Question:

If the lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of the line $y = mx + 1$ and the circle $x^2 + y^2 = 1$ are perpendicular to each other, then the value of $m^2$ is:

Show Hint

Homogenization reduces the perpendicularity condition of the intersecting lines to simply setting the sum of the $x^2$ and $y^2$ coefficients to zero: $(1-m^2) + 0 = 0 \implies m^2 = 1$.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • $1$
  • $2$
  • $0$
  • $3$
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
To find the equation of the lines joining the origin to the intersection points of a curve and a line, we homogenize the equation of the curve to degree 2 using the equation of the line.

Step 2: Meaning
The line equation is $y - mx = 1$. We use this relationship to homogenize the circle equation $x^2 + y^2 = 1$.

Step 3: Analysis
Homogenizing the circle equation: \[ x^2 + y^2 = 1^2 \implies x^2 + y^2 = (y - mx)^2 \] Expanding the right-hand side: \[ x^2 + y^2 = y^2 - 2mxy + m^2x^2 \] \[ x^2(1 - m^2) + 2mxy = 0 \] Since the lines are perpendicular to each other, the sum of the coefficients of $x^2$ and $y^2$ must equal zero: \[ \text{Coefficient of } x^2 + \text{Coefficient of } y^2 = 0 \] \[ (1 - m^2) + 0 = 0 \implies m^2 = 1 \]

Step 4: Conclusion
The value of $m^2$ is $1$.

Final Answer: (A)
Was this answer helpful?
0
0