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JEE Main 2023
Conic Sections
Hyperbola
Hard

Question

Let PP be a point on the hyperbola H:x29y24=1H: \frac{x^2}{9}-\frac{y^2}{4}=1, in the first quadrant such that the area of triangle formed by PP and the two foci of HH is 2132 \sqrt{13}. Then, the square of the distance of PP from the origin is

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Solution

This solution will guide you through the problem step-by-step, focusing on clarity, fundamental concepts, and common strategies useful for JEE Mathematics.


1. Understanding the Problem and Key Concepts

The problem asks for the square of the distance of a point PP from the origin. Point PP lies on a given hyperbola in the first quadrant, and we are provided with the area of the triangle formed by PP and the two foci of the hyperbola.

To solve this, we'll need to use:

  • The standard equation and properties of a hyperbola to find its parameters (a,b,ea, b, e) and the coordinates of its foci.
  • The formula for the area of a triangle to determine a coordinate of point PP.
  • The fact that point PP lies on the hyperbola, meaning its coordinates must satisfy the hyperbola's equation.
  • The distance formula (specifically, the square of the distance from the origin).

Let's begin by extracting information from the hyperbola's equation.


2. Analyzing the Hyperbola and Determining its Foci

The given hyperbola is H:x29y24=1H: \frac{x^2}{9}-\frac{y^2}{4}=1.

  • Key Concept: The standard equation of a hyperbola centered at the origin, opening along the x-axis, is x2a2y2b2=1\frac{x^2}{a^2} - \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1.

    • aa is the length of the semi-transverse axis.
    • bb is the length of the semi-conjugate axis.
    • The eccentricity ee is related by b2=a2(e21)b^2 = a^2(e^2-1) or e2=1+b2a2e^2 = 1 + \frac{b^2}{a^2}.
    • The foci are located at (±ae,0)(\pm ae, 0).
  • Step 2.1: Identify aa and bb from the hyperbola's equation. Comparing x29y24=1\frac{x^2}{9}-\frac{y^2}{4}=1 with x2a2y2b2=1\frac{x^2}{a^2} - \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1: a2=9    a=3(since a>0)a^2 = 9 \implies a = 3 \quad (\text{since } a > 0) b2=4    b=2(since b>0)b^2 = 4 \implies b = 2 \quad (\text{since } b > 0)

    • Why this step? The parameters aa and bb are fundamental to defining the hyperbola's shape and are essential for calculating its eccentricity and foci.
  • Step 2.2: Calculate the eccentricity ee. We use the relation e2=1+b2a2e^2 = 1 + \frac{b^2}{a^2}: e2=1+49=9+49=139e^2 = 1 + \frac{4}{9} = \frac{9+4}{9} = \frac{13}{9} Therefore, the eccentricity is: e=139=133(since e>1 for a hyperbola)e = \sqrt{\frac{13}{9}} = \frac{\sqrt{13}}{3} \quad (\text{since } e > 1 \text{ for a hyperbola})

    • Why this step? Eccentricity is a crucial parameter for all conic sections. For a hyperbola, it's directly used to locate the foci.
  • Step 2.3: Determine the coordinates of the foci. The foci are at (±ae,0)(\pm ae, 0). Let's calculate aeae: ae=3×133=13ae = 3 \times \frac{\sqrt{13}}{3} = \sqrt{13} So, the coordinates of the two foci are: F1=(13,0)andF2=(13,0)F_1 = (\sqrt{13}, 0) \quad \text{and} \quad F_2 = (-\sqrt{13}, 0)

    • Why this step? These are the other two vertices of the triangle whose area is given. Knowing their coordinates is necessary to calculate the triangle's base.

3. Using the Area of the Triangle to Find a Coordinate of Point P

Let P=(xP,yP)P=(x_P, y_P) be the point on the hyperbola in the first quadrant. The triangle is formed by PP, F1(13,0)F_1(\sqrt{13}, 0), and F2(13,0)F_2(-\sqrt{13}, 0). The area of this triangle is given as 2132\sqrt{13}.

  • Key Concept: The area of a triangle can be calculated using the formula Area=12×base×height\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}. This is particularly efficient when the base lies on one of the coordinate axes.

