus,
2 2
1 1
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ ...(1)
The slope
T
m of the tangent at P(x
1
, y
1
) can be obtained by evaluating the derivative of
the curve at P. For this purpose, we differentiate the equation of the ellipse :
2 2
2 2
0
x y dy
a b dx
+
2
2
dy b x
dx a y

1 1
2
1
2
( , ) 1
T
P x y
dy b x
m
dx a y

The equation of the tangent can now be obtained using point-slope form :
2
1
1 1 2
1
( )
b x
y y x x
a y

2 2
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
xx yy x y
a b a b
+ + ...(2)
Using (1), the RHS in (2) is 1 so that the equation of the ellipse is
1 1
2 2
1
xx yy
a b
+
The equation obtained for the tangent can be, as in the case of circles and parabolas,
written concisely in the form
1 1
( , ) 0 T x y
Sec t i on - 2 TANGENTS
TANGENT AT P( ): If the point P is specified in parametric form instead of cartesian form, we simply substitute
1 1
cos , sin x a y b in the equation of the tangent obtained above. Thus, the
equation in this case is
cos sin 1
x y
a b
+
TANGENT OF : In example-15, we proved that any line of the form
SLOPE m
2 2 2
y mx a m b t +
is a tangent to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1,
x y
a b
+
whatever the value of m may be.
As an exercise, show that this tangent touches the ellipse at the point
2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
,
a m b
a m b a m b
_
t

+ +
,
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)
Tangents drawn at
1
( ) A and
2
( ) B on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ intersect in P. Find the coordinates of P.
Solution: The equations of the tangents at A and B, using the parametric form for the tangent, are
1 1
cos sin 1
x y
a b
+
...(1)
2 2
cos sin 1
x y
a b
+
...(2)
2 1
(1) cos (2) cos gives
1 2 2 1
sin( ) cos cos
y
b

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

1 2
1 2
sin
2
cos
2
b
+ _

,
_

,
Example 16
Similarly,
2 1
(1) sin (2) sin gives
1 2
1 2
cos
2
cos
2
a
x
+ _

,
_

,
Thus, the coordinates of the point of intersection P are
1 2 1 2
1 2 1 2
cos sin
2 2
,
cos cos
2 2
a b
P
+ + _ _ _

, ,

_ _

, , ,

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
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ and P be the point (h, k).
Any tangent to this ellipse is of the form
2 2 2
y mx a m b + +
If this passes through P(h, k), we have
2 2 2
k mh a m b + +
2 2 2 2
( ) k mh a m b +
2 2 2 2 2
( ) 2 0 h a m hkm k b +
As expected, we obtain a quadratic in m which will give us two roots, say m
1
and m
2
. Since the
tangents through P are perpendicular, we have
1 2
1 m m
2 2
2 2
1
k b
h a
2 2 2 2
h k a b + +
Thus, the locus of P is
2 2 2 2
x y a b + +
Example 17
DI RECTOR CI RCLE
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
x
From any point on the
director circle of an ellipse,
the two tangents drawn to
the ellipse are perpendicular.
Fig - 21
P
Prove that the product of the perpendiculars from the foci upon any tangent to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ is
2
. b
Solution: We can assume an arbitrary tangent to this ellipse to be
2 2 2
y mx a m b + +
...(1)
The perpendicular distances of the two foci,
1
( , 0) F ae and
2
( , 0) F ae from the line given by (1) are
2 2 2
1
2
1
mae a m b
d
m
+ +
+
2 2 2
2
2
1
mae a m b
d
m
+ +
+
We thus have,
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 2 2
1
a m b a m e
d d
m
+
+

2 2 2 2
2
(1 )
1
a m e b
m
+
+

2 2 2
2
1
m b b
m
+
+

2
b

Example 18
Find the locus of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the origin upon any tangent to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1.
x y
a b
+
Solution: We can assume an arbitrary tangent to this ellipse as
2 2 2
y mx a m b + +
Let the foot of perpendicular from the origin upon this tangent be P(h, k):
Fig - 22
y
P h,k ( )
S
O
x
Thus,
2 2 2
k mh a m b + +
...(1)
Also,
OP SP
( the tangent)
1
k
m
h

h
m
k

...(2)
Using (2) in (1), we obtain a relation between h and k as
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
( ) h k a h b k + +
Thus, the required locus of P is
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
( ) x y a x b y + +
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.
Example 19
Example 20
Solution: The following diagram makes the phrase corresponding focus clear :

Fig - 23
y
P
x
F
1
T
1
F
2
T
2
We need to prove that
PF PF T
1 1 2 2
T = =

2
Let the equation of the ellipse be
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ and assume P to be ( cos , sin ). a b F
1
and F
2
are
(ae, 0) and (ae, 0) respectively.
The equation of the tangent at P is
cos sin 1
x y
a b
+
T
1
and T
2
can now be evaluated since we know their x-coordinates as
a
e
and
a
e
respectively.
1
( cos )
:
sin
a b e
T x y
e e
+

1
( cos )
,
sin
a b e
T
e e
+ _

,
Similarly,
2
( cos )
,
sin
a b e
T
e e
_
,
Now we evaluate the appropriate slopes :
1 1 2
( cos )
( cos )
sin
sin (1 )
FT
b e
b e
e
m
a
a e
ae
e
+
+
1
sin sin
cos ( cos )
PF
b b
m
a ae a e

+ +
1 1 1
2 2
2 2 2
1
(1 )
FT PF
b b
m m
a e b

which implies
1 1 1
FT PF
Similarly, we can show that
2 2 2
. F T PF
Thus, the two intercepts subtend right angles at their corresponding foci.
Common tangents are drawn to the parabola
2
4 y x and the ellipse
2 2
1
16 6
x y
+ touching the parabola at A and
B and the ellipse at C and D. What is the area of the quadrilateral ABDC ?
Solution:

