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Vertex and Co-Vertex of an Ellipse

The document discusses ellipses, including: 1. Defining ellipses and deriving the standard equation based on two fixed points called foci. 2. Identifying the parts of an ellipse including the center, foci, major and minor axes, vertices, and co-vertices. 3. Solving the standard and general equations of ellipses given properties like the center, vertices, and foci. 4. Sketching ellipses on a cartesian coordinate system.

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Jane Del
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14 views9 pages

Vertex and Co-Vertex of an Ellipse

The document discusses ellipses, including: 1. Defining ellipses and deriving the standard equation based on two fixed points called foci. 2. Identifying the parts of an ellipse including the center, foci, major and minor axes, vertices, and co-vertices. 3. Solving the standard and general equations of ellipses given properties like the center, vertices, and foci. 4. Sketching ellipses on a cartesian coordinate system.

Uploaded by

Jane Del
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

 Define ellipse.

 Derive the standard equation of ellipse.


 Identify the different parts of ellipse.
 Solve for the standard and general equation of ellipse given some of its properties.
 Sketch the graph of ellipse in cartesian coordinate system.

Ellipse is the set of all points in a plane whose sum of the distance from two fixed
point, foci, are constant.

From this definition, the standard equation of ellipse can be derived. What this full
video to learn how to derive the standard equation of ellipse.
[Link]

General equation:
Ax2 + By2 + Cx + Dy + E = 0

This is the general equation of a circle.


Where,
 A, B, C, D, E is ℝ
 A, B > 0
 A≠B

PRE CALCULUS | Ellipse


Standard equation:
(𝑥 − ℎ) (𝑦 − 𝑘)
+ =1
𝑎 𝑏
Where,
 h, k is the coordinate of the center of ellipse; h is the abscissa while k is ordinate
of the center.
 a≠b
 a, b is ℝ +

Now that we are familiar to the standard and general equation of ellipse, let’s consider
its different properties.
Co-vertex
Center
Center serves as the
reference point for your ellipse.
It’s located at coordinate (h, k).

Foci
Foci are points positioned
Vertex
inside the ellipse. It is the one
that determines the curvature Co-vertex
and shape of the ellipse. Vertex

Major Axis
Major axis is the longest line segment that passes through the center. It contains three
of the major points in your ellipse, the center and foci. It also determines the axis of the
ellipse.

Vertex
Vertex is the endpoints of the longest line segment in ellipse or the major axis.

Co-vertex
Co-vertex is the endppoints of the shortest line segment ion ellipse or the minor axis.

Minor Axis
Minor axis is the shortest line segment in ellipse that passes through the center and
perpendicular to the major axis.

Eccentricity
Eccentricity is unlike to other properties of ellipse it is not something that can be
visual seen. But it is a property that describes any conic section how it deviates from being a
circle. Ellipse has a value of eccentricity between 0 and 1.

PRE CALCULUS | Ellipse


Properties Vertical Ellipse Horizontal Ellipse
a<b a>b
Axis Vertical Horizontal
Center c (h, k) c (h, k)
Foci f (h, k ± c) f (h ± c, k)
Vertex v (h, k ± b) v (h ± a, k)
Co-vertex cv (h ± a, k) cv (h, k ± b)
Major axis 2b 2a
Minor axis 2a 2b
c2 b – a2
2 a2 – b 2

1. Compute for the standard an general equation of an ellipse whose center is located
at (1, –2), vertex at (1, 3), and covertex at (–2, –2).

We start by determining the standard equation of the ellipse. To solve for the standard
equation we need to compute for the values of h, k, a, and b. But prior to getting the values
of h, k, a, and b we need to identify the axis of our ellipse. Recall that the center and vertex
lies on the same line sgement which is the major axis. We can observe from the given that
the center and vertex has the abcissa. This implies that the major axis is a vertical line
segment. Hence, the axis of the ellipse is vertical.

Now that we’ve identified the axis of the


ellipse we can now solve the h, k, a, and b.
Consider the given center of ellipse:

c (1, –2) = c (h, k) ⇒ h = 1, k = –2

After computing for h and k. We now need


to solve for a and b. Note that this is a vertical
parabola, we can get a and b through the vertex
and covertex.

v (1, 3) = v (h, k ± b) ⇒ 3 = k ± b Since we already have the value for k, substitue k.


