Let $$P$$ be a point on the ellipse $${{{x^2}} \over {{a^2}}} + {{{y^2}} \over {{b^2}}} = 1,0 < b < a$$. Let the line parallel to $$y$$-axis passing through $$P$$ meet the circle $${x^2} + {y^2} = {a^2}$$ at the point $$Q$$ such that $$P$$ and $$Q$$ are on the same side of $$x$$-axis. For two positive real numbers $$r$$ and $$s$$, find the locus of the point $$R$$ on $$PQ$$ such that $$PR$$ : $$RQ = r: s$$ as $$P$$ varies over the ellipse.

Let $$\,2{x^2}\, + \,{y^2} - \,3xy = 0$$ be the equation of a pair of tangents drawn from the origin O to a circle of radius 3 with centre in the first quadrant. If A is one of the points of contact, find the length of OA.

Let $$C_1$$ and $$C_2$$ be two circles with $$C_2$$ lying inside $$C_1$$. A circle C lying inside $$C_1$$ touches $$C_1$$ internally and $$C_2$$ externally. Identify the locus of the centre of C.

Let $$a, b, c$$ be real numbers with $${a^2} + {b^2} + {c^2} = 1.$$ Show that

the equation $$\left| {\matrix{ {ax - by - c} & {bx + ay} & {cx + a} \cr {bx + ay} & { - ax + by - c} & {cy + b} \cr {cx + a} & {cy + b} & { - ax - by + c} \cr } } \right| = 0$$

represents a straight line.