MODULE 3

Ellipse

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

1. Define an ellipse;
2. Determine the standard form of an ellipse given certain parts;
3. Convert the equation of an ellipse from standard to general form and vice versa; and
4. Graph an ellipse in a rectangular coordinate system.

In Module 1, a specific medical procedure was

mentioned. Shock wave lithotripsy, as seen in the name,
is one way of treating kidney stones where shock waves
are used, penetrating the body and crushing kidney
stones of certain sizes.

In the said procedure, shock waves coming from

the end of the electrode (labeled F1 in Figure 1) is
reflected towards the kidney stone (labeled F2). In order
to do its job, the patient is carefully positioned such that
the kidney stone is aligned to the point labeled F2.

The machine takes the shape of a figure known as

an ellipse, as the properties of the said figure is needed
for the shock waves to be reflected and directed to the
Figure 1: An illustration of shock wave lithotripsy on the left, with the ellipse highlighted kidney stone in question.
on the figure on the right. (figure taken from Pearle (2012))

ELLIPSES DEFINED

Recall that an ellipse is formed when a plane intersects a double right (𝒙, 𝒚)
circular cone in such a way that plane is oblique (neither parallel nor
perpendicular) to the axis. This time, we will define an ellipse as a set
of points.

DEFINITION: Ellipse and its parts

An ellipse is the set of all points (𝑥, 𝑦) such that the sum of the
Focus 2
distance of (𝑥, 𝑦) from two fixed points is a constant. These fixed Focus 1
points are called the foci (singular focus).

There are other parts in the ellipse other than the foci. These
parts are summarized in the table below.
Figure 2: A diagram of an ellipse based on the definition

Module 3 Page 1
 Co-vertex PART DESCRIPTION
• Intersection of the major and the minor axes
Center • Midpoint of both the major and minor axes
Center
• Denoted by (𝒉, 𝒌)
• Segment that passes through the foci
Major Axis • Endpoints lie on the ellipse itself
Vertex Vertex • Entire length denoted as 𝟐𝒂
Foci

Vertices • Endpoints of the major axis

Co-vertex
• Segment perpendicular to the major axis that
Figure 3: A diagram of an ellipse with parts labeled passes through the center
Minor Axis
• Endpoints lie on the ellipse itself
• Entire length denoted as 𝟐𝒃
Co-vertices • Endpoints of the minor axis
𝒃
Foci • Always come in pairs
𝒄 (singular focus) • The fixed point in the definition
𝒂 • The distance between the center and one focus
Focal distance
• Denoted as 𝒄, where 𝒄𝟐 = 𝒂𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐

Major Axis Minor Axis For this discussion, the length of the major axis is always longer
than the length of the minor axis, or in symbols:
Figure 4: A diagram of an ellipse with the axes and lengths/distances
labeled
𝒂>𝒃

REAL-LIFE APPLICATIONS OF ELLIPSE

Aside from the machine used in shock wave lithotripsy above, ellipses can be seen in other fields and elsewhere.

Figure 2: Illustration of Kepler’s First Law of Planetary Motion Image 1: The whispering gallery at Grand Central Station, New York,
United States

According to Kepler’s First Law of Planetary Motion, each Whispering galleries or whispering halls, such as the one
planet orbits around the Sun in such a way that the path it pictured above, makes use of the properties similar to the
travels is in the shape of an ellipse, with the Sun located in lithotripsy example above to reflect sound waves, making it
one focus. possible for a person at one end of the room to hear another
person at the opposite end, even when whispering.

Module 3 Page 2
 EQUATIONS OF THE ELLIPSE

As mentioned in the previous module, the equation of a conic section can either be in standard form or in general form. The
following theorem gives the standard form of the ellipse.

THEOREM: Equation of an Ellipse (Standard Form)

Given an ellipse with its center at (ℎ, 𝑘), length of its major axis 2𝑎 and length of minor axis at 2𝑏, then the following are the
equations of the ellipse:

(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
+ = 1 if the major axis of the ellipse is horizontal
𝑎2 𝑏2
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
+ = 1 if the major axis of the ellipse is vertical
𝑏2 𝑎2

Proof:
𝑷(𝒙, 𝒚)
Before starting the proof, let us mark the ellipse with the
necessary marks. Refer to Figure 3 on the right. Like the parabola,
there are two cases:
(𝒉, 𝒌)
1. Major axis is horizontal (focal distance causes change in 𝑭𝟏 (𝒉 + 𝒄, 𝒌) 𝑭𝟐 (𝒉 − 𝒄, 𝒌)
𝑥-coordinate)
2. Major axis is vertical (focal distance causes change in 𝑦-
coordinate)

The following proof below is for the first case.

