The normal at a point P on the ellipse x2+4y2=16 meets the x-axis at Q. If M is the mid point of the line segment PQ, then the locus of M intersects the latus rectums of the given ellipse at the points
The equation of the given ellipse is: x2+4y2=16⟹16x2+4y2=1
Here, a2=16⟹a=4 and b2=4⟹b=2.
The eccentricity e of the ellipse is given by: e=1−a2b2=1−164=43=23
The foci are located at (±ae,0)=(±23,0).
Therefore, the equations of the latus rectums are: x=±23
Let the coordinates of any point P on the ellipse in parametric form be: P=(4cosθ,2sinθ)
The equation of the normal to the ellipse a2x2+b2y2=1 at the point (acosθ,bsinθ) is: cosθax−sinθby=a2−b2
Substituting a=4 and b=2: cosθ4x−sinθ2y=16−4=12
The normal meets the x-axis at point Q. Setting y=0: cosθ4x=12⟹x=3cosθ
Thus, the point Q is (3cosθ,0).
Since M(h,k) is the midpoint of the line segment PQ: h=24cosθ+3cosθ=27cosθ⟹cosθ=72h k=22sinθ+0=sinθ⟹sinθ=k
Using the identity cos2θ+sin2θ=1, we obtain: (72h)2+k2=1
Thus, the locus of M(x,y) is: 494x2+y2=1
To find the intersection of this locus with the latus rectums, substitute x=±23 into the locus equation: 494(±23)2+y2=1 494(12)+y2=1 4948+y2=1⟹y2=1−4948=491 y=±71
Hence, the locus of M intersects the latus rectums at the points: (±23,±71)