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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
If the line ax+y=c, touches both the curves x2+y2=1 and y2=42x, then c is equal to:
MathematicsParabolaJEE MainJEE Main 2019 (10 Apr Shift 2)
Options:
  • A 12
  • B 2
  • C 12
  • D 2
Solution:
2053 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: 2

The equation of the tangent to the parabola y2=4ax is y=mx+am.

Hence, the equation of tangent to the parabola y2=42x is y=mx+2m   ...1

A line y=mx+c is a tangent to the circle x2+y2=r2 if c2=r21+m2.

Hence, the line 1 is also a tangent to the circle x2+y2=1, if 2m2=1m2+1

m2m2+1-2=0

m4+m2-2=0

m2+2m2-1=0

m2=1 since m2+20

m=±1.

Thus, the equation of the common tangent is y=±x±2,  ±x-y=2.

Given, the equation of the common tangent is ax+y=c, hence, c=±2 and c=2.

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