Equation of a Tangent Using Point of Contact

Rarely Tested

Equation of a Tangent Using Point of Contact

For a point $$(x_1,y_1)$$ on:

$$y^2=4ax$$

the tangent is:

$$yy_1=2a(x+x_1)$$

Usage

- Used when the point of contact is given directly rather than parametrically.

Question 1

Let $$T$$ be the tangent to the parabola $$y^2=16x$$ at the point $$(64,32)$$. Let $$L$$ be the tangent to the same parabola at another point $$(x_1,\,y_1)$$ on the parabola. If $$L$$ and $$T$$ are perpendicular to each other, then the distance between the point $$(x_1,\,y_1)$$ and the focus of the parabola, is

Question 2

Let a circle $$C$$ touch the parabola $$y^2=16x$$ at the point $$P(16,16)$$

The circle also passes through the focus $$S$$ of the parabola.

The circle intersects the x-axis at another point $$Q$$.

Find $$\frac{\text{Area of }\triangle PQS}{11}$$

Go back to topics

Join CAT 2026 course by 5-Time CAT 100%iler

Start your IIM journey with the right preparation and crack CAT 2026.