Q. If $a > 2b > 0$, then the positive value of $m$ fro which $y = mx - b\sqrt{1 + m^{2}}$ is a common tangent to $x^{2} + y^{2} = b^{2}$ and $(x - a)^{2} + y^{2} = b^{2}$, is

A) $\frac{2b}{\sqrt{a^{2} - 4b^{2}}}$
B) $\frac{\sqrt{a^{2} - 4b^{2}}}{2b}$
C) $\frac{2b}{a - 2b}$
D) $\frac{b}{a - 2b}$
Explanation

(a)
Given that, any tangent to the circle $x^{2} + y^{2} = b^{2}$ is$y = mx - b\sqrt{1 + m^{2}}$. It touches the circle $(x - a)^{2} + y^{2} = b^{2}$, then
$\frac{ma - b\sqrt{1 + m^{2}}}{\sqrt{m^{2} + 1}} = b$
$\Rightarrow ma = 2b\sqrt{1 + m^{2}}$
$\Rightarrow m^{2}a^{2} = 4b^{2} + 4b^{2}m^{2}$
$\therefore\ \ m = \pm \frac{2b}{\sqrt{a^{2} - 4b^{2}}}$

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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