Fig - 24
y
O
x
A
C
E
P
D
y = x
2
4
Q
B
An approximate figure
showing the common
tangents and
intersecting in
(which will lie on the
axis due to the symmetry
of the problem)
AC BD
E
Any tangent to the parabola
2
4 y x can be written in the form
1
y mx
m
+
This line touches the ellipse if the condition for tangency,
2 2 2 2
c a m b +
is satisfied, i.e. if
2
2
1
10 6 m
m
+
giving
1
2 2
m t
Thus, the two tangents AE and BE are
1
2 2
2 2
y x
_
t +

,
which evidently intersect at ( 4, 0). E
Example 21
The point of contact for the parabola
2
4 y ax is given by
2
2
, .
a a
m m
_

,
Thus A and B have the
coordinates
(8, 4 2) t
so that
8 2 AB
The point of contact for the ellipse will be
2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
, .
a m b
a m b a m b
_
t

+ +
,
Thus, C and D will have the coordinates

3
2,
2
_
t

,
so that
3 2 CD
Finally, PQ can now easily be seen to be 8 + 2 = 10. The area of quadrilateral ABDC (which is
actually a trapezium) is
1
( )
2
AB CD PQ +

55 2 sq units

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.
Solution: Let the ellipse be
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
and let a tangent be drawn to it at an arbitrary point ( cos , sin ) P a b as
shown :
Fig - 25
y
x
O
P
F
T
Q
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
need to show that the x-coordinate of Q as in the figure above is .
a
x
e
Example 22
The equation of the tangent at P is cos sin 1.
x y
a b
+
The slope of this tangent is cot
T
b
m
a

Therefore, the slope of FT is
tan
FT
a
m
b

The equation of FT is
: tan ( )
a
FT y x ae
b
_

,
...(1)
The equation of OP is simply
: tan
b
OP y x
a
_

,
...(2)
Comparing (1) and (2) gives ,
a
x
e
which proves the stated assertion.
Find the coordinates of all the points on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ for which the area of
PON
is the maximum
where O is the origin and N is the foot of the perpendicular from O to the tangent at P.
Solution: We can assume the point P to be ( cos , sin ) a b so that the tangent at P has the equation
cos sin 1
x y
a b
+
...(1)
Fig - 26
O
P a , b ( cos sin )
N
y
x
To evaluate the area of , PON we first need the coordinates of the point N. The equation of ON is
0 tan ( 0)
a
y x
b

sin cos 0 ax by ...(2)
Example 23
The intersection of (1) and (2) gives us the coordinates of N as
2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
cos sin
,
sin cos sin cos
ab a b
N
a b a b
_

+ +
,
The length PN can now be evaluated using the distance formula :
2 2
2 2 2 2
( ) sin cos
sin cos
a b
PN
a b

+
The length ON is simply the perpendicular distance of O from the tangent at P given by (1) :
2 2 2 2
sin cos
ab
ON
a b
+
Thus, the area of
OPN
is
1
2
PN ON

2 2
2 2 2 2
( ) sin cos
2 sin cos
ab a b
a b

+

2 2
1
2
tan cot
a b
a b
b a
+
The expression
tan cot
a b
b a
+
is of the form
1
y
y
+
whose minimum magnitude is 2, when
tan 1
a
b
t
tan
b
a
t
2 2 2 2
sin , cos
b a
a b a b
t t
+ +
When this minimum is achieved, is maximum. Thus, the possible coordinates of P for which area
( ) OPN is maximum are
2 2
2 2 2 2
,
a b
P
a b a b
_
t t

+ +
,
As might have been expected from symmetry, there are four such possible points on the ellipse.
A straight line L touches the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ and the circle
2 2 2
x y r + (where b < r < a). A focal chord of
the ellipse parallel to L meets the circle in A and B. Find the length of AB.
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) :
2 2 2
y mx a m b + +
Fig - 27
x
y
A
B
F
1
N
L
O
Since L is a tangent to the circle too, its distance from (0, 0) must equal r. Thus,
2 2 2
2
1
a m b
r
m
+
+
2 2
2 2
r b
m
a r
...(1)
The equation of AB( which passes through
1
( , 0)) F ae can now be written as
0 ( ) y m x ae
mx y mae ...(2)
To evaluate the length AB, one alternative is to find the intercept that the circle
2 2 2
x y r + 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,
2
1
mae
ON
m
+
Example 24
Finally, we have
2 AB AN

2 2
2 OA ON

2 2 2
2
2
2
1
m a e
r
m

+

2 2 2 2 2 2
2
2 2 2 2
( )
2
( )
r b a e a r
r
a b a b
_

,
= 2 b
The length of the chord AB is equal to 2b, the same as the minor axis of the ellipse.
Find the angle of intersection of the ellipse
2
2 2
1
x y
a b
2
+ and the circle
2 2
. x y ab +
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.
Fig - 28
x
y
P
We need to
find
Example 25
Consider any point of intersection, say P, the one in the first quadrant. The coordinates of P can be
assumed to be ( cos , sin ). a b Since P also lies on the circle, we have
2 2 2 2
cos sin a b ab +
2 2 2
( ) cos ( ) a b b a b
2
2
cos
sin
b
a b
a
a b
+
;
+
...(1)
At P, the tangent to the ellipse has the slope
3
2
cot
E
b b
m
a a
_

,
(Using (1))
while the tangent to the circle has the slope
1
2
cot
C
a a
m
b b
_

,
(Again, using (1))
Thus, the angle of intersection is given by
3 1
2 2
tan
1
1
C E
C E
a b
m m a b b a
b
m m ab
a
_ _

