The respective lengths of the perpendiculars drawn from the origin to the tangent and to the normal of the astroid x^2/3 + y^2/3 = a^2/3 are denoted by F and G.

Determine all possible real a that satisfy this relationship:

4*F² + G² = a³ – 18.

(In reply to Solution by Harry)

Ty, Harry.

I confirm having incorporated your methodology in my solution.

Posted by K Sengupta on 2012-03-21 09:53:05