CHAPTER - 3

Pair of Straight Lines

mogeneous equation 2
3.10. Second degree ho = 0 represen ts
neous the form ax + 2h xy + by2
equation of
(i) A second deg ree homoge
ough the origin .
a pa ir of straigh t lines thr a qu ad ra tic equa tion in x a.nd
a 1 0, we have
= as
Considering ax 2 + 2h xy + by 2 O

- h± Jh2 - ab Y, i.e. ax + ( h ± ✓h 2 - ab ) y = 0.
-.c = a

n will represent 2
> O;
It shows th at the equatio ct lines through the origin if h - ab
(a) two real and dis tin 2
;
nc ident lin es throu gh the origin if h - ab = O
(b) two coi
if h - ab < 0.
2
(c) two imaginary Jines
of lines are
Th e equations of the pair
ax + + ✓h 2 - ab)y = 0
(h
and ax + ( h - ✓h 2 - ab) y = 0.

x + m 1 y = 0 an d /2 x + m 2
y = 0.
These are of the form /1
es ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 = O.
(ii) Angle between the lin
Let az + 21:xy + by =
2 2 (/1x + m 1y)(/2x 2+ m 2 y) .
of x 2, xy and y , we have
Equating the coefficients
=a , 11 m2 + l2rr.1 =2h , m 1m 2 = b.
1112

The lines are /1z + m1y

= 0 and l2x + m2y = 0.
the Jines, then
ff B be th& angle between
' 2 2 - 4l1 l2m 1m 2 4(h 2 - ab)
= ([1 ~2 + l2m 1 ) .: .
tan2 B = (1 1m 2 - mi J
12
- -- -. b)2 ·
(l l - (a+
(/1l2 + m1 m 2 )2 1 2 + m1m2)2
. r.- r-- --

)
tan 8 = h2+- bab, or B= ta n-1 ( ±2 ../h 2-bab ·
± 2✓a a+

B . th l b
+ or - sign is ta.lcen according as 18 e acute or obt use ang e etween the lines .
com d . b
Cor. 1. Co ndition of ca en ce. If 8 = 0, the
lines are coincident and rn t JB case
hi = ah .
48
 Ch. 3 : PAIR OF STRAIGHT LINE S
4G
Cor. 2. Condition of perpendicularity. If O = 1r/'2
, t.hc! liru111 arc &t, right. 1tngl1: and in
this case
a+b .
cot (;I = 0 = 2✓,,....,.
h 2
---'- , u: . 1J + b ::: 0.
- ab
[ coefficient of x 2 + coefficient of 11 2 = 0. ]
• Examp/8 - 1. Find the angle between the lines x 2 + xy - 6y 2
= O.
Here a = 1, Ii = 21,b = - 6
2✓h2-ab
0 = tan- 1 - - - - = tan - 1 2J J/4+ 6 -_ tan _ 1 ( - I) .
a+b 1- 6
The obtuse angle between the lines is 135° .
(iii) Bise ctor s of the angles betw een the line
s. ax 2 + 2hxy + by 2 = 0.
2
Let ax + 2hxy + by 2 = (l1x + m1y)(l2x + m2y
).
Equating the' toefficients of x 2 , xy and y 2 we
have

The lines are l1x + m1y = 0 and l2x + m211 = 0.

the angles between the lines are The equatioDB of the bisectors of
/
lix + m111 12:t + m2y
J I~+ m ~ = ±J I~ + m
r
/
In pair form

or (/ix + m1y)2 - (l2x + m2y)2 =0

If + mf I~ + m~ '
or (/~ + m~)(l1x + m1y) 2 - (I~+ mn(l2x + m2y) 2 = 0,
or (/~m~ - /~mn(x 2 - y2) = 2(11m2 - l2mi)(l1l2
- m1m2)xy,
or (l1m2 + l2m1)(x 2 - y2) = 2(11/2 - m1m2)xy,
or 2h(x 2 - y2 )°= 2(a - b)xy,
z2 - y2 xy
or
a-b - , ; ·

• Example • 2. Find the equation of-the bisectors of the angles

b6twHn the lines x 2- - 4~y -
i = O.
The equation is
z2 - y2 xy x2 - y2 xy
- - - = -, or =- , or x2 + xy - ~;; = 0.
L -(-1 ) -2 2 -2
4
50 ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS

3.11. General 1eeond degree equation (non-homogeneous)

(i) The necessary and sufficient conditions for the general equation of the second de-
gree ax~+ 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx + 2/ y + c = O to represent a pair of real straight lines
are abc + 2/ gh - a/ 2 - bg 2 - ch 2 = O and h2 - ab 2'. 0.
Proof. (a) Conditions are necessary.
If the equation ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2/y + c = 0 represents a pair of real
straight lines, the expression on the L.H .S. must be factorised into two linear factors.
Let ax 2 +2hxy+by2+ 2gx+2fy+c = (/ix+m1y+n 1)(/2x+m2y +n2). Equating
the coefficients, 1112 = a, /im 2+/2m1 =2h, m1m 2 = b, /1n2 +l2n1 = 2g, m1 n2 +m2n1 =
2/, n1n2 = c.
Conditions are obtained by eliminating /1, m 1, n 1, /2, m 2 , n 2 from the above rela-
tions. For elimination we consider the following product.
11 12 0 12 Ii 1 2/1/2 l1m2 + /2m1
m1 m2 0 x m2 m1 1 /1m2 + /2m1 2m1m2
n1 n2 0 n2 n1 1 n1/2 + n2/1 m1 n2 + m2n1

2a 2h 2g a h g
= 2h 2b 2/ = 8 h b f
2g 2/ 2c g f C

11 12 0
m1 m2 0 = 0, the product is zero.
n1 n2 0
a h g
h b f = 0, or abc + 2/gh - a/ 2 - bg 2 - ch 2 = o.
g I C
2
Again, 4(h - ab)= (/1m2 + /2mi) 2 - 4/ 1/2m 1m 2 = (1 1m2 - /2m 1)2 .
.-. h2 - ab;::: 0.
(b) Conditions are sufficient.
Let abc + 2/ gh - a/2 - bg2 - ch2 = 0 and h2 - ab> 0 hold.
The first condition implies that (f h - bg)2 = (h2 _ ~b)(J2 _ be)
Now ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2/ y + c ·

~ b( y + hx: f) ,+ ax' + 2gx + c - (hx ; !)'

1
= b [( by + hx + 1)2 - {(h2 - ab)x2 + 2(/h - bg)x + 12 - be})

= f
1
[( by + hx + !)2 - {(h2 - ab)x2 ± 2Jh2 - ab J/2 - bcx + 12 - be}]

= b [(by+ hx + !)2 - (Jh2 -abx ± J12 -bc)2]

1
= b [{ by + (h + Jh2 - ab)x + f ± J/2 - be}

x { by + (h - J h2 - ab) x + f =t= J J2 - be}] .

 Ch. 3 : PAIR OF STRAIGHT LINES 51

Thus a.r 2 + 2hxy+ by2 + 2gx + 2/ y+ c = 0 represe nts two real lines when
the conditi ons
hold.

a h g is known as t.he discrim inant of the genera l equatio n and it will

Note. h b f be denote d by ~ - If~ = 0, the genera l equatio n represe nts a
g f C pair of lines ( real or imagin ary).