+
, ,

+
+
1
tan
a b
ab
+ _

,

Q. 1 Prove that the tangents at the extremities of the latus rectum of an ellipse intersect on the corresponding
directrix.
Q. 2 Let P and Q be points on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ whose eccentric angles differ by
.
2
Tangents at P
and Q intersect at R. What is the locus of R ?
Q. 3 Prove that the locus of the mid-point of the portion of the tangent to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ intercepted
between the coordinate axes is
2 2 2 2 2 2
4 . b x a y x y +
Q. 4 We generalise Question - 2 (above) in this question. What is the locus of the point of intersection of
tangents to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ at points whose eccentric angles differ by a constant 2 .
Q. 5 Find the locus of the foot of perpendicular on any tangent to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ from either of its
foci.
Q. 6 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.
Q. 7 Let P be any point on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ with y-coordinate k. Prove that the angle between the
tangent at P and the focal chord through P is
2
1
tan .
b
aek
_

,
Q. 8 A tangent to
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ cuts the axes in A and B and touches the ellipse at P in the first quadrant.
What is the equation of this tangent if AP = PB ?
Q. 9 If the tangent at any point on
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ makes an angle with the major axis and an angle with
the focal radius of the point of contact, show that the eccentricity of the ellipse e satisfies
cos
.
cos
e

Q. 10 Prove that the tangent at any point on the ellipse bisects the external angle between the focal radii of
that point.
TRY YOURSELF - II
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
2 2
2 2
( , ) 1 0
x y
S x y
a b
+ in this discussion.
CHORD OF : Two tangents are drawn from an external point P(x
1
, y
1
) to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1,
x y
a b
+
CONTACT FROM touching this ellipse at points A and B. We need to find the equation of AB, the chord of
P(x
1
, y
1
): contact.

Fig - 28
y
P x ,y ( )
1 1
A
x
B
AB
P
is the chord of
contact for the
tangents drawn
from to the ellipse
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 (x
2
, y
2
) and (x
3
, y
3
) respectively. The tangents
at A and B then have the equations :
2 2
2 2
1
xx yy
a b
+
and
3 3
2 2
1
xx yy
a b
+
Since these tangents intersect at
1 1
, ( , ) P x y must satisfy both these equations. Thus,
1 2 1 2
2 2
1
x x y y
a b
+
and
1 3 1 3
2 2
1
x x y y
a b
+
Now, from these two equations, we can deduce that
2 2
( , ) x y and
3 3
( , ) x y are actually
two solutions of the linear equation
1 1
2 2
1
xx yy
a b
+
which means that this must be the chord of contact.
The equation of the chord of contact can be written concisely as
1 1
( , ) 0 T x y
Sec t i on - 3 MORE ON TANGENTS AND CHORDS
CHORD BISECTED : Let the required chord be AB, where the coordinates of A and B are (x
2
, y
2
) and (x
3
, y
3
)
AT P(x
1
, y
1
) respectively.
Fig - 30
y
x
A x y ( , )
2 2
P x y ( , )
1 1
B x y ( , )
3 3
Since A and B lie on the ellipse, we have
2 2
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
...(1)
2 2
3 3
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ ...(2)
By (1) (2), we have
2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3
2 2
( )( ) ( )( )
0
x x x x y y y y
a b
+ +
+
...(3)
We also have to use the fact that P is the mid-point of AB, so that
2 3 1
2 x x x + and
2 3 1
2 y y y + ...(4)
Using (4) in (3), we obtain
1 2 3 1 2 3
2 2
2 ( ) 2 ( )
0
x x x y y y
a b

+
2
2 3 1
2
2 3 1
y y b x
x x a y
...(5)
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 :
2
1
1 1 2
1
( )
b x
y y x x
a y

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

1 1 1
1 1
k y hy kx
y x
h x h x
_ _
+

, ,
...(1)
PQ being a tangent to the ellipse, the condition
2 2 2 2
c a m b +
for tangency must be
satisfied in (1). Thus,
2 2
2 2 1 1 1
1 1
hy kx k y
a b
h x h x
_ _
+

, ,
...(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
2
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1
h k x y hx ky
a b a b a b
_ _
_
+ + +

,
, ,
Using (x, y) instead of (h, k), the equation to the pair of tangents becomes
2
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1
x y xx yy x y
a b a b a b
_ _
_
+ + +

,
, ,
which can be written concisely as
2
1 2 1 1
( , ) ( , ) ( , ) T x y S x y S x y
or simply
2
1
. T SS
Find the locus of the point such that the chord of contact of the tangents drawn from it to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
touches the circle
2 2 2
. x y r +
Solution: Let ( , ) P h k be such a point.
Fig - 32
y
x
P B
A
The equation of the chord of contact AB from P(h, k) is
( , ) 0 T h k
2 2
1
hx ky
a b
+
2 2
2
b h b
y x
a k k
_
+

,
This is a tangent to the circle
2 2 2
, x y r + if the condition for tangency for the case of circles
2 2 2
( (1 )) c a m + is satisfied :
4 4 2
2
2 4 2
1
b b h
r
k a k
_
+

,
4 4 4 2 2 4 2 2
a b a r k b r h +
( ) ( )
2 2
2 2
2 2
1
h k
a b
r r
+
( ) ( )
2 2
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
r r
+
which is an ellipse
Example 26
A variable chord AB of the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
subtends a right angle at its centre. Tangents drawn at A and B
intersect at P. Find the locus of P.
Solution: Let P be the point (h, k).
Fig - 33
y
x
O
A
B
P h,k ( )
Since AB is the chord of contact for the tangents drawn form P, the equation of AB will be
( , ) 0 T h k
2 2
1
hx ky
a b
+
...(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) :
Joint equation of AB :
2
2 2
2 2 2 2
x y hx ky
a b a b
_
+ +

