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Conic Sections appeared 94 times across 3 years — 10.9% of Mathematics. This question is from Ellipse and Line Properties.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 29 44 21 94

A line passing through the point P(√(5), √(5)) intersects the ellipse (x²)/(36) + (y²)/(25) = 1 at A and B [cite: 567] such that (PA) · (PB) is maximum. Then 5(PA² + PB²) is equal to

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula

Parametric line equation relative to an offset point P(x₀, y₀):

x = x₀ + r θ, y = y₀ + r θ

Ellipse and Line Properties diagram for Q56 - JEE Main 2025 Morning
Ellipse and Line Properties diagram for Q56 - JEE Main 2025 Morning

Core Logic

Assume any line through P(√(5), √(5)) can be represented parametrically by:

Q(√(5) + r θ, √(5) + r θ)

Substitute coordinates into the standard ellipse equation 25x² + 36y² = 900:

25(√(5) + r θ)² + 36(√(5) + r θ)² = 900

Expanding and gathering powers of r yields:

r²(25 ²θ + 36 ²θ) + 2√(5)r(25 θ + 36 θ) - 595 = 0

The product of roots corresponds to the distance product:

PA · PB = |r₁ r₂| = (595)/(25 ²θ + 36 ²θ) = (595)/(25 + 11 ²θ)
Step 1: Maximization Condition

To maximize PA · PB, the denominator must be minimized:

²θ = 0 θ = 0

This implies the chord line AB must run parallel to the x-axis:

yA = yB = √(5)

Substitute y = √(5) back into the ellipse equation to calculate x-coordinates:

(x²)/(36) + (5)/(25) = 1 (x²)/(36) = (4)/(5) x² = (144)/(5)

Therefore, the coordinates are x = ± 12√(5).

Step 2: Distance Value Summation

Compute PA² + PB² using coordinates directly:

PA² + PB² = (√(5) - 12√(5))² + (√(5) + 12√(5))² = 2(5 + (144)/(5)) = (338)/(5)

Multiplying by 5 gives the required value:

5(PA² + PB²) = 338
Pattern Recognition

Shortcut: Represent lines through an arbitrary point parametrically in conic intersection problems. The product of distances |r₁ r₂| directly falls out of the constant term over the leading coefficient, making trigonometric optimization straightforward.

Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer

338

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Mathematics: Conic Sections (Ellipse)

More Conic Sections Previous-Year Questions — Page 7

Q67 jee_main_2025_02_april_evening Parabola
Let the point P of the focal chord PQ of the parabola y² = 16x be (1, -4). If the focus of the parabola divides the chord PQ in the ratio m : n, (m, n) = 1, then m² + n² is equal to:
  • A. 17
  • B. 10
  • C. 37
  • D. 26

Solution

Related Formula
Parametric coordinates on y² = 4ax: (at², 2at) Focal Chord relation: t₁ t₂ = -1 Section Formula: (xc, yc) = ( (m x₂ + n x₁)/(m+n), (m y₂ + n y₁)/(m+n) )
Core Logic

We find the parametric parameters of coordinates P and Q, obtain their Cartesian values, and then apply the section formula with the focus S to calculate the splitting ratio.

Step 1: Find coordinates of P and Q

For parabola y² = 16x, the focal parameter is a = 4. Focus is S(4, 0). Let P be (a t₁², 2a t₁) = (1, -4):

2a t₁ = -4 2(4) t₁ = -4 t₁ = -(1)/(2)

Since PQ is a focal chord, the parametric points are coupled:

t₁ t₂ = -1 t₂ = 2

Now, calculate the coordinates of Q:

Q ≡ (a t₂², 2 a t₂) = (4(4), 2(4)(2)) = (16, 16)
Step 2: Solve for the dividing ratio

Let the focus S(4, 0) divide the line segment PQ internally in the ratio λ : 1. Using the y-coordinate of the section formula:

yₛ = (λ yq + 1 yₚ)/(λ + 1) 0 = (λ(16) + 1(-4))/(λ + 1) 16λ - 4 = 0 λ = (1)/(4)

Thus, the focus S divides the chord internally in the ratio 1:4. Since (1, 4) = 1, we have m = 1 and n = 4:

m² + n² = 1² + 4² = 1 + 16 = 17
Pattern Recognition

Harmonic Mean Shortcut: In any parabola, the focus divides a focal chord internally into segments of lengths SP and SQ such that the semi-latus rectum 2a is the harmonic mean of these segments: (1)/(SP) + (1)/(SQ) = (1)/(a).

