An Isosceles with a Directrix

Problem

An ellipse CC is centered at the origin with foci on the xx-axis; its right focus is FF, the line l ⁣:x=4l \colon x = 4 is its right directrix, and the distance from FF to ll is 33.

1. Find the equation of the ellipse CC. 2. Let PP move along the ellipse, and let MM be the foot of the perpendicular from PP to ll. Is there a point PP making FPM\triangle FPM isosceles? If so, find all such PP; if not, explain why.

Answer

Solution

Difficulty7/10
Topicsconic sections, analytic geometry, Casework

Whiteboard

Your sketch is saved only in this browser. To share it, export your drawing as an image (whiteboard menu → Export as → PNG), then upload that image in the comments below.

Discussion

Ask questions, share alternate solutions, and use LaTeX freely.

0 comments
Log in to join the discussion.

No comments yet.