YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Chapter 1B Conic Sections

Learning Objectives
1 Introduction (Pg. 2)

2 Parabola (Pg. 2 – 3)

(i) I can write down the general equation of a parabola 

(ii) From the equation of a parabola in completed square form, I can
identify the shape of the graph and coordinates of the vertex. 

3 Circle (Pg. 4 – 6)

(i) I can write down the general equation of a circle 

(ii) From the equation of a circle in completed square form, I can 
identify the coordinates of the centre and the radius.

4 Ellipse (Pg. 6 – 9)

(i) I can write down the general equation of an ellipse 

(ii) From the equation of an ellipse in completed square form, I can
identify the coordinates of the centre and the vertices. 

5 Hyperbola (Pg. 10 – 14)

From the equation of a hyperbola in completed square form, I can

identify the shape of the graph and 
(i) the coordinates of the centre, 
(ii) the equation of the asymptotes,

(iii) the coordinates of the vertices.

6 To find points of intersection between two graphs (Pg. 15 – 17)

I can find the points of intersection using GC



H2 Chpt 1B − 1 of 21
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

1 Introduction

You have learnt how to sketch quadratic curves and circles in secondary school. They
actually belong to a larger group of curves known as conic sections, or just conics.
A conic section is the intersection of a plane and a cone. By changing the angle and
location of intersection, we can produce a circle, parabola, ellipse or hyperbola.

Scan this for an

introduction to
conic sections!

Conics occur in many natural or daily phenomena. For example, in the 17th century,
Kepler discovered that planets move in elliptical orbits around the Sun and Galileo
proved that projectiles travel in parabolas. Due to their reflection properties, conics
also have useful applications in optics, radio communication and even building-
design (e.g. the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London).

In this chapter, we will be learning about the four conic sections and their equations.

2 Parabola
We are familiar with quadratic curves (refer to Ch 2A Section 4), which are
parabolas with an axis of symmetry parallel to the y-axis. In this section, we will be
Video 1B.1 looking at parabolas that lie ‘sideways’, i.e. with an axis of symmetry that is
parallel to the x-axis.
Graph of (y – k)2 = a(x – h), a  0

If a > 0: If a < 0:

(h, k) (h, k)

O 0
O

H2 Chpt 1B − 2 of 21
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Characteristics of graph
• The axis (line) of symmetry of the graph is y = k.
• The vertex of the graph is (h, k).
• The line x = h is a tangent to the curve at the vertex (h, k).
• Restriction on the values of x:
Note that ( y − k )  0 for all real values of y.
2

o If 𝑎 > 0, this implies that (𝑥 − ℎ) ≥ 0. Thus 𝑥 ≥ ℎ.

o If 𝑎 < 0, this implies that (𝑥 − ℎ) ≤ 0. Thus 𝑥 ≤ ℎ.

Example 1
Sketch the graph of ( y − 3) = 2 x − 2 .
2
In this form, we can easily identify the
coordinates of the vertex as (1, 3).
Video 1B.1 Solution Also, since a = 2 > 0, the parabola
( y − 3) = 2 x − 2  ( y − 3) = 2 ( x − 1)
2 2
“opens up” to the right.

(1, 3)

O x Note
There is a restriction on the
values of x: x  1
To sketch the graph using GC:
First express y in terms of x.
( y − 3) = 2 ( x − 1)
2

 y − 3 =  2 ( x − 1)
 y = 3  2 ( x − 1)

• For equations with ‘  ’ sign, we can either key into GC as two equations (see Fig.
1) or key {–1, 1} in place of the ‘  ’ (see Fig. 2).

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

• You may have noticed that there is a gap in the graph shown on the GC screen
due to the resolution. Please be sure to connect the curves when you sketch the
graph.

H2 Chpt 1B − 3 of 21
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Try This!
Sketch the graph of ( y − 2 ) = 1 − x . Indicate clearly the coordinates of the vertex and
2

state the restriction on the possible values of x.

y
( y − 2) = 1 − x ( y − 2)
2 2
= 1− x
3
( y − 2 ) = − ( x − 1)
2
(1, 2)
Restriction on x : x  1 1
x
–3 O

Tutorial 1B Q1

3 Circle
Recall that the general equation of a circle is given by

Video 1B.2 ( x − h) 2 + ( y − k ) 2 = r 2 or ax 2 + ay 2 + bx + cy + d = 0 .