Altern ative metho d. The equatio n can be written as

ax 2 + 2(hy + g)x + by 2 + 2fy + c = 0.

If a i= 0, then solving for x we get
x = -(hy + g) ± J{(hy + g) 2 - a(by 2 + 2fy + c)}
a '
or ax+ hy + g = ±J{(h 2
- ab)y 2 + 2(gh - af)y + g2 - ca}

To represe nt a pair of real straigh t lines , the express ion under radical
sign must be a
perfect square . This gives

4(hg - a/) 2 - 4(h 2 -- ab)(g 2 - ca)= 0,

or a(abc + 2fgh - af 2 - b_q2 - ch 2 ) = 0 and h2 - ab> 0.
'the require d conditi ons are
abc + 2/ gh - a/2 - bg 2 - ch 2 =0 and h 2 - ab> 0.
If h 2 - ab = 0, then the lines are parallel.

Note. The conditi ons obtain ed are necessa ry. These are also sufficie nt, beca
use
(hy + g) 2 - a(by 2 + 2fy + c) is a perfect square when the conditi ons are
satisfie d.

• Example - 3. Show that 14x 2 + 29xy + 12y 2 - 31.i: - 14y - 10 = 0 represents a pair of
straigh t Jines.

Since 14 · 12 (- 10) + 2 · (-7) · ( -

3
n·(2:) ~ 14 (- 7}'
i
- 12 -( - 321) ' - (- l0) · (2n ' I
62 3 42 5
=- 1680 + ; - 686 - 2883 + 2° = 5249 - 5249 = 0

and ( 2; ) ' > J4 x 12, the equatio n , ep, esen ts a p aic of ceal stcaigh t lines
52 ANALY TICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMEN SIONS

• Exam ple - 4. For what value of>. does >.xy - 8x + 9y - 12 = 0 represent a pair of lines?
0 >./2 -4
To repres ent a pair of lines , >./2 0 9/2 = 0,
-4 9/2 -12
>. >. 9
or 2(- 18 + 6.X) - 4 . 2 . 2 = 0,
or =
3.X 2 - 18>. 0, or 3>.(>. - 6) = 0, or >. = 0, 6 .
If >. = 0, the equat ion will not be of secon d degre e .
Thus >.= 6.
-
(ii) Angl e betw een the lines.
Let ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2/y + c = (l1x + m1y + n1)(l2x +
m2y + n2) .
Equat ing the coefficients, 11 12 = a, l1 m2 + l2m1 = 2h, m1m2 =
b,
l1n 2 + l2n 1 = 2g, m 1n 2 + m 2n 1 = 2/, n 1n2 = c.
=
The lines are l1x + m1y + n 1 0 and l2x + m2y + n2 = 0.
If 0 be the angle between the lines,

tan2
0
= (l1m2 - l2m1) 2 = (/1m2 + l2mi) 2 - 4/i12m1m2 _ 4(h 2 - ab)
(/1l2+ m1m2 )2 (/1l2+ m1m2 ) 2 (a+b ) 2 · .,

.· .. . tan0 =± 2Jh
2
-
b ab , or0= tan- 1 ( ±2Jh
- - -ab)
- .
2
-
_ a+ a+b
+ or - sign is taken accord ing as 0 is acute or obtus e.

•Exam ple - 5. Find the angle between the lines y 2 + xy _ 2x2

The equat ion is 2x 2 - xy - y 2 + 5x + y + 2 = 0.
_ 5x _ y _ 2 =0
·
the requir ed angle = tan·-1 2J (-l/ 2) 2 - 2 · (-1)
2_ 1 = tan _ 1 3.
(iii) (A) Cond ition of perpe ndicu larity of the pa1·r f 1·
. . o 1nes.
The lmes will be perpe ndicu lar if a + b - o · ff
. . ' - , 1.e. coe • of x 2 + coeff. of y 2 = 0. -
(B) Cond ition of paral lelism of the . o f 1·1nes
pair
Let the parall el lines be fa: + my + _ d
. n 1 - 0 an 1x + m · +
In this case ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 + x + y + c Y n2 0. =
29 21
. = .X(lx +my + +m + n2)
Equat mg the coefficients \/2 _ ni)(lx
\l
.
n 2)= 2J, .Xn 1n2= c. , " - a, "m = hy >. 2 _' where
b -
,\ lS a const ant.
' m - , >.l(n 1+n2 )=2g , >.m(n 1 +

Now,
a ;..12 l
-h == - -
>. I - - == -l(n1
-:-+ -n2)
~ g
m m m(n1 + n 1) =f
With ~ = 0, t he condi tion for parall .
e1ism can be t k
h 2 = ab h f = b b 2 a en as
' g , g = af2 _
 Ch. 3..:-PAIR OF STRAIGHT LINES 53

.
. of Imes
ence 0 f th e pair
(C) Condit.ion·- of coincid
If t he Imes ·
_ are coincident , th en

t y + bY2 + 2gx+2f y+c=> .(lx+m y+n) 2 .

ax2 +·2hx

Equating the coefficients, )./2 = a , )./ m -_ h , Am

\ 2 .:: b, >.In= g, >.mn = J, >.n 2
,
= c.
_a _ l'J I Im h a Jn g
Now
h - Im = = m m2 = b' h = m = ;;- = J'
a h g
Ti = ,; = 7 (I)

~-= 11: = : = :: = ; :: = f.
h b f (II)
g = 7 = -;_
g In n nm f n2 C

-;;, = 12 = I = Im - h = ;;i g
g f C
(III)
g

With 6. = 0, the condition for coincidence can be taken as

=
h 2 ab, /
2
=
be, g2 = ca;
or gh - af = 0, hf - bg = 0, Jg - ch= 0.

• Examp/9 - 6. Show that 6x 2 - 5xy - 6y 2 + l 4x + 5y + 4 = 0 represents a pair of

perpendicular lines.
2 2

Si•~· 6• (-6) · 4 + 2 · I· J) -
7· ( - 6 . ( ~) - (-6) . 1' _ 4 . ( _ ~)

75
175
= -144 - -2 + 294 - 25 = 294 - 294 = 0,
2
the equation represe nts a pair of lines.
Again coeff. of x 2 + coeff. of y 2 = 6 - 6 = 0. Therefore the lines are perpenaicular
-to each other.
• Examp/ 8. 7. Show that x 2 + 6xy + 9y2 - 5x - 15y + 6 = 0 represents a pai, of parallel
lines and find the distanC8 b8tween them.
x2 + 6xy + 9y2 - 5x - l5y + 6 = 0,
15y + 6 = 0,
2
x 2 + (6y - 5)x + 9y -
or
( 6-y-- -5-) 2- -- 4--:-(-9y---=:2 --- --:-1-=---
:,; = ~ [-( 6y - 5) ± ✓- 5y_+_ 6:::;-)_]
or
= ~ [-(6y - 5) ± l].
54 ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIO
NS

=
Thu s the lines a.re x + 3y - 3 Oand x +3y - 2 =0.
Obviously these are parallel.
.
Distance between the lines = -3/f5
- 2 1
= vlO
f"1"n
.
umts.
• Example - 8. Show that 4x 2 + 24xy + 36y2 + 4x + 12y + 1 = 0 represents
a Pair 01
. coincident lines.
Since 4x2 + 24xy + 36y2 + 4x + 12y + l = (2x + 6y + 1.) 2
, the equation represents
a pair of coincident lines .
(iv) Poin t of intersection of the lines.
Let (a, (3) be the point of intersection of the lines repre
sented by the genera\
equation and the origin be transformed to (0: , (3) witho
ut rotation of axes . Replacing
·x and y by x' + a and y' + (3 the equation takes the form

a(x' + a)2 + 2h(x' + o) (y' + (3) + b(y' + (3) 2 +2g(x' + ex)

t2f( y' t ,6) + C::: 0
or ax' 2 + 2hx'y' + by' 2 + 2(aa + h(3 + g)x' + 2(ha + b,B + J)y' '
+ao 2 + 2ha(3 + b(3 2 + 2gcx + 2J ,B + c ::: O.

