Question:

If the straight line \[ lx+my+n=0 \] touches the parabola \[ y^2=4ax, \] then

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For the parabola \[ y^2=4ax, \] the tangent in slope form is \[ y=mx+\frac{a}{m}. \] This is the quickest way to solve tangent-condition MCQs.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • \(al^2=mn\)
  • \(am^2=ln\)
  • \(an^2=ml\)
  • \(a^2m=l^2n\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The tangent to the parabola \[ y^2=4ax \] having slope \(m_1\) is \[ y=m_1x+\frac{a}{m_1}. \] A line will be tangent to the parabola if its equation can be reduced to this form.

Step 1: Write the given line in slope form. \[ lx+my+n=0 \] \[ y=-\frac{l}{m}x-\frac{n}{m} \] Hence slope \[ m_1=-\frac{l}{m}. \]

Step 2: Compare with the tangent form. For a tangent, \[ \text{Intercept} = \frac{a}{m_1} \] Therefore, \[ -\frac{n}{m} = \frac{a}{-\frac{l}{m}} = -\frac{am}{l} \] \[ \frac{n}{m} = \frac{am}{l} \] \[ ln=am^2 \] \[\begin{aligned} \boxed{am^2=ln} \end{aligned}\] Hence, option \(\mathbf{(B)}\) is correct.
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