( x − h) + ( y − k ) = r2
2 2

( h, k )

Characteristics of the circle ( x − h) 2 + ( y − k ) 2 = r 2

• Centre ( h, k )
• Radius r

Important Notes:
• If you are given the equation of the circle in the form
ax 2 + ay 2 + bx + cy + d = 0 , you may determine the centre and radius of the
circle either by
(a) completing the square to express it in the form ( x − h) 2 + ( y − k ) 2 = r 2 or
(b) using GC, press Œ, select “Conics”, “Circle”, “2:
AX 2 + AY 2 + BX + CY + D = 0 ” and enter the values of a, b, c and d
accordingly. Press ƒ Í to obtain the centre and radius of the circle.
• When sketching a circle, please use a pair of compasses, and remember to
o label the centre and radius,
o use the same scale for both the x and y-axes. Otherwise the shape will
be distorted and it may look like an ellipse (see Section 4).
H2 Chpt 1B − 4 of 21
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Example 2:
Find the radius and coordinates of the centre of the circle with the equation
x 2 + 2 x + y 2 − 4 y = 0 . Sketch the circle. y
Solution
x2 + 2 x + y 2 − 4 y = 0
How do we
Completing the square, know that the
( x + 1) − 1 + ( y − 2 ) − 4 = 0
2 2 (−1, 2) circle passes
through the
( x + 1)2 + ( y − 2 )2 = 5 origin?

 centre (−1, 2) and radius 5.

x
O
To sketch the graph using GC:
There are two ways of sketching a circle using the GC.
Method 1 (Not recommended):
Method 2: Using Conics App
Using o and s
• Make y the subject of the equation and key • Press A and select “Conics”.
into the GC:

( x + 1)2 + ( y − 2)2 = 5

y = 2  5 − ( x + 1)
2
Select “1: Circle”.

• Press q and choose “5: ZSquare” to

ensure that the curve is drawn using the
same scale on both axes. Otherwise, the You may select “1:” or “2:”.
circle may be distorted and look like an
ellipse.

• Key in the values accordingly and select

• You will obtain the following: s.
You may zoom in to get
a clearer view.

Note: Draw a FULL

CIRCLE without
leaving any gap in
between the arcs.

H2 Chpt 1B − 5 of 21
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Try This!
Sketch the graph of ( x + 2 ) + ( y − 1) = 1 .
2 2

O x

4 Ellipse
x2 y2
4.1 Graph of 2 + 2 = 1 , a > 0, b > 0
a b
If a  b : If a  b :
y y
b
b
b
b

−𝑎 a O a x −𝑎 a O a x

−𝑏
−𝑏

Characteristics of graph
• Centre: (0, 0)
• Vertices: ( a, 0 ) , ( − a, 0 ) , (0, 𝑏) and (0, −𝑏)
• Axes of symmetry: y = 0 and x = 0 .

Let us look at the more general equation of the ellipse.

H2 Chpt 1B − 6 of 21
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

( x − h) 2 ( y − k )2
4.2 Graph of + = 1, a  0, b  0
a2 b2

An ellipse is a curve with general equation

Video 1B.3 ( x − h) 2 ( y − k )2
+ = 1, a  0, b  0 .
a2 b2
If a  b : If a  b :
( h, k + b )

( h, k + b ) b

b
( h − a, k ) ( h + a, k ) ( h − a, k ) ( h + a, k )
a ( h, k ) a
( h, k )

( h, k − b )
( h, k − b )
( x − h)2 ( y − k )2
Characteristics of the ellipse + =1
a2 b2
• Centre: (h, k )
• Axes of symmetry: x = h and y = k
• Vertices: ( h − a, k ) , ( h + a, k ) , ( h, k − b ) and ( h, k + b )

Notes:
• Like circles, you should always sketch an ellipse using the same scale for
both the x and y-axes so that the shape is not distorted.
• When sketching an ellipse, label its centre and indicate the values of a and b on
its axes.