'. Since the equation represents a pair of lines throu

gh the origin, this must be a se d
degree homogeneous equation in x' and y'.
con
For this

aa + h(3 + g = O,
( 1)
ha+ b(3 + J = O
and (2)
ao2 + 2ho(3 + b(32 + 2ga + 2f {3 + c = 0.
(3)
From (1) and (2), = hf - bg (3 _ hg - af
0
ab - h2 ' - ab - h2 .
Here ab - h2 r...J. o ·
, smce t he Imes
. are not parallel.
Cor. 1. Cond ition for the pair of li
S b . nes.
u tractmg a times (1) and {3 t"
imes (2) from (3) we have

ga + f {3 + C ::: Q
(4)
Elimir,ating o and {3 from ( l) ( )
' 2 and (4) we have
I\
u = ah hb gf \ = 0. It is the
necessary cond ' t'
g f c i ion for pair of lines .
\

Cor. 2. If A , H, G,.
re the cofactors of a h
a
Cor. 3. Dist ance of the P . ' ' g' · · · of Cl , then a, _ J f,'
01nt of int - 1/
lf we take the lines as j .,. + C
1.. m1 y + erscc tion frorn t l1~ C
n1 - 0 • .
- o rigin .,-
- and /, x ·
l + m-,11 4- ,, I,.•
 Ch. 3 : PAIR OF STRAIGHT LI NES 55

µo1nt of intersection is

or

t he distance= ~ (A+
C
B)
C
= {A+B = ✓c(a + b) - /2 - 92
V~ ab - h 2

Cor. 4. Condition for the point of intersection to lie on the x-axis or the
y-axis.
On t he x-axis the y-coordinate of a point is zero. Thus if the lines represented
by the general equation intersect on the x-axis then hg - af = 0 and g 2 - ca = 0, i.e .
;9 h1 gc s·1m1·1 ar 1y, 1·f t he 1mes
· ·
mtersect on the y-axis then

. f g
hf - bg =0 and /2 - be= 0, i.e. b=h=
C
7·

(v) Bisectors of the angles between the lines.

Let (a, /3) be the point of intersection and the origin be shifted to this point. The
eq uat10n will reduce to

ax' 2 + 2hx'y' + by' 2 = 0, when x = x' + a, y = y + (3.

1

T he equation of the bisectors of the angles between the lines is

x'2 _ y'2 x'y'

a-b h

Thus the equation in the original set of axes is

(x - o)2 - (y - /3)2 (X - Ct) (y - /3)

a-b h

2
• Example - 9. Find the equation of the bisectors of the angles between the lines x - 5xy +
4y'.1 +X+ 2y - 2 = 0.
Let (a , /3) be the point of intersection . Changing the origin to (a,/3), the equation
transfo rms to

(x ' + a) 2 - + cx)(y' + /3 ) + 4(y' + /3) 2 + (x' +a)+ 2(y' + /3) - 2 = 0,

5(x'
i.e. x' 2 - 5x' y' + 4y' 2 = 0 with 2a - 5/3 + 1 = 0 and - 5a + 8/3 + 2 = 0.

c I · r d a ___ -
ex /3 1
- - - - - - - ⇒ a= 2, /3 = 1.
J0 vrng 10r a an iJ, _ 10 _ 8 - -5 _ 4 - 16 - 25
56 ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY Of TWO AND THREE OIMENStONS

T hus the pair of bisect.ors is

(x - 2) 2 (y - 1) 2
- ( x - 2 )(y - 1)
1- 4 - 5/ 2
or 5(x - 2) 2 - 5(y - 1)2__ = 6(x - 2)( y - 1),
or 5x 2 - 6xy - 5y 2 - T4x + 22y + 9 =0.

3.20. Equation of a pair of straight lines passing through the origin

and the points of Intersection of a locus represented by a second
degree equation with a straight line.
Let ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2/ y + c = O be the equ ation o f t he loc us and
Ix+ my + _'n = 0 be the equation of the straight line .
The equation of the line can be written as

Ix+ my = l . (1)
-n
Let us make the equation of the locus homogeneous in x a nd y of second degree by the
help of (1) in the following way.
2
Ix+ m lx +m
ax 2
+ 2hxy + by + 2(gx + fy)
2
-n y +c (
-n y
)
=0
It is of the form Ax 2 + 2H xy + By 2 0. =
The e_quation (2) obviously re_present_s a pair of straight lines through the . o ;igrn .
Moreover it passes through the pomts of intersection of the locus and t he line . Hence
the equation (2) is the required equation .

Note - 1. If the lines are coincident,' H 2 - AB = O.

Note - 2. If the lines are perpendicular , A+ B = O.

•Exampls - 10. -Prove that the angle between the Ii · · · the ongm
. . to - the
---- ---
nes Joining intersection
of the fins y = 3x
. +2
w~h- the. curve x 2 + -2x Y + 3.:Y 2 + 4 x + 8y - 11 2 "2~
. tan - 1 _v_
0 ,s =
The equation of t he pair of lines through th · · . 3 ·
of the given line and curve is the homage e ori~m and the points of intersection
neous equation

2
x2 + 2xy + 3y2 + (4x + 8y) y - 3x - 11 y - 3x) _
2 ( 2 - 0,
or 7x 2 - 2xy - y 2 = 0.

Angle between the lines = tan-1 2 ..ff+'7

7- 1 = tau-1 2 ✓2
3 .
 Ch. 3 . PAIR OF STRAJGHT LI NES 57

straight
3,30. A homogeneous equation of the nth degree represents
n
lines, ce&I or Imaginary, through the origin.
Let t he equa tion be

(l )

Divi ding each term by x" ,

(2)

n roots . If the roots

It is an equa tion in y/x of the nth degree and hence mus t have
are m1 , m2, · · · , mn then the equa tion (2) is equivalent to

ao(y /x - m1) (y/x - m2) · · · (y/x - mn) = O. (3)

The equation (3) is satisf ied by all point s which sa,tisfy

the separ ate equat ions

; - m1 = 0, ; - m2 = 0, ~~ -m n = 0 l

1.e. y - m1x = 0, y - m2x = 0. y - ffinX = 0.

satisfy these n equa tions
All these pass throu gh the origin . Moreover all point s which
satisfy the equa tion ( 1) .

