Verify that the point P(a cos θ, b sin θ) lies on the ellipse
x
2
a
2
+
y
2
b
2
= 1,
where a and b are the semi-major and semi-minor axes respectively of the ellipse . Find the
gradient of the tangent to the curve at P and show that the equation of the normal at P is
ax sin θ − by cos θ = (a
2 − b
2
) sin θ cos θ.
If P is not on the axes and if the normal at P passes through the point B(0, b), Show that
a
2 > 2b
2
. If further, the tangent at P meets the y-axis at Q, show that
|BQ| =
a
2
b
2
.