CONIC SECTIONS

SYNOPSIS
• On intersecting a right circular cone by a plane in different positions, different sections so
obtained are called CONIC SECTIONS. Some conic sections are
▪ Circle
▪ Parabola
▪ Ellipse
▪ Hyperbola

• Geometrical Definition: A conic is the locus of a moving point (P) which moves in a plane in
such a way that the ratio of its distance from a fixed point (S) and a fixed line (l) is constant. The
fixed ratio is called eccentricity (e).

M P (moving point)

S (Fixed point)
SP
l (Fixed line) e=
PM
▪ For circle, e = 0
▪ For parabola, e = 1
▪ For ellipse, 0  e  1
▪ For Hyperbola, e  1
• Standard equation of a Conic Section: Ax 2 + By 2 + 2 Hxy + 2Gx + 2Fy + C = 0

CIRCLES
• As circle is a conic section, so its equation can be deduced from the equation of conics
Ax 2 + By 2 + 2 Hxy + 2Gx + 2Fy + C = 0 . In this equation, if we make
▪ A = B (Co-eff of x 2 and co-eff of y 2 are same)
▪ H = 0 (No " xy" term in the equation), then it represents a circle.
• Example: (i) 2 x 2 + 3 y 2 = 5 (not a circle as A  B )
 (ii) x 2 + y 2 + xy − 4 x = 0 (not a circle as H  0 )
(iii) 2 x 2 + 2 y 2 − 4 x + 3 y − 5 = 0 (Equation of a circle as A = B, H = 0 )
• Equation of a circle with centre at origin and radius “a” unit: x 2 + y 2 = a 2
Equation of a circle with centre at ( h,k ) and radius “r” unit: ( x − h) + ( y − k ) = r 2
2 2
•

• Equation of a circle in special Cases:

Circle with radius “a" touching x-axis: ( x − h) + ( y − a ) = a 2 [Centre will be ( h,a ) ]
2 2
▪

Circle with radius “r" touching y-axis: ( x − a ) + ( y − k ) = a 2 [Centre will be ( a,k ) ]

2 2
▪

Circle with radius “r" touching both axes: ( x − a ) + ( y − a ) = a 2 [Centre will be ( r ,r ) ]

2 2
▪

• General Equation of a circle: x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 [Co-eff of x 2 = Co-eff of y 2 = 1]

▪ Centre of the circle: ( − g, − f ) [Divide the co-effs of x and y by -2]

▪ Radius of the circle: g 2 + f 2 − c units.

• Equation of a circle passing through origin: x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy = 0 [No separate constant

term in the equation]
• Concentric Circles: Equation of a circle concentric with x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 is
x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + k = 0 [Only constant term will differ]
 • Diameter form of the equation of a circle: If the extremities of a diameter of a circle are
( x1 , y1 ) and ( x2 , y2 ) , then its equation will be ( x − x1 )( x − x2 ) + ( y − y1 )( y − y2 ) = 0
• Position of a point w. r. t. a circle: If the equation of a circle is x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 and

a point P ( x1 , y1 ) lies on / inside / outside the circle if x12 + y12 + 2 gx1 + 2 fy1 + c = /  /  0

• If two circles touch internally, then distance between the centres = difference of their radii.
• If two circles touch externally, then distance between the centres = sum of their radii.

• x-intercept and y-intercept of the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 is 2 g 2 − c and

2 f2 −c .

• Parametric Form: Any point on the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 can be considered as ( r cos ,r sin )

and any point on the circle ( x −  ) + ( y −  ) = r 2 can be considered as (  + r cos  , + r sin )

2 2

• Unique circle can be drawn through three non-collinear points.

• Family of circles: Equation of a circle passing through the intersecting point of two given circles
x 2 + y 2 + 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 = 0 and x 2 + y 2 + 2 g2 x + 2 f 2 y + c2 = 0 is

(x 2
) ( )
+ y 2 + 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 +  x 2 + y 2 + 2 g2 x + 2 f 2 y + c2 = 0 = 0 , where   −1 .

