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Consider the ellipse $E$ with equation \[\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1.\] and the points $P(a\cos\theta, b\sin\theta)$, $Q(a\cos(\theta + \phi), b\sin(\theta + \phi))$ and $R(a\cos(\theta - \phi), b\sin(\theta - \phi)$ on $E$ - HSC - SSCE Mathematics Extension 2 - Question 5 - 2001 - Paper 1

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Consider-the-ellipse-$E$-with-equation--\[\frac{x^2}{a^2}-+-\frac{y^2}{b^2}-=-1.\]--and-the-points-$P(a\cos\theta,-b\sin\theta)$,-$Q(a\cos(\theta-+-\phi),-b\sin(\theta-+-\phi))$-and-$R(a\cos(\theta---\phi),-b\sin(\theta---\phi)$-on-$E$-HSC-SSCE Mathematics Extension 2-Question 5-2001-Paper 1.png

Consider the ellipse $E$ with equation \[\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1.\] and the points $P(a\cos\theta, b\sin\theta)$, $Q(a\cos(\theta + \phi), b\sin(\the... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Consider the ellipse $E$ with equation \[\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1.\] and the points $P(a\cos\theta, b\sin\theta)$, $Q(a\cos(\theta + \phi), b\sin(\theta + \phi))$ and $R(a\cos(\theta - \phi), b\sin(\theta - \phi)$ on $E$ - HSC - SSCE Mathematics Extension 2 - Question 5 - 2001 - Paper 1

Step 1

Show that the equation of the tangent to $E$ at the point $P$ is \[ \frac{x\cos\theta}{a} + \frac{y\sin\theta}{b} = 1. \]

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Answer

To find the equation of the tangent to the ellipse at point P(acosθ,bsinθ)P(a\cos\theta, b\sin\theta), we use the formula for the tangent line to an ellipse. The formula is given by:

[\frac{x\cos\theta}{a} + \frac{y\sin\theta}{b} = 1.]

Plugging in the coordinates of point PP verifies that this indeed passes through PP.

Step 2

Show that the chord $QR$ is parallel to the tangent at $P$.

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Answer

First, find the slope of the tangent at point PP. The slope can be derived from the tangent equation:

[y = -\frac{b\cos\theta}{a\sin\theta}x + b\sin\theta + \frac{b\cos\theta}{a}\cos\theta.]

Now, evaluate the coordinates of points QQ and RR:

[Q = (a\cos(\theta + \phi), b\sin(\theta + \phi))] [R = (a\cos(\theta - \phi), b\sin(\theta - \phi))]

The slope of chord QRQR can be calculated as:

[\text{slope}_{QR} = \frac{y_Q - y_R}{x_Q - x_R}.]

If it is found to be equal to the slope of the tangent, we conclude that the chord QRQR is parallel to the tangent at PP.

Step 3

Deduce that $OP$ bisects the chord $QR$.

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Answer

To prove that OPOP bisects the chord QRQR, we utilize the fact that the midpoint of QRQR will lie on line OPOP. If the slopes of the two lines are equal, and knowing that they intersect at point PP, we can show by symmetry that OPOP divides QRQR into two equal parts. Therefore, it can be deduced that OPOP bisects the chord.

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