Figure 3: A diagram of an ellipse with additional coordinates identified.
Recall from the definition that the sum of the point (𝑥, 𝑦) from These can further be seen in the Summary of Cases section.
the two foci is a constant. Let 2𝑎 be this constant, and using the
coordinates in Figure 3 and the Distance Formula, then:
The constant mentioned in the definition
is, in fact, the length of the major axis.
𝑃𝐹1 + 𝑃𝐹2 = 2𝑎

√[𝑥 − (ℎ − 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 + √[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 2𝑎 Distance Formula

√[𝑥 − (ℎ − 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 2𝑎 − √[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Addition Property of Equality

Squaring both sides of the equation,

2
{[𝑥 − (ℎ − 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 }2 = (2𝑎 − √[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 )
2
[𝑥 − (ℎ − 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = (2𝑎)2 − 2(2𝑎) (√[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 ) + (√[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 ) Exponents; Square of a Binomial
2
[𝑥 − (ℎ − 𝑐)] + (𝑦 − 𝑘) 2
= 4𝑎 − 4𝑎√[𝑥 − (ℎ +
2
𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 2
+ [𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)] + (𝑦 − 𝑘) 2
Exponents
𝒙𝟐 − 2𝑥(ℎ − 𝑐) + (ℎ − 𝑐)2 + (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 = 4𝑎2 − 4𝑎√[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 + 𝒙𝟐 − 2𝑥(ℎ + 𝑐) + (ℎ + 𝑐)2 + (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 Square of a Binomial
−2𝑥(ℎ − 𝑐) + (ℎ − 𝑐)2 = 4𝑎 − 4𝑎√[𝑥 − (ℎ +
2
𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 − 2𝑥(ℎ + 𝑐) + (ℎ + 𝑐) 2
Addition Property of Equality
Common Monomial Factor; Addition
−𝟐𝒉𝒙 + 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝒉𝟐 − 2𝑐ℎ + 𝒄𝟐 = 4𝑎2 − 4𝑎√[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 − 𝟐𝒉𝒙 − 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝒉𝟐 + 2𝑐ℎ + 𝒄𝟐
Property of Equality
Terms in bold and green is being
4𝑐𝑥 − 4𝑐ℎ = 4𝑎2 − 4𝑎√[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Addition Property of Equality
“cancelled”, as the term exists in both the
left- and right-hand sides of the equation. 4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ) = 4𝑎2 − 4𝑎√[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Common Monomial Factor
4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ) 2 (ℎ 2 (𝑦 2
= 4𝑎 − 4𝑎√[𝑥 − + 𝑐)] + − 𝑘) Multiplication Property of Equality
4 4
Divide both sides of the equation by 4.
𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ) = 𝑎2 − 𝑎√[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Division
𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ) − 𝑎 2
= − 𝑎√[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Addition Property of Equality

Squaring both sides of the equation once more to eliminate the radical,

Module 3 Page 3
 2
(𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ) − 𝑎2 )2 = (− 𝑎√[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2)

𝑐 2 (𝑥 − ℎ)2 − 2𝑎2 𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ) + 𝑎4 = 𝑎2 {[𝑥 − (ℎ + 𝑐)]2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2} Square of a Binomial; Exponents