• If  = −1 , the above equation becomes linear i.e. ( 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 ) − ( 2 g2 x + 2 f2 y + c2 ) = 0

and it represents the common chord when the circles are intersecting and the common tangent
when the circle touches.
MCQ

1. The equation Ax 2 + By 2 + 2 Hxy + 2Gx + 2Fy + C = 0 represents a circle, the condition will be

a. A = B,C = 0 b. F = G,H = 0 c. A = B,H = 0 d. F = G,C = 0

2. The equation x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 will represent a real circle if

a. g 2 + f 2 − c  0 b. g 2 + f 2 − c  0 c. always d. none of these

3. Equation of a circle with centre ( 4, 3) and touching the circle x 2 + y 2 = 1 externally is

a. x 2 + y 2 − 8 x − 6 y − 9 = 0 b. x 2 + y 2 − 8 x − 6 y + 11 = 0

c. x 2 + y 2 − 8 x − 6 y − 11 = 0 d. x 2 + y 2 − 8 x − 6 y + 9 = 0
4. The straight line y = mx + c cuts the circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2 at real points if

( )
a. a 2 1 + m 2  c 2 ( )
b. a 2 1 − m 2  c 2 ( )
c. a 2 1 + m 2  c 2 ( )
d. a 2 1 − m 2  c 2

5. A circle of radius 2 lies in the 1st quadrant and touches both the axes of co-ordinates. Then the equation
of the circle with centre ( 6, 5) and touching the above circle externally is

a. ( x − 6 ) + ( y − 5 ) = 4 b. ( x − 6 ) + ( y − 5 ) = 9
2 2 2 2

c. ( x − 6 ) + ( y − 5 ) = 36
2 2
d. None of these

6. Two circles x 2 + y 2 − 2 x − 3 = 0 and x 2 + y 2 − 4 x − 6 y − 8 = 0 are such that

a. they touch each other b. they intersect each other

c. One lies inside the other d. each lies outside the other

7. The radius of the circle passing through the point ( 2, 6) and two of its diameters are x + y = 6 and

x + 2 y = 4 is

a. 10 b. 2 5 c. 6 d. 4

8. If the circles x 2 + y 2 = 9 and x 2 + y 2 + 8 y + c = 0 touch each other, then c is equal to

a. 15 b. – 15 c. 16 d. none of these

x y
9. The equation of the circle which touches the co-ordinate axes and the line + = 1 and whose
3 4
centres lie in the 1st quadrant is x 2 + y 2 − 2cx − 2cy + c 2 = 0 , where c is equal to

a. 4 b. 2 c. 3 d. 6

10. Eccentricity of a circle is

a. 0 b. 1 c. more than 1 d. less than 1

Answer Key:

1. c 2. b 3. d 4. c 5. b 6. b 7. a 8. a 9. d 10. A
 ASSERTION- REASON BASED QUESTIONS
In the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose
the correct answer out of the following choices.
a) Both (A) and (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both (A) and(R) are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
d) (A) is false but (R) is true.

1. (A): If the equation of a circle is ( x + 1) + ( y − 1) = 4 , then its radius is 4 units.

2 2

(R): If the equation of a circle is ( x − a ) + ( y − b ) = r 2 , then its radius is r units.

2 2

2. (A): The equation of the chord of the circle x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 10 y − 9 = 0 which is bisected at the point

( −2,4) must be x + y − 2 = 0.

(R): The perpendicular drawn from the centre of a circle to a chord bisects the chord.

3. (A): If an equilateral triangle is inscribed in the circle x 2 + y 2 = k 2 , the length of each side is equal to

k 3.

(R): For an equilateral triangle, circumcentre and orthocentre coincide.

4. (A): The centre of the circle through origin and cutting intercepts of length 2 and 4 from positive sides

of x and y axis is (1, 2) .

(R): The line joining the intersection points of the circle with the co-ordinate axes is a diameter of the

circle.

5. (A): The equation x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 will represent a real circle if g 2 + f 2 − c  0

(R): Centre of the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 is at ( g, f ) .

Answer Key:

1. d 2. d 3. a 4. a 5. c
 CASE STUDY BASED QUESTIONS

1. Let, S1 and S2 be two non-concentric circles with centres C1 and C2 and radii r1 and r2 respectively
where d is the distance between the centres, then

• One circle lies completely inside the other circle iff d  r1 − r2 .

• The two circles touch internally iff d = r1 − r2

• Two circles intersect in two points iff r1 − r2  d  ( r1 + r2 )

• The two circles touch externally iff d = r1 + r2

• One circle lies completely outside the other circle iff d  r1 − r2 .