WORKED OUT EXAMPLES

tan 0 + y sin 0 = 0
2 2
(1) Show that the two straight lines x ( tan 0 + cos 0) - 2xy
2 2 2

ir tangents is 2.
make with the x-ax is angles such that the difference of the

2 2
x 2 (tan 2 8 + cos 0) - 2xy tan 0 + y sin 0 = 0,
2
2
y2 - 'lzys ec0 cosec 0 + x (sec 0 + cot 0) = 0,
2 2
or
Let y2 - 2zy sec 8 cosec8 + z 2 (sec 2 0 + cot 2 0) = (y - m1 x) (y - m2x) •

Com parin g the coeff icient s m1 + m2 = 2 sec 0 cosec 0,

2
m 1m 2 = sec 2 (J + cot 0.

ange nts of the angle s made by the lines with the x - axis .
m1 an d m 2 are the t

Now (m1 - m2)2 = (m1 + m2)2 - 4m1m 2

= 4sec2 0 cosec2 0 - 4(sec2 fJ + cot2 0)
=4{sec2 0( cosec2 0 - 1) - cot2 0}
=4(sec2 0 cot2 0 - cot2 0) = 4 cot2 0 . tan2 0 = 4.
m1 - m2 =2
 58 /.NALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS

2. Show that the equation · ·

of the lines · · each of which makes a»,,
t h roug h th e origin,
angle a with th~ · line y =
x is x 2 - 2xysec 2a + y
2
0. . = . ,
. - ale
Th e lme y _ x m es an ang e l 45° with the x-axis. The lme which makes
• Th a.1

450 ·th the x-axis. us the

•
angle a with y = '
x makes an angle 45 + a or
o
- a wi
equation to the pair is
{y- x tan (45° + a)} {y - x tan(45° - a)}= 0 ,

y-----X
1 + tan a } { y- 1 - tan a X} -_ 0 ,
or { 1 - tan a . 1 + tan a

or y2 -
( 1 + tan
---- +
1 - tan a
a -+- - -a)
1 - tan
1 tan a
xy
+ X2 _
- 0,

or y2 - 2xy sec 2o + x 2 = 0.
3. Find the equation to the pair of straight lines through the origin, perpendicular
to the pair of straight lines given by 2x 2 + 5xy + 2y + lOx + 5y
2
0. =
+ 5xy + 2y 2 + lOx + 5y = 0,
2x 2
or (2x + y)(x + 2y) + lOx + 5y = 0.
The lines are parallel .to 2x + y = 0 and x + 2y = 0.
Therefore the lines passing through the origin and perpendicular to the given lines
are x - 2y = 0 and 2x - y = 0.
In pair form the required equation is

(x-2y)(2x-y)=0, or 2x 2 -5xy+2y2 =0 .

2
4. Prove that bx - 2hxy + ay 2 =
0 represents two straight lines at right angles to
the lines represented by ax + 2hxy_ + by 2
2 O. =
Let + 2hxy + by2 = (11 141 +m 1 y) (l 2 x + m 2 y).
ax 2
Equating the coefficients, 11/2 = a, /1 m 2 + /2 m 1 = 2h m 1 m 2 = b
The l~es are ~1x + m 1 y = 0 and /2 x + m 2 y = O.' ·
The Imes passmg through the origin and perpendicular to the lines are

m1x - /iy =0 and m 2 x - /2 y = 0.

In pair form the equation is

or
or
Hen ce the result follows.
. 5._ff pair of lines x 2 _ 2pxy _ y2 = 0 an d 2
pa ir bisects th e angles between th e other . - 2qxy - y2
x =0 be such that ea ch
· pair, pro ve that pq + I = O.
2
X - 2pxy _ y2 = Q
2 ( 1)
X - 2q:r;y - y2 = Q
(2)
 59
Ch. 3 : PAIR OF STRAIGHT LINES

Bisect urs of the angles bet ween the lines of ( 1) are

2 2 2 2
X - y xy
= - , or x 2 + -xy- y = 0.
I - ( - I) -p p

It is identical with (2) .

2
.
.. p
- = -2q, or pq + 1 = 0.
by
6. Find the product of the perpendiculars from (x 1 , yi) to the lines represented
a.r2 + 2hx y + by 2 = 0.
ax + 2hxy + by = (l 1x + m 1 y) (/2x + m2y) .
2 2
Let
=
Equating the coefficients, l1l2 .= a, l 1 m 2 + l 2 m 1 2h, m 1 m2 = b.
T he line8 are l1x + m1y = 0 and l 2x + m 2y = 0.
The perpen dicular distanc es from ( x 1 , yi) to the lines are

/ix1 ;t m1y1
and
l2x1 + m2y1
Jlr+ mi J i~+ m~.

_ (/1z1 + m1Yr) (/2x1 + m2yi)

Produc t of them
JI?+ mi JI~+ m~
l1l2xr + (/1m2 + l2m1) X1Y1 + m1m2yr
J(l?l~+ mi m~ + + l ~mD llm~
axr + 2hX1Y1 + by;
2 + b2 + (l1m2 + l2mi) 2 - 2/il2m1m2
Ja
axr + 2hx1y1 + by; axr + 2hx1Y1 + by;
J(a 2 + b2 + 4h 2 - 2ab) J(a - b)2 + 4h 2 .

7. Show that the area of the triangle formed by the lines ax

2 + 2hxy + by 2 =0
and Ix+ my+ n = 0 is

am 2 - 2hlm + bl2 ·
2
Let ax 2 + 2hxy + by =(/ix + m1y)(/2x + m2y) .
Equati ng the coefficients 11/2 =
a, l1m2 + l2m 1 = 2h , m1m 2 = b.
The triangl e is bounde d by the lines

l1x + m1y = 0 (1)

l2x + m2y = 0 (2)
and Ix+ my+ n = 0 (3)

(2) at
The lines (1) and (2) meet at (0 , 0). The line (3) meets the lines (1) and
 60 ANALYTICAL GEOMET RY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSI ONS

The area of the trian~le whose vertices are the above points
2
1 [ -n l2m1 + n 2 l1m2 ]
=2 (lm1 - mli) (lm2 - ml2)

1 n 2 (l1 m 2 - l2mi)
-- 2 l 2m 1m2 - l m(l 1m2 + l2m1) + m 2 l1l2
1 n 2 J (l1m2 + l2m1.) 2 - 4l1l2m1m 2 = n 2 ✓h 2 - ab .
- 2 b[2 - 2hlm + am 2 bl 2 - 2hlm + am 2

8. Show that the lines (A 2 - 3B 2 )x 2 + BABxy + (B 2 - 3A 2 )y 2 =0 fo rm with the

c2
line Ax+ By+ C = 0 an equilateral triangle of area v3(A 2 + B 2) • [N .H . 2002]

Let OLM be the triangle by the given lines and ~ - - - - - - - - - - . . . . . ,

the equation of LM be Ax + By + C = 0. 0 is the
origin . Let the equation of OL or OM be y = mx.
The triangle OLM will be equilater al , if each of LL 0
and L M is 60°, i.e. , the lines O L and OM make an-
gles 60° and 60° with LM.

