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Mathematics Dictionary
Dr. K. G. Shih

Conic Section : Ellipse
Questions

    Read Symbol Definition
  • Q01 | - Defintion of Locus of an ellipse in rectangular system
  • Q02 | - Equations of ellipse in rectangular coordinates
  • Q03 | - Equations of ellipse in polar form
  • Q04 | - Equations of ellipse in parametric equation
  • Q05 | - Example : Find equation for PF + PG = 10 with F and G as fixed points
  • Q06 | - Example : Find coordinates of foci of (x-2)^2/3^2 + (y+3)^2/5^2 = 1
  • Q07 | - Example : Sketch ellipse
  • Q08 | - Example : Convert x^2/5^2 + y^2/3^2 = 1 to polar form
  • Q09 | - Example : convert R = 1.6/(1-0.8*cos(A)) to x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1
  • Q10 | - Example : Change F(x,y) = 0 to standard form
  • Q11 | - Formula of ellipse
  • Q12 | - Reference for ellipse
  • Q13 | - Prove the locus of ellipse is x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1
  • Q14 | - Convert (x+f)^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1 to polar form
  • Q15 | - Draw tangent to ellipse by law of reflection
  • Q16 | - Prove that D*e = (a-f)*(1+e)
  • Q17 | - Elliminate x*y terms in F(x,y)
  • Q18 | - Compare polar form with standard rectangular form
  • Q19 | - Quiz about ellipse
  • Q20 | - Answer to Quiz

Answers


Q1. Defintion of locus of an ellipse in rectangular system
A1. Defintion
Figure 1


  • Defintion
    • Two fixed points F and G which are the foci.
    • A moving point P(x,y).
    • When P moves so that PF + PG = constant = 2*a.
    • The locus of p is an ellipse.
  • The equation of the locus is (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1.
    • Center is C(h,k).
    • Principal axis is y = k if a greater than b.
    • The vertice on principal axis are U and V : CU = CV = a.
    • The foci on principal axis are F and G : focal length = CF = CG = f.
  • Focal length f = Sqr(a^2 - b^2) where a greater than b.
Go to Begin

Q2. Equations of ellipse in rectangular form
A2. Answers

[Standard Form]
  • Equation : (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1.
  • Where C(h,k) is the center. The values a and b are semi-axis.
  • Major axis and semi-axese
    • If a is greater then b
      • then a is the major semi-axis.
      • then the principal axis is y = k.
      • then the foci are on principal axis.
    • If a is less than b
      • then b is the major semi-axis.
      • then the principal axis is x = h.
      • then the foci are on principal axis.
  • The focal length is CF or CG which is f = Sqr(a^2-b^2).
  • The vertex
    • The end points of locus on principal axis are U and V. The a = CU = CV.
    • The end points perpendicular to major axis is S and T. The b = CS = CT.
    • FU = CU - CF = a - f.
[Implicit Form without x*y]
  • Equation : F(x,y) = A*x^2 + C*y^2 + D*x + E*y + F = 0. A and C have same sign.
  • Foci are on principal axis which is parallel to x-axis or y-axis.
  • Find foci, a, b, f of ellipse.
    • Change to standard form by using completing the square.
    • Then we get (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1
    • Hence we can find the center (h,k).
    • Hence we can fond a and b.
    • Then we can find f.
[Implicit Form with term x*y]
  • Equation : F(x,y) = A*x^2 + B*x*y + C*y^2 + D*x + E*y + F = 0.
  • B^2 - 4*A*C < 0 if it is an ellipse.
  • Principal axis is not parallel to x-axis or y-axis.
  • How to find semi-axis and foci ?
    • We must elliminate x*y by rotating an angle.
    • The new coefficients A' C' D' E' F' can be obtained with B' = 0.
    • Then we can find a, b, f and coordinates of foci.
    • Detailed method is given in ZE.txt or ZC.txt of MD2002.
[Example] Study (x+2)^2/5^2 + (y-3)^2/3^2 = 1
  • Pricipal axis is y = 3.
  • Center at (-2,3), a = 5 and b = 3.
  • Focal length f = Sqr(a^2-b^2) = Sqr(5^2-3^2) = 4.
  • Foci are at (-6,3) and (2,3).
  • Vertice are at (-7,3) and (3,3).
[Example] Study (x+2)^2/3^2 + (y-3)^2/5^2 = 1
  • Pricipal axis is x = -2.
  • Center at (-2,3), a = 5 and b = 3.
  • Focal length f = Sqr(a^2-b^2) = Sqr(5^2-3^2) = 4.
  • Foci are at (-2,7) and (-2-1).
  • Vertice are at (-2,8) and (-2,-2).
[Example] Study 9*x^2 + 25*y^2 - 54*x + 100*y - 44 = 0
  • 9*(x^2 - 6*x + 9) - 81 + 25*(y^2 + 4*y + 4) - 100 - 44 = 0.
  • 9*(x-3)^2 + 25*(y+2)^2 = 225.
  • (x-3)^2/5^2 + (y+2)^2/3^2 = 1.
  • Hence it is an ellipse.
    • Pricipal axis is y = -2.
    • Center at (3,-2), a = 5 and b = 3.
    • Focal length f = Sqr(a^2-b^2) = Sqr(5^2-3^2) = 4.
    • Foci are at (-1,-2) and (7,-2).
    • Vertice are at (-2,-2) and (8,-2).
Go to Begin