A circle S 1 of radius 2 units lies in the 1st quadrant touches both the axes. Another circle S 2 with centre

( 6,5) touches the circle externally. Based on the above information answer the following:

(i) Find the centre of S 1 . Ans. ( 2, 2)

(ii) Find the equation of S 1 . Ans. ( x − 2 ) + ( y − 2 ) = 4

2 2

(iii) Find the radius of S 2 . Ans: 3 units

(iv) Find the equation of S 2 . Ans: ( x − 6 ) + ( y − 5 ) = 9

2 2

2. Equation of a circle passing through the intersecting point of two given circles
x 2 + y 2 + 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 = 0 and x 2 + y 2 + 2 g2 x + 2 f 2 y + c2 = 0 is

(x 2
) ( )
+ y 2 + 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 +  x 2 + y 2 + 2 g2 x + 2 f 2 y + c2 = 0 = 0 , where   −1 .

If  = −1 , the above equation becomes linear i.e. ( 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 ) − ( 2 g2 x + 2 f2 y + c2 ) = 0 and it

represents the common chord when the circles are intersecting and the common tangent when the circle
touches.

Equation of a circle passing through the intersecting point of the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 = 0

and the line lx + my + n = 0 is x 2 + y2 + 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 +  ( lx + my + n) = 0

The equation of the family of circles touching a fixed line ax + by + c = 0 at fixed point ( h,k ) is

( x − h) + ( y − k ) +  ( ax + by + c ) = 0
2 2

Based on the above information, answer the following.

(i) Find the equation of circle passing through the intersecting points of x 2 + y 2 = 9 and

x 2 + y 2 − 8 x + 12 = 0 and the origin. Ans: 7 x 2 + 7 y 2 − 24 x = 0

(ii) If the circles 2 x 2 + 2 y 2 − 3 x + 2 = 0 and x 2 + y 2 − 4 x + 2 y = 0 intersect each other, then find the

equation of the common chord. Ans: 5 x − 4 y + 2 = 0

(iii) Find the equation of the circle passing through origin and the intersecting points of

x 2 + y 2 − 11 x + 17 = 0 and 11 x − 13 y − 34 = 0 . Ans: 2 x 2 + 2 y 2 − 11 x − 13 y = 0

(iv) Find the equation of circles touching the line x + y = 2 at ( 1,1) and having radius 2 units.

Ans: x 2 + y 2 = 2 , x 2 + y 2 − 4 x − 4 y + 6 = 0

PARABOLA

SYNOPSIS

• As parabola is a conic section, so its equation can be deduced from the equation of conics
Ax 2 + By 2 + 2 Hxy + 2Gx + 2Fy + C = 0 . In this equation, if we make
▪ H 2 = AB , then it represents a parabola.
• Example: (i) 3 x 2 + 4 y 2 − 2 xy + 4 x − 5 = 0 (not a parabola as H 2  AB )
(ii) x 2 + 4 y 2 + 4 xy − 4 x − 9 = 0 (a parabola as H 2 = AB )
(iii) 2 x 2 − 4 x + 3 y − 5 = 0 (a parabola as H 2 = AB )
*** If in a quadratic equation in two variables, any one variable has degree 2, other has
degree 1 and no “xy” term is there, then it surely represents a parabola.
• Geometrical Definition: A conic is the locus of a moving point (P) which moves in a plane in
such a way that the ratio of its distance from a fixed point (S) and a fixed line (l) is constant. The
fixed ratio is called eccentricity (e).

M P (moving point)

Q
m V S (Fixed point)
SP
l (Fixed line) e=
PM
R

• For parabola, eccentricity is 1  SP = PM .