tan(±60 °) = m + A/ B
1 - mA/ B
(-A/ B is the slope of LM)
or ± ✓3 = A+Bm L N M
B - Am
2
3(B -Am) =(A+ Bm)2 .
Fi .28
The equation of O L and OM in pair form is
2
3(B - Ay/x) =(A+ By/x)2, or (A2 - 3B 2) x 2 + BABxy + (B2 _ A2) y 2 = o.
3
·
Hence the triangle formed by the given lines is ·1
an equ1 ateral.
C
If p is perpend icular from O on LM , th en p __ -;:::=;;:: ==
✓A2 + B2 ·
The area of the triangle 1 1
= 2 LM . P = 2 . 2LN . P
= p . tan 30° . p = p2 . 2- = c2
✓3 -v'3;::-3(_A_2_+_B_2_)
g. Show that if one of th l . .
.
.. of the lin e . mesb given by equa t ion -
perpen d .icu lar to one ax 2 + 2h + by 2 =
es given y xy 0 be
a , x 2 + 2 h , x y + b' 2 _ 0
Y - , then (aa' _ 66')2 + 4 ( h'
2 a + hb') (ha' + bh') = 0.
ax + 2hxy + &y2 = 0
2
x + 2h xy + b'y2 =
QI I
( 1)
0
(2)
►
Ch. 3 : PAIR OF STRAIGHT LINES 81

1 . p .
1,et y = mz and y = --z be one of the lines of (1) and (2) respectively. uttmg
m
_ mz in (1) and y = _ _..!_x in (2) we have bm 2 +2hm+a = 0 and a'm 2 -2h'm+b = 0.
y - By cross multiplicat~n ·

m2 m 1
2(hb' + h'a) = aa' - bb' = -2(h'b +ha')'
2(hb' + h'a) aa' - bb'
or m - - - - ~ - - - - - -
- aa' - bb' - -2(h'b + ha')
(aa' - bb') 2 + 4(ha' + h'b) (h'a + hb') = 0.

10. Show that the triangle formed by the lines ax 2 +2hxy+by 2 =0 a,nd lx+my = 1
i8 right-angled, if (a+ b)(a1 2 + 2hlm + bm 2 ) = 0.
Let ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 = (11:x + m1y) (/2:x + m2y).
Equating the coefficients 1112 = a, 11m 2 + l2m 1 = 2h, m1m2 = b.

The lines are l1x + mi-y = 0 (1)

l2x + m2y = 0 (2)
and Ix+ my = 1. (3)
The triangle will be right-angled, if any two of the above lines are at right-angle.

The lines (1) and (2) will be at right angle if 11/2 + mtm2 = 0.
The lines (2) and (3) will be at right angle if /1 2 +mm 2 = 0.
The lines. (3) and (1) will be at right angle if 11 1 + mm 1 = 0.
Combining these we have

(1112 + m1m2) (ll1 + mmi) (/12 + mm2) = 0,

or (a+ b) {121112 + lm(l1m2 -f l2mi) + m 2m1m2} = 0,
or (a+ b) (al 2 + 2hl~ + bm 2 ) = 0.
4 i.Show that the orthocentre of the triangle formed by the lines ax 2 +2hxy+by2 = O
and Ix + my = 1 is given by

X y a+b
- m
= --=---- --
am 2 - 2hlm + bl2 · (C.H. -»O)

Let ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 = (/1:t + m1y) (/2x + m2y).

Equating the coefficients 11/2 = a, l1m2 + l2m1 = 2h, m 1 m 2 = b.
The lines are l1x + m1y = 0 (1)
l2x + m2y = 0 (2)
and Ix+ my = 1. (3)
62 ANALYTICAL GEOM ETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMEN SIONS

s (I) at
The lines (1) and (2) meet at (0. 0) and t h e line ( 3) m <>et

1 1
(im, "'_ m/ lm,-~ ml,)-
1
·

ing t h rou g h th e point of inter-

The equat ion of the line perpe ndicu lar to ( 3) and pass
sectio n betwe en (1) and (2) [i .e., (0.0)] is

m x - ly = 0, or -Xl = -my = k (say }. (4)

. The line p assing t hro ugh

The ortho centr e lies on (4). Let the ort hocen t re be ( kl , km)

(kl , km) and ( mi -li ) is p e rp endic ular t o ( 2) . The s lop e o f t his line
lm1 - m/1 · lm1 - m/1
lS
1 12
km+ and that of (2 ) is
/mi -rnli
kl - lm 1m,
-m'1
m2

As these two lines are at right angle

km + -,---1..__,....
I2 lm1- m l1 = 1
k l - m, ,
m2 lm1-m l1

or l2{km (/m 1 - mli) + Ii} - m 2{k/(/ m1 - m/ i) - m i}= 0,

k{/m( / 1 m2 + /2m i) - / m1m2 - m l1l2} + /1/2 + m1m2 =
2 2 0,
or
k{'lhl m - l b - m a} +a+ b = 0,
2 2
or
k- a+ b
or am 2 2hlm + b/'.? ·
- -

x y a+ b
I - m - am 2 - 2hlm + b/2 ·

12. If ax + 2hxy + lry + 2gx + 2jy + c = 0 repres ents two

2 2 lines equid istant from
2
origin , show that f - g = c(bj - ag ).
4 4 2 (C.H. 1992; B.H. 1994; N .B.H. 2001)
the
Let ax 2 + 2hxy + by + 2gx + 2jy + c = (/1 x + m1y + ni)
2 (/2x + m 2 y_+ n 2 ) .
Comp aring the coeffi cients /1/2 = a, m1m2 = b, /1m2 + l2m1
= 2h , / 1 n 2 + /2 n 1 ==
2g, m1n2 + m2n1 = 2J, n1n2 = c.
The lines are l1x + m1y + n1 = 0 and l2x + m 2 y + n2 = 0.
Since the lines are equid istant from the origin ,

IJ1r: mr I= IJ,t: I. m~

or nf U? + m~) = n~(ll + mf ),
2,22 - n 2,2 _ 2 2 2 2
or n 1 2 l - n2m1 - n1m2 ,
or ( n 1l2 + n2/1) (n1/2 - n2li) (n2m1 + n1m2 ) (n 2m 1 - n 1 m 2 ) ,
=
or 2g (n1/2 - n 2/i) =
2/(n2 m1 - n 1m 2) ,
2 2 2{(n2m 1 + n m ) 2 - 4n n m m2} ,
=/
or g {(n1 /2 + n 2/i) - 4n1n 2l 1l2} 1 2 1 2 1
or
2 2
g (4g - 4ca )
2
(4/ =/
2 - 4bc) ,

or J4 - g
4
= c( b/ 2 - ag 2 ) .
►

Ch. , PAIR OF STRAIGHT LINES 63

13. If the equation ax 2 + 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx + 2/ y + c = 0 represents a pa ir of

straight lines, prove that the equation to the th ird pair of straight lines passing through
- .
the points where these meet the axes is ax 2 - 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx. + 2f y + c + -c-
4h xy = 0.
2
ax + 2hxy + by 2 + 'lgx + 2/ y + c = O. (1)
Combined equation of the axes is
xy = 0. (2)
The equation of a curve through the points of intersection between (1) and (2) is
ax 2 + 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx + 2/y + c + 2,\xy = 0, where ,\ is a constant. If it represents a
pair of straight lines , then

abc + 2/ g(h + ,\) - a/ 2 - bg 2 - c(h + ..\) 2 = 0. (3)

As the equation ( 1) represents a pair of straight lines,

abc + 2f gh - af 2 - bg 2 - ch 2 = 0. (4)
By (_3) and (4),
,\ = 2(/g - ch) .
C
Hence the required equation is

+ 2gx + 2f y + c + -4fg
2 2
ax - 2hxy + by
C
xy = 0.
14. Show that the lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of the curves
2
=
ax + 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx 0 and a' x 2 + 2h' xy + b' y 2 + 2g' x 0 will be at right angle if=
g(a' + b') = g'(a + b) .

ax 2 + 2hxy + by 2 + 2gx = 0 (1)

a' x 2 + 2h' ~y + b' y 2 + 2g' x = 0 (2)
Multiplying (1) and (2) by g' and g respectively and then subtracting we have

(ag' - a'g)x 2 + 2(hg' - h'g)xy + (bg' - b'g)y2 = 0.

