Let H:a2x2−b2y2=1 be a hyperbola such that the distance between its foci is 6 and the distance between its directrices is 38. If the line x=α intersects the hyperbola H at the points A and B such that the area of the triangle AOB is 415, where O is the origin, then α2 equals
(A)12
(B)16✓ Correct
(C)24
(D)25
Answer: (B)
Solution
Distance between foci 2ae=6 gives ae=3; distance between directrices e2a=38 gives ea=34. Multiplying, a2=4, and dividing, e2=49 so e=23. Then b2=a2(e2−1)=4(49−1)=5, and H:4x2−5y2=1. On x=α, y2=45(α2−4), so A,B=(α,±45(α2−4)). Triangle AOB has base ∣AB∣=2∣y∣ and height ∣α∣, giving area ∣α∣45(α2−4)=415. Squaring, 45α2(α2−4)=240, so α4−4α2−192=0, i.e. (α2−16)(α2+12)=0. Taking the real value, α2=16.
JEE Main · 2026 · 04 Apr 2026 · Shift 2 · Single correct option