• Focus: The fixed-point S is called the focus. Focus is an interior point of the parabola.
• Directrix: The fixed line l is called the directrix.
 • Axis: Axis(m) is a perpendicular line to directrix and passing through focus. A parabola is
symmetric with respect to the axis.
• Vertex: Vertex is the intersecting point of the parabola and the axis. It is the midpoint of the focus
and the intersecting of axis and directrix.
• Latus Rectum: It is a focal chord (QR) which is perpendicular to axis.
Standard Forms:
EQUATION y 2 = 4ax y 2 = −4ax x 2 = 4ay x 2 = −4ay
DIAGRAM

FOCUS ( a,0) ( −a.0) ( 0,a ) ( 0 , −a )

DIRECTRIX x = −a x=a y = −a y=a
AXIS y=0 y=0 x=0 x=0
VERTEX ( 0 , 0) ( 0 , 0) ( 0 , 0) ( 0 , 0)
LATUS 4a units 4a units 4a units 4a units
RECTUM

• ( )
Any point on the parabola y 2 = 4ax can be taken as at 2 , 2at . [optional]

• ( ) ( )
If PQ be a focal chord of the parabola y 2 = 4ax where P at12 , 2at1 , Q at 2 2 , 2at 2 , then
t1 t 2 = −1 [optional]
• Equation of a parabola with axis parallel to x-axis and vertex ( h,k ) is ( y − k ) =  4a ( x − h )
2

[optional]
Equation of a parabola with axis parallel to y-axis and vertex ( h,k ) is ( x − h ) =  4a ( x − k )
2
•
[optional]

MCQ
1. The number of possible standard orientations of parabola is

a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

2. The eccentricity of parabola is always

a. 0 b. 1 c. < 1 d. > 1
3. The area (in sq. units) of the triangle formed by the lines joining the vertex of the parabola x 2 = 12 y to
the ends of latus-rectum is

a. 12 b. 16 c. 18 d. 24

4. The equation of the parabola whose focus is ( 0,−3) and directrix is y = 3 is

a. x 2 = 12 y b. x 2 = −12 y c. y 2 = 12 x d. y 2 = −24 x

5. The equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin and focus at ( −2, 0) is

a. x 2 = 8 y b. x 2 = −8 y c. y 2 = 8 x d. y 2 = −8 x

6. If the equation of the parabola is x 2 = −8 y , then the equation of directrix is

a. x = 2 b. x = −2 c. y = 2 d. y = −2

7. If the parabola y 2 = 4ax passes through the point ( 3, 2) , the length of latus rectum will be

a. 1/3 b. 2/3 c. 4/3 d. none of these

8. The equation of the parabola whose focus is (1,−1) and vertex is ( 2,1) is

a. y 2 + 2 y + 4 x − 7 = 0 b. y 2 − 2 y + 4 x − 7 = 0

c. y 2 − 2 y − 4 x − 7 = 0 d. none of these

9. The focal distance of a point on the parabola y 2 = 12 x is 4. Then the abscissa of the point is

a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

10. If the line y = mx + 1 is a tangent of the parabola y 2 = 4 x , then the value of m is

a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

Answer Key:

1. d 2. b 3. c 4. b 5. d

6. c 7. c 8. a 9. a 10. A
 ASSERTION- REASON BASED QUESTIONS
In the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose
the correct answer out of the following choices.
a) Both (A) and (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both (A) and(R) are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
d) (A) is false but (R) is true.

1. (A): The length of the latus rectum of the parabola having parametric equation x = t 2 + t + 1 ,

y = t 2 − t + 1 is 2 units.

(R): The vertex of the parabola y 2 = 4ax is origin.

  5   3 
2. (A): The point ( sin  ,cos  ) does not lie outside the parabola 2 y 2 + x = 2 if    ,     , 
2 6   2 

  3 
in the interval  ,  .
2 2 

(R): The point ( x1 , y1 ) lies outside the parabola y 2 = 4ax if y12 − 4ax1  0 .

3. (A): Equation of the directrix of the parabola y 2 − 16 x = 0 is x + 4 = 0 .

(R): Equation of the directrix of the parabola y 2 = 4ax is x = a .

( )
4. (A): Any point on the parabola y 2 = 32 x can be taken as 8t 2 ,16t where t is a parameter.

( )
(R): Any point on the parabola y 2 = 4ax can be taken as at 2 , 2at where t is a parameter.

5. (A): Area of the triangle having vertices as the focus, vertex and the intersecting point of the axis and

directrix of the parabola y 2 = 4ax depends on a.

(R): For any parabola, vertex, focus and the intersecting point of the axis and directrix of any parabola

are collinear.

