The rectangular hyperbola H has parametric equations: x = 4t, y = 4/t where t is not = 0. The points P and Q on this hyperbola have parameters t = 1/4 and t = 2 respectively. The line l passes through the origin O and is perpendicular to the line PQ.

This question asks us to find the cartesian equation of l.
First we must find the points P and Q. To do this we substitute t with 1/4 to find P and substitute t with 2 to find Q.Doing this we get the coordinates for P and Q.For P: x= 4(1/4) = 1 y= 4/(1/4) = 16 P(1,16)For Q: x = 4(2) = 8 y = 4/2 = 2 Q(8,2)
The equation of line l is found by using the standard method y - y* = m(x - x*) where y* and x* are points on the line and m is the gradient.We must find the gradient of PQ before we find the gradient of l. To do this we simply use dy/dx: (Gradient PQ) = (16-2)/(1-8) = -(14/7) = -2
As PQ is perpendicular to l, we follow this formula. (Gradient of l) * (Gradient PQ) = -1: Gradient of l must be 1/2 as gradient of l = -1/(Gradient PQ)
We can now use y - y* = m(x - x*). We know that l passes through the origin, and therefore x* = 0 and y* = 0: y - 0 = 1/2(x - 0) y = 1/2x (this is the equation of l, as required)

LB
Answered by Luca B. Further Mathematics tutor

3448 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Show that the points on an Argand diagram that represent the roots of ((z+1)/z)^6 = 1 lie on a straight line.


The infinite series C and S are defined C = a*cos(x) + a^2*cos(2x) + a^3*cos(3x) + ..., and S = a*sin(x) + a^2*sin(2x) + a^3*sin(3x) + ... where a is a real number and |a| < 1. By considering C+iS, show that S = a*sin(x)/(1 - 2a*cos(x) + a^2), and find C.


Find the volume of revolution about the x-axis of the curve y=1/sqrt(x^2+2x+2) for 0<x<1


Prove that ∑(1/(r^2 -1)) from r=2 to r=n is equal to (3n^2-n-2)/(4n(n+1)) for all natural numbers n>=2.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning