Let S and S′ be the foci of the ellipse x225 + y29 = 1 and P( , ) be a point on the ellipse in the first quadrant. If (SP)2 + (S'P)2 - SP S'P = 37, then 2 + 2 is equal to :
- 13
- 15
- 11
- 17
Answer
(1) 13
Solution
a = 5, b = 3 e = 1 - 925 = 45
Focal distances: SP = 5 - 4 5, S'P = 5 + 4 5
SP + S'P = 10, SP S'P = 25 - 16 225
SP2 + S'P2 - SP S'P = (SP + S'P)2 - 3 SP S'P
100 - 75 + 48 225 = 37
2 = 254
2 = 9 (1 - 225 ) = 9 34 = 274
2 + 2 = 254 + 274 = 13
Answer: (1)