Answer Key:

1. a 2. a 3. c 4. a 5. d
 CASE STUDY BASED QUESTIONS

1. The cable of a uniformly loaded suspension bridge hangs in the form of parabola. The roadway,
which is horizontal and 100 m long is supported by vertical wires attached to the cable, the longest
wire being 30 m and the shortest being 6 m, a supporting wire (LM) is also attached to the
roadway 18 m from the middle.

Based on the above information, answer the following questions.

i. Find the equation of the parabola considering A as vertex. Ans. 24 x 2 = 2500 y

ii. Find the length of the supporting wire. Ans. 9.11 m

2. Miraj is practising parabola with different sets of foci and vertices. Finally, he drew one parabola
with focus ( 0, 3) and vertex ( 0, 0) .

i. Find the equation of the parabola. Ans. x 2 = 12 y

ii. Find the length of its Latus Rectum. Ans. 12 units.
iii. Find the extremities of the Latus Rectum. Ans. ( −6, 3) , ( 6, 3)

ELLIPSE

SYNOPSIS

• As Ellipse is a conic section, so its equation can be deduced from the equation of conics
Ax 2 + By 2 + 2 Hxy + 2Gx + 2Fy + C = 0 . In this equation, if we make
▪ H 2  AB , then it represents an ellipse.
• Example: (i) 3 x 2 + 4 y 2 − 2 xy + 4 x − 5 = 0 (an ellipse as H 2  AB )
(ii) x 2 + 4 y 2 + 4 xy − 4 x − 9 = 0 (not an ellipse as H 2  AB )
(iii) 2 x 2 + 3 y 2 − 5 = 0 (an ellipse as H 2  AB )
• For ellipse, eccentricity < 1
• Each ellipse contains two foci (S, S’) and two directrices.
• Standard Forms:

EQUATION x2 y2 x2 y2
+ = 1, ( a  b ) + = 1, ( a  b )
a 2 b2 b2 a 2

DIAGRAM

ECCENTRICITY b2 b2
1− 1−
a2 a2
LENGH OF 2a units 2a units
MAJOR AXIS
LENGTH OF 2b units 2b units
MINOR AXIS
FOCI ( ae, 0) ( 0, ae )
DIRECTRICES a a
x= y=
e e
VERTICES ( a, 0) ( 0, a )
LENGTH OF 2b 2 2b 2
units units
LATUS a a
RECTUM

• If a moving point P moves in such a way that sum of the distances from two fixed points is
constant, then locus of P is an ellipse and the relation is given by S' P + SP = 2a , where S
and S’ are foci and 2a = length of major axis .

x2 y2
• Any point on the ellipse + = 1 can be taken as ( a cos ,b sin ) . [optional]
a 2 b2

( x − h) ( y − k)
2 2

• Equation of an ellipse with axis parallel to x-axis and centre ( h,k ) is + = 1 and
a2 b2
( x − h) ( y − k)
2 2

axis parallel to x-axis and centre ( h,k ) is + = 1 [optional]

a2 b2
 MCQ

1. The equation of the conics x 2 + 7 y 2 − 2 xy + 7 x − 8 y + 5 = 0 represents

a. Ellipse b. parabola c. circle d. hyperbola
x2 y2
2. The equation of the circle drawn with two foci of 2 + 2 = 1 as the end-points of a diameter is
a b
a. x 2 + y 2 = a 2 + b2 b. x 2 + y 2 = a 2

c. x 2 + y 2 = 2a 2 d. x 2 + y 2 = a 2 − b 2

3. The eccentricity of the ellipse, if the distance between the foci is equal to the length of Latus
Rectum is
5 −1 5 +1 5 −1
a. b. c. d. None of these
2 2 4
4. The difference between the lengths of the major axis and the Latus Rectum of an ellipse is
a. ae b. 2ae c. ae 2 d. 2ae 2
5. The length of Latus Rectum of the ellipse 4 x 2 + 9 y 2 = 36 is

3 3 8 4
a. b. c. d.
8 4 3 3
6. The eccentricity of the ellipse 4 x 2 + 9 y 2 = 36 is

