SYLLABUS JEE MAINS CONIC SECTION

Sections of cones, equations of conic sections (parabola, ellipse and hyperbola) in standard forms, condition for y = mx + c to be a tangent and point (s) of tangency.

QUICK REVISION
1. DEFINITION A parabola is the locus of a point which moves in a plane such that its distance from a fixed point (called the focus) is equal to its distance from a fixed straight line (called the directrix).
Y N Q A L P(x, y) y2 = 4ax S(a, 0) L' X

2.

Terms related to parabola Axis: A straight line passes through the focus and perpendicular to the directrix is called the axis of parabola. Vertex : The point of intersection of a parabola and its axis is called the vertex of the parabola. The vertex is the middle point of the focus and the point of intersection of axis and directrix.

Eccentricity : If P be a point on the parabola and PN and PS are the distance from the directrix and focus S respectively then the ratio PS/PN is called the eccentricity of the parabola which is denoted by e. By the definition for the parabola e = 1. If e > 1 hyperbola, e = 0
N Directrix Vertex Q
x+a=0

circle, e < 1
y L(a, 2a) P x=a
Foc is al d tanc e

ellipse
L Focal chord Double ordinate

Focus S (a, 0)

axis

Latus Rectum L' y' L' (a, -2a)

Latus Rectum Let the given parabola be y2 = 4ax. In the figure LSL' (a line through focus the latus rectum. Also by definition, LSL' = 2 (4a.a) = 4a Double ordinate Any chord of the parabola y2 = 4ax which is through the focus S. Focal Chord Any chord to the parabola which passes through the focus is called a focal chord of the parabola. 3. Some Standard forms of parabola (1) Parabola opening to left (2) Parabola opening upwards (3) Parabola opening down wards (i.e. y 2
4ax ) (a > 0)

to axis) is

to its axis is called the double ordinate)

(i.e. x 2

4ay) ; (a>0)

(i.e. x 2

4ay );

(a > 0)

Important terms Coordinates of vertex Coordinates of focus Equation of the directrix Equation of the axis Length of the latusrectum Focal distance of a point P(x, y)

y2

4ax

y2

4ax

x2

4ay

x2

4ay

(0, 0) (a, 0)
x
y

(0, 0) (a, 0)
x
y

(0, 0) (0, a)
y
x

(0, 0) (0, a) y=a

x 0

a
0

a
0

a
0

4a
x a

4a
a x

4a
y a

4a
a y

4.

REDUCTION OF STANDARD EQUATION If the equation of a parabola contains second degree term either in y or in x(but not in both) then it can be reduced into standard form. For this we change the given equation into the following forms(y k)2 = 4a (x h) or (x p)2 = 4b (y q) Then we compare from the following table for the results related to parabola. Equation of Parabola
(y K)2 4a(x h)

Vertex

Axis

Focus

Directrix

Equation of L.R.

Length of L.R.
4a

(h, k)

(h a,k)

(x

p)2

4b(y

q)

(p,q)

(p,b

q)

4b

5.

PARAMETRIC EQUATIONS OF A PARABOLA The parametric equation of the parabola y2 = 4ax are x = at2, y = 2at, where t is the parameter.

6.

CONDITION FOR TANGENCY AND POINT OF CONTACT The line y = mx + c touches the parabola y2 = 4ax if c = point of contact are m 2 , m . Note The line y = mx + c touches parabola x2 = 4ay if c = am2 The line x cos 0. + y sin = p touches the parabola y2 = 4ax if asin2 + p cos =
a 2a

a and the coordinates of the m

7. 7.1

EQUATION OF TANGENT IN DIFFERENT FORMS Point Form The equation of the tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax at the point (x1, y1) is yy1 = 2a (x + x1) Equation of tangent of all other standard parabolas at (x1, y1) Equation of parabolas
y2
x2

Tangent at (x1, y1)

yy1 2a(x x1 )

4ax
4ay

xx1

2a(y

y1 )

x2

4ay

xx1

2a(y

y1 )

7.2

Parametric Form The equation of the tangent to the parabola y 2 = 4ax at the point (at2, 2at) is ty = x + at2. Equations of tangent of all other standard parabolas at ' t' Equations of parabolas
y2 x2 x2 4ax 4ay 4ay

Parametric co-ordinates 't'

( at2 ,2at) (2at,at2 ) (2at, at2 )

