A2 June 2025 Q8

EdexcelCurrent spec7 marksConic Sections

8. The ellipse \(E\) has equation

\[\frac{x^2}{64} + \frac{y^2}{36} = 1\]

The line \(l\) has equation \(y = mx + c\) where \(m\) and \(c\) are constants.

(a) Show that the \(x\) coordinates of the points of intersection of \(E\) and \(l\) satisfy the equation\[\left(16m^2 + 9\right)x^2 + 32cmx + 16c^2 + k = 0\]where \(k\) is a constant to be determined. (2)

Hence, given that the line \(l\)

  • is a tangent to \(E\)
  • passes through the point \((10, 20)\)
(b) determine the possible equations of \(l\) (5)