Condition for Two Tangents to Be Perpendicular

Rarely Tested

Condition for Two Tangents to Be Perpendicular

For the ellipse:

$$\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$$

the point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents lies on:

$$x^2+y^2=a^2+b^2$$

Usage

- Used to determine the locus of intersection points of perpendicular tangents.

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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