Q3. Equations in Polar Form
Figure 2 Locus in polar coordinate

[Function 1]
  • Function : R = D*e/(1-e*sin(A)).
    • Origin is at F.
    • Directrix is y = -D.
    • D is focus to directrix line.
    • Eccentricy e is less than 1.
    • A is angle making with x-axis.
  • Foci are on y-axis and origin is on bottom focus.
  • Directrix is at bottom of ellipse.
[Function 2]
  • Function : R = D*e/(1+e*sin(A)).
    • Origin is at F.
    • Directrix is y = D.
    • D is focus to directrix line.
    • Eccentricy e is less than 1.
    • A is angle making with x-axis.
  • Foci are on y-axis and origin is on top focus.
  • Directrix is at top of ellipse.
[Function 3]
  • Function : R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)).
    • Origin is at F.
    • Directrix is x = -D.
    • D is focus to directrix line.
    • Eccentricy e is less than 1.
    • A is angle making with x-axis.
  • Foci are on x-axis and origin is on left focus.
  • Directrix is at left of ellipse.
[Function 4]
  • Function : R = D*e/(1+e*cos(A)).
    • Origin is at F.
    • Directrix is x = D.
    • D is focus to directrix line.
    • Eccentricy e is less than 1.
    • A is angle making with x-axis.
  • Foci are on x-axis and origin is on right focus.
  • Directrix is at right of ellipse.
[Example] Relation of R=D*e/(1-e*cos(A)) with (x-f)^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1
  • R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)) : Origin at F.
  • (x-f)^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1 and let it have same focus F.
  • When A = 180 degrees then cos(180) = -1.
  • Hence R = D*e/(1+e).
  • From diagram we know R = FU = a - f when A = 180 degrees.
  • Hence D*e = (a-f)*(1+e).
  • By defintion e = f/a.
[Example] Prove that R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)) is ellipse
  • Construction
    • Draw vertical line as directrix.
    • Draw princial axis perpendicular to the directrix.
    • Let F on princial axis as origin (0,0).
    • Draw a point P(x,y).
    • Let PQ = distance from P to Q where Q is on directrix.
    • D = focus to directrix which is x = -D.
  • Locus of P is ellipse if PF/PQ = e where e is less than 1.
  • Prove that R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)).
    • By construction we know PF = R and PQ = D + x.
    • D = distance from F to directrix.
    • By defintion R/PQ = e.
    • Hence R = e*PQ = e*(D+x).
    • Since x = r*cos(A).
    • Hence R = e*(D+e*R*cos(A))
    • Hence R = e*D/(1-e*cos(A))
Go to Begin

Q4. Equation of ellipse in parametric equation
A4. Answer
  • x = h + a*cos(t).
  • y = k + b*sin(t).
  • (h,k) are center. The values of a and b are semi-axis.
  • Proof
    • (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = cos(t)^2 + sin(t)^2.
    • Since cos(t)^2 + sin(t)^2 = 1.
    • Hence
    • (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1.
Go to Begin

Q5. Example : Two fixed point are F(-4,0) and G(4,0). A moving point is P(x,y). If PF + PG = 10, find the equation of the motion.

