Question:

The equation of one of the common tangents to the parabola $y^2 = 8x$ and $x^2 + y^2 - 12x + 4 = 0$ is

Updated On: Jul 14, 2022
  • $ y = - x + 2 $
  • $ y = x - 2 $
  • $ y = x + 2 $
  • None of these
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Any tangent to parabola $y^2 = 8x$ is $y = mx + \frac{2}{m}$ ......(i) It touches the circle $x^2 + y^2 - 12x + 4 = 0$ . if the length of perpendicular from the centre $(6, 0)$ is equal to radius $\sqrt{32}$ $\therefore \, \, \frac{6m+ \frac{2}{m}}{\sqrt{m^{2} + 1 }} = \pm\sqrt{32} $ $ \Rightarrow \left(3m + \frac{1}{m}\right)^{2} = 8\left(m^{2} + 1\right)$ $ \Rightarrow \left(3m^{2 } + 1\right)^{2} = 8 \left(m^{4} + m^{2}\right) $ $\Rightarrow m^{4} - 2m^{2} + 1 = 0\Rightarrow m = \pm1 $ Hence, the required tangents are $y = x + 2$ and $y = -x - 2$.
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Concepts Used:

Parabola

Parabola is defined as the locus of points equidistant from a fixed point (called focus) and a fixed-line (called directrix).

Parabola


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard Equation of a Parabola

For horizontal parabola

  • Let us consider
  • Origin (0,0) as the parabola's vertex A,
  1. Two equidistant points S(a,0) as focus, and Z(- a,0) as a directrix point,
  2. P(x,y) as the moving point.
  • Let us now draw SZ perpendicular from S to the directrix. Then, SZ will be the axis of the parabola.
  • The centre point of SZ i.e. A will now lie on the locus of P, i.e. AS = AZ.
  • The x-axis will be along the line AS, and the y-axis will be along the perpendicular to AS at A, as in the figure.
  • By definition PM = PS

=> MP2 = PS2 

  • So, (a + x)2 = (x - a)2 + y2.
  • Hence, we can get the equation of horizontal parabola as y2 = 4ax.

For vertical parabola

  • Let us consider
  • Origin (0,0) as the parabola's vertex A
  1. Two equidistant points, S(0,b) as focus and Z(0, -b) as a directrix point
  2. P(x,y) as any moving point
  • Let us now draw a perpendicular SZ from S to the directrix.
  • Then SZ will be the axis of the parabola. Now, the midpoint of SZ i.e. A, will lie on P’s locus i.e. AS=AZ.
  • The y-axis will be along the line AS, and the x-axis will be perpendicular to AS at A, as shown in the figure.
  • By definition PM = PS

=> MP2 = PS2

So, (b + y)2 = (y - b)2 + x2

  • As a result, the vertical parabola equation is x2= 4by.