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Understanding Ellipses in Mathematics

The document is a mathematics assignment focused on the topic of ellipses, detailing their definition, properties, and equations. It includes information on the standard position of ellipses, the major and minor axes, and how to derive the equation for ellipses centered at different points. The assignment is submitted by a group of students from the College of Education and Behavioral Studies.

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Abel Abera
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6 views5 pages

Understanding Ellipses in Mathematics

The document is a mathematics assignment focused on the topic of ellipses, detailing their definition, properties, and equations. It includes information on the standard position of ellipses, the major and minor axes, and how to derive the equation for ellipses centered at different points. The assignment is submitted by a group of students from the College of Education and Behavioral Studies.

Uploaded by

Abel Abera
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

Mathematics Assignment

Ellipse
College Of Education And Behavioral
Studies, Section-02, 6-Kilo main
Campus
Group Members ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ID
1. Abenezer Tesfaye​ ​ ​ ​ UGR/1496 /17
2. Bereket Gebretensay ​ ​ ​ ​ UGR/1684 /17
3. Biruk Dawit….(Group leader)​ ​ UGR/6325/17
4. Abel Gebreslassie​ ​ ​ ​ UGR/7643/17​
5. Abel Abera ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ UGR/1016/17
6. Ana Wase​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ UGR/8025/17
7. Bisrat Anteneh​ ​ ​ ​ ​ UGR/1484/17

Submitted to :- Mis, Tsehay Submission Date:- 12/05/2017


Ellipse
Definition of an Ellipse
Let F and F be two fixed points in the plane. An ellipse is the locus or set of all points in
the plane such that the sum of the distances from each point to F and F is constant. That
is, a point P is on the ellipse if and only if |PF|+ |PF| = constant. (See Figure 4.18).
Equation of standard ellipse
To derive the equation of an ellipse centered at the origin, we begin with the foci (−c,0)
and (c,0) The ellipse is the set of all points (x,y) such that the sum of the distances from
(x,y) to the foci is constant, as shown in Figure.

●​ The midpoint between the foci F and F is called the center of the ellipse.
●​ The longest diameter (longest chord) AA’ through F and F is called the major axis
of the ellipse;
●​ and the chord BB’ through C which is perpendicular to AA’ is called the minor
axis.
●​ The endpoints of the major axis, V and V’, are called the vertices of the ellipse.
If (a,0) is a vertex of the ellipse, the distance from (−c,0) to (a,0) is a−(−c)=a+c. The
distance from (c,0) to (a,0) is a −c . The sum of the distances from the foci to the vertex is

If (x,y) is a point on the ellipse, then we can define the following variables:

By the definition of an ellipse, d1+d2 is constant for any point (x,y) on the ellipse. We
know that the sum of these distances is 2a for the vertex (a,0). It follows that d1+d2=2a
for any point on the ellipse. We will begin the derivation by applying the distance
formula. The rest of the derivation is algebraic.
Equation of shifted Ellipses:
When an ellipse is not at standard position but with center at a point C(h,k), then we can
still obtain its equation by considering translation of the xy-axes in such a way that its
origin translated to the point C(h,k). This result in a new X’Y’ coordinate system whose
origin O’ is at C(h,k) so that the ellipse is at standard position relative to the X’Y’
system( see, the Figure)

Since the origin of the new coordinate system is at the point (h,k) of the xy coordinate
system, the relationship between a point (x,y) of the xy-coordinate system and (x’,y’)

Common questions

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The equations for the major and minor axes directly inform an ellipse's dimensions by designating lengths a and b, respectively. The major axis has length 2a, indicating the width across the foci, while the minor axis has length 2b, perpendicular to the major axis. These lengths are embedded in the equation x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1, setting the proportions .

An ellipse equation is in standard form when its center is at the origin (0,0), typically expressed as x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1. If the equation contains terms (x-h)^2 and (y-k)^2, it indicates that the ellipse has been translated such that its center is at point (h,k), hence being shifted from an origin-centered stance .

An algebraic approach to ellipses, facilitated by equations detailing centers, axes, and vertices, allows precise calculations vital for practical applications in fields like astronomy for interpreting planetary orbits, engineering for designing elliptical arches, and optics where reflective properties of ellipses are utilized. This translates theoretical properties into applied solutions .

When an ellipse is centered at a point (h, k) instead of the origin, its equation is modified by translating the xy-coordinate system such that its new origin aligns with the point (h, k). This leads to the new equation (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1, indicating an ellipse in standard position relative to its new X'Y' system .

A shifted ellipse, with its center at (h,k) instead of the original origin position, means its geometric properties such as symmetry axes and the positioning of the foci are also shifted. Algebraically, this shift manifests as adaptations in its equation to accommodate the (h,k) adjustments of its axes, which impacts all spatial measurements relative to the new origin .

Vertices of an ellipse, located at the endpoints of the major axis, serve as critical reference points for measuring the semi-major axis (a). They represent the maximum distance from the center to the ellipse boundary along the axis and are crucial for understanding the ellipse's size and its equation x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1 .

The midpoint between the foci of an ellipse, known as the center, is a pivotal reference for defining the ellipse's symmetry. It is equidistant from both foci, and all processes related to translating and determining ellipse equations begin from this point. The center divides the ellipse symmetrically along both main axes .

The standard equation of an ellipse centered at the origin is derived by considering the foci located at (-c,0) and (c,0). By the definition of an ellipse, any point (x,y) on the ellipse maintains a constant sum of distances to the foci. Using the distance formula, the sum of distances from (x,y) to each focus is expressed and equated to a constant, 2a, which is twice the semi-major axis length in the standard form x^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1 .

In the geometry of an ellipse, the major axis is the longest diameter and spans through the foci, determining the maximum width of the ellipse. The minor axis is perpendicular to the major axis at the center and determines the minimum width. These axes are critical as they define the shape and positioning of the ellipse .

The concept of a constant sum of distances for any point on an ellipse provides the foundation for its algebraic form. This property, d1 + d2 = 2a, derived from the foci definition, allows one to set up and solve a distance equation, ultimately leading to the formulation of the ellipse's standard equation through algebraic manipulation .

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