Question:medium

The length of the tangent drawn at the point \(P(1, 3\sqrt{3})\) on the curve is \(\frac{x^2}{3} + \frac{y^2}{27} = 4\):

Show Hint

To find the length of a tangent segment intercepted by an axis, find the equation of the tangent line first, calculate the intercept coordinate, and then apply the distance formula between the contact point and the intercept point.
Updated On: Jun 9, 2026
  • \( 4 \)
  • \( 6 \)
  • \( 12 \)
  • \( 8 \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Set up the curve.
The curve is $\dfrac{x^2}{3}+\dfrac{y^2}{27}=4$ and the point is $P(1,3\sqrt3)$. We want the length of the tangent from $P$ to where it meets the $x$-axis.
Step 2: Find the slope by implicit differentiation.
Differentiating, $\dfrac{2x}{3}+\dfrac{2y}{27}\dfrac{dy}{dx}=0$, so $\dfrac{dy}{dx}=-\dfrac{9x}{y}$.
Step 3: Evaluate at $P$.
\[ \left.\frac{dy}{dx}\right|_{(1,3\sqrt3)}=-\frac{9(1)}{3\sqrt3}=-\frac{3}{\sqrt3}=-\sqrt3. \]
Step 4: Write the tangent line.
$y-3\sqrt3=-\sqrt3(x-1)$ simplifies to $\sqrt3\,x+y=4\sqrt3$.
Step 5: Find the $x$-intercept.
Set $y=0$: $\sqrt3\,x=4\sqrt3$, so $x=4$. The tangent meets the $x$-axis at $A(4,0)$.
Step 6: Measure $PA$.
\[ PA=\sqrt{(4-1)^2+(0-3\sqrt3)^2}=\sqrt{9+27}=\sqrt{36}=6. \]
\[ \boxed{6} \]
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