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Mathematics: Conic Sections

Q jee_main_2025_02_april_morning Properties of Hyperbola
Let one focus of the hyperbola H: (x²)/(a²) - (y²)/(b²) = 1 be at (√(10), 0) and the corresponding directrix be x = 9√(10). If e and l respectively are the eccentricity and the length of the latus rectum of H, then 9(e² + l) is equal to:
  • A. 14
  • B. 15
  • C. 16
  • D. 12

Solution

Related Formula

For a standard hyperbola: Focus: (± ae, 0) Directrix: x = ± (a)/(e) Eccentricity relation: (ae)² = a² + b² Length of latus rectum: l = (2b²)/(a)

Core Logic

Given ae = √(10) and (a)/(e) = 9√(10). Multiplying these gives a², which determines both parameters.

Step 1: Find a and e
a² = (ae) · ((a)/(e)) = √(10) · 9√(10) = 9 a = 3

Substitute a = 3 into ae = √(10):

e = √(10)3 e² = (10)/(9)
Step 2: Find b and l

Using (ae)² = a² + b²:

10 = 9 + b² b² = 1

Then the length of latus rectum l is:

l = (2b²)/(a) = (2(1))/(3) = (2)/(3)
Step 3: Evaluate Final Expression

Calculate 9(e² + l):

9((10)/(9) + (2)/(3)) = 10 + 6 = 16
Pattern Recognition

Multiplying focus location by directrix location immediately eliminates e, giving a² directly. Once a² is known, b² follow seamlessly via (ae)² = a²+b².

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Mathematics: Conic Sections

Q jee_main_2025_02_april_morning Properties of Ellipse
If S and S' are the foci of the ellipse (x²)/(18) + (y²)/(9) = 1 and P be a point on the ellipse, then (SP · S'P) + (SP · S'P) is equal to:
  • A. 3(1+√(2))
  • B. 3(6+√(2))
  • C. 9
  • D. 27

Solution

Related Formula

Focal distances of any point P(a θ, b θ) on an ellipse are given by:

SP = a - exP = a(1 - e θ) S'P = a + exP = a(1 + e θ)

Product of focal distances:

SP · S'P = a²(1 - e² ²θ) = a² - e²xP²
Core Logic

Compute the eccentricity e, express the product SP · S'P in terms of ²θ, and analyze its bounds across the domain to find minimum and maximum limits.

Properties of Ellipse diagram for Q66 - JEE Main 2025 Morning
Properties of Ellipse diagram for Q66 - JEE Main 2025 Morning

Step 1: Determine Ellipse Parameters

Given a² = 18 and b² = 9.

b² = a²(1 - e²) 9 = 18(1 - e²) 1 - e² = (1)/(2) e = 1√(10)
Step 2: Express Focal Product

The parametric coordinates are P(3√(2) θ, 3 θ).

SP · S'P = a² - (ae)² ²θ

Since a²=18 and (ae)² = a²-b² = 18-9 = 9:

SP · S'P = 18 - 9 ²θ
Step 3: Evaluate Extrema and Sum

Since 0 ≤ ²θ ≤ 1:

  • Maximum value occurs when ²θ = 0 = 18.
  • Minimum value occurs when ²θ = 1 = 18 - 9 = 9.
Sum = + = 9 + 18 = 27
Pattern Recognition

The product of focal distances can also be written directly as b² at the minor axis vertices (max) and a²(1-e²) varying down to a²-c². Summing them up yields b² + a² = 9 + 18 = 27 instantly.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Mathematics: Conic Sections

Q jee_main_2025_02_april_morning Properties of Parabola
Let the focal chord PQ of the parabola y² = 4x make an angle of 60^° with the positive x-axis, where P lies in the first quadrant. If the circle, whose one diameter is PS, S being the focus of the parabola, touches the y-axis at the point (0, a), then 5a² is equal to:
  • A. 15
  • B. 25
  • C. 30
  • D. 20

Solution

Related Formula

For a standard parabola y² = 4ax: Focus: S(a, 0) Parametric coordinates: (at², 2at) Equation of a circle on diametric endpoints (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂):

(x - x₁)(x - x₂) + (y - y₁)(y - y₂) = 0
Core Logic

Find the point P using the slope of the focal chord, write the equation of the circle with diameter PS, and find its y-intercept.

