Question:

The locus of midpoints of points of intersection of \[ x\cos\theta+y\sin\theta=1 \] with the coordinate axes is

Show Hint

For a line intersecting coordinate axes, first find the intercepts by putting \(y=0\) and \(x=0\), then use the midpoint formula.
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • \(x^2+y^2=4\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{x^2}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}=4\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{x^2}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}=\dfrac12\)
  • \(x^2+y^2=2\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Find intercepts on coordinate axes.
Given line: \[ x\cos\theta+y\sin\theta=1 \] On \(x\)-axis, \(y=0\): \[ x\cos\theta=1 \] \[ x=\sec\theta \] So, point is \[ (\sec\theta,0) \] On \(y\)-axis, \(x=0\): \[ y\sin\theta=1 \] \[ y=\cosec\theta \] So, point is \[ (0,\cosec\theta) \]

Step 2: Let midpoint be \((x,y)\).
\[ x=\frac{\sec\theta}{2} \] and \[ y=\frac{\cosec\theta}{2} \]

Step 3: Express \(\cos\theta\) and \(\sin\theta\).
From \[ x=\frac{\sec\theta}{2}, \] we get \[ \sec\theta=2x \] So, \[ \cos\theta=\frac{1}{2x} \] Similarly, \[ \cosec\theta=2y \] So, \[ \sin\theta=\frac{1}{2y} \]

Step 4: Use identity.
\[ \sin^2\theta+\cos^2\theta=1 \] Substituting, \[ \left(\frac{1}{2y}\right)^2+\left(\frac{1}{2x}\right)^2=1 \] \[ \frac{1}{4y^2}+\frac{1}{4x^2}=1 \]

Step 5: Simplify.
Multiplying by \(4\), \[ \frac{1}{x^2}+\frac{1}{y^2}=4 \]

Step 6: Final conclusion.
Therefore, \[ \boxed{\frac{1}{x^2}+\frac{1}{y^2}=4} \]
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