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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
A variable tangent to the ellipse x2a2+y2b2=1 makes intercepts on both the axes. The locus of the middle point of the portion of the tangent between the coordinate axes is
MathematicsEllipseTS EAMCETTS EAMCET 2018 (04 May Shift 1)
Options:
  • A x2b2+y2a2=1
  • B a2x2+b2y2=1
  • C b2x2+a2y2=4
  • D a2x2+b2y2=4
Solution:
2028 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: a2x2+b2y2=4

Given:
The equation of ellipse is x2a2+y2b2=1.

Equation of tangent is xacosθ+ybsinθ=1.

The tangent meets the axes at Aacosθ,0 and B0,bsinθ.

Let x1,y1 be the midpoint of AB.

acosθ+02, 0+bsinθ2=x1,y1

acosθ=2x1cosθ=a2x1

bsinθ=2y1sinθ=b2y1

Now, sin2θ+cos2θ=1

b2y12+a2x12=1

b24y12+a24x12=1

a2x12+b2y12=4
Locus of mid-point is a2x2+b2y2=4.

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