𝑐 2(𝑥 − ℎ)2 − 2𝑎2 𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ) + 𝑎4 = 𝑎2 [𝑥 2 − 2𝑥(ℎ + 𝑐) + (ℎ + 𝑐)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 ] Square of a Binomial
𝑐 2 (𝑥 2 2 2
− ℎ) − 2𝑎 𝑐𝑥 + 2𝑎 𝑐ℎ + 𝑎 4 = 𝑎 2 [𝑥 2 2
− 2𝑥ℎ − 2𝑐ℎ + ℎ + 2𝑐ℎ + 𝑐 + (𝑦 − 𝑘) 2 2]
Distributive Property; Square of a Binomial
𝑐 2 (𝑥 − ℎ)2 − 𝟐𝒂𝟐 𝒄𝒙 + 𝟐𝒂𝟐 𝒄𝒉 + 𝑎4 = 𝑎2 𝑥 2 − 2𝑎2 𝑥ℎ − 𝟐𝒂𝟐 𝒄𝒙 + 𝑎2 ℎ2 + 𝟐𝒂𝟐 𝒄𝒉 + 𝑎2 𝑐 2 + 𝑎2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Distributive Property
𝑐 2(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑎4 = 𝑎2 𝑥 2 − 2𝑎2 𝑥ℎ + 𝑎2 ℎ2 + 𝑎2 𝑐 2 + 𝑎2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Addition Property of Equality
𝑐 2(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑎4 = 𝑎2 (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 ) + 𝑎2 𝑐 2 + 𝑎2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Factoring: Greatest Common Monomial
𝑐 2(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑎4 = 𝑎2 (𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑎2 𝑐 2 + 𝑎2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Factoring: Square of a Binomial
4
𝑎 −𝑎 𝑐 2 2 = 𝑎 2 (𝑥 2
− ℎ) − 𝑐 2 (𝑥 2
− ℎ) + 𝑎 2 (𝑦
− 𝑘) 2
Addition Property of Equality
𝑎2 (𝑎2 − 𝑐 2) = (𝑎2 − 𝑐 2)(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑎2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Factoring: Greatest Common Monomial
The substitution done in 𝑎2 𝑏 2 = 𝑏2 (𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑎2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 Substitution: 𝑏2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2
this line is where the focal
2 2 2 (𝑥 2 2 (𝑦 2
distance computation 𝑎 𝑏 𝑏 − ℎ) + 𝑎 − 𝑘)
= Multiplication Property of Equality
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏2 comes from. 𝑎2 𝑏 2 𝑎2 𝑏 2
2 (𝑥 2 2 (𝑦 2
𝑏 − ℎ) 𝑎 − 𝑘)
1 = + Division, Addition of Similar Fractions
𝑎2 𝑏 2 𝑎2 𝑏 2
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
1 = + Division
𝑎2 𝑏2
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
+ = 1 Symmetry Property
𝑎2 𝑏2

(𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2
Thus, the standard form of the ellipse for the first case is + = 1.
𝑎2 𝑏2

(𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2
A similar proof is done for the second case, for + = 1. ∎
𝑏2 𝑎2

SUMMARY OF CASES OF ELLIPSES

Considering that there are two equations of the ellipse depending on the orientation of the major axis, the following table
summarizes the following cases an ellipse can take:

PROPERTIES AND
EQUATION GRAPH
CHARACTERISTICS

𝑩𝟐 (𝒉, 𝒌 + 𝒃)
• Center: 𝐶(ℎ, 𝑘)
• Foci (𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 ):
Case 1 o 𝐹1 (ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘)
o 𝐹2 (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘)
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 • Length of major axis: 2𝑎 𝑽𝟏 (𝒉 − 𝒂, 𝒌) 𝑭𝟏 (𝒉 − 𝒄, 𝒌) 𝑭𝟐 (𝒉 + 𝒄, 𝒌) 𝑽𝟐 (𝒉 + 𝒂, 𝒌)
+ =1
𝑎2 𝑏2 • Vertices: 𝑪(𝒉, 𝒌)
Standard Form o 𝑉1 (ℎ − 𝑎, 𝑘)
o 𝑉2 (ℎ + 𝑎, 𝑘)
𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐶𝑦 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0 • Length of minor axis: 2𝑏
General Form • Co-vertices:
𝑩𝟏 (𝒉, 𝒌 − 𝒃)
o 𝐵1 (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑏)
o 𝐵2 (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑏) Figure 4: An ellipse with major axis oriented horizontally, with
coordinates labeled

Module 3 Page 4
 PROPERTIES AND
EQUATION GRAPH
CHARACTERISTICS

𝑽𝟐 (𝒉, 𝒌 + 𝒂)

𝑭𝟐 (𝒉, 𝒌 + 𝒄)
• Center: 𝐶(ℎ, 𝑘)
• Foci (𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 ):
Case 2 o 𝐹1 (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐)
o 𝐹2 (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐)
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 • Length of major axis: 2𝑎 𝑪(𝒉, 𝒌)
+ =1
𝑏2 𝑎2 • Vertices: 𝑩𝟏 (𝒉 − 𝒃, 𝒌) 𝑩𝟐 (𝒉 + 𝒃, 𝒌)
Standard Form o 𝑉1 (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑎)
o 𝑉2 (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑎)
𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐶𝑦 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0 • Length of minor axis: 2𝑏
General Form • Co-vertices:
𝑭𝟏 (𝒉, 𝒌 − 𝒄)

o 𝐵1 (ℎ − 𝑏, 𝑘)
o 𝐵2 (ℎ + 𝑏, 𝑘)

𝑽𝟏 (𝒉, 𝒌 − 𝒂)

Figure 5: An ellipse with major axis oriented vertically, with coordinates

labeled

The standard form can be formed when certain parts are given. By looking at the standard form, it needs (a) the center, (b)
the length of the major axis, and (c) length of the minor axis. In addition, the orientation of the major axis is determined by where
𝑎2 and 𝑏 2 are located in the equation (note that 𝑎 is always greater than 𝑏).