⇒ 3 = –2 ± b Consider the equation 3 = –2 + b (Note: you can
either use + or – in the equation.)
⇒ 3 = –2 + b Solve for b.
⇒3+2=b
⇒5=b

PRE CALCULUS | Ellipse


We now need to solve for a. Referring to the table we can see that a can be solved from
the covertex. Thus, let’s consider covertex:

cv (–2, –2) = cv (h ± a, k) ⇒ –2 = h ± a Consider the value for h, substitute h.


⇒ –2 = 1 ± a Use the equation 2 = 1 + a (Note: you can
either use + or – in the equation.)
⇒ –2 = 1 + a Solve for a.
⇒ –2 – 1 = a
⇒ –3 = a (Note: We define earlier that a and b
should be ℝ+. Hence, consider the
absolute value of a and b.)
⇒3=a
With that we already have the values that we need to be used for the standard
equation:

h=1 k = –2 a=3 b=5

Then, we subsitute the values to the standard equation.

Subsitute the values of h, k, a, and b to the


equation.

Perform necessary operation.

Standard equation of the ellipse.

We now solve the general equation of the ellipse.

Consider the standard equation.

25 (x – 1)2 + 9 (y + 2)2 = 225 Multiply both sides of equation by the


LCD.
25 (x2 – 2x + 1) + 9 (y2 + 4y + 4) = 225 Expand the binomial.
(25x2–50x+25)+(9y2+36y+36) = 225 Distribute the constant to the trinomial.
25 x2 – 50x + 9y2 + 36y – 164 = 0 Combine like terms.
25x + 9y – 50x + 36y – 164 = 0
2 2 General equation.

2. Compute for the standard and general equation of ellipse whose properties is
located at center (–3, 5), vertex (2, 5) and focus (0, 5).

PRE CALCULUS | Ellipse


Begin by identifying the axis of the ellipse. Consider the given center and vertex, we
can observe that they both have the same ordinate. This implies that the axis of the ellipse is
horizontal. Given it is a horizontal ellipse let’s use the table for horizontal ellipse

Once the axis has been identified, we


now solve for the h, k, a, and b. Given the center
of ellipse we have:

c (–3, 5) = c (h, k) ⇒ h = –3 k= 5

Next, solve for a, and b. Referring to the


table we can see that we can solve for a using
the given vertex. In reference to the vertex, we
have:

v (2, 5) = v (h ± a, k) ⇒ 2 = h ± a
⇒ 2 = –3 ± a Substitute the value of h.
⇒ 2 = –3 + a Use the equation 1 = –3 + a
⇒2+3=a Combine like terms
⇒a=5

Lastly, we need to compute for b. Referring to the table of horizontal ellipse we can
see that the b can only be solved with the covertex or minor axis. However, those properties
are not given instead we have one of the foci. So, let’s consider the focus: (Note: We defined
earlier those foci are points that lies in the major axis. The center and one of the foci have the
same value for ordinate. This implies that those two points can be contained in a horizontal
line segment, major axis. It confirms our assumption that this ellipse is a horizontal ellipse.)

f (0, 5) = f (h ± c, k) ⇒ 0 = h ± c
⇒ 0 = –3 ± c Substitute the value for h.
⇒ 0 = –3 + c Use the equation 0 = –3 + c
⇒0+3=c Combine like terms.
⇒c=3

Recall during the proof of the equation we established this equation, a 2 = b2 + c2. This
equation tells us that the square of the minor axis plus the square of the distance of center to
one of the foci will be equal to the square of the major axis. Let’s consider the equation:

c2 = a2 – b2 ⇒ b2 = a2 – c2
⇒ b2 = (5)2 – (3)2 Substitute the values of a and c.
⇒ b2 = 25 – 9 Perform necessary operation.
⇒ b2 = 16 Combine like terms.
⇒b=4 Solve for b.

We now have all the necessary values for h, k, a, and b.

h = –3 k=5 a=5 b=4

PRE CALCULUS | Ellipse


Subsutitue the values to the standard equation;

Substitute the values h, k, a, and b.

