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Question

Let P(3, 3) be a point on the hyperbola, x2a2y2b2=1{{{x^2}} \over {{a^2}}} - {{{y^2}} \over {{b^2}}} = 1. If the normal to it at P intersects the x-axis at (9, 0) and e is its eccentricity, then the ordered pair (a 2 , e 2 ) is equal to :

Options

Solution

Here is the elaborated, clear, and educational solution for the given problem.

Problem Statement: Let P(3, 3) be a point on the hyperbola, x2a2y2b2=1{{{x^2}} \over {{a^2}}} - {{{y^2}} \over {{b^2}}} = 1. If the normal to it at P intersects the x-axis at (9, 0) and e is its eccentricity, then the ordered pair (a2,e2)(a^2, e^2) is equal to:

Options: (A) (92,2)\left( {{9 \over 2},2} \right) (B) (32,2)\left( {{3 \over 2},2} \right) (C) (9,3) (D) (92,3)\left( {{9 \over 2},3} \right)


Key Concepts and Formulas:

Before we embark on the solution, let's review the essential definitions and formulas related to hyperbolas that will be instrumental in solving this problem. A strong understanding of these fundamentals is crucial for success in coordinate geometry problems.

  1. Standard Equation of a Hyperbola: For a hyperbola centered at the origin, with its transverse axis along the x-axis, the standard equation is: x2a2y2b2=1{{{x^2}} \over {{a^2}}} - {{{y^2}} \over {{b^2}}} = 1 Here, aa represents the length of the semi-transverse axis (half the distance between the vertices), and bb represents the length of the semi-conjugate axis. Both a2a^2 and b2b^2 must be positive constants.

  2. Equation of the Normal to a Hyperbola: The equation of the normal line to the hyperbola x2a2y2b2=1{{{x^2}} \over {{a^2}}} - {{{y^2}} \over {{b^2}}} = 1 at a point (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) lying on the hyperbola is given by: a2xx1+b2yy1=a2+b2{{{a^2}x} \over {{x_1}}} + {{{b^2}y} \over {{y_1}}} = {a^2} + {b^2} This is a standard formula. For problems involving eccentricity, it's often more convenient to express the right-hand side in terms of a2a^2 and e2e^2. We know that for a hyperbola, the relationship between aa, bb, and ee is b2=a2(e21)b^2 = a^2(e^2 - 1). Substituting this into the right-hand side of the normal equation: a2+b2=a2+a2(e21)=a2+a2e2a2=a2e2{a^2} + {b^2} = {a^2} + a^2(e^2 - 1) = {a^2} + {a^2}{e^2} - {a^2} = {a^2}{e^2} Therefore, the equation of the normal can also be written in a very useful form directly involving eccentricity: a2xx1+b2yy1=a2e2{{{a^2}x} \over {{x_1}}} + {{{b^2}y} \over {{y_1}}} = {a^2}{e^2}

  3. Eccentricity of a Hyperbola: The eccentricity ee is a key characteristic of a hyperbola, determining its shape. It is always greater than 1 for a hyperbola. The relationship between ee, aa, and bb is given by: e2=1+b2a2{e^2} = 1 + {{{b^2}} \over {{a^2}}} This formula allows us to connect the dimensions of the hyperbola (aa and bb) to its eccentricity.


Step-by-Step Solution:

We are given a hyperbola, a specific point P(3, 3) on it, and information about where the normal at P intersects the x-axis. Our objective is to determine the ordered pair (a2,e2)(a^2, e^2).

Step 1: Utilize the fact that P(3, 3) lies on the hyperbola.

  • Why this step? If a point lies on a curve, its coordinates must satisfy the equation of that curve. This fundamental principle allows us to establish the first algebraic relationship between our unknown parameters a2a^2 and b2b^2. This is always the first step when a point on the conic section is given.
  • Action: Substitute the coordinates of point P(x1,y1)=(3,3)P(x_1, y_1) = (3, 3) into the standard equation of the hyperbola: 32a232b2=1{{{3^2}} \over {{a^2}}} - {{{3^2}} \over {{b^2}}} = 1 Simplifying the squares, we get: 9a29b2=1...(1){{9} \over {{a^2}}} - {{9} \over {{b^2}}} = 1 \quad \text{...(1)} This equation is crucial as it connects a2a^2 and b2b^2.

Step 2: Formulate the Equation of the Normal to the hyperbola at P(3, 3).

