Question:

A normal is drawn to the hyperbola \( 9x^{2}-16y^{2}=144 \) at one of the ends of its latus rectum. If that end lies in the third quadrant and the equation of the normal is \( ax+by+c=0 \) then \( \frac{b+c}{a} = \)

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Be extra careful with signs when substituting points in the third quadrant. Both \( x_1 \) and \( y_1 \) are negative, which changes the signs of the terms in the formula to positive when shifted to one side.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
  • \( \frac{44}{25} \)
  • \( \frac{84}{25} \)
  • \( \frac{55}{16} \)
  • \( \frac{145}{16} \)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: First, convert the hyperbola into standard form \( \frac{x^2}{a^2} - \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 \). The coordinates of the ends of the latus rectum are \( (\pm ae, \pm \frac{b^2}{a}) \). For the third quadrant, both coordinates must be negative: \( (-ae, -\frac{b^2}{a}) \). The equation of a normal to a hyperbola at a specific point \( (x_1, y_1) \) is: \[ \frac{a^2x}{x_1} + \frac{b^2y}{y_1} = a^2 + b^2 \]

Step 1: Converting to standard form and finding parameters.
Divide \( 9x^2 - 16y^2 = 144 \) by 144: \[ \frac{x^2}{16} - \frac{y^2}{9} = 1 \implies a^2 = 16, \quad b^2 = 9 \] Calculating focal parameters: \[ ae = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} = \sqrt{16 + 9} = \sqrt{25} = 5 \] The third-quadrant end of the latus rectum is: \[ x_1 = -ae = -5, \quad y_1 = -\frac{b^2}{a} = -\frac{9}{4} \]

Step 2: Writing the equation of the normal line.
Substitute \( x_1 = -5 \) and \( y_1 = -\frac{9}{4} \) into the normal line formula: \[ \frac{16x}{-5} + \frac{9y}{-\frac{9}{4}} = 16 + 9 \] \[ -\frac{16}{5}x - 4y = 25 \] Multiply the entire equation by -5 to clean up the coefficients: \[ 16x + 20y + 125 = 0 \] Comparing this with \( ax + by + c = 0 \), we find \( a = 16 \), \( b = 20 \), and \( c = 125 \).

Step 3: Calculating the final value.
\[ \frac{b + c}{a} = \frac{20 + 125}{16} = \frac{145}{16} \] This matches Option (D) perfectly.
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