Perform necessary operation.

Standard equation of the ellipse.

We can then proceed in solving for the general equation of ellipse.

Consider the standard equation.

16(x + 3)2 + 25(y – 5)2 = 400 Multiple both sides of the equation
with the LCD.
16(x2 + 6x + 9) + 25(y2 – 10y + 25) = 400 Expand the trinomial.
(16x2+96x+144) + (25y2–250y+625) = 400 Distribute the constant to
trinomial.
16x2 + 96x + 25y2 – 250y + 369 = 0 Combine like terms.
16x2 + 25y2 + 96x – 250y + 369 = 0 General equation of the ellipse.

3. Solve for the standard and general equation of the ellipse that has a vertex at (–2, 1)
and covertex at (4, –2). Supposed the ellipse has a horizontal axis.

For this problem, the axis is already given.


Thus, we may now proceed in solving for h, k, a, and
b. We now consider the properties of horizontal
ellipse.

Note that the ellipse is a horizontal ellipse.


Thus, it implies the following:

v (–2, 1) = v (h ± a, k)

Consequently, we have the following


equation:

–2 = h ± a (eq. 1) k=1

PRE CALCULUS | Ellipse


Next consider the covertex,

cv (4, –2) = cv (h, k ± b)

Subsequently, we can have the following equation previous statement.

4=h –2 = k ± b (eq. 2)

Note from the vertex and covertex we were able to solve for the h, and k. To solve for
a and b, we need to use eq.1 and eq. 2.

Equation 1:

h ± a = –2
h + a = –2 Consider the equation h + a = –2
4 + a = –2 Substitute the value of h.
a = –2 – 4 Solve for a.
a = –6

Equation 2:

k ± b = –2
k + b = –2 Consider the equation k + b = –2
1 + b = –2 Substitute the value of k.
b = –2 – 1 Solve for b.
b = –3

Note that we define a and b should be ℝ+. Thus, we need to get the absolute values of
a and b.

a=6 b=3

Now we have the values that we need for the standard equation:

h=4 k=1 a=6 b=3

Substitute the values to the standard equation:

Substitute the value of h, k a, and b.

Perform necessary operation.

PRE CALCULUS | Ellipse


Standard equation of the ellipse.

We can now proceed in solving for the general equation of the ellipse.

Consider the standard equation.

(x – 4)2 + 4(y – 1)2 = 36 Multiple both sides of equation with the


LCD.
(x2 – 8x + 16) + 4(y2 – 2y + 1) = 36 Expand the binomial.
x2 – 8x + 16 + 4y2 – 8y + 4 = 36 Distribute the constant to the trinomial.
x2 – 8x + 4y2 – 8y - 16 = 0 Combine like terms.
x2 + 4y2 – 8x – 8y - 16 = 0 General equation of the ellipse.

Solve for the general equation of ellipse given some of its property.
1. v1(2, 8), v2(2,0); cv1(4, 4), cv2(0, 4)
2. v1(5,0) v2(–5 ,0); cv1(0, 4), cv2(0, –4)
3. f1(4, 0), f2(–4, 0), v1(5, 0), v2(–5, 0)
4. v1(–2, –8), v2(–2, 2), f1(–2, –7) f2(–2, 1)
5. v1(5, 0) v2(–5, 0); cv1(0, 2) cv2(0, –2)
6. c(2, –3), length of minor and major axis is 6 and 12, respectively.
7. Center at the origin, length of major axis is 14 and f(0, 8)
8. c(–1, –1); f(–5, –1), v( 7, –1)
9. c(3, –4), length of major and minor axis is 6 and 4, respectively.
10. Find the equation of the ellipse that will just fit inside a box that is 12 units wide
and 6 units high. Supposed, the origin of your cartesian plane is located at the
lower left of the box.