  • Why this step? The problem provides specific information about the normal line (its intersection with the x-axis). To use this information, we first need the algebraic equation that represents this normal line. We will use the eccentricity form of the normal equation because we eventually need to find e2e^2.
  • Action: Using the formula for the normal at (x1,y1)=(3,3)(x_1, y_1) = (3, 3): a2xx1+b2yy1=a2e2{{{a^2}x} \over {x_1}} + {{{b^2}y} \over {y_1}} = {a^2}{e^2} Substitute x1=3x_1=3 and y1=3y_1=3: a2x3+b2y3=a2e2...(2){{{a^2}x} \over {3}} + {{{b^2}y} \over {3}} = {a^2}{e^2} \quad \text{...(2)} This equation now represents the normal line to the hyperbola at point P.

Step 3: Utilize the x-intercept of the normal to find e2e^2.

  • Why this step? We are given that the normal line intersects the x-axis at the point (9, 0). Any point on the x-axis has a y-coordinate of 0. By substituting these specific coordinates into the normal's equation (Equation 2), we can eliminate yy and obtain an equation that allows us to directly solve for e2e^2.
  • Action: Substitute the coordinates of the x-intercept (x,y)=(9,0)(x, y) = (9, 0) into Equation (2): a2(9)3+b2(0)3=a2e2{{{a^2}(9)} \over {3}} + {{{b^2}(0)} \over {3}} = {a^2}{e^2} Simplify the terms: 3a2+0=a2e2{3{a^2}} + 0 = {a^2}{e^2} 3a2=a2e2{3{a^2}} = {a^2}{e^2} Since a2a^2 cannot be zero for a hyperbola (it represents the square of a semi-axis length), we can safely divide both sides by a2a^2: 3=e23 = {e^2} We have successfully found the value of e2e^2: e2=3{e^2} = 3

Step 4: Connect b2b^2 and a2a^2 using the eccentricity.

  • Why this step? We have found one of the required values (e2e^2). To find a2a^2, we need another relationship between a2a^2 and b2b^2 that we can combine with Equation (1). The eccentricity formula provides this crucial link. By substituting the value of e2e^2 we just found, we can express b2b^2 directly in terms of a2a^2.
  • Action: Use the eccentricity formula e2=1+b2a2{e^2} = 1 + {{{b^2}} \over {{a^2}}} and substitute our derived value e2=3e^2 = 3: 3=1+b2a23 = 1 + {{{b^2}} \over {{a^2}}} Subtract 1 from both sides: 2=b2a22 = {{{b^2}} \over {{a^2}}} Multiply both sides by a2a^2 to solve for b2b^2: b2=2a2...(3){b^2} = 2{a^2} \quad \text{...(3)} This equation provides a direct and simple relationship between b2b^2 and a2a^2.

Step 5: Solve for a2a^2 using the initial condition.

  • Why this step? We now have two independent equations relating a2a^2 and b2b^2: Equation (1) from the point P lying on the hyperbola, and Equation (3) derived from the eccentricity. We can now substitute the expression for b2b^2 from Equation (3) into Equation (1). This will result in a single equation with only a2a^2 as the unknown, allowing us to solve for its value.
  • Action: Substitute b2=2a2b^2 = 2a^2 from Equation (3) into Equation (1): 9a292a2=1{{9} \over {{a^2}}} - {{9} \over {2{a^2}}} = 1 To combine the terms on the left side, find a common denominator, which is 2a22a^2: 2×92a292a2=1{{2 \times 9} \over {2{a^2}}} - {{9} \over {2{a^2}}} = 1 182a292a2=1{{18} \over {2{a^2}}} - {{9} \over {2{a^2}}} = 1 Combine the numerators: 1892a2=1{{18 - 9} \over {2{a^2}}} = 1 92a2=1{{9} \over {2{a^2}}} = 1 Multiply both sides by 2a22a^2: 9=2a29 = 2{a^2} Divide by 2 to solve for a2a^2: a2=92{a^2} = {9 \over 2}

Step 6: Form the ordered pair (a2,e2)(a^2, e^2) and Select the Option.

  • Why this step? The question explicitly asks for the ordered pair (a2,e2)(a^2, e^2). We have successfully calculated both values in the preceding steps. This is the final step to present our answer in the required format and match it with the given options.
  • Action: Combine the results from Step 3 (e2=3e^2 = 3) and Step 5 (a2=9/2a^2 = 9/2):

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