,
...(2)
Since OA and OB are perpendicular, we must have
2 2
Coeff. of Coeff. of 0 x y + in (2)
2 2
2 4 2 4
1 1
0
h k
a a b b
+
2 2
4 4 2 2
1 1 h k
a b a b
+ +
The locus of P is therefore
2 2
4 4 2 2
1 1 x y
a b a b
+ +
Example 27
A tangent drawn to the ellipse
2 2
1 2 2
: 1
x y
E
a b
+ intersects the ellipse
2 2
2
:
x y
E a b
a b
+ + at P and Q. Prove that
the tangents drawn to E
2
at P and Q intersect at right angles.
Solution: Let the point of intersection be ( , ). R h k
Fig - 34
y
x
E
1
P
R h,k ( )
E
2
Q
PQ is the chord of contact for the tangents drawn from ( , ) R h k to E
2
. Thus, the equation of PQ is
( , ) 0 T h k
hx ky
a b
a b
+ +
( )
bh b
y x a b
ak k
_
+ +

,
PQ touches the inner ellipse E
1
if the condition for tangency for ellipses
2 2 2 2
( ) c a m b + is satisfied.
Thus,
2 2 2
2 2 2
2 2 2
( )
b b h
a b a b
k a k
_
+ +

,
2 2 2
( ) h k a b + + ...(1)
By Example -17, any point ( , ) h k lying on the director circle of E
2
must satisfy
2 2
( ) ( ) h k a a b b a b + + + +

2
( ) a b + ... (2)
From (1) and (2), it is evident that the point ( , ) R h k itself lies on the director circle of E
2
, and thus, by
definition of a director circle, 90 . PRQ
Example 28
Find the locus of the point of intersection of tangents to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ which are inclined at an angle
.
Solution: Let P(h, k) be the point of intersection; we need to find the locus of P.
Fig - 35
y
x
P h, k ( )
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
2 2 2
y mx a m b + +
If this tangent passes through P(h, k), we have
2 2 2
k mh a m b + +
2 2 2 2 2
( ) 2 0 h a m hkm k b +
As expected, a quadratic in m is formed, which will give two roots (both real if P(h, k) is external to
the ellipse) m
1
and m
2
, where
2 2
1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
2
,
hk k b
m m m m
h a h a
+

...(1)
The angle
is given by
1 2
1 2
tan
1
m m
mm

+
2 2 2
1 2 1 2
(1 ) tan ( ) m m m m +

2
1 2 1 2
( ) 4 m m m m + ...(2)
Example 29
Using (1) in (2) and simplifying, we obtain a relation in h and k :
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
( ) 4cot ( ) h k a b b h a k a b + + + +
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
( ) 4cot ( ) x y a b b x a y a b + + + + ...(3)
From (3), we observe that the particular case of
2

gives the locus of P as
2 2 2 2
x y a b + +
which is the equation of the director circle; weve already obtained this result earlier.
Find the locus of the mid-points of focal chords of the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1,
x y
a b
+ passing through a particular focus, say
1
( , 0). F ae
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
2 2
2 2 2 2
hx ky h k
a b a b
+ +
Since this passes through ( )
1
, 0 , F ae we have
2 2
2 2 2
hae h k
a a b
+
2 2
2 2
xe x y
a a b
+
Example 30
Q.1 Find the locus of the mid-point of chords of the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ touching the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
c d
+
Q. 2 From a point P, tangents drawn to
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ are perpendicular. Prove the chord of contact is a
tangent to
2 2
4 4 2 2
1 x y
a b a b
+
+
Q. 3 A tangent to the ellipse
2 2
4 4 x y + meets the ellipse
2 2
2 6 x y + 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
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ to the circle
2 2 2
x y r + . Prove that
the chord of contact is a tangent to
2 2 2 2 4
a x b y r +
TRY YOURSELF - 3
Consider an ellipse
2 2
2 2
1.
x y
a b
+ We need to find the equation of the normal to this ellipse at a given point P on it.
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
dy
dx
at P.
P(x
1
, y
1
) Thus,
2 2
1
2 2
1
T
P
P
dy b x b x
m
dx a y a y

Therefore, the slope of the normal is
2
1
2
1
N
a y
m
b x
The equation of the normal can now be written using point-slope form:
2
1
1 1 2
1
( )
a y
y y x x
b x

2 2
2 2
1 1
a b
x y a b
x y

NORMAL AT : If P has been specified in parametric form, the equation for the normal can be obtained
( cos sin ) P a , b by the substitution
1 1
cos , sin x a y b in the equation obtained above :
2 2
sec cosec ax by a b
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
1 1
( , )). P x y
SLOPE m The equation of the normal at
1 1
( , ) P x y can be written as
2 2
2 2
1 1
a x b y
a b
x y

...(1)
This has a slope
2
1
2
1
a y
m
b x
...(2)
Sec t i on - 4 NORMALS
Since
1 1
( , ) P x y lies on the ellipse, we have
2 2
1 1
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ ...(3)
Using (2) in (3), we obtain
2 2 2
2 1
1 2 4
1
x b m
x
a a
+
2
1
2 2 2
a
x
a b m
t
+
...(4)
From (2),
2
1
2 2 2
b m
y
a b m
t
+
...(5)
Using (4) and (5) in (1), we finally obtain the equation of the normal with slope m as
2 2
2 2 2
( ) m a b
y mx
a b m
t
+
...(6)
We can say that any line of the form (6) will be a normal to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1,
x y
a b
+ with
the points of contact given by (4) and (5).
When is the straight line 0 px qy r + + a normal to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1 ?
x y
a b
+
Solution: Any normal to the ellipse can be written using the parametric form as
2 2
sec cosec . ax by a b
If
px qy r +
is also a normal to the ellipse, we have
2 2
sec cosec a b a r
P q r

2 2 2 2
cos , sin
( ) ( )
ar br
p a b q a b

Eliminating
gives us the required condition :