This homogeneous equation ir, x and y is the required equation.
The straight lines will be at right angle if /

coeff. of x 2 + coeff. of y 2 = 0,
1.e . (ag' - a'g) + (bg' - b'g) = 0,
or g' (a+b )=g(a'+b ') .

15. Find the equati ons of the lines x 2 + 8j2xy + 5y 2 = 0 referred to th e bisectors
of th e angles between the m as axes of coordin at es.

x2 + 8j2xy + 5y 2 = 0 .
~-/ , ( 1)
 0
ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY Of TW AND THREEl:>IMENSIONS
64
j
The equation of the bisectors is

2 ~~ _ - 1 x y = 0·
y - X J2

. Th
L t the \ines make angles a an d goo + a with the x-axis . e equation of the lines 1~
/ ~i r form is
(y _ tan ox) (y + cot ox) = 0,
or y2- x2 -(t an a- co ta) xy = 0.
Comparin~ it with (2),

1
tan a - cot a = J2 '

or J2 tan2 a - tan a - J2 = 0'

1
or tan a= J2 , - J2'

-
Taking tan O'. = ✓2, sm· O'. -- ✓J'J2 ' cos a = - 1 ·
J3
For rotation of axes through ang
le O'. , the equation transforms
to
. )2
( x cos O'. - y sm O'. + 8J2(x cos a: - y sin a:)( x sin a + Y cos O'. )
\
+5(x sin o: + y cos rx )2 = 0,
or (x - J2y)2 +8J2{x - J2 y)(
J2 x + y) + 5(J2 x
t '
or 27x2 - 9y2 =0, or 3x2
+ y)2 = 0,
- y2 =0.

1
Taking tan O'. = -2 ' cos u = - J2 . _ _l
J3 and sm O'. - J3 .
For rotation ofJaxes through this
· angle, t he equatio· n (1) W1·11 red t 2 2
uce o x - 3Y = O.

EXERCISE - IX

1. Find the angle between the pai

r of lines
(i) x2 + 2hxy - y2 = 0, (ii) 4x 2
- 24xy + l ly 2 = 0,
(iii) x2 + 2xycosec0'. + y2 = 0,
(iv) (x 2 + y2) sin 2 a:= (xcos0
(v) (x 2 + y2 )(cos 2 0 sin 2 O'. +sin 2 -y sin 0) 2,
0) = (x tan O'. - ysin 0)2 ,
(vi) y2(cos0'. + J3sin0'.) cos O'. -
xy( sin 2a - J 3cos2o)
+x 2 (sin a - J3 cos a) sin o
2. Show that the equ ation of the
= 0.
to 5x2 - 7xy - 3y2 = 0 is 3x 2 - lines passing through the origin
1xy - 5y2 = 0. and perpendic ular
3. Show tha t the lines a2 x2 +
lines ax 2 + 2hx y + by2 = O. 2h(a + b)x y + b2 y2 = O are equally inclined to th,
4. Prove tha t the str aight 2
pair of bisectors . Interpr et the lines ax + 2h xy + by2 + A(x2 +
y2) = 0 have the saflle
case when A= -(a + b).
-
 Ch. 3 : PAIR OF STRAIGHT LINES 65

5. Sho_w th at. if one of the lines given by the equation a.r 2 + 2hx y + by = 0
2

coincides wi th one of those given by a'x 2 + 2h'xy + b'y 2 =

0, then (ab' - a'b) 2 =
4(ha ' - h'a)( bh' - b'h) .
6. Prove that the equation y3 - x 3 + 3xy(y - x) = Orepresents three straight lines
equally inclined to one another.
3
=
[•• Hints. y3-x +3xy(y-x) (y-x)(y 2 +x 2 +4xy) (y-x){(y+2x)2- 3x } = = 2

( y - X) {Y + (2 + ✓3) X} { y + (2 - ✓3) X} J

7. Show that the following equations represent pair of straight lines and find the
points of intersections and angles between them.
(i) 8x + lOxy + 3y 2 + 26x + 16y + 21 = 0,
2

(ii) 12x + 7xy - 10y + 13x + 45y - 35 = 0,

2 2

(iii) 2x - 7xy + 3y + 26;n - 33y + 72 = 0.

2 2

8. Find the value of k so that the following equations may represent pair of straight
lines.
(i) kx 2 - 3xy - 2y 2 + x + 13y - 15 = 0,
(ii) x 2 + kxy - 2y 2 + 3y - 1 = 0,
(iii) xy + 5x + ky + 15 = 0,
(iv) x 2 + 10/3xy + y2 - 5x - 7y + k = 0,
(v) x2 + 6xy + 9y 2 + kx + 12y - 5 = 0.
9. Show that the following equations represent pair of parallel lines and find the
distance between them.
(i) + 6xy + 9y 2 + 4x + 12y - 5 = 0,
x
2

(ii) 4x 2 + 12xy + 9y 2 + 2x + 3y - 42 = 0.
10. Show that 2x 2 + 3xy - 2y 2 + 7x - y + 3 = 0 represents a pair of perpendicular
lines.

11 . Show that
(i) x 2 + 6xy + 9y 2 + 4x + 12y + 4 = 0 and
(ii) 4x 2 + 4xy + y 2 + 4x + 2y + 1 = 0 represent coincident lines .
12 . Find the equation of the lines passing through (2, 3) and perpendicular to the
lines 2x 2 + xy - 3y 2 + 3x + 2y + 1 = 0.
13. The equation to the pair of opposite sides of a rectangle are x
2
- 7x +6 = 0
and y2 - 14y + 40 = 0. Find the equation to its diagonals.

