Solution
Related Formula
Equation of a chord of a conic section with a given midpoint (x₁, y₁) is:
T = S₁
Core Logic
Given midpoint M((5)/(2), (1)/(2)) and ellipse (x²)/(9) + (y²)/(4) = 1.
Write T and S₁ terms:
T: (x((5)/(2)))/(9) + (y((1)/(2)))/(4) S₁: (((5)/(2))²)/(9) + (((1)/(2))²)/(4)Equating both sides:
(5x)/(18) + (y)/(8) = (25)/(36) + (1)/(16)Step 1: Simplify to Standard Form
Multiply the entire equation by 144 to eliminate fractions:
144((5x)/(18)) + 144((y)/(8)) = 144((25)/(36)) + 144((1)/(16)) 40x + 18y = 4(25) + 9(1)40x + 18y = 109
Comparing this directly with α x + β y = 109 provides:
α = 40, β = 18 α + β = 40 + 18 = 58Pattern Recognition
Whenever you see 'chord whose midpoint is given', write T = S₁ automatically. Match coefficients directly at the final step after equating constant integers.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Mathematics: Conic Sections