1 1 5 5
a. b. c. d.
2 3 3 3 6

7. The sum of the focal distances of any point on the ellipse 9 x 2 + 16 y 2 = 144 is
a. 32 b. 18 c. 16 d. 8
x2 y2
8. The equation + + 1 = 0 represents an ellipse, if
2−k k −5
a. k5 b. k  2 c. 2  k  5 d. k  2 or k  5
9. If the major axis of an ellipse is three times its minor axis, then eccentricity equals
1 1 1 2 2
a. b. c. d.
3 3 2 3
10. If the Latus rectum of an ellipse is one half of its minor axis, then its eccentricity is
1 1 3 3
a. b. c. d.
2 2 2 4

Answer Key:

1. a 2. d 3. a 4. d 5. c 6. c 7. d 8. c 9. d 10. C
 ASSERTION- REASON BASED QUESTIONS
In the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose
the correct answer out of the following choices.
a) Both (A) and (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both (A) and(R) are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
d) (A) is false but (R) is true.

1. (A): Of all the chords passing through focus of an ellipse, the Latus Rectum will be the minimum.

(R): Latus Rectum is the chord through its one focus and perpendicular to the major axis.

2. (A): The equation x 2 + y 2 + 2kxy + 2 x + 2 y + 4 = 0 represents an ellipse if k  ( −1,1) .

(R): If ‘e’ is the eccentricity on an ellipse then 0  e  1 .

3. (A): In an ellipse the distance between foci is always less than the sum of focal distances of any point

on it.

(R): If ‘e’ is the eccentricity on an ellipse then e  1 .

  1 
4. (A): If Latus Rectum of the ellipse x 2 tan2  + y 2 sec 2  = 1,  0     is , then  = .
 2 2 6

2b 2
(R): The length of Latus rectum of an ellipse is given by .
a

x2 y2
5. (A): The equation + = 1 represents an ellipse if a  4 .
10 − a 4 − a

(R): If ‘e’ is the eccentricity on an ellipse then 0  e  1 .

Answer Key:

1. a 2. b 3. c 4. d 5. A
 CASE STUDY BASED QUESTIONS

1. There are two poles F1 and F2 placed in a field touching the ground at A and B respectively. If
coordinates of A and B are ( 3, 0) and ( 9, 0) respectively. A horse is running in such a way that

the sum of its distances from A and B is always 12m.

Based on the above information, answer the following questions.

i. Find the equation of the path in which the horse is moving. [Ans: 3 x 2 + 4 y 2 − 36 x = 0 ]

ii. Find the centre of the curve traced by the horse. [Ans: ( 6, 0) ]

iii. Find the length of the axes of the curve traced by the horse. [12 units, 6 3 units]

HYPERBOLA

SYNOPSIS

• As hyperbola is a conic section, so its equation can be deduced from the equation of conics
Ax 2 + By 2 + 2 Hxy + 2Gx + 2Fy + C = 0 . In this equation, if we make
▪ H 2  AB , then it represents a hyperbola.
• Example: (i) 3 x 2 + 4 y 2 − 2 xy + 4 x − 5 = 0 (not a hyperbola as H 2  AB )
(ii) x 2 + 4 y 2 + 4 xy − 4 x − 9 = 0 (not a hyperbola as H 2  AB )
(iii) 2 x 2 − 3 y 2 − 5 = 0 (a hyperbola as H 2  AB )
• For hyperbola, eccentricity > 1
• Each hyperbola contains two foci (S, S’) and two directrices.
• Standard Forms:
 EQUATION x2 y2 y2 x2
− =1 − =1
a 2 b2 b2 a 2

DIAGRAM

ECCENTRICITY b2 a2
1+ 1+
a2 b2
LENGH OF 2a units 2b units
TRANSVERSE
AXIS
LENGTH OF 2b units 2a units
CONJUGATE
AXIS
FOCI ( ae, 0) ( 0, be )
DIRECTRICES a b
x= y=
e e
VERTICES ( a, 0) ( 0, b)
LENGTH OF 2b 2 2a 2
units units
LATUS a b
RECTUM

• The above-mentioned hyperbolas are conjugate to each other. If their eccentricities are e1 , e2

1 1
respectively, then 2
+ 2 = 1.
e1 e2

• If lengths of transverse and conjugate axes are same then it is called Rectangular Hyperbola

and its eccentricity is 2.

