The equation of Ellipse

Locii of circle, ellipse, parabola and hyperbola

• The locus of a point which moves so it’s distance from a fixed point is
constant, is a CIRCLE.
(Show later that e=0 for a circle!)
• The locus of a point which moves so that the ratio, e, of it’s distance from
a fixed point (the focus) to its distance from a fixed line (the directrix) is
equal to 1, is an PARABOLA.

• The locus of a point which moves so that the ratio, e, of it’s distance from
a fixed point (the focus) to its distance from a fixed line (the directrix) is
less than 1, is an ELLIPSE.

• The locus of a point which moves so that the ratio, e, of it’s distance from
a fixed point (the focus) to its distance from a fixed line (the directrix) is
more than 1, is an HYPERBOLA.
-Coordinates of the focii, directrices

• Let the coordinates of S be (s,0)

• Let the coordinates of A be (a,0)
• Let the coordinates of N be (d,0)

Now:
• Let the coordinates of P be (x,y)
• Let the coordinates of M be (a/e,y)

Now:
SUMMARY: Ellipse
• The centre of an ellipse is where the two axes of symmetry meet.
• Any chord passing through the centre is called a diameter.
• Any chord passing through either focus is called a focal chord.
• The chord on which the two foci lie is called the major axis. The length of the
major axis = 2a.
• The chord perpendicular to the major axis through its centre is called the
minor axis. The length of the minor axis =2b.
• The focal chord that is perpendicular to the major axis is called the latus
rectum
Parametric equa@ons of an Ellipse: Auxiliary Circles

auxillary circle.ggb
• Lee Ch5.1 & Ch5.2
• Due Next Lesson