[Method 1] By defintion of standard equation
  • The motion is an ellipse and foci are on the x-axis.
  • The equation is (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1.
    • The center C is between F and G. Hence h = 0 and k = 0.
    • Also f = CG = CF = 4.
    • Since PF + PG = 2*a = 10 by defintion, Hence a = 5.
    • Since focal f = Sqr(a^2 - b^2), hence b^2 = a^2 - f^2. and b = 3.
  • The requred equation is x^2/5^2 + y^2/3^2 = 1.
[Method 2] By using distance formula
  • Since PF + PG = 10.
  • Sqr((x+4)^2 + y^2) + Sqr((x-4)^2+ y^2) = 10.
  • Square both sides we have
    • (x+4)^2+y^2 + (x-4)^+y^2 + 2*Sqr((x+4)^2+y^2)*((x-4)^2+y^2)) = 100.
    • 2*x^2+2*y^2+32 - 100 = 2*Sqr(((x+4)^2+y^2)*((x-4)^2+y^2)).
    • x^2 + y^2 - 34 = Sqr(((x+4)^2+y^2)*((x-4)^2+y^2)).
  • Square both sides
    • (x^2+y^2)^2 - 68*(x^2+y^2) + 34^2 = ((x+4)^2+y^2)*((x-4)^2+y^2).
    • (x^2+y^2)^2 - 68*(x^2+y^2) + 34^2.
    • = (x2-4^2)^2 + (y^2)*((x-4)^2 + (x^2+4)^2) + y^4.
  • Simplify and we get
    • -68*x^2 - 68*y^2 +34^2 = - 32*x^2 + 32*y^2 + 16^2.
    • -36*x^2 - 100*y^2 = 16^2 - 34^2.
    • 36*x^2 + 100*y^2 = 900.
    • x^2/5^2 + y^2/3^2 = 1.
Note
  • Method 1 is simple if we understand the defintion.
  • Method 2 is staightforward but the procedures are complicated.
Go to Begin

Q6. Example : If (x-2)^2/3^2 + (y+3)^2/5^2 = 1, find coordinates of foci
  • The foci are on principal axis which is x = 2.
  • The center is at C(2,-3).
  • Focal length f = Sqr(5^2 - 3^2) = 4.
  • Coordinate of focus is at F(2,-7).
  • Coordinate of other focus is at G(2,1).
Go to Begin

Q07. Example : Sketch an ellipse

[Method 1] Use a string
Figure 3 Sketch by string

  • Let the string ends be fixed at F and G.
  • The length of the string is greater than FG.
  • Use a pencil as a point P on the string.
  • Let string be two sides of triangle PFG.
  • Move pencil and keep PFG as triangle.
  • The pencil will trace a triangle.
[Method 2] Use ruler and tractor Fifure 4 Sketch by ruler and tractor

  • Let F and G be two fixed points.
  • Draw a line FQ so that FQ = 2*a where a is the major semi-axis.
  • Join Q and G. Bisect QG and meet line FQ at P.
  • The P is a point on the ellipse.
  • Since bisector perpendicular to QG.
  • Hence GP = PQ and hence PF + PG = FQ = 2*a.
  • P is point on ellipse.
  • Repeat above step to find more points on ellipse.
[Method 3] Compute (x,y) using equation in rectangular form
[Method 4] Compute (x,y) using equation in parametric
[Method 4] Compute (R,A) using polar function
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Q8. Example : Convert x^2/5^2 + y^2/3^2 = 1 to polar form

  • The polar form is R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)) if left focus F is origin.
    • When A=180 degrees, R = a - f.
    • Hence a - f = D*e/(1+e) or D*e = (a-f)*(1+e).
  • x^2/5^2 + y^2/3^2 = 1 and left focus is at (-4,0).
    • Focal length f = Sqr(5^2-3^2) = 4.
    • The eccentricity e = f/a = 4/5 = 0.8.
    • D*e = (a-f)*(1+e) = (5-4)*(1+0.8) = 1.8.
  • Hence required polar function is R = 1.8/(1-0.8*cos(A)).
Other method : See Q14.
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Q9. Example : Convert R = 1.8/(1-0.8*cos(A) to x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1
  • Polar form R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)).
    • D*e = 1.8 and e = 0.8.
    • D*e = (a-f)*(1+e) = 1.8,
    • e = f/a = 0.8.
    • Substitute f = 0.8*a into D*e.
    • Hence (a-0.8*a)*(1+0.8) = 1.8.
    • Hence 0.2*a = 1 and hence a = 5.
  • x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1 : find b
    • Since f = Sqr(a^2 - b^2) and hence b = 3.
    • The required equation is x^2/5^2 + y^2/3^2 = 1.
Go to Begin

