Q.

The combined equation of the pair of tangents drawn from an external point Px1,y1 to the circle S=0 is S12=SS11

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Detailed Solution

Suppose that the tangents drawn from P to the circle S = 0 touch the circle at A and B.
The equation of AB is S1=0
 i.e., xx1+yy1+gx+x1+fy+y1+c=0. ...(1)
Question Image
 Let Qx2,y2 be any point on these tangents. 
The locus of Q will be the equation of pair of tangents drawn from P.
 The segment PQ¯ is divided by the line AB  whose equation is S1=0 in the ratio S11:S12
PB:QB=S11:S12 or S11:S12 according as S11:S12<0 or S11:S12>0PBQB=S11S12 ...(2)
 But PB=S11 and QB=S22 (lengths of the tangents from P and Q)
 (2) S112S122=S11S22S11S22=S122
 Locus of Qx2,y2 is SS11=S12

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The combined equation of the pair of tangents drawn from an external point Px1,y1 to the circle S=0 is S12=SS11