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KCET · Maths · Application of Derivatives

The length of the subtangent to the curve \(x^{2} y^{2}=a^{4}\) at \((-a, a)\) is

  1. A \(\frac{a}{2}\)
  2. B \(2 a\)
  3. C \(a\)
  4. D \(\frac{a}{3}\)
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(C) \(a\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Given, curve \(x^{2} y^{2}=a^{4}\)
\[
\Rightarrow \quad y^{2}=\frac{a^{4}}{x^{2}}
\]
On differentiating, we get
\[
\begin{aligned}
2 y \frac{d y}{d x} &=\frac{-2 a^{4}}{x^{3}} \\
\Rightarrow & \frac{d y}{d x} &=\frac{-a^{4}}{x^{3} y} \\
\text { at } &(-a, a), \frac{d y}{d x} &=\frac{-a^{4}}{-a^{3} \cdot a}=1
\end{aligned}
\]
Now, length of subtangent to the given curve at \((-a, a)\) is
\[
\frac{y}{\frac{d y}{d x}}=\frac{a}{1}=a
\]