Let a conic C pass through the point (4, -2) and P(x, y), x 3, be any point on C. Let the slope of the line touching the conic C only at a single point P be half the slope of the line joining the points P and (3, -5). If the focal distance of the point (7, 1) on C is d, then 12d equals .
Answer
75
Solution
Slope of tangent at P = 12 slope of P to (3, -5):
dydx = y + 52(x - 3) 2 dyy + 5 = dxx - 3
(y + 5)2 = k(x - 3); through (4, -2): k = 9
C: (y + 5)2 = 9(x - 3), parabola with vertex V(3, -5), 4a = 9 a = 94
[figure]
focal distance = distance from the directrix x = 3 - 94 = 34
d = 7 - 34 = 254 12d = 75
Answer: 75