Q. Two perpendicular tangents to $y^{2} = 4ax$ always intersect on the line, if

A) $x = a$
B) $x + a = 0$
C) $x + 2a = 0$
D) $x + 4a = 0$
Explanation

(b)
Since, the tangent to the parabola at point $t_{1}$ and $t_{2}$ are $t_{1}y = x + {at}_{1}^{2}$ and $t_{2}y = {at}_{2}^{2}$
Also, tangents are perpendicular to the parabola therefore, $\frac{1}{t_{1}} \bullet \frac{1}{t_{2}} = - 1$ or $t_{2}t_{2} = - 1$
We also know that their point of intersection is
$\left\lbrack {at}_{1}t_{2},\ a\left( t_{1} + t_{2} \right) \right\rbrack$ or $\left\lbrack - a,\ a\left( t_{1} + t_{2} \right) \right\rbrack$
$\therefore$ Point of intersection lie on directrix $x = - a$ or $x + a = 0$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.

Want more practice?
Practice Conic Sections MCQs