The tangent and the normal to the conic

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter debrajr
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Normal Tangent
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mathematical properties of the tangent and normal lines to the conic defined by the equation $$\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$$ at the point $$(a\cos\left({\theta}\right), b\sin\left({\theta}\right))$$. It establishes that these lines intersect the major axis at points $$P$$ and $$P'$$, where the distance $$PP'$$ equals $$a$$. The key equation derived is $$e^2\cos^2\theta + \cos\theta - 1 = 0$$, with $$e$$ representing the eccentricity of the conic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conic sections and their properties
  • Familiarity with parametric equations and trigonometric functions
  • Knowledge of eccentricity in conic geometry
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of tangent and normal lines to conics
  • Explore the properties of eccentricity in different types of conics
  • Learn about the geometric interpretations of conic sections
  • Investigate applications of conics in physics and engineering
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and educators interested in conic sections and their applications in geometry and real-world scenarios.

debrajr
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
The tangent and the normal to the conic
$$\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$$
at a point $$(a\cos\left({\theta}\right), b\sin\left({\theta}\right))$$
meet the major axis in the points $$P$$ and $$P'$$, where $$PP'=a$$
Show that $$e^2cos^2\theta + cos\theta -1 = 0$$, where $$e$$ is the eccentricity of the conic
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello debrajr and welcome to MHB! :D

We ask that our users show their progress (work thus far or thoughts on how to begin) when posting questions. This way our helpers can see where you are stuck or may be going astray and will be able to post the best help possible without potentially making a suggestion which you have already tried, which would waste your time and that of the helper.

Can you post what you have done so far?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
860
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K