2 2
cos sin 1 +
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2
( ) a b a b
r p q
+

Example 31
What is the farthest distance at which a normal to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
can lie from the centre of the ellipse ?
Solution: Any normal to the ellipse is of the form
2 2
sec cosec ax by a b
The distance of this normal from the centre (0, 0) is
2 2
2 2 2 2
sec cosec
a b
d
a b
+
We need to find the maximum value of d, or equivalently, the minimum value of
2 2 2 2
( ) sec cosec f a b +
We have
2 2 2 2
( ) 2 sec tan 2 cosec cot f a b
( ) 0 f when
2
tan
b
a

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

2 2
max
min
( )
a b
d
f

( )
2 2
a b
a b
+
a b
Example 32
Find the point on the ellipse
2 2
1
6 3
x y
+ whose distance from the line 7 x y + is minimum.
Solution: Any point on the given ellipse can be assumed to be
( 6 cos , 3 sin ). P
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.

Fig - 36
y
x
Q
P
If is the point of the minimum
distance from the given line, the
normal at must be perpendicular
to the given line.
P
P
The equation of the normal at P, using parametric form, is
( 6 sec ) ( 3cosec ) 3 x y
whose slope is
2 tan
N
m
If the normal is perpendicular to 7, x y + we have
1
N
m
1
tan
2

1
sin
3

and
2
cos
3

Thus, the point P is ( cos , sin ) (2,1). a b
Example 33
The normal at any point P on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ meets the major and minor axes at A and B respectively. ON
is the perpendicular upon this normal from the centre O of the ellipse. Show that
2
PA PN b and
2
PB PN a
Solution:
Fig - 37
y
x
P
M
O
N
A
B
Assume the point P to be ( cos , sin ). a b The normal at P has the equation
2 2
( sec ) ( cosec ) a x b y a b ...(1)
The coordinates of A are therefore
2 2
2
, 0 ( cos , 0)
sec
a b
A ae
a
_

,
Similarly, B is
2 2 2 2
0, 0, sin
cosec
b a a e
B
b b
_ _

, ,
PA and PB can now be evaluated using the distance formula :
2 2 2
( cos cos ) ( sin ) PA a ae b +

4
2 2 2
2
cos sin
b
b
a
+

2 2 2 2
sin cos
b
a b
a
+
...(2)
2
2 2
2
( cos ) sin sin
a e
PB a b
b
_
+ +

,

2 2 2 2
sin cos
a
a b
b
+
...(3)
Example 34
PN can be evaluated either using the perpendicular distance of O from the normal
at
2 2 2
( ) P PN OP ON or simply as the perpendicular distance of O from the tangent at P.
The tangent at P has the equation
cos sin 0 bx ay ab +
Thus,
2 2 2 2
cos sin
ab
PN
b a
+
...(4)
From (2), (3) and (4), we have
2
PA PN b
and
2
PB PN a

Prove that from any given point ( , ), P h k four normals (real or imaginary) can be drawn to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
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
2 2
( sec ) ( cosec ) a x b y a b
If this passes through ( , ), P h k we have
2 2
sec cosec ah bk a b ...(1)
We need to show that this equation will in general yield four values of
.
For this purpose, we use the
substitution
2
2 2
1 2
cos , sin
1 1
t t
t t

+ +
where
tan .
2
t

Thus, (1) transforms to,

2 2
2 2 2 2
2
1 1
1 2
t t
ah bk a b a e
t t
_ _ + +

, ,

2 2 2
( (1 )) b a e
4 2 2 3 2 2
2( ) 2( ) 0 bkt ah a e t ah a e t bk + + + ...(2)
Example 35
This is a biquadratic equation in t, yielding four roots, say
1 2 3 4
, , , . t t t t This shows that in general four
normals can be drawn.
From (2), we have
2 2
1 1 2 3 4
2( ) ah a e
s t t t t
bk
+
+ + +
2 1 2 1 3 1 4 2 3 2 4 3 4
0 s t t t t t t t t t t t t + + + + +
2 2
3 1 2 3 1 2 4 1 3 4 2 3 4
2( ) ah a e
s t t t t t t t t t t t t
bk
+ + +
4 1 2 3 4
1
bk
s t t t t
bk

Thus,
3 1 3 1 2 4
2 4
tan
2 2 2 2 1
s s
s s
_
+ + +

+
,
3 1 2 4
1
2 2 2 2 2
n
_
+ + + +

,
1 2 3 4
(2 1) n + + + +
This proves that the sum of the eccentric angles is an odd multiple of .
Q. 1 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.
Q. 2 If the eccentric angles of points A and B on the ellipse are and
2
+
and
is the angle between

the normals at A and B, prove that the eccentricity e of the ellipse is given by
2 2 2
2
2
1 sin 2 tan . e
e

Q. 3 The tangent drawn at the point
2
( , 2 ) t t on the parabola
2
4 y x is the same as the normal drawn at
a point
( 5 cos , 2sin )
on the ellipse
2 2
4 5 20. x y + 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
2 4
1 . e e
Q. 5 (a) A ray is incident on the ellipse
2 2
16 9 400 x y + 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.
TRY YOURSELF - IV
Let F
1
and F
2
be the foci of an ellipse with eccentricity e. For any point P on the ellipse, prove that
1 2 2 1
tan 1
tan
2 2 1
PFF PF F e
e
_ _

+
, ,
Solution: Assume the ellipse to be
2 2
2 2
1,
x y
a b
+ and let P be the point ( cos , sin ). a b

Fig - 38
y
x
F
2
P a b ( cos , sin )
F
1
1
F ae
1
= (- , 0)
F ae
2
= ( , 0)
Using the sine rule in
1 2
, PFF we have
2 1 1 2
1 2 1 2
sin sin sin( ( ))
PF PF FF