EXAMPLE 3.1.: What’s the Equation?

INSTRUCTIONS: Construct the equation of the ellipse in standard form given the following characteristics.
• Center: (0,0)
• 𝑎2 = 100 • Vertices: (2, 4) and (2, 14)
1. 3.
• 𝑏 2 = 64 • 𝑏2 = 9
• Major axis oriented horizontally
• Center: (1, −3)
• Length of major axis: 10
2.
• Length of minor axis: 4
• Major axis oriented vertically

Module 3 Page 5
Solution:

• Center: (0,0)
• 𝑎2 = 100
1.
• 𝑏 2 = 64
• Major axis oriented horizontally
Since the major axis is oriented horizontally, the equation will take the standard form:

The major axis is horizontal (𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2

if 𝑎2 is below (𝑥 − ℎ)2 .
+ =1
𝑎2 𝑏2

Since everything that is needed is already given, so what’s left is to substitute the given in the equation:
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
+ = 1 Given
𝑎2 𝑏2
(𝑥 − 0)2 (𝑦 − 0)2
+ = 1 Substituting: (ℎ, 𝑘) = (0,0), 𝑎2 = 100, 𝑏 2 = 64
100 64
𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
+ = 𝟏 Subtraction
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟔𝟒
• Center: (1, −3)
• Length of major axis: 10
2.
• Length of minor axis: 4
• Major axis oriented vertically
Since it is given that the major axis is oriented vertically, the equation will take the standard form:

(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
+ =1
𝑏2 𝑎2 The major axis is vertical if
𝑎2 is below (𝑦 − 𝑘)2.
Since the lengths of the major and minor axes are given (2𝑎 and 2𝑏, respectively), there is a need to perform some
calculations:
• Length of major axis (2𝑎): Since 2𝑎 = 10, then 𝑎 = 5.
• Length of minor axis (2𝑏): Since 2𝑏 = 4, then 𝑏 = 2.

We can now substitute it to the equation:

(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
+ = 1 Given
𝑏2 𝑎2
2
(𝑥 − 1)2 (𝑦 − (−3))
+ = 1 Substituting: (ℎ, 𝑘) = (1, −3), 𝑎 = 5, 𝑏 = 2
22 52
(𝒙 − 𝟏) 𝟐 (𝒚 + 𝟑)𝟐
+ = 𝟏 Multiplication; Exponents
𝟒 𝟐𝟓
• Vertices: (2, 4) and (2, 14)
3.
• 𝑏2 = 9

The orientation is not mentioned, but it can be determined by the given coordinates of the vertex. By plotting the given
vertices and connecting the two, you will observe that the major axis formed is vertical. Thus, the equation will take the
standard form:

(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
+ =1
𝑏2 𝑎2

Module 3 Page 6
 Note that we still need to get the center and 𝑎2 .

Since the center is located at the midpoint of the major Given that the length of the major axis is represented as 2𝑎,
axis, we can use the Midpoint Formula to get the center: we can use the Distance Formula to get the value of 𝒂.

𝑥1 + 𝑥2 𝑦1 + 𝑦2 2𝑎 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
( , )
2 2
2 + 2 4 + 14 2𝑎 = √(2 − 2)2 + (14 − 4)2
( , )
2 2 2𝑎 = √02 + 102
(𝟐, 𝟗) 2𝑎 = √100
In both of these cases,
(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is (2,4) and
2𝑎 = 10
(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ) is (2, 14). 𝑎=5
𝒂𝟐 = 𝟐𝟓

Substituting the center, 𝑎2 , and 𝑏 2 , to the equation, we get:

(𝒙 − 𝟐)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝟗)𝟐
+ =𝟏
𝟗 𝟐𝟓

Similar to the previous conics, it is possible for the two forms of the equations that represent the same ellipse to be
transformed from one form to the other. The following examples illustrate this.