Properties of Parabola diagram for Q70 - JEE Main 2025 Morning
Properties of Parabola diagram for Q70 - JEE Main 2025 Morning

Step 1: Determine P Coordinates

For y² = 4x, parameter a=1 S(1,0) and P(t², 2t). Slope of focal chord PS:

60^° = (2t - 0)/(t² - 1) = √(3) 2t = √(3)t² - √(3) √(3)t² - 2t - √(3) = 0 (√(3)t + 1)(t - √(3)) = 0

Since P is in the first quadrant, t > 0 t = √(3). Thus, P((√(3))², 2√(3)) = P(3, 2√(3)).

Step 2: Construct the Diametric Circle Equation

Endpoints are S(1,0) and P(3, 2√(3)):

(x - 1)(x - 3) + (y - 0)(y - 2√(3)) = 0
Step 3: Solve for y-intercept

The circle touches/intersects the y-axis at x = 0:

(0 - 1)(0 - 3) + y(y - 2√(3)) = 0 3 + y² - 2√(3)y = 0

This is a perfect square expression (y - √(3))² = 0 y = √(3). Thus, the intercept value is a = √(3).

Step 4: Compute Final Target Value
5a² = 5(√(3))² = 15
Pattern Recognition

A circle whose diameter is a focal radius always touches the tangent at the vertex (y-axis for a standard parabola). The coordinate of the contact point is simply given by a t = 1 · √(3) = √(3), bypasses the full equation construction entirely.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Mathematics: Conic Sections

Q75 jee_main_2025_02_april_morning Tangent Properties of Circles
The absolute difference between the squares of the radii of the two circles passing through the point (-9, 4) and touching the lines x + y = 3 and x - y = 3, is equal to ________.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 768 to 768

Solution

Related Formula

Perpendicular distance from point (x₀, y₀) to line Ax + By + C = 0:

d = |Ax₀ + By₀ + C|√(A² + B²)
Core Logic

Since the circle touches two symmetric intersecting lines, its center must lie on their angle bisector (x-axis). Use this property to find the center parameters.

Tangent Properties of Circles diagram for Q75 - JEE Main 2025 Morning
Tangent Properties of Circles diagram for Q75 - JEE Main 2025 Morning

Step 1: Establish Center and Radius Equations

The lines are x+y-3=0 and x-y-3=0. The intersection point is (3,0), and the bisector line is the x-axis. Let the center be C(a, 0). The radius r is the perpendicular distance to either line:

r = |a - 0 - 3|√(1² + 1²) = |a - 3|√(2)
Step 2: Apply Point Passage Constraint

The circle equation is (x - a)² + y² = r². Substitute the given passage point (-9, 4):

(-9 - a)² + 4² = ( a - 3√(2))² 2(a² + 18a + 81 + 16) = a² - 6a + 9 2a² + 36a + 194 = a² - 6a + 9 a² + 42a + 185 = 0
Step 3: Solve for Quadratic Roots

Factor the quadratic equation:

(a + 37)(a + 5) = 0 a₁ = -37, a₂ = -5
Step 4: Compute Radii Squares Difference

Find the corresponding radius value for each root:

r₁ = |-37 - 3|√(2) = 40√(2) = 20√(2) r₁² = 800 r₂ = |-5 - 3|√(2) = 8√(2) = 4√(2) r₂² = 32

The absolute difference between their squares is:

|r₁² - r₂²| = |800 - 32| = 768
Pattern Recognition

Recognizing that the center must lie on the line of symmetry (x-axis) eliminates one variable parameter immediately, reducing a difficult geometric system to a simple single-variable quadratic equation.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Mathematics: Circles Class 11 Mathematics: Straight Lines

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JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%) | JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%)