Special case:
If b = a , then the equation becomes
( x − h) (y −k)
2 2

+ =1
a2 a2
( x − h) + ( y − k )
2 2
 = a2 ,
which is the equation of a circle with centre ( h, k ) and radius a. So the circle is
actually a special case of the ellipse.

H2 Chpt 1B − 7 of 21
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Example 3:
By completing the square, express the equation of the ellipse
( x − h) (y −k)
2 2
Video 1B.4
9 x2 − 54 x + 16 y 2 + 32 y − 47 = 0 in the form 2
+ = 1 , where the
a b2
constants h, k, a and b are to be determined.
Sketch the ellipse, showing clearly all the relevant features.
Solution
9 x2 − 54 x + 16 y 2 + 32 y − 47 = 0
( ) ( )
9 x2 − 6 x + 16 y 2 + 2 y − 47 = 0
Remember to use
9 ( x − 3) − 9  + 16 ( y + 1) − 1 − 47 = 0
2 2
    the same scale on
both axes!
9 ( x − 3) − 81 + 16 ( y + 1) − 16 − 47 = 0
2 2
Convert the
y
9 ( x − 3) + 16 ( y + 1) = 144
equation into 2 2
standard form
by making ( x − 3)2 + ( y + 1)2 =1
the
144 144
RHS of the 3
eqn 1 and the 9 16
coefficients
of x2 and y2
( x − 3)2 + ( y + 1)2 =1
O x
one. 42 32 (3, −1) 4
Thus ℎ = 3, 𝑘 = −1, 𝑎 = 4 and 𝑏 = 3.

H2 Chpt 1B − 8 of 21
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

To sketch the graph using GC:

Similar to the circle, there are two ways of sketching an ellipse using the GC.
Method 1: Using o Method 2: Using Conics App
and s
Steps are similar to • Select “2: Ellipse”.
those for drawing a
circle.

• If a > b, select “1:”.

If b > a, select “2:”.

In this example, since a = 4 and b = 3, we select

“1:”.
(Note : Press ƒÍ to get the coordinates of the
centre of the ellipse. )
• Key in the values accordingly and select s.

Try This!
Sketch, on separate diagrams, the graphs of
( x + 2 ) 2 + ( y − 3) 2 = 1
(a) (b) 25x2 + 4 y 2 − 100 x − 40 y + 100 = 0
4 2
25( x 2 − 4 x + 4) + 4( y 2 − 10 y + 25) − 100 = 0
25( x − 2)2 + 4( y − 5)2 = 100
( x − 2)2 ( y − 5)2
+ =1
4 25
(2, 5)

2
2
5

H2 Chpt 1B − 9 of 21
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

5 Hyperbola
A hyperbola consists of two “mirrored” halves called branches. The branches may
look similar to parabolas, but they actually behave quite differently. Before we look
at the general equation of a hyperbola, let us look at the simpler case of
hyperbolas centred at the origin.
Watch this video to learn about
2 2 hyperbolas in real-life
x y
5.1.1 Graph of 2
− 2 = 1 , a > 0, b > 0 application. (Listen carefully
a b to the groovy song in the
background.)

y
Video 1B.5
centre

(−a, 0) (a, 0) x
O

Characteristics of graph
• Centre: (0, 0)
b
• Asymptotes: y =  x
a
Video 1B.6
on the • Vertices: ( a, 0 ) and ( − a, 0 )
explanation • Axes of symmetry: y = 0 and x = 0 .
of the What happens when we
asymptotes. • Restrictions on the values of x:
sub x = 0 into the
x2 y2 equation of the
= 1 +  1  x 2  a 2  x  a or x  −a hyperbola?
a2 b2

y2 x2
5.1.2 Graph of − = 1, a  0, b  0
b2 a 2
y

centre (0, b)

O x
(0, −b)

H2 Chpt 1B − 10 of 21
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Characteristics of graph
• Centre: (0, 0).
b
• Asymptotes: y =  x.
a
• Vertices: ( 0, b ) and ( 0, −b )
• Axes of symmetry: y = 0 and x = 0 .
• Restrictions on the values of y:
y2 x2
2
= 1 + 2
 1  y 2  b 2  y  b or y  −b
b a

Notes:
For both types of hyperbola in 5.1.1 and 5.1.2,
b
• the asymptotes y =  x are straight lines passing through the centre of the
a
hyperbola.
• both axes of symmetry pass through the centre of the hyperbola.