EXAMPLE 3.2.: From Standard to General

INSTRUCTIONS: Convert the following equations in standard form to its general form.
𝑥 2 (𝑦 − 2)2 1 2
1. + =1 3. (𝑥 − 4) (𝑦 − 2)2
4 9 + =1
4 25
(𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑦 − 4)2
2. + =1
64 4

Solution:

𝑥 2 (𝑦 − 2)2
1. + =1
4 9
𝑥 2 (𝑦 − 2)2
+ = 1 Given
4 9
2 (𝑦 − 2)2
The LCM of 4 and 9 is 36. It is 𝑥
36 [ + ] = (1)36 Multiplication Property of Equality
then multiplied on both sides to 4 9
eliminate the fractions.
9𝑥 2 + 4(𝑦 − 2)2 = 36 Distributive Property; Multiplication
9𝑥 2 + 4(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4) = 36 Special Products: Square of a Binomial
9𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 − 16𝑦 + 16 = 36 Distributive Property
𝟗𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒚𝟐 − 𝟏𝟔𝒚 − 𝟐𝟎 = 𝟎 Addition Property of Equality

Module 3 Page 7
 (𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑦 − 4)2
2. + =1
64 4
(𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑦 − 4)2
+ = 1 Given
64 4
(𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑦 − 4)2
The LCM of 4 and 64 is 64. It is
64 [ + ] = (1)64 Multiplication Property of Equality
64 4
then multiplied on both sides to
eliminate the fractions. (𝑥 + 1)2 + 16(𝑦 − 4)2 = 64 Distributive Property; Multiplication
2
𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 1 + 16(𝑦 − 8𝑦 + 16) = 642
Special Products: Square of a Binomial
2 2
𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 1 + 16𝑦 − 128𝑦 + 256 = 64 Distributive Property
𝑥2 + 16𝑦 2 + 2𝑥 − 128𝑦 + 257 = 64 Commutative Property; Addition
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏𝟔𝒚𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐𝟖𝒚 + 𝟏𝟗𝟑 = 𝟎 Addition Property of Equality

1 2
3. (𝑥 − 4) (𝑦 − 2)2
+ =1
4 25
1 2
(𝑥 − ) 2
Given
4 + (𝑦 − 2)
= 1
4 25
1 2
(𝑥 − ) 2
4 + (𝑦 − 2) ]
The LCM of 4 and 25 is 100. It is 100 [ = 1(100) Multiplication Property of Equality
then multiplied on both sides to
4 25
eliminate the fractions.
1 2
25 (𝑥 − ) + 4(𝑦 − 2)2 = 100 Distributive Property; Multiplication
4
1 1
25 (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + ) + 4(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4) = 100 Special Products: Square of a Binomial
2 16
The LCM of 2 and 16 is 16.
25 25
25𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + + 4𝑦 2 − 16𝑦 + 16 = 100 Distributive Property
2 16
25 25
16 (25𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + + 4𝑦 2 − 16𝑦 + 16) = (100)16 Multiplication Property of Equality
2 16
400𝑥 2 − 200𝑥 + 25 + 64𝑦 2 − 256𝑦 + 256 = 1600 Distributive Property; Multiplication
400𝑥 2 − 64𝑦 2 − 200𝑥 − 256𝑦 + 281 = 1600 Commutative Property; Addition
𝟐 𝟐
𝟒𝟎𝟎𝒙 − 𝟔𝟒𝒚 − 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝒙 − 𝟐𝟓𝟔𝒚 − 𝟏𝟑𝟏𝟗 = 𝟎 Addition Property of Equality

EXAMPLE 3.2.: From General to Standard

INSTRUCTIONS: Convert the following equations in standard form to its general form.
1. 9𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 + 36𝑥 = 0 3. 100𝑥 2 + 25𝑦 2 + 40𝑥 − 150𝑦 + 129 = 0
2. 4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 24𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 4 = 0

Solution:

1. 9𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 + 36𝑥 = 0

9𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 + 36𝑥 = 0 Given
Note that the number 9𝑥 2 + 36𝑥 + 4𝑦 2 = 0 Commutative Property
added here is not just 4,
but 4(9) = 36. 9(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥) + 4𝑦 2 = 0 Common Monomial Factor

The 4 that is added inside 9(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4) + 4𝑦 2 = 0 + 4(9) Addition Property of Equality

the parenthesis needs to
be multiplied to the 9
outside.

