Condition for Two Tangents to Be Perpendicular

Rarely Tested

Condition for Two Tangents to Be Perpendicular

If two tangents drawn from a point $$P(x_1,y_1)$$ are perpendicular, then the point lies on the director circle:

$$x_1^2+y_1^2=a^2+b^2$$

Usage

- Used to find the locus of points from which perpendicular tangents can be drawn.

Question 1

Pairs of perpendicular tangents are drawn to the ellipse $$\frac{x^2}{9} + \frac{y^2}{16} = 1$$ from an external point $$T$$. What is the radius of the locus traced by point $$T$$?

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