Q. The locus of the point of intersection of the perpendicular tangents to the ellipse $\frac{x^{2}}{9} + \frac{y^{2}}{4} = 1$ is

A) $x^{2} + y^{2} = 9$
B) $x^{2} + y^{2} = 4$
C) $x^{2} + y^{2} = 13$
D) $x^{2} + y^{2} = 5$
Explanation

(c)
We know that, the locus of point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents drawn on the ellipse is $x^{2} + y^{2} = a^{2} + b^{2}$ , which is called director circle
Given equation of ellipse is $\frac{x^{2}}{9} + \frac{y^{2}}{4} = 1$
Here, $a^{2} = 9,\ b^{2} = 4$
$\therefore$ Locus is $x^{2} + y^{2} = a^{2} + b^{2}$
$\Rightarrow x^{2} + y^{2} = 9 + 4$
$\Rightarrow x^{2} + y^{2} = 13$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

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

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