Module 3 Page 8
 9(𝑥 + 2)2 + 4𝑦 2 = 36 Distributive Property

9(𝑥 + 2)2 + 4𝑦 2 36
= Multiplication Property of Equality
36 36
(𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟐 𝒚𝟐
+ = 𝟏 Division
𝟒 𝟗
Note that the right-hand
side of the equation needs
to be equal to 1 in the
standard form.
2. 4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 24𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 4 = 0

4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 24𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 4 = 0 Given
Commutative Property; Addition Property of
4𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 = −4
Equality
4(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥) + (𝑦 2 + 4𝑦) = −4 Common Monomial Factor
4(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9) + (𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 + 4) = −4 + 9(4) + 4 Addition Property of Equality
4(𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = −4 + 36 + 4 Square of a Binomial; Multiplication
4(𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 36 Addition
4(𝑥 − 3)2
+ (𝑦 + 2)2 36
= Multiplication Property of Equality
36 36
(𝒙 − 𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚 + 𝟐)𝟐
+ = 𝟏 Division
𝟗 𝟑𝟔

3. 100𝑥 2 + 25𝑦 2 + 40𝑥 − 150𝑦 + 129 = 0

100𝑥 2 + 25𝑦 2 + 40𝑥 − 150𝑦 + 129 = 0 Given

The coefficient of 𝑥 and 𝑦
2 2
Commutative Property; Addition Property of
needs to be factored out, 100𝑥 2 + 40𝑥 + 25𝑦 2 − 150𝑦 = −129
Equality
even if a fraction forms
inside the parenthesis. 2
100 (𝑥 2 + 𝑥) + 25(𝑦 2 − 6𝑦) = −129 Common Monomial Factor
5
2 1 1
100 (𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + ) + 25(𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 + 9) = −129 + (100) + 9(25) Addition Property of Equality
5 25 25
1 2
100 (𝑥 + ) + 25(𝑦 − 3)2 = −129 + 4 + 225 Square of a Binomial; Multiplication
2 2 5
2 1 2 1 2 1
(5) = ( ⋅ ) = ( ) = 1 2
2 5 2 5 25 100 (𝑥 + ) + 25(𝑦 − 3)2 = 100 Addition
5
1 2
100 (𝑥 + ) + 25(𝑦 − 3)2 100 Multiplication Property of Equality
5 =
Take note that in this
100 100
example, 𝑏2 = 1. 𝟏 𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐
(𝒙 + ) + = 𝟏 Division
𝟓 𝟒

Module 3 Page 9
GRAPHING ELLIPSES

Ellipses can be graphed, as in other conic sections. In order to graph the ellipse in an efficient manner, the following steps
can be followed:

Note that 𝒂, 𝒃, and 𝒄 are

needed to find the foci,
vertices, and co-vertices.

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Determine and plot all the Connect the vertices and co- Sketch the ellipse by drawing
points needed (center, foci, vertices using a line a smooth curve, connecting
vertices, co-vertices). segment. the vertices and co-vertices.

𝑩𝟐

𝑽𝟏 𝑭𝟏 𝑪 𝑭𝟐 𝑽𝟐

𝑩𝟏

Figure 6: Graphing ellipses, step 1 Figure 7: Graphing ellipses, step 2 Figure 8: Graphing ellipses, step 3

The following examples show how graphing is being done.

EXAMPLE 3.3.: Graphing Ellipses

INSTRUCTIONS: Graph the ellipses described by the following information.
(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 + 1)2 • Length of minor axis: 4 units
1. + =1 3.
16 9 • Vertices: (5,0) and (−5, 0)
2. 4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 8𝑥 − 32 = 0

Solution:

(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 + 1)2
1. + =1
16 9
In this example, the standard form is explicitly given. We can identify the following parts directly from the equation:

Center: Value of 𝒂 Value of 𝒃 Value of 𝒄

(ℎ, 𝑘) ⇒ (2, −1) 𝑎2= 16 𝑏2=9 𝑐2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏2
𝑎=4 𝑏=3 𝑐2 = 16 − 9
𝑐2 = 7
In this module, we will keep radicals as is.
𝑐 = √7

Module 3 Page 10
 Also, since the 𝑎2 is below (𝑥 − 2)2 , the major axis is oriented
horizontally (see Case 1). Thus the following points are: 𝑩𝟐

𝑉1 : (ℎ − 𝑎, 𝑘) ⇒ (2 − 4, −1) ⇒ (−𝟐, −𝟏)

Vertices
𝑉2 : (ℎ + 𝑎, 𝑘) ⇒ (2 + 4, −1) ⇒ (𝟔, −𝟏)
𝐵1 : (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑏) ⇒ (2, −1 − 3) ⇒ (𝟐, −𝟒)
Co-vertices
𝐵2 : (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑏) ⇒ (2, −1 + 3) ⇒ (𝟐, 𝟐) 𝑽𝟏 𝑭𝟏 𝑪 𝑭𝟐 𝑽𝟐

