Equation of an ellipse and tangents

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The equation of an ellipse is defined using its focus, directrix, and eccentricity, expressed as (x-f)² + (y-g)² = e²(Ax + By + C)² / (A² + B²). The variables x and y in the ellipse's equation and the directrix do not refer to the same points, as the directrix represents a series of parallel lines, with the constant indicating distance from the directrix. To find points of intersection of tangents from an external point to the ellipse, the discussion suggests that these points may simply be the original point from which the tangents are drawn. The conversation reflects confusion about the relationship between the directrix and the ellipse, as well as the nature of tangent points. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving problems related to ellipses and their properties.
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1) If we have the focus as (f,g) and the directrix as Ax+By+C =0 and the eccentricity as e we define the equation of the ellipse to be

(x-f)2+(y-g)2 = e2(Ax+By+C)2 / A2+B2

Does this imply that the variables x and y in the locus of the directrix and the ellipse refer to the same thing?(we do take them as similar or say like variables)

2) How can we find the points of intersection of the tangents(from a point outside the curve) on an elliptical curve?
 
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Hi Kartik! :smile:
Kartik. said:
1) If we have the focus as (f,g) and the directrix as Ax+By+C =0 and the eccentricity as e we define the equation of the ellipse to be

(x-f)2+(y-g)2 = e2(Ax+By+C)2 / A2+B2

Does this imply that the variables x and y in the locus of the directrix and the ellipse refer to the same thing?(we do take them as similar or say like variables)

No!

Ax+By+C = constant is a series of parallel lines that fill out the plane.

If the constant is zero, the line is the directrix, and (x,y,z) lies on the directrix.

If the constant isn't zero, that tells you how far away from the directrix the line (and (x,y,z) itself) is :wink:
2) How can we find the points of intersection of the tangents(from a point outside the curve) on an elliptical curve?

uhh? :redface:

isn't that just the original point? :confused:
 
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