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From an external point P tangents are drawn to the parabola, find the equation to the locus of P when these tangents make angles ` theta _(1) and theta _(2)` with the axis, such that
`tan theta _(1) + tan theta _(2)` is constant ( = b)

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To find the equation of the locus of point P from which tangents are drawn to the parabola, we will follow these steps: ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Assume the Coordinates of Point P**: Let the external point P have coordinates (h, k). **Hint**: Start by defining the point from which the tangents are drawn. 2. **Equation of Tangents to the Parabola**: The equation of the tangents to the parabola \(y^2 = 4ax\) from point P can be expressed as: \[ y = mx + \frac{a}{m} \] where \(m\) is the slope of the tangent. **Hint**: Recall the general form of the tangent to a parabola. 3. **Substituting Point P into the Tangent Equation**: Since point P lies on the tangents, we substitute (h, k) into the tangent equation: \[ k = mh + \frac{a}{m} \] Rearranging gives: \[ km = m^2h + a \] **Hint**: Use the relationship between the point and the tangent to derive a quadratic equation. 4. **Forming a Quadratic Equation**: Rearranging the equation gives: \[ m^2h - km + a = 0 \] This is a quadratic equation in \(m\). **Hint**: Recognize that this quadratic will help us find relationships between the slopes of the tangents. 5. **Using Vieta's Formulas**: From Vieta's formulas, for the roots \(m_1\) and \(m_2\) of the quadratic: - The sum of the slopes \(m_1 + m_2 = \frac{k}{h}\) - The product of the slopes \(m_1 m_2 = \frac{a}{h}\) **Hint**: Relate the coefficients of the quadratic to the slopes of the tangents. 6. **Given Condition**: We are given that \( \tan \theta_1 + \tan \theta_2 = b \), which implies: \[ m_1 + m_2 = b \] Therefore, we have: \[ \frac{k}{h} = b \implies k = bh \] **Hint**: Use the condition provided in the problem to relate \(k\) and \(h\). 7. **Equation of the Locus**: The equation \(k = bh\) represents the locus of point P. This can be rewritten as: \[ y = bx \] **Hint**: Recognize that this is the equation of a straight line, which represents the locus. ### Final Answer: The equation of the locus of point P is: \[ y = bx \]
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