𝐹1 : (ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘) ⇒ (𝟐 − √𝟕, −𝟏)
Foci
𝐹2 : (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) ⇒ (𝟐 + √𝟕, −𝟏)

All these coordinates can simply be

derived from the center (ℎ, 𝑘).
𝑩𝟏
Plotting the points and connecting the vertices and co-vertices
using a smooth curve, the finished ellipse can be seen at the Figure 9: Graph of
(𝑥−2)2
+
(𝑦+1)2
= 1, with the points labeled.
16 9
right (Figure 9).

2. 4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 8𝑥 − 32 = 0
In this example, the general form is given. Before identifying the parts, the equation needs to be converted to its standard
form:

4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 8𝑥 − 32 = 0 Given
Commutative Property; Addition Property of
(4𝑥 2 + 8𝑥) + 𝑦 2 = 32
Equality
4(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥) + 𝑦 2 = 32 Factoring: Common Monomial Factor
4(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1) + 𝑦2 = 32 + 1(4) Addition Property of Equality
Factoring: Perfect Square Trinomial;
4(𝑥 + 1)2 + 𝑦 2 = 32 + 4
Multiplication
4(𝑥 + 1)2 + 𝑦 2 = 36 Addition
4(𝑥 + 1)2
+ 𝑦2 36
= Multiplication Property of Equality
36 36
(𝑥 + 1)2 𝑦 2
+ = 1 Division
9 36

We can then identify the parts from the standard form:

Center: Value of 𝒂 Value of 𝒃 Value of 𝒄

(ℎ, 𝑘) ⇒ (−1,0) 𝑎2= 36 𝑏2=9 𝑐2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏2
𝑎=6 𝑏=3 𝑐2 = 36 − 9
27 = 33 = 32 ⋅ 3 𝑐 2 = 27
𝑐 = 3√3

Module 3 Page 11
 Note that since 𝑎2 is below 𝑦 2 , we can say that the major axis is oriented 𝑽𝟐
vertically (see Case 2). Thus, the following points are:
𝑭𝟐
𝑉1 : (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑎) ⇒ (−1, 0 − 6) ⇒ (−𝟏, −𝟔)
Vertices
𝑉2 : (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑎) ⇒ (−1, 0 + 6) ⇒ (−𝟏, 𝟔)
𝐵1 : (ℎ − 𝑏, 𝑘) ⇒ (−1 − 3, 0) ⇒ (−𝟒, 𝟎)
Co-vertices
𝐵2 : (ℎ + 𝑏, 𝑘) ⇒ (−1 + 3, 0) ⇒ (𝟐, 𝟎)
𝐹1 : (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐) ⇒ (−1, 0 − 3√3) ⇒ (−𝟏, −𝟑√𝟑)
Foci 𝑩𝟏 𝑪 𝑩𝟐
𝐹2 : (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐) ⇒ (−1, 0 + 3√3) ⇒ (−𝟏, 𝟑√𝟑)

Plotting the points and connecting the vertices and co-vertices using a
smooth curve, the finished ellipse can be seen at the right (Figure 10).
𝑭𝟏

𝑽𝟏
Figure 10: Graph of 4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 8𝑥 − 32 = 0, with
points labeled.

• Length of minor axis: 8 units

3.
• Vertices: (5,0) and (−5, 0)
Unlike the previous two examples, only a few parts are given here. In this case, finding the equation of the ellipse is not
necessary, but there is a need to find the missing parts.

Center: Value of 𝒂 Value of 𝒃 Value of 𝒄

Note that the center lies right Since both vertices are given, 2𝑏 = 8 𝑐2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏2
between the two vertices. we already have the 𝒃=𝟒 𝑐2 = 52 − 42
Using the Midpoint Formula: endpoints of the major axis. 𝑐 2 = 25 − 16
Note that the length of the minor 𝑐2 = 9
Using the Distance Formula: axis is represented as 2𝑏.
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 𝑦1 + 𝑦2 𝒄=𝟑
( , )
2 2 2𝑎 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2
5 + (−5) 0 + 0
( , ) 2𝑎 = √(−5 − 5)2 + (0 − 0)2
2 2
(𝟎, 𝟎) 2𝑎 = √(−10)2
2𝑎 = √100
2𝑎 = 10
𝒂=𝟓

In both of these cases, (𝑥1, 𝑦1 ) is

(5, 0) and (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ) is (−5, 0).