• If a moving point P moves in such a way that difference of the distances from two fixed points
is constant, then locus of P is a hyperbola and the relation is given by S' P − SP = 2a , where
S and S’ are foci and 2a = length of transverse axis .
 x2 y2
• Any point on the hyperbola − = 1 can be taken as ( a sec ,btan ) . [optional]
a 2 b2
• Equation of a hyperbola with axis parallel to x-axis and centre ( h,k ) is
( x − h) ( y − k)
2 2

− = 1 [optional]
a2 b2
• Equation of a hyperbola with axis parallel to y-axis and centre ( h,k ) is
( y − k) ( x − h)
2 2

− = 1 [optional]
b2 a2

MCQ
1. A hyperbola has ………. vertices and ……… foci.
a. 2, 1 b. 1, 1 c. 1, 2 d. 2, 2
x2 y2
2. The coordinates of the foci of hyperbola − = 1 is
9 16
a. ( 5,0) b. ( 4, 0) c. ( 0,5) d. ( 0,4)

x2 y2
3. The coordinates of the foci of hyperbola − = −1 is
9 16
a. ( 5,0) b. ( 4, 0) c. ( 0,5) d. ( 0,4)

x2 y2
4. The eccentricity of the hyperbola − = 1 is
9 16
2 3 5
a. b. c. 15 d.
5 5 3
x2 y2
5. The length of latus rectum of the hyperbola − = 1 is
9 16
25 32 5 8
a. b. c. d.
2 3 32 5
x2 y2
6. The equation of directrices of the hyperbola − = 1 is
9 16
9 5
a. x= b. x =  c. x = 2 d. y = 2
5 9
x2 y2
7. The length of conjugate axis of the hyperbola − = 1 is
9 16
a. 5 b. 4 c. 8 d. 6
x2 y2
8. The length of transverse axis of the hyperbola − = 1 is
9 16
a. 5 b. 4 c. 8 d. 6
 x2 y2 y2 x2
9. If the eccentricities of the hyperbolas − = 1 and − = 1 be e1 and e2 respectively,
a 2 b2 b2 a 2
1 1
then 2
+ 2 =
e1 e2
a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. none of these
10. The distance between the directrices of the hyperbola x = 8 sec  , y = 8 tan  is

a. 16 2 b. 2 c. 8 2 d. 4 2

Answer Key:

1. d 2. a 3. c 4. d 5. b 6. a 7. c 8. d 9. a 10. c

ASSERTION- REASON BASED QUESTIONS

In the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose
the correct answer out of the following choices.
a) Both (A) and (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both (A) and(R) are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
d) (A) is false but (R) is true.

1. (A): If ( 3, 4) is a point of a hyperbola having foci ( 3, 0) and (  , 0 ) and length of the transverse

axis being 1 unit then  can take the value 0 or 3.

(R): S' P − SP = 2a , where S and S’ are foci and 2a = length of transverse axis .

2. (A): The equation x 2 + 2 y 2 + kxy + 2 x + 3 y + 1 = 0 can never represent a hyperbola.

(R): The equation of 2nd degree represent hyperbola if h2  ab .

5
3. If the vertices of a hyperbola are ( 0,6) and its eccentricity is , then
3
y2 x2
(A): Equation of the hyperbola is − = 1.
36 64
(R): The foci of the hyperbola are ( 0,10) .

x2 y2
4. (A): No portion of the curve − = 1 lies between the lines x =  a .
a 2 b2
x2 y2
(R): No portion of the curve − = 1 lies between the lines y =  b .
a 2 b2
 x2 y2
5. (A): Foci of − = −1 are at a distance of be from the centre.
a 2 b2
x2 y2
(R): Eccentricity of − = −1 is less than 1.
a 2 b2

Answer Key:

1. d 2. d 3. a 4. c 5. D

CASE STUDY BASED QUESTIONS

x2 y2
1. An ant is moving in a path whose equation is − = 1.
9 16
i. Identify the curve. [Ans: Hyperbola]
ii. Find the eccentricity of the curve. [Ans: 5/3]
iii. What is the distance of the ant from the centre when the ant is at the position ( 3, 4) ?

[Ans: 5 units]
2. A man moves in such a way that the differences of his distance from two fixed flag posts is always

10 cm and distance between the posts is 2 61 cm .

61
i. Find the eccentricity of the curve traced by the man. [Ans: ]
5
x2 y2
ii. Find the equation of the curve traced by the man. [Ans: − = 1]
25 36