Ellipse

Ellipse
1. DEFINITION
An ellipse is the locus of a point which moves in such a way that its distance from a fixed point is in a
constant ratio (less than one) to its distance from a fixed line. The fixed point is called the focus and
fixed line is called the directrix and the constant ratio is called the eccentricity of the ellipse.

2. EQUATION OFAN ELLIPSE

2.1 Standard Equation of Ellipse
Let S be the focus and ZM the directrix of the ellipse. Draw SZ ZM. Divide SZ internally and
externally in the ratio e : 1(e < 1) and let A and A be these internal and external points of division.
Then SA = eAZ ... (1)
and SA = eAZ ... (2)
Clearly A and A will lie on the ellipse. Let AA = 2a and take C the mid point of AA as origin.
CA CA a ... (3)

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Let P(x, y) by any point on the ellipse referred to CA and CB as co-ordinate axes.
Then adding (1) and (2) we get
ps
SA + SA e (AZ AZ)
AA e(CZ CA CA CZ) (from figure)
te
Directrix
yS
Directrix

(0, b) B P(x, y)
ud

N M
Z C Z
x
x A S(-ae,0) S(ae,0) A Axis
St

(a, 0) (a, 0)
(0, -b) B
Y x = a/e
x = a/e

AA e(2CZ) (Q CA CA )
2a = 2eCZ CZ = a/e
The equation of the directrix MZ is x = CZ = a/e
Subtracting (1) from (2), we get
SA SA e (AZ AZ)
(CA CS) (CA CS) e (AA) 2CS e (AA) (Q CA CA)
2CS = e(2a) CS = ae
The focus S is (CS, 0) i.e., (ae, 0)
Now draw PM MZ
SP
e or (SP)2 = e2 (PM)2
PM
2
(x ae)2 + (y 0)2 = e2 x
a
(x ae)2 + y2 = (a ex)2
e
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 Ellipse

x2 + a2e2 2aex + y2 = a2 2aex + e2x2 x2 (1 e2) + y2 = a2 (1 e2)

x2 y2 x2 y2
1 or 1 , where b2 = a2 (1 e2)
a2 a 2 (1 e2 ) a2 b2
This is the standard equation of an ellipse. AA and BB are called the major and minor axes of the
ellipse. Here b < a and A and A are the vertices of the ellipse.

2.1.1 Another definition of Ellipse

PS + PS = e (PM + PN)
2a 2a
e {Q PM PN }
e e
= 2a
In other words an ellipse is locus of a point which moves in a plane so that the sum of its distances from
fixed points is constant.
Hence an ellipse can be also be defined as the locus of the point (P) which moves such that sum of its
distances from two fixed points (S and S ) is a constant (2a).

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2.1.2 Various terms related with an Ellipse
x2 y2
1, a b
ps
Let the equation of the ellipse be
a2 b2
(i) Vertices of an ellipse : The points at which the ellipse cuts the x-axis (a, 0) & (a, 0) are
te

called the vertices of the ellipse.

Major & Minor axis : The line segment AA is called the major axis and BB is called the
yS

(ii)
minor axis. The major and minor axis taken together are called the principal axes and their
lengths will be given by 2a and 2b respectively.
ud

(iii) Centre : The point which bisect each chord of the ellipse is called the centre ((0, 0)).
(iv) Directrix : ZM and ZM are two directrices and their equations are
St

a a
x and x .
e e
(v) Focus: S(ae, 0) and S (ae, 0) are two foci of the ellipse.
(vi) Latus Rectum : The chord which passes through either focus and perpendicular to the major
axis is called a latus rectum.
Length of Latus Rectum :
2b 2
Length of Latus rectum is given by .
a
(vii) Relation between constant a , b and e
a 2 b2 a 2 b2
b2 = a2 (1 e2) e2 = e=
a2 a
Result :
x 2 y2
(i) Another form of standard equation of ellipse 2 2 1 when a < b
a b
In this case major axis is BB = 2b which is along y-axis and minor axis is AA = 2a which is

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 Ellipse

along x-axis. Foci are S(0, be) and S (0, be) and directrices are y = b/e and y = b/e.
(ii) Focal distances : The focal distance of the point (x, y) on the ellipse
x 2 y2
1 are a + ex and a ex.
a 2 b2

Drill Exercise - 1
1. If the equation of the ellipse is 9x2 + 16y2 = 144, find the lengths of the major and the minor axes, the
eccentricity, the coordinates of the foci, the vertices and the equations of the directrices.
2
2. Find the locus of the point whose distances from the point (0, 4) is of its distances from the
3
line y = 9.

3. Find the locus of the point which satisfies ( x 3) 2 y 2 ( x 3) 2 y 2 6 .

4. Find the equation of the ellipse whose axes are along the coordinate axes, vertices are (5, 0) and foci
at (4, 0).
5. Find the eccentricity, foci and the length of the latus-rectum of the ellipse x2 + 4y2 + 8y 2x + 1 = 0.

