Prove Midpoint of Hyperbola Chord PQ is on Curve c2(x2+y2)+axy(a-2x)=0

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The discussion focuses on proving that the midpoint of a chord PQ of the hyperbola xy=c² lies on the curve c²(x²+y²)+axy(a-2x)=0. Participants confirm that the equation of the chord PQ is pqy+x=c(p+q) and suggest substituting the midpoint coordinates into the curve equation. One user struggles with the complexity of the resulting equation and seeks clarification on the substitution process. Another user advises that proper substitution should yield the condition \(\frac{c/p}{cp-a} \cdot \frac{c/q}{cq-a} = -1\). The conversation emphasizes the need for careful algebraic manipulation to simplify the expressions involved.
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Homework Statement



P(cp , c/q) and Q(cq , c/q) are two points on the curve xy=c2. Prove that the chord PQ has an equation pqy+x=c(p+q). A variable chord of the hyperbola xy=c2 subtends a right angle at the fixed point (a,0). Show that the midpoint of the chord lies on the curve c2(x2+y2)+axy(a-2x)=0.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I managed to show that pqy+x=c(p+q) but failed to show that c2(x2+y2)+axy(a-2x)=0. I tried by by substituting the midpoint of points P and Q into c2(x2+y2)+axy(a-2x) but that leads to a rather complicated equation for me... another thing i can get is that ((c/p)/(cp-a))((c/q)/(cq-a))=-1 but yet, it doesn't seems to help me a lot in solving this question... can anyone give me some hints and some explanations? Thanks in advance..
 
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What are doing is correct. Just work a little more. Show that substituting the midpoints of P and Q in c^2(x^2+y^2)+axy(a-2x)=0 gives you exactly the condition

<br /> \frac{c/p}{cp-a}.\frac{c/q}{cq-a} = -1<br />
 
I still not managed to solve it... Can anyone help me...?
 
Michael_Light said:
I still not managed to solve it... Can anyone help me...?

Just substitute x = \frac{c}{2}(p+q), y = \frac{c}{2}\left(\frac{1}{p} + \frac{1}{q}\right) in c^2(x^2+y^2)+axy(a-2x)=0. You should get
<br /> \frac{c/p}{cp-a}.\frac{c/q}{cq-a} = -1<br />
 
praharmitra said:
Just substitute x = \frac{c}{2}(p+q), y = \frac{c}{2}\left(\frac{1}{p} + \frac{1}{q}\right) in c^2(x^2+y^2)+axy(a-2x)=0. You should get
<br /> \frac{c/p}{cp-a}.\frac{c/q}{cq-a} = -1<br />

Yea... I know... but by substituting x = \frac{c}{2}(p+q), y = \frac{c}{2}\left(\frac{1}{p} + \frac{1}{q}\right) in c^2(x^2+y^2)+axy(a-2x)=0 , i get a very complicated equation which i failed to express it in the form \frac{c/p}{cp-a}.\frac{c/q}{cq-a} = -1... Maybe i am missing something or there is some trick in solving this? :confused:
 
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