Prepared by: Engr. Kevin Johnson Malate, LPT

PRE CALCULUS | Ellipse


mathematicsonline. (2014, May 25). Equation of an Ellipse, Deriving the formula. YouTube.
[Link]

PRE CALCULUS | Ellipse

Common questions

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The orientation and vertex positions of an ellipse directly affect its standard and general equations. For a vertical major axis, as in Source 2 with center (1, -2) and vertex (1, 3), the equation emphasizes the vertical dimension, making b > a. Conversely, with a horizontal major axis as in Source 4 with center (-3, 5) and vertex (2, 5), the standard equation reflects this by making a > b. The equations differ because they accentuate the primary direction through which distance is maximized across the ellipse .

To compute both equations, properties like the center, vertices, and co-vertices indicate dimensions and axes orientations. For example, with center (1, -2), vertex (1, 3), and co-vertex (-2, -2), the vertical axis (major) gives a = 3, b = 5. This forms the standard equation: (x-1)^2/9 + (y+2)^2/25 = 1 . From here, expanding and rearranging gives the general form: 25x^2 + 9y^2 - 50x + 36y - 164 = 0 . This methodically harnesses ellipse traits to develop equations.

Understanding derivation and application of ellipse equations in precalculus is vital for several reasons: it builds foundational skills in algebra, geometry, and problem-solving critical for calculus. By grasping derivations, students gain insights into the properties that influence ellipses, useful in real-world applications and advanced mathematical modeling. Application of these equations helps connect theory and practice, enhancing analytical capability for various fields, including physics and engineering, where elliptical paths are prevalent. This deepens comprehension and facilitates transition to higher-level mathematics .

To derive the general equation of an ellipse from its standard equation: 1) Write the standard equation: (25(x-1)^2 + 9(y+2)^2 = 225). 2) Expand the binomials: 25(x^2 - 2x + 1) + 9(y^2 + 4y + 4) = 225 . 3) Distribute the coefficients: 25x^2 - 50x + 25 + 9y^2 + 36y + 36 = 225. 4) Combine like terms and rearrange to standard polynomial form: 25x^2 + 9y2 - 50x + 36y - 164 = 0 .

The center (h, k) of an ellipse is used to shift its standard equation from the origin (x/a)^2 + (y/b)^2 = 1 to (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1. The foci, defined by the coordinates related to the distance 'c', help in deriving c from c^2 = a^2 - b^2 for a horizontal ellipse, or b^2 - a^2 for a vertical one. These contribute to understanding and calculating the ellipse's eccentricity, influencing real-world applications such as satellite orbits .

Horizontal ellipses have their major axis lying along the x-axis, with the standard equation (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1, where a > b. Vertical ellipses have their major axis along the y-axis, where (x-h)^2/b^2 + (y-k)^2/a^2 = 1, with b > a . The axis orientation affects coefficients and subscripts in the equation, altering how 'a' and 'b' are applied, which directs sketching and property determination .

An ellipse is defined as the set of all points in a plane whose sum of the distances from two fixed points, or foci, is constant . The standard equation of an ellipse (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1 is derived from this definition, where (h, k) is the center. The foci determine the specific curvature and shape of the ellipse by this constant sum, influencing the values of 'a' and 'b', which are semi-major and semi-minor axes respectively .

Using specific coordinates and dimensions, such as those of the center, vertices, and co-vertices, allows precise calculation of the ellipse's characteristics. For instance, given center (1, -2), vertex (1, 3), and co-vertex (-2, -2), one can deduce the axis orientation and calculate 'a' and 'b' by the distances (a = 3, b = 5), solidifying the standard equation . This approach confirms axis orientation and geometric consistency required for correct ellipse equations .

The eccentricity range for ellipses is from 0 to 1, which distinguishes them from other conic sections. A circle, an ellipse with e = 0, has equal axes. Parabolas have an eccentricity of 1, hyperbolas greater than 1. This range helps classify an ellipse distinctively by showing its deviation from circularity and aiding in design and engineering, where a precise eccentricity ensures specific path or shape needs .

The eccentricity of an ellipse is determined by the relationship between its semi-major (a) and semi-minor (b) axes. Eccentricity (e) is calculated as e = sqrt(1 - (b^2/a^2)). As 'a' increases compared to 'b', the ellipse becomes more elongated, increasing its eccentricity towards 1. If 'a' equals 'b', the ellipse becomes a circle with eccentricity 0 .

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