Tangent at 't'

ty tx tx

x y y

at2 at2 at2

7.3

Slope Form The equation of tangent to the parabola y 2 = 4ax in terms of slope 'm' is y = mx +
a 2a , m2 m
a . m

The coordinate of the point of contact are

Equation of parabolas

Point of contact in terms of slope (m)

Equation of tangent in terms of slope (m)

y mx a m a m

Condition of Tangency

y2

4ax

a 2a , m2 m
a 2a , 2 m m
(2am,am2 )
( 2am, am2 )

a m a m
am2 am2

y2

4ax

mx

x2
x2

4ay
4ay

y
y

mx
mx

am2
am2

c c

ELLIPSE 1. DEFINITION An ellipse is the locus of a point which moves in a plane so that the ratio of its distance from a fixed point (called focus) and a fixed line (called directrix) is a constant which is less than one. This ratio is called eccentricity and is denoted by e. For an ellipse, e < 1.
N P(x, y)

Let S be the focus, QN be the directrix and P be any point on the ellipse. Then, by definition,
PS = e or PN

Directrix

S(focus) Q

PS = e PN, e < 1, where PN is the length of the perpendicular from P on the directrix QN. An Alternate Definition An ellipse is the locus of a point that moves in such a way that the sum of its distacnes from two fixed points (called foci) is constant. 2. EQUATION OF AN ELLIPSE IN STANDARD FORM
x2 a2 y2 b2

The Standard form of the equation of an ellipse is constants. Symmetry (a)

1 (a

b) where a and b are

On replacing y by y, the above equation remains unchanged. So, the curve is symmetrical about x-axis.

(b)

On replacing x by x, the above equation remains unchanged. So, the curve is symmetrical about y-axis

M'

x=-a/e

B(0, b)

P(x, y) N Z' A'(-a,0) S' N'

Axis

L
N S L' A(a,0)

Minor

X'

Major Axis C

x = a/e
X Z

Directrix

3.

TERMS RELATED TO AN ELLIPSE

2 A sketch of the locus of a moving point satisfying the equation x

B(0, -b)

Directrix

P'

y2 b2

a2

1 (a

b) , has

been shown in the figure given above.

Foci If S and S' are the two foci of the ellipse and their coordinates are (ae, 0) and (ae, 0) respectively, then distance between foci is given by SS' = 2ae. Directrices If ZM and Z' M' are the two directrices of the ellipse and their equations are x = = Axes
a 2a respectively, then the distance between directrices is given by ZZ' = . e e
a and x e

The lines AA' and BB' are called the major axis and minor axis respectively of the ellipse. The length of major axis = AA' = 2a The length of minor axis = BB' = 2b

Centre The point of intersection C of the axes of the ellipse is called the centre of the ellipse. All chords, passing through C are bisected at C. Vertices The end points A and A' of the major axis are known as the vertices of the ellipse A (a, 0) and A' (a, 0)

Focal chord A chord of the ellipse passing through its focus is called a focal chord. Ordinate and Double Ordinate Let P be a point on the ellipse. From P, draw PN AA' (major axis of the ellipse) and

produce PN to meet the ellipse at P'. Then PN is called an ordinate and PNP' is called the double ordinate of the point P. Latus Rectum If LL' and NN' are the latus rectum of the ellipse, then these lines are AA' passing through the foci S and S' respectively.
b2 , a
b2 a
b2 a

to the major axis

ae,

L'

ae,

ae,

N'

ae,

b2 a

Length of latus rectum = LL' =

2b2 = NN. a

By definition SP = ePM = e a x = a ex and S' P e a x

e

a ex.

Thus implies that distances of any point P(x, y) lying on the ellipse from foci are : (a ex) and (a + ex). In other words SP + S'P = 2a i.e., sum of distances of any point P(x, y) lying on the ellipse from foci is constant. Eccentricity Since, SP = e.PM, therefore

SP2 = e2 PM2

or

(x ae)2 + (y 0)2 = e2

a e

(x ae)2 + y2 = (a ex)2 e2x2 x2 (1 e2) + y2 = a2 (1 e2)

x2 + a2e2 2aex + y2 = a2 2aex +

x2 a2

y2 a 2 (1 e 2 )

1.

