REVIEW INNOVATIONS

f1 d1

mathematics session # 10: ANALYTIC

GEOMETRY
THE CONIC SECTIONS:

x a

2
y x a

2
2
2
2
2
x 2ax a y x 2ax a
2
y 4ax

x2 = -4ay
x

Hyperbo
la

Parabo
la

x2 = 4ay
y

x
y2 = - 4ax

General
Ellips Definition of Conic Sections:

2
= 4ax
=e a set of points such that the distance from any point to a fixed point y
called
focus is in constant ratio to its
distance to a fixed line called directrix. The constant ratio is Note:
called its
eccentricity,
e. k), change x to x - h and y to y
If vertex is at (h,
- k. Length of latus rectum = 4a

Sample Problems:
d1
d2

e = f1/d1 = f2/d2 = f3/d3

f
Focu
s
1

If e = 1, its a parabola

e < 1, its an ellipse

e > 1, its a hyperbola

f3
d3

Directri
THE PARABOLA (e = 1):
x
= set of points which are equidistant from the
focus as well as from the directrix
y

d2

f2

a
d3

02. Locate the vertex and focus and find the length of
the latus rectum of the parabola 2y2 + 2x + 5y + 7
= 0.
03. Find the locus of the center of the circle which
passes through (3, 4) and touches the line y + 6 =
0.

d1

01. Find the equation of the circle circumscribing the

triangle with vertices at P(-1, -4), Q(3, -2) and R(5,
2).

04. An automobile headlight has a parabolic reflector

that is 6 inches in diameter and 3 inches deep.
How far from the vertex should the light bulb be
placed?

P(x, y)

05. A concrete parabolic arch spans a width of 12m

with a 6m wide road passing under the bridge. The
minimum clearance (vertical) over the roadway
must be 3m. What is the height of the smallest
such arch that can be used?

f1

06. Find the length of the subtangent and subnormal of

the curve y = 8x for the point (2, 4).

F(a, 0)

x
Latus rectum

f3

07. Find the equation of the line tangent to the curve

x = 4y + 4 and passing through (3, 1).

To find the equation of a line tangent to a

conic section at point P1(x1, y1):
1. Replace x by xx1.
2. Replace y by yy1.
3. Replace x by (x + x1)/2
4. Replace y by (y + y1)/2
Where, P1(x1, y1) is the point of tangency.