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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Michael_Light
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Hyperbola
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that the midpoint of a chord of the hyperbola defined by the equation xy=c² lies on another curve given by c²(x²+y²)+axy(a-2x)=0. The points P and Q on the hyperbola are defined in terms of parameters p and q, and the equation of the chord PQ is provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss substituting the midpoint coordinates into the second curve's equation and express difficulty in simplifying the resulting equation. There is mention of a derived condition involving the parameters p and q, but clarity on how to manipulate the equations remains a point of contention.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on substitution methods, while others express ongoing challenges in simplifying the equations. There is no explicit consensus on a solution, but the discussion is focused on exploring the implications of the substitutions made.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the equations involved and the potential for missing insights or tricks in the problem-solving process. The nature of the homework context suggests constraints on the level of assistance that can be provided.

Michael_Light
Messages
112
Reaction score
0

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..
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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:
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K