Example 4:
(i) Sketch the graph of 25 x 2 − 9 y 2 = 225 .
Video 1B.7
(ii) State the range of values of k such that the line y = kx does not intersect the
graph in (i).
Solution y 5
y= x
3
(i) 25 x 2 − 9 y 2 = 225
25 x 2 9 y 2 x2 y 2
− =1
 − =1 32 52
225 225
( 3, 0 )
x2 y 2
 − =1 O x
9 25
x2 y 2
 2 − 2 =1
3 5 5
y=− x
Centre: (0, 0) 3

Vertices: (–3, 0) and (3, 0)

5
Asymptotes: y =  x
3
5 5
k or k  −
3 3
(ii) Range of values of k: ___________________________

Note:
You need to label the following critical features on the graph of a hyperbola:
• The coordinates of the centre,
• The equations of both asymptotes,
• The coordinates of both vertices.

H2 Chpt 1B − 11 of 21
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

5.2 Now that we are more familiar with hyperbolas, let us look at the more general
equations of the hyperbola.
( x − h) ( y − k)
2 2

5.2.1 The hyperbola − = 1, a  0, b  0

a2 b2
y
Video 1B.8

centre

vertex vertex

x
O

( x − h) (y −k)
2 2

Characteristics of the hyperbola − = 1:

a2 b2
• Centre: ( h, k )
b
• The asymptotes have gradients  and pass through the centre ( h, k ) , hence
a
their equations are:
b
( y − k ) =  ( x − h)
a
b
 ( x − h)
y=k
a
• Vertices: ( h + a, k ) and ( h − a, k )
• Axes of symmetry: y = k and x = h
• Restrictions on the values of x:
x  h + a or x  h − a

( y − k) ( x − h)
2 2

5.2.2 The hyperbola − = 1, a  0, b  0

b2 a2
y

b
y=k+ ( x − h)
a

( h, k + b ) centre ( h, k )
( h, k − b )
x
O
b
y=k− ( x − h)
a H2 Chpt 1B − 12 of 21
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

( y −k) ( x − h)
2 2

Characteristics of the hyperbola − = 1:

b2 a2
• Centre: ( h, k )
b
• The asymptotes have gradients  and pass through the centre ( h, k ) , hence
a
their equations are:
b
( y − k ) =  ( x − h)
a
b
 y=k ( x − h)
a
• Vertices: ( h, k + b ) and ( h, k − b )
• Axes of symmetry: y = k and x = h
• Restrictions on the values of y:
y  k + b or y  k − b

Example 5:
( y − 3)
2

Sketch the graph of ( x + 1)

2
Video 1B.9 − = 1.
22
Solution
Centre: (–1, 3)
Vertices: (–2, 3) and (0, 3).
Asymptotes:
y − 3 = 2 ( x + 1)
 y = 2 x + 5 and y = −2 x + 1

When sketching a
hyperbola, ensure
that the ends of the
( y − 3)
2

( x + 1)
2
branches tend − =1
towards the 22
asymptotes.

O x
y = −2x + 1

Tutorial 1B Q2

H2 Chpt 1B − 13 of 21
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

To sketch the graph using GC:

Similar to the circle and ellipse, there are two ways of sketching a hyperbola using
the GC.
Method 1: Using o and Method 2: Using Conics App
s
Steps are similar to those • Select “3: Hyperbola”.
for drawing a circle or
ellipse.

• Select “1:” or “2:” depending on the equation

given. In this example, the equation given is
of the form in “1:”.

• Key in the values accordingly and select

s.
(Note : Press ƒÍ to get the coordinates of
the centre, the coordinates of the vertices and the
gradients of the asymptotes.)