I
14 . Show that the lines x + y + l = 0 and (x + y) 2 - 3(x - y) 2 = 0 form an
equilateral triangle .
15. Find the equation of the lines which pass through the origin and whose dis-
tances from (h, k) are equal to d.
16. A triangle has the lines ax 2 + 2hxy + by = 0 for two of its sides and the point
2

(p, q) for its orthocentre. Prove that the equation of the third side is (a+b)(px+qy) =
aql _ 2hpq + bp2 . [B.H. 1992)

5
66 THR EE DIM ENSIONS
ANALYTICAL GEOMET RY OF TWO
AND

~• •Hints. \[ Ix, n, y l is I lw ol hrr t--id<'. tlwn

I (11 I Ii) 11 1(1t I h)

p q
2hlrn I b/ 2 ' om2 2h lm 1-- bl 2

P q \ (~n,_,)
p(a + b)>- ]
P
I rn " ·' - aq2 - 2hpq + bP2 .
v1 7. ax + by + c = 0 bis<'cts
an angle betwee~ ~ pa.i·r of lines of which one is
lr + my + n = 0. Show that the ,
other line of the pair is
(a 2 + b2 )(/r +m y+ n) - 2(a1
+ bm) (ax + by + c) = O. [B.H . 1998]
l
••H int s. Let the oth er line be
lx+ my + n + >.(ax+ by+ c)= O
(-; ,0) is a poi nt on aT + by + c (1)
= 0. Distances of (1) and lx + my + n
(- ~. 0) a.re equal . = O from
\ - 1· ~ + n\ _ \ - /. ~ + n\
.. J (!+ >-a) 2t (m + >.b) 2 - J l2 + m2 '
.
or , l 2
+ m2 = (l + >.a)2 + (m + >.b) 2,
or, >.2 (a2 + b2 ) + 2>.(a! + bm) = 0.
2(al + bm)
>. = 0 or, - b •
a2 + 2
For >. = - 2(o~+~;nl , the other bisector is
G ~

(a 2 + b2 )(lx +m y + n) -
2(a1 + bm )(ax + by+ c) = O.}
18. Show t hat the pair of straight line 2
s ax +2hx y +by 2 +2gx + 2f y +
a rhombus with the lines ax2 + c = 0 form
2hxy + by = 0, if h(g 2 - f 2 ) = gf(
2
l•• Hi nts . In a rhombus diagonals are at right angle. }
a - b) .
19. Show that one of the bisecto
rs of the angles between the pai
2hxy + by2 = 0 will pass through the r of lines ax 2 +
point of intersection of the two lines ax 2 +2hxy
by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, if h(g 2 - 2
f ) = Jg(a - b) . +
l•• Hin ts. Th e coordinates of the poi
nt of intersection of the lines ax 2
[C.H . 2001)
+ 2hx y + by2 +
2gx + 2f Y + c = 0 are ( 1
:t~~~,~i=~~) .
The equ ation of the bisectors of
the angles
between the pair of lines ax 2 + 2hx
y +by = Ois
2

2
x - y2 = xy
a- b h (1)
The above point lies on (1).
(hf - bg) 2 - (hg - af) 2 _ (hf - bg)
(hg - af)
a- b - h
or, h(h2! 2 + b2g2 - 2bhf g - h2
g2 - a J2 + 2ahfg)
2

= (a - b)(h f g - ah f 2 - bhg2 + abfg)

2
3 2 2
or, h (f - g ) + 2(a - b)fgh2
= (a - b)(h2 + ab)'Jg + abh(J2 _ 2)
or, h(/ 2 - g2 )(h2 - ab) = (a -
b)f g(ab - h2) g '
or, h(g 2 - f 2 ) = f g(a - b), · .-
h2 _ a.bi= o.)
 Ch . 3 : PAIR OF STRAI GHT LINES 67

2() . Show that the lines joining l.l11 : (JfiKin t,, t.!11, pr,ir,t,H c;<1rn m<,n VJ x 2 ..... hxy -
y2 + gx + fy = 0 and f x - gy - >. fl.TP. rll, ri~Jit, imv,11: wh11t,:ver >. mi1y be.
21. Find the angle between th, : ch,mlH of t.lill ci rtl,: ',1; 2 1 1/- :::. rzx ,... l)'IJ . 0ht ained
by joining the origin to the point; of internocl.io11 of th e 81.raight Jin1: x/a "'t" y/1) = 1 and
the ahove circle .
22. If the angle between the lincA joining Lho orig.in to th ,1 points of intE:rsectirm of
2
lx+my == 1 and x +y = a ~c 45°, show th at 4[a 2 (t2 + m 2 J - 1] = [a U + m ;- 2:2 .
2 2 2 2 2
1
23. If the pair of straight lines joining the origin to the points of intt-rsoction of
2 2
the ellipse ~ + ~ = 1 and the line l x + my + n 0 an: p1:rp1;ndic:ular to each other ,
~ a2b2
then show t hat ~ = -;:;-r . [C .H . 1993, '94]
2
[ • • Hints. The equation of the required pair of lines is ~ + ~ = ( lz ~;;' 11 ) . If these
lines are at right angles then coeff. of x 2 + coeff. of y 2 = 0, i.e., ~ - ,J; + -,},- - ~ == 0,
a2+b2 a2b2 ]
or, ~ == ~ ·
24. If the two pairs of straight lines ax 2 +2hxy+by 2 = 0 and a' x 2 +2h' xy "'t" b'y
2
=0
have one line in common and 0 is the angle between the other two, show that
aa' bb'
2 cot O = ha' - h' a + h' b - h~ .
[ • • Hints. The given pairs have a common line. Therefore (ab' - a'b)
2
= 4(ha' -
h'a)(bh' - b'h). (See Ex. 5)
Let
2h a 2
y 2 + bxy + "j/ = (y - mx)(y - m 1x)
2h' a'
and y2 + -xy + -x2 == (y - mx)(y - m2x ).
b' b'
Then
2h (1)
m+m1 = --
b
a (2)
mm 1 = -b
2h' (3)
m + m2 = - -;;,
a' ( 4).
mm 2 = -
b'
By (1) and (3)
h' h) h'b - hb' (5)
m1 - m2 = 2 ( b' - b = 2 bb'

By (2) and (4) ab'

m1 (6)
-= -
m2 a' b

By (5) a nd (6), m2 ( :,b - 1

b' )
=2
h'b - hb'
bb' '

'h'b - hb' a h'b - hb'

or, m2 == 2 :, ab' - a'b and m1 == 2,; ab' - a'b .
68
ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS

Now ,
h ' b-hb'
m2 2 bb'
tan0 = mi - - aa' (h'b-hb') 2
1 + m1 m2 1+ 4w (ab'-a' b)~

2(h'b - hb')(ha' - h'a)

= bb'(ha' - h'a) + aa'(h'b - hb')
aa' bb' ]
2 cotB = ha' - h'a + h'b - hb' .

25. Show that the distance from the origin to the orthocentre of the triangle
2
formed by the lines x + y = 1 and ax 2 + 2hxy + by = 0 is
a, /3
(a+ b)a/3(a2 + 132)1/2
aa 2 - 2ho/3 + b/32
26. Show that the distance between the points of intersection of the straight line
2
x cos o + y sin o - p = 0 with the lines ax 2 + 2hxy + by = 0 is
2p✓h 2ab -

b cos 2 o - 2h cos o sin a + a sin2 a·

2
27. Show that the distance between the parallel lines represented by ax + 2hxy+
g 2 -ac
by 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is 2 -a(a+b) . [B.H. 1993, '95; C.H. 1994]

28. A point moves so that the distance between the feet of the perpendiculars
from it on the lines ax 2 + 2hxy + by 2 = 0 is a constant 2d. Show that its locus is
[B.H. 1994]

[ • • Hints. Let OA and OB be the lines represented by ax2 + 2hxy + by 2 =0

and P(a,/3) be the moving point. PA and PB are perpendiculars to OA and OB.
0, A, P, Bare concyclic with OP as a diameter. Taking LAOB = 0 and LORA=,,
AB = 0 A and OP _ 0A
sin 0 sin , sin 90° sin ,
2
2 2 2
OP 2 = AB (1+cot 0), oro +/3 2 = 4d2 {1+ (a+b) }]
2 4(h - ab) .

