Download FREE PDF for NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Maths Chapter 10 Conic Sections: Exercise 10.3
FAQs on NCERT Solutions Class 11 Maths Chapter 10 Conic Sections Exercise 10.3
1. What are the main types of problems covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Maths Chapter 10, Conic Sections?
The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Maths Chapter 10 systematically cover problems related to the four main conic sections. The solutions provide step-by-step methods for:
- Finding the equation of a circle given its centre and radius.
- Determining the focus, axis, directrix, and latus rectum of a parabola.
- Calculating the foci, vertices, major/minor axes, eccentricity, and latus rectum of an ellipse.
- Finding the foci, vertices, eccentricity, and latus rectum of a hyperbola.
2. How do the NCERT Solutions explain the method to find the equation of a parabola given its focus and directrix?
The NCERT Solutions demonstrate the correct method by applying the fundamental definition of a parabola. The steps are as follows:
- Step 1: Assume any point P(x, y) on the parabola.
- Step 2: Use the distance formula to find the distance between the point P(x, y) and the given focus (S).
- Step 3: Calculate the perpendicular distance from the point P(x, y) to the line of the directrix.
- Step 4: Equate the two distances (PS = PM) and simplify the resulting algebraic expression to derive the standard equation of the parabola.
3. What is the correct procedure to find the coordinates of the foci and vertices of an ellipse from its equation?
The correct procedure, as shown in the NCERT Solutions, is:
- Step 1: Compare the given equation with the standard form, either x²/a² + y²/b² = 1 or x²/b² + y²/a² = 1.
- Step 2: Identify the values of a² and b². The larger denominator is always a².
- Step 3: Determine the orientation. If a² is under x², the major axis is horizontal. If it's under y², the major axis is vertical.
- Step 4: Calculate 'c' using the relation c² = a² - b².
- Step 5: The coordinates of the vertices are (±a, 0) for a horizontal ellipse or (0, ±a) for a vertical one. The coordinates of the foci are (±c, 0) or (0, ±c) respectively.
4. How do you solve problems to find the eccentricity of a hyperbola as per the NCERT textbook?
To find the eccentricity of a hyperbola, the NCERT Solutions guide you to first identify its standard form (x²/a² - y²/b² = 1 or y²/a² - x²/b² = 1). The next steps are: 1. Find the value of 'c' using the formula c² = a² + b². 2. Calculate the eccentricity 'e' using the relationship e = c/a. The value of 'e' for a hyperbola is always greater than 1.
5. Why is the value of eccentricity 'e' so important for distinguishing between different conic sections in NCERT problems?
Eccentricity 'e' is a fundamental parameter that defines the exact shape of a conic section. Its value is crucial because it tells you which type of curve you are dealing with, which dictates the formulas you must use. In the context of solving NCERT problems:
- If e = 0, the conic is a circle.
- If e = 1, the conic is a parabola.
- If e < 1, the conic is an ellipse.
- If e > 1, the conic is a hyperbola.
Understanding this helps you apply the correct properties and equations for each specific shape.
6. What is a common mistake when determining the major axis of an ellipse, and how do the NCERT Solutions help prevent it?
A common mistake is assuming the major axis is always horizontal. The orientation of an ellipse depends on whether the larger denominator (a²) is associated with the x² or y² term. The NCERT Solutions prevent this error by consistently emphasising the first step in any ellipse problem: identifying a² and b² and then checking if the major axis lies along the x-axis (if a² is under x²) or the y-axis (if a² is under y²). This foundational check ensures all subsequent calculations for foci and vertices are correct.
7. How do the NCERT Solutions for Chapter 10 demonstrate finding the centre and radius of a circle from its general equation?
The solutions show a clear, step-by-step method using the 'completing the square' technique. The process is:
- Step 1: Rearrange the given general equation to group the x-terms and y-terms together.
- Step 2: Apply the completing the square method separately for the x-variable and y-variable expressions.
- Step 3: Rewrite the equation into the standard circle form: (x - h)² + (y - k)² = r².
- Step 4: Once in this form, you can directly identify the centre (h, k) and the radius r.
8. Are the problem-solving methods in these NCERT Solutions aligned with the latest CBSE syllabus for 2025-26?
Yes, absolutely. The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Maths Chapter 10 are meticulously designed to be fully aligned with the CBSE syllabus for the 2025-26 academic session. They strictly adhere to the methodology, formulas, and problem types prescribed in the NCERT textbook, ensuring you learn the correct approach required for your board examinations.
9. Beyond finding the equation, how does understanding the latus rectum help in solving problems related to parabolas and ellipses?
The latus rectum is the chord passing through the focus, perpendicular to the axis. Its length (4a for a parabola, 2b²/a for an ellipse) represents the 'width' of the curve at its focus. Understanding this helps in two key ways:
- Visualisation: It helps you accurately sketch the conic section, giving you a better visual grasp of its shape and dimensions.
- Problem-Solving: In certain problems, you might be given the length of the latus rectum as a parameter to find other properties like the focus or the equation of the conic itself, acting as a crucial piece of the puzzle.

















