56
NOTE ON THE GEOMETRICAL REPRESENTATION &C. [113
i. e. if the points P, P' upon the conic x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 0 are such that their parameters
6, 6' satisfy this equation, the line PP' will be constantly a tangent to the conic
k (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) + (ax 2 + by 2 + cz 2 ) — 0.
Hence also, if the parameters k, k\ k" of the conics
satisfy the equation
k (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) + ax 2 + by 2 + cz 2 = 0,
k' (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) + ax 2 + by 2 + cz 2 = 0,
k" (x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) + ax 2 + by 2 + cz 2 = 0,
n& + tip + nr = 0,
there are an infinity of triangles inscribed in the conic x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 0, and the sides
of which touch the last-mentioned three conics respectively.
Suppose 2Uk = Hk (an equation the algebraic form of which has already been
discussed), then
ne’ -ue = it k,
6 = oo gives 6' =«; or, observing that 6 = oo corresponds to a point of intersection
of the conics x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 0, ax 2 + by 2 -f cz 2 = 0, k is the parameter of the point in
which a tangent to the conic k (x 2 + y 2 4- z 2 ) + ax 2 + by 2 + cz 2 = 0 at any one of its
intersections with the conic x 2 +y 2 + z 2 = 0 meets the last-mentioned conic. Moreover,
the algebraical relation between 6, 6' and k (where, as before remarked, k is a given
function of k) is given by a preceding formula, and is simpler than that between
6, 6' and k.
The preceding investigations were, it is hardly necessary to remark, suggested by
a well-known memoir of the late illustrious Jacobi, and contain, I think, the extension
which he remarks it would be interesting to make of the principles in such memoir
to a system of two conics. I propose reverting to the subject in a memoir to be
entitled “ Researches on the Porism of the in- and circumscribed triangle.” [This was, I
think, never written.]