Solution 1 As shown in Figure 3, let the chord AB of the parabola be tangent to ⊙O at P(α,β). Then the equation of the tangent line to ⊙O at point P is
αx+βy=1, Let A(x1,x12),B(x2,x22), From {αx+βy=1,y=x2 we get βx2+αx−1=0,
By Vieta's formulas, we have
x1+x2=−βα,x1⋅x2=−β1.
The equations of the tangents to the parabola y=x2 at points A and B are y+x12=2x1x and y+x22=2x2x, respectively. Therefore, the intersection point Q(x,y) of the two tangents is
{y+x12=2x1x,y+x22=2x2x
Subtracting (2) from (1) gives: x12−x22=2(x1−x2)x.
Thus, 2x=x1+x2=−βα.
Multiplying (1) by x2 and (2) by x1 and then subtracting, we get: (x2−x1)y+x1x2 - (x1−x2)=0.
Thus, y=x1x2=−β1.
From (3) and (4), we get β=−y1,α=y2x.
Since P(α,β) lies on the circle x2+y2=1,
∴(y2x)2+(y1)2=1.
Simplifying, we get: y2−4x2=1.
By the given conditions, the required trajectory is part of the lower branch of a hyperbola with foci on the y-axis, a=1, and b=21.
Solution 2 As shown in Figure 3, let the chord AB of the parabola be tangent to ⊙ O at P(α,β). Then the equation of the tangent line AB to ⊙O at point P is: αx+βy−1=0.
Let the intersection point of the tangents to the parabola at points A and B be Q(x0,y0). Then the equation of the chord of contact AB is:
y+y0=2x0x, i.e., 2x0x−y−y0=0. (2)
Since (1) and (2) are the same line, by the necessary and sufficient condition for two lines to coincide, we have:
2x0α=−1β=y01.
Thus, α=y02x0,β=y0−1.
Since P(α,β) lies on the circle x2+y2=1,
∴(y02x0)2+(−y01)2=1.
Simplifying, we get: y02−4x02=1,
i.e., y2−4x2=1.