FP3 June 2018 Q7

EdexcelOld spec15 marksConic Sections

7. The ellipse \(E\) has foci at the points \((\pm 3, 0)\) and has directrices with equations \(x = \pm\dfrac{25}{3}\)

(a) Find a cartesian equation for the ellipse \(E\). (5)

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

(b) Show that the \(x\) coordinates of any points of intersection of \(l\) and \(E\) satisfy the equation \[(16 + 25m^2)x^2 + 50mcx + 25(c^2 - 16) = 0\] (2)

Given that the line \(l\) is a tangent to \(E\),

(c) show that \(c^2 = pm^2 + q\), where \(p\) and \(q\) are constants to be found. (3)

The line \(l\) intersects the \(x\)-axis at the point \(A\) and intersects the \(y\)-axis at the point \(B\).

(d) Show that the area of triangle \(OAB\), where \(O\) is the origin, is \[\frac{25m^2 + 16}{2m}\] (3)
(e) Find the minimum area of triangle \(OAB\). (2)