K-Points on Conics

Problem

Say an ellipse or hyperbola has a KK-point if there is a point PP on it whose distances to the two foci are in ratio 2:12 : 1. Determine, with proof, which of the following curves have a KK-point:

1. x216+y215=1\dfrac{x^2}{16} + \dfrac{y^2}{15} = 1; 2. x225+y224=1\dfrac{x^2}{25} + \dfrac{y^2}{24} = 1; 3. x2−y215=1x^2 - \dfrac{y^2}{15} = 1; 4. x2−y2=1x^2 - y^2 = 1.

Answer

Solution

Difficulty6/10
TopicsEstimation, conic sections, analytic geometry, Casework

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