Let the ellipse 3x2 + py2 = 4 pass through the centre C of the circle x2 + y2 - 2x - 4y - 11 = 0 of radius r. Let f1, f2 be the focal distances of the point C on the ellipse. Then 6f1f2 - r is equal to
- 78
- 68
- 70
- 74
Answer
(3) 70
Solution
The circle has centre C(1, 2) and r = 1 + 4 + 11 = 4.
C lies on the ellipse, so 3 + 4p = 4 p = 14, and the ellipse is 3x2 + y24 = 4, i.e. x24/3 + y216 = 1, with its major axis along the y-axis.
Its semi-major axis is 4 and e2 = 1 - 4/316 = 1112, so the focal distances of (x1, y1) are 4 e y1 = 4 2e and
f1f2 = 16 - 4e2 = 16 - 113 = 373
6f1f2 - r = 74 - 4 = 70
Answer: (3)