Question:hard

If \(O\) is the origin and \(P\) is a point moving on the straight line \(lx + my + n = 0 \; (n \neq 0)\). If \(Q\) is a point on the segment \(OP\) such that \(OP \cdot OQ = k^2\), where \(k \neq 0\), then the locus of \(Q\) is

Show Hint

Whenever a point divides a segment joining the origin and another moving point, use proportional coordinates. Then convert the given geometric condition into algebraic form and substitute into the given curve or line equation.
Updated On: Jun 17, 2026
  • \(n(x^2+y^2)=k^2(lx+my)\)
  • \(k^2(x^2+y^2)=n(lx+my)\)
  • \(n(x^2-y^2)=k^2(lx-my)\)
  • \(n(x^2+y^2)=k^2(ly-mx)\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the inversion idea.
A point $P$ moves on the line $lx+my+n=0$. Another point $Q$ sits on the line joining the origin $O$ and $P$. We are told $OP \cdot OQ = k^2$. This is the rule of an inversion. So $Q$ is just $P$ scaled along the same direction from the origin.
Step 2: Write $Q$ as a scaled version of $P$.
Let $P=(\alpha,\beta)$ and $Q=(x,y)$. Since both lie on a line through the origin, they point the same way. So we can write \[ (x,y)=\lambda(\alpha,\beta). \] This means $x=\lambda\alpha$ and $y=\lambda\beta$.
Step 3: Turn the distance rule into a value of $\lambda$.
Because $Q=\lambda P$, the length $OQ=\lambda\,OP$. The rule $OP\cdot OQ=k^2$ becomes \[ \lambda\,(OP)^2=k^2. \] Now $(OP)^2=\alpha^2+\beta^2$ and also $x^2+y^2=\lambda^2(\alpha^2+\beta^2)$, so $\alpha^2+\beta^2=\dfrac{x^2+y^2}{\lambda^2}$. Putting this in gives \[ \lambda\cdot\frac{x^2+y^2}{\lambda^2}=k^2 \quad\Rightarrow\quad \lambda=\frac{x^2+y^2}{k^2}. \]
Step 4: Get $P$ back in terms of $Q$.
From $x=\lambda\alpha$ we get $\alpha=\dfrac{x}{\lambda}$, and likewise $\beta=\dfrac{y}{\lambda}$. We will plug these into the line that $P$ obeys.
Step 5: Use the fact that $P$ lies on the given line.
Since $l\alpha+m\beta+n=0$, \[ l\frac{x}{\lambda}+m\frac{y}{\lambda}+n=0. \] Multiply through by $\lambda$: \[ lx+my+n\lambda=0. \]
Step 6: Replace $\lambda$ and clean up.
Put $\lambda=\dfrac{x^2+y^2}{k^2}$: \[ lx+my+n\cdot\frac{x^2+y^2}{k^2}=0. \] Multiply by $k^2$ and rearrange to get the locus of $Q$. \[ \boxed{n(x^2+y^2)=k^2(lx+my)} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0