Q10. Example : 9*x^2+ 25*y^2- 18*x- 100*y- 116 = 0, find a, b ,f
  • Change it to standard form by completing the square.
    • 9*(x^2 - 2x + 1 -1) + 25*(y^2 - 4*y + 4 - 4) - 116 = 0.
    • 9*(x-1)^2 - 9 + 25*(y-2)^2 - 100 - 116 = 0.
    • 9*(x-1)^2 + 25*(y-2)^2 = 225.
  • Divide both sides by 225 and we have :
  • (x-1)^2/5^2 + (y-2)^2/3^2 = 1.
  • Hence a = 5 and b = 3. Then f = Sqr(a^2-b^2) = 4.
  • Note : This is an ellipse because (B^2 - 4*A*C) = 0 - 4*9*25 = negative.
Go to Begin

Q11. Formula :
  • (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1.
    • Principal axis is y = k if a is greater than b.
    • Vertice on principal axis are U and V : CU = CV = a.
    • Foci on principal axis are F and G : focal length = CF = CG = f.
    • Focal length f = Sqr(a^2 - b^2).
    • Efficiency e = f/a.
  • Locus in rectangular system
    • F and G are foci.
    • P is moving point.
    • PF + PG = 2*a and locus of P is an ellipse.
  • Locus in polar system
    • PQ is distance from P to directrix and Q on directirx.
    • PF = R.
    • R/PQ = e and locus of P is an ellipse if e is less than 1.
  • Relation between polar and rectangular system
    • R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)).
    • R = (a-f) and R = D*e/(1+e) when A = 180 degrees and cos(A) = -1.
    • Use polar formula we have D*e = (a-f)*(1+e) where a is majar semi-axis.
    • D is the distance from focus F to directrix.
  • Slope of point on ellipse dy/dx = -(x*b^2)/(y*a^2).
  • Focal length f.
    • CF = CG = f. C is center, F and G are foci.
    • Eccentricity e = f/a.
    • f = Sqr(a^2 - b^2).
    • a - f = UF and U is vertex on principal axis near F
    • D*e = (a-f)*(1+e) when A = 180 in polar form.
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Q12. References :
Go to Begin

Q13. Example : Prove that locus of ellipse is x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1

  • Let the fixed points be F(x,-f) and G(x,f). Moving point is P(x,y).
  • Since PF + PG = 2*a where a is the major semi-axis.
  • Sqr((x+f)^2 + y^2) + Sqr((x-f)^2 + y^2) = 2*a.
  • Square bothe sides we have :
    • (x+f)^2+ y^2+ (x-f)^2+ y^2+ 2*Sqr((x+f)^2+y^2)*Sqr(x-f)^2+y^2)=4*a^2.
    • x^2+2*x*f+f^2+y^2+x^2-2*x*f+f^2+f^2-4*a^2=-2*Aqr((x+f)^2+y^2)*Sqr(x-f)^2+y^2).
    • or 2*x^2+ 2*y^2+ 2*f^2- 4*a^2 = -2*Sqr((x+f)^2+y^2)*Sqr(x-f)^2+y^2).
    • or (x^2+ y^2)+ (f^2- 2*a^2) = -Sqr((x+f)^2+y^2)*Sqr(x-f)^2+y^2).
  • Square both sides again :
    • (x^2+y^2)^2+2*(x^2+y^2)+(f^2-2*a^2)^2 = (x+f)^2+y^2)*(x-f)^2+y^2).
    • x^4+2*x^2*y^2+y^4+ 2*f^2*(x^2+y^2)- 4*a^2*(x^2+y^2)+ f^4-4*f^2*a^2 +4*a^2.
    • = (x+f)^2*(x-f)^2 + y^2*(x-f)^2 + y^2*(x+f) +y^4.
    • = x^4-2*x^2*y^2+f^4+x^2*y^2-2*x*f*y^2+y^2*f^2+x^2*y^2+2*x*f*y^2+y^2*f^2+y^4.
  • Simplify above equation :
    • 4*x^2*f^2 - 4*a^2*x^2 - 4*a^2*y^2 = 4*a^2*f^2 - 4*a^4.
    • -(4*a^2-4*f^2)*x^2 - 4*a^2*y^2 = 4*a^2*(a^2-b^2) - 4*a^4 .
    • -(a^2-f^2)*x^2 - a^2*y^2 = -a^2*b*2.
    • b^2*x^2 + a^2*y^2 = a^2*b^2.
  • Hence equation of locus is x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1.
  • By translation : (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1.
Go to Begin

