The sum of the focal distances of a point on an ellipse is constant and equal to the

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  1. length of minor axis
  2. length of major axis
  3. length of latus rectum
  4. sum of the lengths of semi-major and semi-minor axes

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : length of major axis
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Explanation:

F1 Shraddha Amar 14.01.2022 D5

From the figure and the property of ellipse

PM = (a/e) - x

And, SP = e × PM

⇒ SP = e × [(a/e) - x]

⇒ SP = a - ex      ----(i)

Similarly from the figure and 

PN = (a/e) + x

And, S'P = e × PN

⇒ S'P = e × [(a/e) + x]

⇒ S'P = a + ex      ----(ii)

From equation (i) and (ii) we get

SP S'P = a - ex + a + ex 

⇒ SP S'P = 2a (Length of major axis)

 

Important Points In the case of vertical ellipse it must be equal to the length of the minor axis.

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