  • Step 3.1: Identify the base and height of PF1F2\triangle PF_1F_2. The foci F1F_1 and F2F_2 lie on the x-axis. Therefore, the segment F1F2F_1F_2 can be taken as the base of the triangle. Base=F1F2=13(13)=213\text{Base} = F_1F_2 = \sqrt{13} - (-\sqrt{13}) = 2\sqrt{13} The height of the triangle with respect to this base is the perpendicular distance from point P(xP,yP)P(x_P, y_P) to the x-axis, which is simply yP|y_P|. Since PP is in the first quadrant, yP>0y_P > 0, so the height is yPy_P.

    • Why this step? Choosing the base along the x-axis simplifies the height calculation significantly. This avoids more complex formulas like Heron's formula or determinant methods for area, making the solution more straightforward.
  • Step 3.2: Set up and solve the area equation for yPy_P. We are given that the area of PF1F2\triangle PF_1F_2 is 2132\sqrt{13}. Using the area formula: Area=12×Base×Height\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{Base} \times \text{Height} 213=12×(213)×yP2\sqrt{13} = \frac{1}{2} \times (2\sqrt{13}) \times y_P 213=13×yP2\sqrt{13} = \sqrt{13} \times y_P Dividing both sides by 13\sqrt{13} (which is non-zero): yP=2y_P = 2

    • Why this step? This calculation directly gives us the yy-coordinate of point PP, which is one of the two coordinates required to locate PP.

4. Finding the xx-coordinate of Point P

Now that we have yP=2y_P=2, we need to find xPx_P. Point P(xP,yP)P(x_P, y_P) lies on the hyperbola, so its coordinates must satisfy the hyperbola's equation.

  • Key Concept: Any point (x,y)(x,y) lying on a curve satisfies the equation of that curve.

  • Step 4.1: Substitute yP=2y_P=2 into the hyperbola's equation. The equation of the hyperbola is x29y24=1\frac{x^2}{9}-\frac{y^2}{4}=1. Substitute yP=2y_P=2: xP29224=1\frac{x_P^2}{9} - \frac{2^2}{4} = 1 xP2944=1\frac{x_P^2}{9} - \frac{4}{4} = 1 xP291=1\frac{x_P^2}{9} - 1 = 1

    • Why this step? By substituting the known yPy_P value, we form an equation solely in terms of xPx_P, allowing us to solve for it.
  • Step 4.2: Solve for xP2x_P^2. Add 1 to both sides: xP29=1+1\frac{x_P^2}{9} = 1 + 1 xP29=2\frac{x_P^2}{9} = 2 Multiply both sides by 9: xP2=18x_P^2 = 18 Since PP is in the first quadrant, xP>0x_P > 0, so xP=18=32x_P = \sqrt{18} = 3\sqrt{2}.

    • Why this step? We need xP2x_P^2 for the final calculation of the square of the distance from the origin. The information about PP being in the first quadrant confirms that xPx_P must be positive.

5. Calculating the Square of the Distance from the Origin

We have the coordinates of PP as (xP,yP)(x_P, y_P), where xP2=18x_P^2 = 18 and yP=2y_P = 2. We need to find the square of the distance of PP from the origin O(0,0)O(0,0).

  • Key Concept: The square of the distance of a point (x,y)(x,y) from the origin (0,0)(0,0) is given by x2+y2x^2 + y^2.

  • Step 5.1: Use the distance formula. The square of the distance OP2OP^2 is: OP2=xP2+yP2OP^2 = x_P^2 + y_P^2 We found xP2=18x_P^2 = 18 and yP=2    yP2=22=4y_P = 2 \implies y_P^2 = 2^2 = 4. OP2=18+4OP^2 = 18 + 4 OP2=22OP^2 = 22

    • Why this step? This is the final calculation that directly answers the question posed in the problem.

6. Important Tips and Common Pitfalls for JEE Aspirants

  • Always Start with Parameters: For any conic section problem, the first crucial step is to correctly identify a,b,a, b, and then calculate ee and the foci coordinates. This foundation prevents errors later.
  • Geometric Visualization: Sketching the hyperbola, its foci, and the point PP can greatly aid in understanding the problem. In this case, realizing that the foci are on the x-axis immediately suggests using the base-height formula for the triangle's area, which is far simpler than other methods.
  • Utilize Quadrant Information: The condition "in the first quadrant" is vital for determining the signs of xPx_P and $y_P

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