Q14. Example : Convert (x+f)^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1 to polar form
  • The focal point is at F(x,-f) for polar form R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)).
  • Remove denominator :
    • b^2*(x+f)^2 + a^2*y^2 = a^2*b*2.
    • b^2*x^2 + b^2*x*f + b^2*f^2 + a^2*y^2 = a^2*b^2.
    • Since b^2 = a^2 - f^2.
    • Hence b^2*x^2 + a^2*y^2 + 2*b^2*x*f = a^2*b^2 - b^2*f^2.
    • (a^2-f^2)*x^2 + a^2*y*2 + 2*b^2*x*f = b^2*(a^2-f^2)
  • Since x = R*cos(A) and y = R*sin(A) and R^2 = x^2 + y^2.
  • Simplify above equation :
    • R^2*a^2 - f^2*x^2 + 2*b^2*x*f = b^4.
    • R^2*a^2 - (f^2*x^2 - 2*b^2*x*f + b^4) + b^4 = b^4.
    • R^2*a^2 - (f*x - b^2)^2 = 0.
    • R*a = f*x - b^2.
    • R*a = -(f*x - b^2).
    • R*a - R*f*cos(A) = b^2
    • R*(a - f*cos(A)) = b^2.
  • After elliminting f by f=e/a we have : R = b^2/(a - f*cos(A)).
  • Since f/a = e, hence R = (b^2/a)/(1 - e*cos(A)).
  • If A = 180 we have R = (b^2/a)/(1+e) or b^2/a = R*(1+e).
  • b^2/a = (a^2 - f^2)/a = (a-f)*(a+f)/a = (a-f)*(1+e) = D*e.
  • Hence R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)).
Other method : See Q08
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Q15. Example : Draw tangent to ellipse using reflection
Figure 5 Tangent by reflection

  • Draw an ellipse with F(x,-f) and G(x,f).
  • Draw a point P(x,y) on the ellipse.
  • Draw a bisector of angle FPG.
  • Draw a line perpendicular the bisector and passing P.
  • By the law of reflection, This line is the requred tangent.
Go to Begin

Q16. Example : Relation of D*e = (a-f)*(1+e) in polar form
  • Draw an ellipse with F(x,-f) and G(x,f) on x-axis.
  • Let the vertex U be between directrix and F.
  • When A = 180 then R = D*e/(1+e) = FU = a-f.
  • Hence D*e = (a-f)*(1+e).
  • Where e = f/a and f = Sqr(a^2-b^2).
Go to Begin

Q17. Elliminate x*y terms in F(x,y)
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Q18. Compare polar form with rectangular standard form

R=D*e/(1-e*cos(A))
  • Directrix at left side. Principal axis is x-axis. Focus F is origion.
  • F is left side focus of x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1.
  • When A=180 we have D*e = (a-f)*(1+e)
R=D*e/(1+e*cos(A))
  • Directrix at right side. Principal axis is x-axis. Focus G is origion.
  • G is right side focus of x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1.
  • When A=0 we have D*e = (a-f)*(1+e)
R=D*e/(1-e*sin(A))
  • Directrix at bottom side. Principal axis is y-axis. Focus F is origion.
  • F is bottom side focus of x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1.
  • When A=270 we have D*e = (a-f)*(1+e)
R=D*e/(1+e*sin(A))
  • Directrix at top of ellipse. Principal axis is y-axis. Focus G is origion.
  • G is top side focus of x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1.
  • When A=90 we have D*e = (a-f)*(1+e)
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Q19. Quiz in ellipse

1. Find the locus of the following equations :

  • a. (x-2)^2/5^2 + (y+3)^2/3^2 = 1.
  • b. 9*x^2 + 25*y^2 + 54*x + 100*y + 181 = 0
  • c. 9*x^2 + 25*y^2 + 54*x + 100*y - 44 = 0
  • d. 9*x^2 + 25*y^2 + 54*x + 100*y + 200 = 0
  • e. 9*x^2 + 20*x*y + 25*y^2 + 18*x + 100*y - 200 = 0
2. Compare (x-2)^2/5^2 + (y+3)^2/3^2 = 1 with (x-2)^2/3^2 + (y+3)^2/4^2 = 1.

