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The Ellipse: Definition of An Ellipse

This document defines and explores the key properties of ellipses. It begins by defining an ellipse as the set of all points where the sum of the distances to two fixed points (the foci) is a constant (the focal constant). It then discusses the major and minor axes, vertices, foci, standard equation, and relationships between the focal constant, major axis, minor axis and distance between foci. The document also addresses translations of ellipses and includes examples and diagrams to illustrate ellipse properties.

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Mary Frances Daba
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200 views14 pages

The Ellipse: Definition of An Ellipse

This document defines and explores the key properties of ellipses. It begins by defining an ellipse as the set of all points where the sum of the distances to two fixed points (the foci) is a constant (the focal constant). It then discusses the major and minor axes, vertices, foci, standard equation, and relationships between the focal constant, major axis, minor axis and distance between foci. The document also addresses translations of ellipses and includes examples and diagrams to illustrate ellipse properties.

Uploaded by

Mary Frances Daba
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Ellipse

[Back] [VVHS Math - Mr. Davis]

Definition An actual Ellipse Parts of the Ellipse Basic Equation An actual Ellipse revisited

Geometry of the Ellipse


Focal Constant = 2a Relationship between a, b, and c Equations and Constants Translations An actual translated Ellipse
o o

Definition of an Ellipse
Definition: An ellipse is a locus (collection) of points such that: For any point P(x,y) on the ellipse, the sum of the distances to two given points F1 and F2 (the foci) is a constant. PF1 + PF2 = 2a

The ellipse is defined like the circle, as a locus of points. However, an ellipse has two centers or foci (the plural of focus), and instead of a radius as the given distance, an ellipse has a focal

constant (also known as the sum of the focal radii) as its given constant distance.

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An actual Ellipse

The ellipse below has foci at F2

and

F1

. The focal constant is 10.

The sum of the two distances to the two foci from each point P is always 10. One distance grows larger as the other gets shorter, keeping the sum at a constant.

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The Parts of the Ellipse


While a circle has a constant diameter, an ellipse has two lengths which determine its size, the major and minor axes. The vertices of an ellipse are the endpoints of the major axis. The foci of the ellipse always lie on the major axis.

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The Equation of the Ellipse


For an ellipse with center (0,0), the standard form equation is:

Substituting 0 for x and y gives x-intercepts intercepts and

and .

, and y-

The foci are located at

and

using the

formula

. Memorize it!

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Another look at an actual Ellipse


The ellipse shown has equatio n

The vertices (xintercep ts) are V2

and V1

The endpoints of the minor axis (y-intercepts) are .

and

Using the formula

, the distance from the center to the foci

is and F1 .

, or

. Therefore the foci are F2

Major Axis = 10 Minor Axis = 6


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Basic Equations, Constants and Values of the Ellipse


Center (0,0)

Major Axis Horizontal Vertices: (a, 0) (-a, 0) Foci: (c, 0) (-c, 0) Equation:

Major Axis: 2a Minor Axis: 2b Distance between foci: 2c Distance from foci to center:

Major Axis Vertical Vertices: (0, a) (0, a) Foci: (0, c) (0, -c)

Equation: Major Axis: 2a Minor Axis: 2b Distance between foci: 2c Distance from foci to center:

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The Geo metry of the Ellipse


Focal Constant = 2a The focal constant is equal to the major axis. By definition, the sum of the distances to

the foci (the focal constant) is the same for every point on the ellipse. Since the point (a,0) is on the ellipse, the sum of the distances from (a,0) to the foci (c,0) and (-c,0) equals the focal constant. This distance is: (a+c)+(a-c) = focal constant 2a = focal constant

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The Geometry of the Ellipse


The relationship between a, b, and c is given by the following formula:

Once again, since (0,b)is on the ellipse, the sum of the distances to the foci equals the focal constant. Since the distance from (0,b) to each focus is equal, the distance from (0,b) to each focus must equal a.

This creates a right triangle with legs of length b and c, and hypotenuse of length a, giving the relation b2 + c2 = a2, or c2 = a2 - b2 , or

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Translations of the Ellipse


The equation of a translated ellipse is similar to the center-radius form equation of a circle.

An ellipse with center

has equation

The parts of the ellipse are found by adding the center coordinates onto the normal (untranslated) points. Center (h,k) Major Axis Horizontal Vertices: (a+h, k) (-a+h, k)

Foci: (c+h, k) (c+h, k) Major Axis: 2a Minor Axis: 2b Distance between foci: 2c Distance from foci to center:

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An actual translated Ellipse


The graph below shows an example of a translated ellipse. The equations of the two ellipses are

and

Paren t Grap h: Cente r

Verti ces

Foci

Translated Graph: Center

Vertices

or

Foci

or

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