Edexcel FP3 2013 June — Question 3

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleFP3 (Further Pure Mathematics 3)
Year2013
SessionJune
TopicConic sections

  1. The point \(P\) lies on the ellipse \(E\) with equation
$$\frac { x ^ { 2 } } { 36 } + \frac { y ^ { 2 } } { 9 } = 1$$ \(N\) is the foot of the perpendicular from point \(P\) to the line \(x = 8\)
\(M\) is the midpoint of \(P N\).
  1. Sketch the graph of the ellipse \(E\), showing also the line \(x = 8\) and a possible position for the line \(P N\).
  2. Find an equation of the locus of \(M\) as \(P\) moves around the ellipse.
  3. Show that this locus is a circle and state its centre and radius.