+
2 1 1 2
1 2 1 2
sin sin sin( )
PF PF F F +

+ +
1 2 1 2
2 2
sin sin sin( )
a ae

+ +

1 2
will always equal
the length of the major axis
PF PF +
' ;

1 2
1 2
cos
2
cos
2
e
+ _

,

_

,
1 2 1 2
1 2 1 2
cos cos
1 2 2
1
cos cos
2 2
e
e
+ _ _
, ,

+ + _ _
+

, ,
1 2
1
tan tan
2 2 1
e
e
_ _

+
, ,
This is the desired result.
SOLVED EXAMPLES
Example 1
Let d be the perpendicular distance from the centre of the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ to the tangent drawn at a point P on
the ellipse. If F
1
and F
2
are the two foci of the ellipse, prove that
2
2 2
1 2 2
( ) 4 1
b
PF PF a
d
_

,
Solution: Let P be the point ( cos , sin ) a b whereas F
1
and F
2
are given by ( , 0). ae t
Fig - 39
y
x
F
1
F
2
P
d
By definition, the focal distance of any point on an ellipse is e times the distance of that point from the
corresponding directrix. Thus,
1
cos
a
PF e a
e
_

,
cos ae a

cos a ae
2
cos
a
PF e a
e
_
+

,

cos a ae +
2 2 2 2
1 2
( ) 4 cos PF PF a e ...(1)
Now, the equation of the tangent at P is
cos sin 0 bx ay ab +
Example 2
The distance of (0, 0) from this tangent is d. Thus,
2 2 2 2
sin cos
ab
d
a b
+
2 2
2 2
2 2
sin cos
b b
d a
+
2 2
2
2 2
1 1 cos
b b
d a
_

,

2 2
cos e
2
2 2 2 2
2
4 1 4 cos
b
a a e
d
_

,
...(2)
From (1) and (2), we see that the equality stated in the question does indeed hold.
Find the radius of the largest circle with centre (1, 0) that can be inscribed inside the ellipse
2 2
1.
16 4
x y
+
Solution: The following diagram shows the largest such circle. Observe it carefully :
Fig - 40
y
x
R
1
C(1,0)
R
2
O
Note that the largest possible circle lying completely inside the ellipse must touch it, say, at the points
R
1
and R
2
, as shown. At these points, it will be possible to draw common tangents to the circle and the
ellipse.
Let point R
1
be (4cos , 2sin ). The equation of the tangent at R
1
is
cos sin
1
4 2
x y
+
cos 2 sin 4 x y +
Example 3
If CR
1
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
4cos 1 2sin

1
cos
3

Thus, R
1
is
4 4 2
, .
3 3
_

,
The largest possible radius is therefore
2
2
max 1
4 4 2
1 0
3 3
r CR
_
_
+

,
,

11
3

A tangent is drawn to the ellipse
2 2
1 2 2
: 1
x y
E
a b
+ which cuts the ellipse
2 2
2 2 2
: 1
x y
E
c d
+ at the points A and B.
Tangents to this second ellipse at A and B intersect at right angles. Prove that
2 2
2 2
1
a b
c d
+
Solution: Let the point of intersection of the two tangents be ( , ). P h k
Fig - 41
y
x
E
1
P h,k ( )
E
2
B
A
Note that since AB is the chord of contact for the tangents drawn from P to E
2
, we have the equation
of AB as
( , ) 0 T h k
2 2
1
hx ky
c d
+
2 2
2
d h d
y x
c k k
_
+

,
Example 4
If AB is to touch the inner ellipse E
1
, the condition of tangency must be satisfied :
4 4 2
2 2
2 4 2
d d h
a b
k c k
+
4 4 2 4 2 2 4 2
c d a d h b c k +
...(1)
Since PA and PB intersect at right angles, P must lie on the director circle of the ellipse E
2
. Thus,
2 2 2 2
h k c d + +
...(2)
(1) and (2) can be considered a system of equations in the variables h
2
and k
2
:
2 4 2 2 4 2 4 4
( ) ( ) a d h b c k c d +
h
2
+ k
2
= c
2
+ d
2
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 :
2 4 2 4
4 4 2 2 4 4 2 2
1 1
;
a d b c
c d c d c d c d

+ +
2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
;
a c b d
c c d d c d

+ +
2 2
2 2
1
a b
c d
+
Let ABC be an equilateral triangle inscribed in the circle
2 2 2
. x y a + Perpendiculars from A, B, C to the major
axis of the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
(where a > b) meet the ellipse respectively at P, Q, R so that P, Q and R lie on the
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
x
We need to show that
the normals at , and
are concurrent
P Q
R
Fig - 42
A
C
B
Q
O
R
P
Example 5
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
,
3
by virtue of
ABC
being equilateral.
Thus, we can assume the eccentric angels of P, Q and R to be
2 2
, , .
3 3

+
Now, the equation of a normal to
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ at eccentric angle is given by
2 2
sec cos . ax by ec a b
2 2
( ) sin 2
sin cos .
2
a b
ax by

Thus, the normals at P, Q and R are respectively given by
2 2
( ) sin 2
: sin cos
2
P
a b
N ax by

( )
2 2
2 2 4
: sin cos sin 2
3 3 2 3
Q
a b
N ax by

_ _ _
+ + +

, , ,
2 2
2 2 ( ) 4
: sin cos sin 2
3 3 2 3
R
a b
N ax by
_ _ _

, , ,
Let us evaluate , the determinant of the coefficients of these three equations :
2 2
sin cos sin 2
( ) 2 2 4
sin cos sin 2
2 3 3 3
2 2 4
sin cos sin 2
3 3 3
ab a b

