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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
The locus of the centre of the circle described on any focal chord of the parabola y2=4ax as the diameter is
MathematicsParabolaJEE Main
Options:
  • A y2=2ax+a
  • B y2=ax+a
  • C y2=2ax-a
  • D y2=4ax-a
Solution:
2413 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: y2=2ax-a
Let, Pat12,2at1 and Qat22,2at2 be the extremities of a focal chord PQ of the parabola y2=4ax. Then, t1t2=-1.
Let, h,k be the coordinates of the centre of the circle described on PQ as diameter. Then,
h=a2t12+t22 and k=at1+t2
2ha=t12+t22 and ka2=t1+t22
2ha=t12+t22 and k2a2=t12+t22+2t1t2
k2a2=2ha-2 t1t2=-1
k2=2ah-a
Hence, the locus of h,k is
y2=2ax-a.

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