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ps
2.2 General equation of the ellipse
The general equation of an ellipse, whose focus is (h, k) , the directrix is the line ax + by + c = 0 and the
te

eccentricity is e is given by
e 2 (ax by c) 2
yS

2 2
(x h) + (y k) = .
a 2 b2
Note: Condition for a second degree equation ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 in x & y to represent an
ud

ellipse is given by
h2 ab < 0 & = abc + 2 fgh af 2 bg2 ch2 0
St

2.3 Auxiliary Circle/Eccentric Angle :

A circle described on major axis as diameter is called the auxiliary circle. Let Q be a point on the
auxiliary circle x2 + y2 = a2 such that QP produced is perpendicular to the x-axis then P and Q are
called as the Corresponding Points on the ellipse and the auxiliary circle respectively ' ' called the
Eccentric Angle of the point P on the ellipse (0 2 ) .
( PN ) b Semi min or axis
Note that . Hence
( QN ) a Semi major axis
If from each point of a circle perpendiculars are drawn upon a
fixed diameter then the locus of the points dividing these per-
pendiculars in a given ratio is an ellipse of which the given circle
is the auxiliary circle .
2.4 Parametric equation of an ellipse
Clearly x = a cos , y = b sin satisfy the equation
x 2 y2
1 for all real values of . Moreover any point on the ellipse can be represented as
a 2 b2

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 Ellipse

x 2 y2
(a cos , b sin ), 0 2 . Hence the parametric equations of the ellipse 1 are x = a
a 2 b2
cos y = bsin , where , is the parameter .

y
Q(acos, bsin)

P
A
A C x
M

The point P (a cos , b sin ) is also called the point . The angle is called the eccentric angle of
the point P on the ellipse. Draw a circle with AA (the major axis) as a diameter. The circle is called

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the auxiliary circle of the ellipse. The equation of the circle is x2 + y2 = a2. Draw QM as perpendicular
to AA cutting the ellipse at P. The x-co-ordinate of P = CM = a cos
ps
y-coordinate of P is b sin
te

P ( a cos , b sin )
Equation of the chord of the ellipse whose eccentric angles are & ,
yS

x y
cos sin cos
ud

a 2 b 2 2

Illustration 1:
St

Find the centre, the length of the axes, eccentricity and the foci of the ellipse.
12x2 + 4y2 + 24x 16y + 25 = 0
Solution :
The given equation can be written in the form
12(x + 1)2 + 4(y 2)2 = 3

( x 1) 2 ( y 2) 2
or =1 ...(1)
1/ 4 3/ 4
Co-ordinates of the centre of the ellipse are given by
x + 1 = 0 and y 2 = 0
Hence centre of the ellipse is (1, 2)
If a and b be the lengths of the semi major and semi minor axes, then a2 = 3/4, b2 = 1/4

Length of major axis = 2b = 3 ,

Length of minor axis = 2a = 1

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 Ellipse

3 1
b , a
2 2
since a2 = b2 (1e2)
1/4 = 3/4 (1e2) e = 2/3

3 2 1
be =
2 3 2
Co-ordinates of foci are given by x + 1 = 0, y 2 = be

1
Thus foci are 1, 2
2

Illustration 2 :
The foci of an ellipse are ( 2, 0) and its eccentricity is 1/2, find its equation.
Solution :

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x 2 y2
Let the equation of the ellipse be 1, Then coordinates of foci are ( ae, 0).
a 2 b2
ps
1 1
ae = 2 a
2
2 e 2 a = 4
te

We have b2 = a2 (1 e2)
yS

1
b2 = 16 1 12
4
ud

x 2 y2
Thus, the equation of the ellipse is 1
16 12
St

Drill Exercise - 2
1. Find the major axis, minor axis, centre and eccentricity of the ellipse,
4 (x 2y + 1)2 + 9 (2x + y + 2)2 = 180.

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 Ellipse

x 2 y2
2. Find the eccentric angles of the extremities of latus rectum of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1.
a b

3. If the chord joining two points whose eccentric angles are and , cut the major axis of an ellipse at
ca
a distance c from the centre, show that, tan tan = .
2 2 ca
4. If any two chords be drawn through two points on the major axis of the ellipse
x 2 y2
2
2 1 equidistance from the centre, prove that, tan tan tan tan = 1
a b 2 2 2 2
where are the eccentric angles of the extremities of the chords.