_ _ _
+ + +

, , ,
_ _ _

, , ,
Using the row operation
1 1 2 3
, R R R R + + the first row reduces to zero, which means that
0
Thus, the normals at P, Q and R must be concurrent.
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
x
The ellipse has fixed
dimensions, say,
Major axis = 2
Minor axis = 2
Assume the centre
to be ( , )
a
b
S
h k
Fig - 43
O
Q
P
S h,k ( )
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
2 2
, a b +
we must have
2 2
OS a b +
2 2 2
OS a b +
2 2 2 2
h k a b + +
This must be the locus of the centre S! It can be written in x y form as
2 2 2 2
x y a b + +
It is evident that this is a circle centred at the origin and of radius
2 2
. a b +

Find the locus of the point P such that tangents drawn from it to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
meet the coordinates axes
in concyclic points.
Example 6
Example 7
Solution:
Fig - 44
y
x
P h, k ( )
C
A
B
The tangents from ( , ) to the
ellipse meet the coordinate axes
in , , and (not shown)
which are concyclic.
P h k
A B C D
The pair of tangents PA and PC has the joint equation
2
1
: ( , ) ( , ) ( , ) J T h k S x y S h k
2
2 2 2 2
1 2 2 2 2 2 2
: 1 1 1 0
x y h k hx ky
J
a b a b a b
_ _
_
+ + +

,
, ,
The coordinate axes has the joint equation
2
: 0 J xy
We can treat J
1
and J
2
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
1 2
0 J J +
We now simply find that
for which this represents a circle, since A, B, C, D are given to be

concyclic.
2
2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1 0
x y h k hx ky
xy
a b a b a b
_ _
_
+ + + +

,
, ,
This represents a circle if
2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1 k h
a b a a b b

2 2
Coeff. of = Coeff. of x y
2 2 2 2
h k a b
...(1)
2 2
2hk
a b
Coeff. of = 0 xy
...(2)
(1) itself gives the locus of P(h, k) as
2 2 2 2
x y a b
Through any arbitrary fixed point ( ) P on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1,
x y
a b
+
chords at right angles are drawn, such that the
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:
Fig - 45
y
x
Q
P( )
B A
We can assume the eccentric angles of A and B as
1
and
2
.
The normal at P has the equation :
2 2
: sec cosec PQ ax by a b ...(1)
The chord AB has the equation
1 2 1 2 1 2
: cos sin cos
2 2 2
x y
AB
a b
+ + _ _ _
+

, , ,
...(2)
Also, since , PA PB we have
1 2
1 1
slope of chord slope of chord
cos cos
2 2
1
sin sin
2 2
PA PB
b b
a a
+ + _ _

, ,

+ + _ _

, ,
!""#""$ !""#""$
2 2 1 2 1 2
sin sin cos cos 0
2 2 2 2
a b
+ + + + _ _ _ _
+

, , , ,
Using trignometric formulae, this expression can be rearranged to
2 2
1 2 1 2
2 2
cos cos
2 2
a b
a b
+ + _ _
+

, ,
...(3)
Example 8
From (2) and (3), we have
2 2
1 2 1 2 1 2
2 2
: cos sin cos
2 2 2
x y a b
AB
a b 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:
2 2
: ( sec ) ( cosec ) ( ) 0 PQ a x b y b a + +
2 2
2 2
( )
: ( cos ) ( sin ) cos( ) 0
ab a b
AB b x a y
a b
+ +
+
where
1 2
2
+
has been substituted for convenience.
We now have

2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
( ) ( )
cosec cos( ) sin ( ) ( ) cos sec cos( )
x y
ab a b a b a b
a b a b b a
a b a b

+ + +
+ +

2 2
1
sec sin cosec cos a b
+
2 2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
( )
cos( ) sin sin ( )
sin ( sec sin cosec cos )
ab a b
a b a
a b
x
a b
+
+

+

2 2
2 2
( )
cos
a a b
a b

+
...(5)
and
2 2 2
2 2
2 2
2 2
( )
( ) cos cos cos( )
cos ( sec sin cosec cos )
a b a b
b b a
a b
y
a b
+ +
+
+

2 2
2 2
( )sin b b a
a b

+
...(6)
Thus, the point Q, whose x and y coordinates are given by (5) and (6) respectively, can be seen to be
independent of or
1 2
.
2
+
Q is the therefore fixed for such pairs of chords PA and PB and
depends only on the eccentric angle of P.
Consider three points on the ellipse
2 2
1 2 2 2
1, ( ), ( )
x y
P Q
a b
+ and
3
( ). R What is the area of ? PQR When
is this area maximum ?
Solution: The three points have the coordinates
1 1 2 2 3 3
( cos , sin ); ( cos , sin ); ( cos , sin ) P a b Q a b R a b
The area of this triangle, by the determinant formula, is
1 1
2 2
3 3
cos sin 1
1
cos sin 1
2
cos sin 1
a b
a b
a b

...(1)
( ) { }
1 2 3 1 3 2 2 3 2 3
cos (sin sin ) sin (cos cos ) cos sin sin cos
2
ab
+ +
{ }
2 1 1 3 3 2
sin( ) sin( ) sin( )
2
ab
+ +

1 2 1 2
2 1 3
sin( ) 2sin cos
2 2 2
ab + _ _
+
' ;

, ,

1 2 1 2 1 2
3
sin cos cos
2 2 2
ab
+ _ _ _

' ;

, , ,

2 3 3 1 1 2
2 sin sin sin
2 2 2
ab
_ _ _

, , ,
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
2 2 2
x y a + 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 !
Example 9
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
2
3

Thus, the three eccentric angels must be equally spaced apart at
2
.
3

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
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
and let F
1
be one of its foci.
Fig - 46
y
x
F
1
C
P
O
Auxiliary circle
The radius of the auxiliary is a. The circle on PF
1
as diameter will touch the auxiliary circle (internally)
if :
(radius of this circle) OC a +
C, being the mid-point of PF
1
, has the coordinates
cos sin
,
2 2
a ae b
C
_

