Question
Let P(3, 3) be a point on the hyperbola, . 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, . If the normal to it at P intersects the x-axis at (9, 0) and e is its eccentricity, then the ordered pair is equal to:
Options: (A) (B) (C) (9,3) (D)
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.
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Standard Equation of a Hyperbola: For a hyperbola centered at the origin, with its transverse axis along the x-axis, the standard equation is: Here, represents the length of the semi-transverse axis (half the distance between the vertices), and represents the length of the semi-conjugate axis. Both and must be positive constants.
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Equation of the Normal to a Hyperbola: The equation of the normal line to the hyperbola at a point lying on the hyperbola is given by: This is a standard formula. For problems involving eccentricity, it's often more convenient to express the right-hand side in terms of and . We know that for a hyperbola, the relationship between , , and is . Substituting this into the right-hand side of the normal equation: Therefore, the equation of the normal can also be written in a very useful form directly involving eccentricity:
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Eccentricity of a Hyperbola: The eccentricity is a key characteristic of a hyperbola, determining its shape. It is always greater than 1 for a hyperbola. The relationship between , , and is given by: This formula allows us to connect the dimensions of the hyperbola ( and ) 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 .
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 and . This is always the first step when a point on the conic section is given.
- Action: Substitute the coordinates of point into the standard equation of the hyperbola: Simplifying the squares, we get: This equation is crucial as it connects and .
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 .
- Action: Using the formula for the normal at : Substitute and : This equation now represents the normal line to the hyperbola at point P.
Step 3: Utilize the x-intercept of the normal to find .
- 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 and obtain an equation that allows us to directly solve for .
- Action: Substitute the coordinates of the x-intercept into Equation (2): Simplify the terms: Since cannot be zero for a hyperbola (it represents the square of a semi-axis length), we can safely divide both sides by : We have successfully found the value of :
Step 4: Connect and using the eccentricity.
- Why this step? We have found one of the required values (). To find , we need another relationship between and that we can combine with Equation (1). The eccentricity formula provides this crucial link. By substituting the value of we just found, we can express directly in terms of .
- Action: Use the eccentricity formula and substitute our derived value : Subtract 1 from both sides: Multiply both sides by to solve for : This equation provides a direct and simple relationship between and .
Step 5: Solve for using the initial condition.
- Why this step? We now have two independent equations relating and : Equation (1) from the point P lying on the hyperbola, and Equation (3) derived from the eccentricity. We can now substitute the expression for from Equation (3) into Equation (1). This will result in a single equation with only as the unknown, allowing us to solve for its value.
- Action: Substitute from Equation (3) into Equation (1): To combine the terms on the left side, find a common denominator, which is : Combine the numerators: Multiply both sides by : Divide by 2 to solve for :
Step 6: Form the ordered pair and Select the Option.
- Why this step? The question explicitly asks for the ordered pair . 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 () and Step 5 ():