By plotting the vertices and observation, we can determine that the major axis
𝑩𝟐
is oriented horizontally (Case 1). Thus, the following points are:

𝑉1 : (−𝟓, 𝟎)
Vertices
𝑉2 : (𝟓, 𝟎)
𝐵1 : (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑏) ⇒ (0, 0 − 4) ⇒ (𝟎, −𝟒)
Co-vertices 𝑽𝟏 𝑭𝟏 𝑪 𝑭𝟐 𝑽𝟐
𝐵2 : (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑏) ⇒ (0, 0 + 4) ⇒ (𝟎, 𝟒)
𝐹1 : (ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘) ⇒ (0 − 3, 0) ⇒ (−𝟑, 𝟎)
Foci
𝐹2 : (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) ⇒ (0 + 3, 0) ⇒ (𝟑, 𝟎)

Plotting the points and connecting the vertices and co-vertices using a smooth 𝑩𝟏

curve, the finished ellipse can be seen at the right (Figure 11). Figure 11: Graph of the ellipse.

Module 3 Page 12
 1. What will happen to the ellipse if the focal distance is zero (that is, the foci coincide)?
2. What does 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 represent in an ellipse?
3. What parts can you identify just from looking at the standard form of the ellipse?
4. How will you know, just by looking at the equation of the ellipse in standard form, if the major axis is horizontal or
vertical?

➢ An ellipse is a set of points where the sum of the distances of any point (𝑥, 𝑦) from two fixed points (called the
foci) is a constant.
➢ Other from the foci, other parts are mentioned:
SYNTHESIS

- Center: represented by (ℎ, 𝑘), this is the midpoint of both the major and minor axes.
- Major axis: length represented by 2𝑎, this is the segment that passes through the foci, with its endpoints
called vertices on the ellipse itself.
- Minor axis: length represented by 2𝑏, this is the segment that is perpendicular to the major axis and
passes through the center, with its endpoints called co-vertices on the ellipse itself.
- The two foci, which is the fixed point in the definition, is 𝑐 units away from the center.
➢ There are two cases of ellipses based on how the axis of symmetry is oriented:
➢ The center can directly be determined from the standard form of the equation of an ellipse, and the length of
the major and minor axes can be derived from it.

Network ➢ Chua, S., Ubarro, A., Baluca, R., Guerrero, R., & Sy Tan, J. L. (2016).
➢ Google Classroom Soaring 21st Century Mathematics: Precalculus. Quezon City:
➢ Messenger Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.
➢ Domingo, E. (2016). MATH ACTIVATED: Engage Yourself and Our
World (Precalculus). Makati: Don Bosco Press, Inc.
Online Sources: ➢ Leithold, L. (2013 [1996]). The Calculus 7. Singapore: Pearson
➢ Kidney Stone Treatment: Shock Wave Lithotripsy. (2021, December Education Asia Pte. Ltd.
13). National Kidney Foundation. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from ➢ Sirug, W. (2016). Pre-calculus for Senior High School – STEM
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_shockwave Specialized Subject. Manila: Mindshapers Co., Inc.
➢ National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2008, June 26).
Orbits and Kepler’s Laws. NASA Solar System Exploration. Retrieved
Images, Figures, and Graphs Credits:
January 26, 2022, from
➢ Image 1: taken from Wanderers of the World
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/resources/310/orbits-and-keplers-
(https://wandereroftheworld.co.uk/the-whispering-gallery-grand-
laws/
central/)
➢ Abramson, J. (2021) 8.2: The Ellipse. College Algebra (OpenStax).
➢ All figures and graphs created using GeoGebra unless otherwise
https://math.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Algebra/Map%3A_College
specified:
_Algebra_(OpenStax)/08%3A_Analytic_Geometry/8.02%3A_The_Elli
o Figure 1: taken from Pearle, M. S. (2012). Shock-Wave
pse
Lithotripsy for Renal Calculi. New England Journal of
Textbooks: Medicine, 367(1), 50–57. doi:10.1056/nejmct1103074
➢ Melosantos, L. A., Robles, S., Sacluti, J., & Bruce, R. (2016). Math o Figure 2: taken from
Connections in the Digital Age: Precalculus. Quezon City: Sibs https://www.lidolearning.com/questions/ph-bb-
Publishing House, Inc. lakhmirs9-ch3-ex-q54/state-and-explain-keplers-laws

Module 3 Page 13