,
Example 10
Thus,
2 2
cos sin
2 2
a ae b
OC
_ _
+

, ,

2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1
cos sin 2 cos
2
a b a e a e + +

2 2 2 2
cos (1 ) sin 2 cos
2
a
e e e + +

2 2
1 cos 2 cos
2
a
e e +

(1 cos )
2
a
e
Also, the radius of the inner circle is
2 2
1
cos sin
2 2
a ae b
CF ae
_ _
+ +

, ,

2 2 2 2
cos (1 ) sin 2cos
2
a
e e + + +

(1 cos )
2
a
e +
This gives
1
OC CF a +
which proves the stated assertion.
A SSI GN M EN T A SSI GN M EN T A SSI GN M EN T A SSI GN M EN T A SSI GN M EN T
[ LEVEL - I ]
Q 1. If the normals at the points
1 2
, and
3
on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
are concurrent, prove that
1 1
2 2
3 3
sec cosec 1
sec cosec 1 0
sec cosec 1

Q 2. The tangent and normal at a point P on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ meet the minor axis at A and B respectively.
Prove that the circle with AB as diameter passes through P as well as the two foci of the ellipse
Q 3. Let AB be a focal chord of the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1.
x y
a b
+
The tangent at A and the normal at B intersect in P. Find
the locus of P.
Q 4. A line intersects the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ at A and B and the parabola
2
4 ( ) y d x a + at C and D. AB
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
2 2 2 2
2 2
1 1
4 4 ( 2 ) y d d x a
a b
_
+ + +

,
Q 5. Prove that the common chords of an ellipse and a circle are equally inclined to the axes of the ellipse.
Q 6. Prove that the minimum length of the intercept made by the axes on the tangents to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
is equal to a + b.
Q 7. If d is the length of the perpendicular from the focus F of
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
upon a tangent at any point P on the
ellipse, prove that
2
2
2
1
b a
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.
Q 9. The tangent at any point P on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
meets its auxiliary circle in A and B. AB subtends a
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
2
1
sin 1
e

Q 10 Show that the common tangent to the ellipses
2 2
2 2
2 x y x
a b c
+ and
2 2
2 2
2
0
x y x
a b c
+ +
subtends a right angle at the origin.
[ LEVEL - II ]
Q 11. If a variable point P on an ellipse is joined to the two foci F
1
and F
2
, show that the incentre of
1 2
PFF 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
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1
: ( ) , E a x b y a b + + tangents are drawn to the ellipse
2 2 2 2 2 2
2
: , E b x a y a b + which touch E
2
at A and B. Prove that the orthocentre of
PAB
lies on E
2
.
Q 14. Normals to the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+ at the points ( , ), 1, 2, 3,
i i
x y i are concurrent. Show that
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
0
x y x y
x y x y
x y x y

Q 15. A point P moves so that circle with PQ (where ( , 0)) Q a as diameter touches the circle
2 2 2
4 x y a +
internally. Prove that the locus of P is an ellipse.
Q 16. Normals at the points
1 2 3
, , and
4
on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
are concurrent. Prove that
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
(cos cos cos cos ) (sec sec sec sec ) 4 + + + + + +
Q 17. Tangents are drawn from any point on
2 2
1
16 9
x y
+
to the circle
2 2
1. x y + Find the locus of the
mid-point of the chord of contact.
Q 18. A parallelogram circumscribes the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1
x y
a b
+
and two of its opposite vertices lie on the straight
lines . x c t Find the locus of the other two vertices of the parallelogram.
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.
Q 20. Let ( ) P be a point on the ellipse
2 2
2 2
1.
x y
a b
+
A parabola is drawn having its focus at P and passing
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 .
A SSI GN M EN T A SSI GN M EN T A SSI GN M EN T A SSI GN M EN T A SSI GN M EN T
( ANSWERS )
[ LEVEL - I ]
3.
2 2 2
2 2 2 2
1
(2 )
x b y
a a b
1
+
1
]
[ LEVEL - II ]
17.
2 2
2 2 2
( )
16 9
x y
x y
1
+ +
1
]
18.
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1
a y x y a x y
b c a b c a b
1 _

+ +
1 ' ;' ;
1 , ]
ANSWERS
TRY YOURSELF - I
1. [ ] abe 2.
2 2
1
9 25
x y 1
+
1
]
3.
3 1, 2
1
t
]
4.
2 2
5 9 54 36 0 x y y 1 + +
]
5.
3
2
e
1
1
]
TRY YOURSELF - II
2.
2 2
2 2
2
x y
a b
1
+
1
]
4.
2 2
2
2 2
sec
x y
a b
1
+
1
]
5.
2 2 2
x y a 1 +
]
8.
2
x y
a b
1
+
1
]
TRY YOURSELF - III
1.
2 2
4 4 2
1 x y
a b c
1
+
1
]
TRY YOURSELF - IV
3.
1
1 1
, cos
5 5
1 _

1
, ]
5. [ ] 4 3 12 x y +

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L OCUS L OCUS L OCUS L OCUS L OCUS 1

L OCUS L OCUS L OCUS L OCUS L OCUS 5

Similarly, Y is simply the perpendicular distance of P from L

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

The total area of the ellipse is thus

which is independent of , proving the stated assertion.

is called the eccentric angle

takes in the range [0, 2 )

The two latus-recta and

and lying on the ellipse

from these two relations to obtain a relation between h and k. Thus,

respectively. If e is the eccentricity of the ellipse, prove that

Thus, C and D will have the coordinates

gives us the required condition :

Thus, (1) transforms to,

is the angle between

for which this represents a circle, since A, B, C, D are given to be

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