29. Show that the equation of the line joining the feet of the perpendiculars from
the point (d, 0) on the lines ax + 2hxy + by = 0 is (a - b)x + 2hy + bd = o.
2 2
(C.H. 1998]

[ • • Hints. ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 = O (I)

The equation of the lines drawn perpendicular to the lines of (1) from (d, O) is
b(x - d) 2 - 2h(x - d)y + ay 2 = o (2)

By (1) x a - (2) x b, the result follows. )

►
Ch. 3 : PAIR OF STRAIGHT LINES 69

30. If one of the lines given by the equat ion ax 2 + 2hxy

+ by 2 = 0 coincides wit h
one of the lines given by a' x 2 + 2h' xy + b' y2 = O and the
other lines are perpe ndicu lar,
then show that
ha'b' = h'ab = ~ J (-aa' bb') .
b' - a' b- a 2
[ • • Hints. We may assum e that by2 + 2hxy + ax 2 =
· b(y - mx)( y - m1x) and
b'y2 + 2h'xy + a'x 2 = b' (y - mx) (y + ~ x) .
1
Comparing the coefficients ,

2h
m+m 1 = - - (1)
b
a
mm1 =- (2)
b
1 2h'
m--=-- (3)
m1 b'
m a'
= (4)
m 1 b'

From (2) and (4), m = b'

and m 1 = ± --
(+ and - signs for the secon d
a'b
and first pair of lines respectively). Putti ng these value ~
s in (1) and (3) the resul t is
obtained. ]
31. If the lines ax 2 - 2hxy + by 2 = 0 form an equil atera l triang le with the line
xcosa + ysin a = p, show that

a h b
---- = ---
1 - 2 cos 2a 2 sin 2a 1 + 2 cos 2a
[.. Hints. By the help of worked out exam ple 8, ax 2 - 2hx
y+by 2 = 0 is ident ical wit h
(cos2 o - 3 sin2 a)x 2 + 8 cos a sinax y + (sin2 o - 3 cos2
a)y 2 = 0 or (1 - 2 cos 2a)x 2 -
4sin2 oxy + (1 +2co s2a)y 2 = 0. Hence the resul t follow
s. )
32. If ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2/y + c = 0 represents
a pair of straight lines,
prove that the area of the triang le formed by their bisec
tors and the axis of x is

J (a - b) 2 + 4h2 ca - 92
2h ab - h2 . [C.H. 1995]

[ • • Hint s. T he equat ion of the bisectors is

(x - o) 2 - (y -,8)2 (x-a ) (y - ,B)

a- b = h
where (o , .6) is the point of intersection . Here

o= y~ ~
~ ,.B = y~ -
69(i) ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS

If the bisectors meet the x-axis at (x 1, O) and (x2 , 0) then x 1 and x2 are the roots of

(X - Q) 2 - {32 - {3 (X - Q)
a- b
= h
or

Required area
hx 2 -

1
{2ho: - (a - b){J }x + h(ci - (i) - (a - b) a(3

_ J (a - b) 2 + 4h
= 2(x2 - xi){J - 2h
2
9
. c,a -
ab_ h2 ·
2
l = 0.

33. If ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2f y + c = 0 represents a pair of straight lines,

show that the area of the parallelogram formed by them and the pair of parallel lines
through the origin is c [C.H. 1999, 2002) '
1
2Jh2 - ab ·
[,, Hints. Let OACB be the parallelogram. The equation of OA and OB in pair

form is ax 2 + 2hxy + by 2 = 0. If p 1 and p2 are perpendicular distances from C( a:, {3)

on OA; and OB respectively and LAOB = 0 then the required area = 2~0AC ==
P2
OA x PI = BC x PI = --:--0 x PI ·
sm

aa:2 + 2ha:(3 + b(3 2 2Jh 2 - ab

P1P2 - ---:=====- and sin 0 = --:====~
- J (a - b) 2 + 4h 2 J (a - b) 2 + 4h 2

Again ao:2 + 2ho:(3 + b(3 2 + 2go: + 2f{3 + c = 0 and ga + f (3 + c = 0.

aa-2 + 2ha(3 + b(3 2 = c.

Thus t he required area = c

2Jh2 - ab
· l
34. A parallelogram is formed by the lines ax2 + 2hxy + by2 = 0 and the lines
through the point (p, q) parallel to them. Show that the equation of the diagonal which
does not pass through the origin is (2x - p) (ap + hq) + (2y - q) (bq +hp)= 0.

[ • • Hints. The equation to the pair of lines through the point (p, q) and parallel to

ax2 +2hxy + by 2 = 0 (1)

is a(x - p) 2
+ 2h(x - p) (y - q) + b(y _ q)2 =o (2).

Subtracting (1) from (2), the required equation is obtained. l

35. If each of the equation Ji (x, y) = ax2 + 2hxy + by 2 + 2 d
h(x, y) = ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 _ 2 x gx + 21 Y + c = 0 an
g - 21Y + c = O represents a pair of straight lines,
prove that the area of the parallelogram encl db h . 2c
ose y t em is J h2 - ab . [B.H. 1991)

[ " Hints. Let (o' P) be the point of intersection of the lines of ft (x, y) ~ 0. Then
ga + f (J +c = 0. The diagonal not passina through ( a). f .
b o ,1-' is 1-'2 == 0, 1.e. gx + fy = 0.
►
Ch. 3 : PAIR OF STRAIGHT LINES 69 ( il)

It meets the lin:S of /1 (x, y) = 0 at the points (± Jh2f- ~ Jh 2g- ab ) . This result .
ab'
is obtained by the condition of the pair of lines. The required area is twice the area of

the tr iangle whose vertices are (a, /3) and ( ± f ,~ g ) .]

Jh 2-ab ab Jh 2-

36. Show that the two of the lines represented by the equation ay4 +bxy +cx y +
3 2 2

dx3Y + ex = 0 will be at right angles, if (b + d)(ad +be)+ (a - e) (a + c + e) = 0.

4 2

[ • • Hint$. Assume that

ay
4
+ bxy3 + cx2 y2 + dx 3y + ex4 = (ay 2 + qyx + rx2 ) (y2 + pyx - x2)

where p, q and r are constants. Equating the coefficients and then eliminatin g p, q and

r, the result is obtained. ]

ANSWERS

4 7r 7r
.
(ii) tan- 1 f (iii) - a; (iv) 2a; (v) 2a; (vi)
3
2
7r
25 43) _ i 23 .. 4·
11 ;
2 (ii) (iii) (-3,2),
7. (i) (-1, -1), tan- 1 ( - 23 ' 23 ' tan 2'
8. (i) 2; (ii) ±1; (iii) 3; 0v) 6; (v) 4.
6
9. (i) /i'n ; (ii) y'l3,
vlO
12. 3x2 + xy - 2y 2 -15x + lOy = 0.
7r
13. 6x - Sy+ 14 = 0, 6x + Sy - 56 = 0. 21. 2·