  • a. Principal axis.
  • b. Focal length f.
  • c. Coordinate of Foci.
  • d. Vertice on principal axis
  • e. Polar form
  • f. Equation of directrix = 0
Go to Begin

Q20. Answer to Quiz in ellipse
1. Find the locus of the following equations :
  • a. (x-2)^2/5^2 + (y+3)^2/3^2 = 1.
    • It is an ellipse.
    • Principal axis y = -3.
  • b. 9*x^2 + 25*y^2 + 54*x + 100*y + 181 = 0
    • 9*(x+3)^2 - 81 + 25*(y+4)^2 -100 + 181 = 0.
    • 9*(x+3)^2 + 25*(y+2)^2 = 0.
    • It is a point.
    • Principal axis y = -3.
  • c. 9*x^2 + 25*y^2 + 54*x + 100*y - 116 = 0
    • 9*(x+3)^2 - 81 + 25*(y+4)^2 - 100 - 44 = 0.
    • 9*(x+3)^2 + 25*(y+2)^2 = 225.
    • (x+3)^2/25 + (y+2)^2/9 = 1
    • It is an ellipse.
    • Principal axis y = -2.
  • d. 9*x^2 + 25*y^2 + 18*x + 100*y + 200 = 0
    • 9*(x+3)^2 - 81 + 25*(y+4)^2 - 100 + 200 = 0.
    • 9*(x+3)^2 + 25*(y+2)^2 = -19.
    • No locus in real number system.
  • e. 9*x^2 + 20*x*y + 25*y^2 + 18*x + 100*y - 200 = 0
    • Since B^2 - 4*A*C = 20^2 - 4*9*25 = -500
    • Hence it is an ellipse.
    • Or a point.
    • Or no locus in real system.
2. Compare (x-2)^2/5^2 + (y+3)^2/3^2 = 1 with (x-2)^2/3^2 + (y+3)^2/4^2 = 1.
  • a. Principal axis.
  • b. Focal length f.
  • c. Coordinate of Foci.
  • d. Vertice on principal axis
  • e. Polar form
  • f. Equation of directrix = 0
For (x-2)^2/5^2 + (y+3)^2/3^2 = 1.
  • Principal axis is y = - 3.
  • Focal length f = Sqr(a^2-b^2) = 4.
  • Center is at (2,-3).
  • Coordinate of foci are (-2,-3) and (6,-3).
  • Coordinate of vertice are (-3,-3) and (7,-3).
  • Polar form : R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)) or R = D*e/(1+e*cos(A)).
  • Equation of directrix
    • Since e = f/a = 4/5 = 0.8.
    • R = a - f = D*e/(1+e) when A = 180 degrees.
    • Hence D*e = (a-f)*(1+e) = (5-4)*(1+0.8) = 1.8
    • Hence D = 1.8/e = 2.25.
    • Equation of directrix at x = -3 - 2.25 = - 5.25 for focus (-3,-3).
    • Equation of directrix at x = 7 + 2.25 = 9.25 for focus (7,-3).
For (x-2)^2/3^2 + (y+3)^2/5^2 = 1.
  • Principal axis is x = 2.
  • Focal length f = Sqr(a^2-b^2) = 4.
  • Center is at (2,-3).
  • Coordinate of foci are (2,-7) and (2,1).
  • Coordinate of vertice are (2,-8) and (2,2).
  • Polar form : R = D*e/(1-e*sin(A)) or R = D*e/(1+e*sin(A)).
  • Equation of directrix
    • Since e = f/a = 4/5 = 0.8.
    • R = a - f = D*e/(1+e) when A = 270 degrees.
    • Hence D*e = (a-f)*(1+e) = (5-4)*(1+0.8) = 1.8
    • Hence D = 1.8/e = 2.25.
    • Equation of directrix at y = -7 - 2.25 = - 9.25 for focus (2,-7).
    • Equation of directrix at x = 1 + 2.25 = 3.25 for focus (2,1).
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