Important note:
The asymptotes will not be shown on the GC. Remember to include the
asymptotes when you sketch your graph. Draw the asymptotes with dotted lines
and label the equations of the asymptotes. The 2 asymptotes will pass through the
centre of the hyperbola

H2 Chpt 1B − 14 of 21
 YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Try This!
( y − 4 )2 − ( x − 2 )2 = 1
Sketch the graph of , indicating clearly the coordinates of the
16 9
centre, the vertices and the equations of the asymptotes. Deduce the range of values
of k such that the line y − 4 = k ( x − 2 ) does not intersect the graph.

(Hint: Sketch a line y − 4 = k ( x − 2 ) , choosing different values of k. Where does the

line appear to pivot about?)
Solution

( y − 4 )2 − ( x − 2 )2 =1
y
4 4
y = x+
16 9 3 3
Centre: (2,4)
Vertices: (2,8) , (2,0)

(2, 8)
Asymptotes:
4 4 4 20 (2, 4)
y = x+ ; y = − x+
3 3 3 3 (2, 0)

O x
y − 4 = k ( x − 2)
4 20
y = k ( x − 2) + 4 y =− x+
3 3

For the line not to intersect the graph,

4 4
− k
3 3

6 To find points of intersection between two graphs using GC

Example 6:
Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the curves x2 + y 2 = 20 and
Video 1B.10 1
y = x3 − 1 .
2

H2 Chpt 1B − 15 of 21
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

To find the points of intersections of the two curves using the GC:
x 2 + y 2 = 20  y =  20 − x 2
Step 1
• Press o to key in the equations.

Shortcut to keying in y = − 20 − x 2 .
“Y1” is obtained by pressing ƒr.

• Press s or q6 for default window

setting. Notice that the circle looks like an
ellipse on the GC screen.
• Press q5 so that both axes will use the
same scale. There are gaps in the circle shown
on the screen. When you sketch the circle,
remember to fill up the gaps.

Step 2
Press yr and select “5: intersect”.
Note that the point of intersection on the right is
the point of intersection of Y1 and Y3, while the
other is the point of intersection of Y2 and Y3.

• When prompted for “First curve?”, check that the

top left-hand corner of the screen shows Y1’s
equation and the cursor is lying on the upper
circle. Press e.

• When prompted for “Second curve?”, observe

that the top left-hand corner of the screen shows
Y2’s equation. Press ; to move the cursor to the
cubic curve. The top left-hand corner will now
show Y3’s equation. Press e.

• When prompted to “Guess”, press e. (If

there is more than one point of intersection, you
need to move the cursor nearer to the point that
you are finding.)
• Press e again to obtain the coordinates of
the point of intersection.

Repeat the steps and choose Y2 and Y3 to obtain the

point of intersection on the left.

The two points of intersection are (2.14, 3.92) and (−1.83, −4.08) correct to 3
significant figures.

H2 Chpt 1B − 16 of 21
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Try This!
[2013/PJC/Prelim/II/Q5 (modified)]
x 2 + 6 x + 12
The curve C has equation y = .
−2 − x
(i) Sketch C.
(ii) By drawing an appropriate graph on the sketch of C, find the range of values
2
2  x 2 + 6 x + 12 
of k, where k  0 , such that the equation ( x + 4 ) + = k 2 has
 −2 − x 
 
no real roots.
(iii) For the value k = 8, find the roots of the equation
2
2  x 2 + 6 x + 12 
( x + 4) +
 −2 − x 
= k2 .
 
Solution
(ii)
y 2
2  x 2 + 6 x + 12 
( x + 4) +
 −2 − x 
= k2
 
2 2
 x − ( −4 )  + ( y ) = k 2

O x
The appropriate graph to draw is a circle
with radius k units, centred at ( −4, 0 ) .
For the equation to have no real roots,
0k 2.

