Let the product of the focal distances of the point P(4, 2 3) on the hyperbola H: x2a2 - y2b2 = 1 be 32. Let the length of the conjugate axis of H be p and the length of its latus rectum be q. Then p2 + q2 is equal to
Answer
120
Solution
P lies on H: 16a2 - 12b2 = 1 ...(i)
Focal distances: |ex1 - a|, |ex1 + a|, with x1 = 4
16e2 - a2 = 32
e2 = 1 + b2a2 16 + 16b2a2 - a2 = 32 ...(ii)
From (i): b2 = 12a216 - a2
Putting in (ii): 19216 - a2 = 16 + a2
256 - a4 = 192 a4 = 64 a2 = 8
b2 = 968 = 12
p = 2b p2 = 4b2 = 48
q = 2b2a = 242 2 = 6 2 q2 = 72
p2 + q2 = 48 + 72 = 120
Answer: 120