Question

The points \(P\) and \(Q\) on the ellipse

\[\dfrac{x^2}{a^2}+\dfrac{y^2}{b^2}=1\]

have coordinates \((a\cos\theta, b\sin \theta)\) and \((-a\sin\theta, b\cos\theta)\) respectively. Show that, if \(O\) is the origin,

  1. \(OP^2+OQ^2 = a^2 + b^2\),
  2. the area of triangle \(OPQ\) is \(\dfrac{1}{2}ab\),
  3. the midpoint of \(PQ\) always lies on the curve whose equation is

\[\dfrac{2x^2}{a^2}+\dfrac{2y^2}{b^2}=1.\]