Class JEE Mathematics ALL Q #1172
COMPETENCY BASED
APPLY
4 Marks 2026 JEE Main 2026 (Online) 21st January Morning Shift MCQ SINGLE
Ellipse E: $\frac{x^{2}}{36}+\frac{y^{2}}{16}=1$. A hyperbola is confocal with the ellipse and the eccentricity of the hyperbola is equal to 5. If the principal axis of the hyperbola is the x-axis, then the length of the latus rectum of the hyperbola is:
(A) $\frac{96}{\sqrt{5}}$
(B) $24\sqrt{5}$
(C) $18\sqrt{5}$
(D) $12\sqrt{5}$

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Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Find the foci of the ellipse.

The equation of the ellipse is $\frac{x^2}{36} + \frac{y^2}{16} = 1$. Here, $a^2 = 36$ and $b^2 = 16$.

The eccentricity of the ellipse, $e_E$, is given by $b^2 = a^2(1 - e_E^2)$, so $16 = 36(1 - e_E^2)$.

Thus, $1 - e_E^2 = \frac{16}{36} = \frac{4}{9}$, and $e_E^2 = 1 - \frac{4}{9} = \frac{5}{9}$. Therefore, $e_E = \frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}$.

The foci of the ellipse are at $(\pm ae_E, 0) = (\pm 6 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}, 0) = (\pm 2\sqrt{5}, 0)$.

Step 2: Determine the value of 'a' for the hyperbola.

Since the hyperbola is confocal with the ellipse, its foci are also at $(\pm 2\sqrt{5}, 0)$.

For the hyperbola, the foci are at $(\pm ae_H, 0)$, where $e_H$ is the eccentricity of the hyperbola, given as $e_H = 5$.

So, $ae_H = 2\sqrt{5}$, which means $a \cdot 5 = 2\sqrt{5}$. Therefore, $a = \frac{2\sqrt{5}}{5}$.

Step 3: Determine the value of 'b' for the hyperbola.

For the hyperbola, $b^2 = a^2(e_H^2 - 1)$.

Substituting the values, $b^2 = (\frac{2\sqrt{5}}{5})^2 (5^2 - 1) = \frac{4 \cdot 5}{25} (24) = \frac{20}{25} \cdot 24 = \frac{4}{5} \cdot 24 = \frac{96}{5}$.

Step 4: Calculate the length of the latus rectum of the hyperbola.

The length of the latus rectum of the hyperbola is $\frac{2b^2}{a}$.

Substituting the values, the length of the latus rectum is $\frac{2 \cdot \frac{96}{5}}{\frac{2\sqrt{5}}{5}} = \frac{\frac{192}{5}}{\frac{2\sqrt{5}}{5}} = \frac{192}{2\sqrt{5}} = \frac{96}{\sqrt{5}}$.

Correct Answer: $\frac{96}{\sqrt{5}}$

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AI Suggestion: Option A

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because it requires the student to apply their knowledge of ellipses, hyperbolas, confocal conics, and latus rectum to solve the problem. They need to use formulas and relationships learned to find the specific length requested.
Knowledge Dimension: PROCEDURAL
Justification: The question requires a series of steps and calculations to arrive at the final answer. This involves applying formulas and procedures related to ellipses and hyperbolas.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of JEE, this is classified as COMPETENCY. It requires application of concepts related to conic sections (ellipse and hyperbola) and problem-solving skills, going beyond direct recall of formulas.