On comparing with

x2 a2

y2 b2

1 ,

we get

2 b2 = a2 (1 e2) or e = 1 b 2

Ellipse

x2 a2

y2 b2

For a > b Centre Vertices Length of major axis Length of minor axis Foci Equation of directrices Relation in a, b and e Length of latus rectum Ends of latus-rectum (0, 0)
( a,0)

For b > a (0, 0)

(0, b)

2a 2b
( ae,0) x a /e

2b 2a
(0, be) y b/e

b2

a 2 (1 e2 )
2b2 a

a2

b2 (1 e2 )
2a 2 b

ae,

b2 a

a2 , be b
(a cos , b sin ) (0
a ex1
SP b ey1 and S'P b

Parametric equations Focal radii Sum of

SP

(a cos , b sin )
SP a ex1 and S'P

2 )
ey1

focal
S'P

radii

2a

2b

Distance between foci Distance directrices Tangents at the vertices between

2ae 2a/e x = a, x = a

2be 2b/e y = b, y = b

4.

POSITION OF A POINT WITH RESPECT TO AN ELLIPSE

2 The point P(x1, y1) lies outside, on or inside the ellipse x 2

y2 b2

according as

2 x1

2 y1

a2

b2

1 0, 0 or < 0.

5.

CONDITION OF TANGENCY AND POINT OF CONTACT

x2 a2 y2 b2 1 is that c2 =

The condition for the line y = mx + c to be a tangent to the ellipse a2m2 + b2 and the coordinates of the points of contact are
a2m a2m2 b2 b2 a2m2 b2

Note : x cos a + y sin a = p is a tangent if p 2 = a2 cos2 lx + my + n = 0 is a tangent if n2 = a2l2 + b2m2. Point form: The equation of the tangent to the ellipse
xx1 a2 yy1 b2 1
mx c touches the ellipse

+ b2 sin2 .

x2 a2

y2 b2

1 at the point (x1 , y1 ) is

Slope form: If the line y Hence, the straight line y ellipse.

x2 a2

y b2

1 , then c2

a 2 m2

b2 .

mx

a 2m2

b2 always represents the tangents to the

Points of contact: Line y

mx

a 2m2

b2 touches the ellipse

x2 a2

y b2

1 at

a 2m a 2 m2 b2

b2 a 2 m2 b2

Parametric
x cos a

form:
1

The equation of tangent at any point

(a cos , b sin )

is

y sin b

6.

Some Standard Result The straight line lx my n 0 touches the ellipse The line x cos
y sin p touches the ellipse

x2 a2

y2 b2

1 , if a 2l2

b2m2

m2 .

x2 a2

y2 b2

1 , if a 2 cos2

b2 sin2

p2

and that point of contact is

a 2 cos p

b2 sin p

Two tangents can be drawn from a point to an ellipse. The two tangents are real and distinct or coincident or imaginary according as the given point lies outside, on or inside the ellipse. The tangents at the extremities of latus-rectum of an ellipse intersect. Hyperbola 1. DEFINITION A hyperbola is the locus of a point which moves in a plane so that the ratio of its distances from a fixed point (called focus) and a fixed line (called directrix) is a constant which is greater than one. This ratio is called eccentricity and is denoted by e. For a hyperbola e > 1. Let S be the focus, QN be the directrix and P be any point on the hyperbola. Then, by definition
PS PN

or PS = e PN, e > 1,

where PN is the length of the perpendicular from P on the directrix QN.

An Alternate Definition A hyperbola is the locus of a point which moves in such a way that the difference of its distances from two fixed points (called foci) is constant. 2. EQUATION OF HYPERBOLA IN STANDARD FORM The general form of standard hyperbola is where a and b are constants.
x2 a
2

y2 b2

Symmetry Since only even powers of x and y occur in the above equation, so the curve is symmetrical about both the axes.
B M'

P(x, y)

Axis

Directrix Conjugate

X' S' (-ae, 0)

A'

Z'

C x = a/e

(-a, 0)

N'

Directrix

x=-a/e B' Y'

L'

3.

TERMS RELATED TO A HYPERBOLA A sketch of the locus of a moving point satisfying the equation shown in the figure given above.
x2 a
2

Latus
y2 b2

Rectum
X S(ae, 0)

Foci

If S and S' are the two foci of the hyperbola and their coordinatesd are (ae, 0) and ( ae, 0) respectively, then distance between foci is given by SS' = 2ae.