(iii) From GC, x = –9.38, –2.42, –1.13, 0.934

Note: Below are the GC screens for your own reference:

Tutorial 1B Q3, 4

H2 Chpt 1B − 17 of 21
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Tutorial 1B Conic Sections

1 Sketch the graphs of the following functions.

( y − 3)
2
(a) = 4x
(b) y = 2 − 2 x + 3

2 Sketch the graphs of the following functions.

(a) x 2 − 2 x + y 2 + 4 y + 4 = 0
(b) y 2 − 9 x 2 = 1
( x − 1) ( y − 3)
2 2
1
(c) + =
25 9 4
( x − 3) − ( y − 4 )
2 2
(d) = 52

3 [N2009/I/Q6]
x−2 x2 y 2
The curve C1 has equation y = . The curve C2 has equation + =1
x+2 6 3
(i) Sketch C1 and C2 on the same diagram, stating the exact coordinates of any
points of intersection with the axes and the equations of any asymptotes.
[4]
(ii) Show algebraically that the x-coordinates of the points of intersection of C1
and C2 satisfy the equation 2( x − 2) 2 = ( x + 2) 2 (6 − x 2 ) . [2]
(iii) Use your calculator to find these x-coordinates. [2]
[Ans: (iii) – 0.515, 2.45]

H2 Chpt 1B − 18 of 21
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

4 [VJC Promo 9758/2017/Q6]

The diagram below shows the cross section of a cooling tower of height 125 m. The
radii of its circular base and its circular top are 50 m and 37.5 m respectively. The
narrowest part of the tower occurs at a height of 80 m above the base of the tower.

37.5 m

125 m

80 m

50 m

Take the origin to be at the center of the base, and 1 m to be 1 unit on both axes. The
x2 ( y − k )
2

walls of the tower is part of the curve C with equation 2 − = 1.

a b2

(i) Find the values of a2, b2 and k. [3]

For the rest of the question, use 80, 900 and 3600 as the values of k, a2 and b2
respectively.

(ii) Sketch C, indicating the equations of any asymptotes and coordinates of the
points where C crosses the axes, where appropriate. [3]

(iii) Given that r is a positive constant and C intersects the curve with equation
x 2 + ( y − 80 ) = r 2 at exactly two distinct points, state the value of r.
2
[1]

H2 Chpt 1B − 19 of 21
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

Supplementary Practice 1B Conic Sections

1 Sketch the graphs of the following equations.

( x + 2)2 ( y − 3)2 1
(a) + = (b) 9 x 2 + 4 y 2 + 36 x = 0
16 9 9
( x − 3) 2 ( y + 4) 2
(c) x2 + y 2 + 6 x − 8 y = 0 (d) − =1
9 16

Sketch the graph of 25 ( x − 1) + 9 ( y + 1) = 225 .

2 2
2 (i)

(ii) Find the equation of the largest circle that can be drawn within the closed

curve of 25 ( x − 1) + 9 ( y + 1) = 225 .
2 2

3 The equations of two curves are given as follows:

C1 : x 2 + 9 y 2 + 6 x − 18 y + 9 = 0

x 2 ( y − 1)
2
C2 : 2 − = 1, k>0
k 122
(i) For k = 2, sketch C1 and C 2 on the same axes. State the number of points of
intersection between the two curves.
(ii) Find the value of k such that there is only one point of intersection between
the two curves.

H2 Chpt 1B − 20 of 21
YIJC / 2022 JC1 H2 Math / Chapter 1B / Conic Sections 2022-2023

4 [Source: http://www.purplemath.com/modules/ellipse4.htm]
A “whispering room” is
one with an elliptically-
arched ceiling. If someone
stands at point F1, a focus
of the ellipse, and whispers
something to his friend, the
dispersed sound waves are
reflected by the ceiling and
concentrated at the other
focus, F2, allowing people
across the room to clearly
hear what he said.

A gallery has vertical walls with 1.6m height and an elliptically-arched ceiling
reaching 6m above the vertical walls at its tallest point. So the cross-section is half
an ellipse topping two vertical lines at either end. Given that the foci are 16m apart,
i.e. F1F2 = 16, what is the height of the ceiling above each “whispering point”?
[Ans: 5.2m]

( x − h )2 ( y − k )2
Hint: Note that given an ellipse with equation + = 1 where a  b ,
a2 b2
the points F1 and F2 are equidistant from the centre (h, k). If the distance between
the foci is 2c, we have a 2 − b2 = c 2 .

H2 Chpt 1B − 21 of 21