A(a, 0)

1,

has been

Directries and x=

ZM and Z' M' are the two directrices of the hyperbola and their equations are x =

a e

a e

respectively, then the distance directrices is given by zz' =

2a e

Axes

The lines AA' and BB' are called the transverse axis and conjugate axis respectively of the hyperbola. The length of transverse axis = AA' = 2a The length of conjugate axis = BB' = 2b

Centre

The point of intersection C of the axes of hyperbola is called the centre of the hyperbola. All chords, passing through C, are bisected at C.

Vertices

The points A (a, 0) and A' (a, 0) where the curve meets the line joining the foci

S and S', are called the vertices of the hyperbola.

Focal Chord A chord of the hyperbola passing through its focus is called a focal chord.

Focal Distances of a Point The difference of the focal distances of any point on the hyperbola is constant and equal to the length of the transverse axis of the hyperbola. If P is any point on the hyperbola, then S'P SP = 2a = Transverse axis.

Latus Rectum

If LL' and NN' are the latus rectum of the hyperbola then these lines are

perpendicular to the transverse axis AA', passing through the foci S and S' respectively.
L ae, b2 a L' ae, b2 a N ae, b2 a N' ae, b2 a

Length of latus rectum = LL' =

2b 2 a

= NN'.

Eccentricity of the Hyperbola We know that SP = e PM or SP2 = e2 PM2 or (x ae)2 + y2 = (ex a)2 x2 (e2 1) y2 = a2 (e2 1)
x2 a
2

(x ae)2 + (y 0)2 = e2

N'

a e

x2 + a2e2 2aex + y2 = e2x2 2aex + a2

x2 a
2 2

y2 a (e 2 1)

1.
Y S(0, be)

On comparing with

y2 b
2

1,

we get b2 = a2 (e2 1) or e =

b2 a2
B(0, b) y = b/e Z X' C B(0, -b) y = -b/e X

5.

CONJUGATE HYPERBOLA The hyperbola whose transverse and conjugate axes are respectively the conjugate and transverse axes of a given hyperbola is called the conjugate hyperbola of the given hyperbola. The conjugate hyperbola of the hyperbola.
x2 a
2

Y'

is

y2 b
2

1 i.e.,

x2 a
2

y2 b2

x2 a
2

y2 b2

S'(0,-be)

Hyperbola Fundamentals Centre Length of transverse axis Length of axis Foci Equation of directrices Eccentricity conjugate

x2 a2

y2 b2

x2 a2

y2 b2

1 or

x2 a2

y2 b2

(0, 0) 2a

(0, 0) 2b

2b

2a

( ae,0)
x a /e

(0, be)
y b/e

a2 a2
2b2 a

b2

a2 b2
2a 2 b

b2

Length of latus rectum

Parametric ordinates Focal radii

co-

(a sec , b tan ) , 0

(b sec ,a tan ),0

SP

ex1
SP

a &
ex1 a

SP

ey1

b & SP

ey1

Difference of focal radii

(S P SP)

2a

2b

Tangents

at

the

a, x

b, y

vertices Equation of the

y 0
x 0

transverse axis

Equation of the conjugate axis

6.

POSITION OF A POINT WITH RESPECT TO A HYPERBOLA The point P(x1, y1) lies outside, on or inside the hyperbola
2 x1 2 y1

x2 a
2

y2 b2

according as

b2

1 0. =

0 or < 0.

7.

CONDITION FOR TRANGENCY AND POINTS OF CONTACT The condition for the line y = mx + c to be a tangent to the hyperbola = a2m2 b2 and the coordinates of the points of contact are
a 2m a 2m 2 b2 , b2 a 2m 2 b2

x2 a
2

y2 b2

is that c2

8.

EQUATION OF TANGENT IN DIFFERENT FORMS Point Form The equation of the tangent to the hyperbola
xx1 a2 yy1 b2

x2 a
2

y2 b2

at the point (x1, y1) is

1.

Note : The equation of tangent at (x1, y1) can also be obtained by replacing x2 by xx1, y2 by yy1, x by
x 2 x1

,y by

y 2

y1

and xy by

xy 1 2

x1 y

. This method is used only when the

equation of hyperbola is a polynomial of second degree in x and y. Parametric Form The eqn of the tangent to the hyperbola sec , b tan ) is
x sec a y tan b 1

x2 a2

y2 b2

at the point (a

Slope Form The equation of tangent to the hyperbola y = mx

a2m2 b2

x2 a
2

y2 b2

in terms of slope 'm' is