5. If S and S are the foci of an ellipse whose eccentricity is e and P is a point on it, then prove that
PSS' PS' S 1 e
tan tan =
2 2 1 e

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ps
3. POINTAND ELLIPSE
x 2 y2
Let P (x1 y1) be any point and let 1 be the equation of an ellipse.
te

a 2 b2
The point lies outside, on or inside the ellipse according as
yS

x12 y12
S1 = 2 2 1 0 , = 0, < 0
ud

a b

Illustration 3 :
St

Find the position of the point (4, 3) relative to the ellipse 5x2 + 7y2 = 140.
Solution :
5 (4)2 + 7 (3)2 140 = 80 + 63 140 = 3 > 0, the point (4, 3) lies outside the ellipse
5x2 + 7y2 = 140.

4. ELLIPSE AND LINE

x 2 y2
Let the equation of an ellipse be 1 and the given line be y = mx + c.
a 2 b2
Solving the line and ellipse, we get
x 2 (mx c) 2
=1
a2 b2
i.e., (a2m2 + b2)x2 + 2 mca2 x + a2 (c2 b2) = 0
above equation being a quadratic in x its discriminant = 4m2 c2a4 4a2 (a2 m2 + b2) (c2 b2)
= b2 {c2 (a2 m2 + b2)} = b2 {(a2m2 + b2) c2}
Hence the line intersects the ellipse in 2 distinct points if a 2m2 + b2 > c2, in one point if
c2 = a2m2 + b2 and does not intersect if a2m2 + b2 < c2.

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 Ellipse

y = mx (a 2 m 2 b 2 ) touches the ellipse and condition for tangency is

c2 = a2m2 + b2
Moreover the line y = mx (a 2 m 2 b 2 )

x 2 y2 a 2m b2
1 at , .
touches the ellipse 2
b2 2 2
a a m b 2
a 2m b2
Note: (i) x cos + y sin = p is a tangent if p2 = a2 cos2 + b2 sin2 .
(ii) lx + my + n = 0 is a tangent to the ellipse if n2 = a2 l2 + b2m2.

Drill Exercise - 3

x 2 y2
1. Find the equations of the lines with equal intercepts on the axes & which touch the ellipse 1.
16 9

2. Find the equation of the tangents to the ellipse 4x2 + 3y2 = 5, which are parallel to the line y = 3x + 7.

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Also, find the point of contact.
x 2 y2 4
1 having slope intersects the axis of x & y in points A & B
ps
3. A tangent to the ellipse
18 32 3
respectively. If O is the origin, find the area of triangle OAB.
te

x2 y2
Find the condition for the line x cos + y sin = p to be a tangent to the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1.
yS

4.
a b

For what value of does the line y = x + touches the ellipse 9x2 + 16y2 = 144.
ud

5.
St

4.1 Equation of the Tangent

x2 y2 xx yy
(i) The equation of the tangent at any point (x1, y1) on the ellipse 2 2 1 is 21 21 1
a b a b
x y
(ii) The equation of tangent at any point is cos sin 1
a b

(iii) Point of intersection of tangents to ellipse at points , is

a cos b sin
2 , 2

cos cos
2 2
4.2 Equation of the Normal
(i) The equation of the normal at any point (x1, y1) on the ellipse

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 Ellipse

x 2 y2 a 2x b2 y 2
1 is a b2
a 2 b2 x1 y1

(ii) The equation of the normal at any point is ax sec by cosec = a2 b2

Illustration 4:

x 2 y2
Find the condition that the line lx + my = n may be a normal to the ellipse 2 2 1 .
a b
Solution :
ax by
Equation of normal to the given ellipse at (a cos , bsin ) is a 2 b2 ... (1)
cos sin
If the line lx + my = n is a normal to the ellipse, then there must be a value of for which line (1)
and line lx + my = n are identical. For that value of , we have
l m n
2 2
a b (a b )

cos sin

an .in
ps
cos ... (2)
l (a b 2 )
2
te

bn
and sin ... (3)
m (a 2 b 2 )
yS

Squaring and adding (3) and (4) we get

a 2 b2
ud

n2
1 = 2 2 2 2 2
(a b ) l m
St

which is the required condition.

Illustration 5:
An ellipse slides between two straight lines at right angles to each other. Show that the locus of its
centre is a circle.
Solution :
Suppose the ellipse is sliding between coordinate axis. Let P be the centre of the sliding ellipse. Now
origin is always on the director circle of the sliding ellipse, hence OP, O being the origin is a constant.
Therefore locus of P is a circle with centre at O.
Illustration 6:
Find the equations of the tangents to the ellipse 3x2 + 4y2 = 12 which are perpendicular to the line y +

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 Ellipse

2x = 4.
Solution :
Let m be the slope of the tangent, since the tangent is perpendicular to the line y + 2x = 4,
1
m=
2

x 2 y2
2 2
Equation of the given ellipse is 3x + 4y = 12 or 1
4 3

x 2 y2
Comparing this with 1 , we get a2 = 4 and b2 = 3
a 2 b2

1 1
So the equation of the tangents are y = x 4 3
2 4
1
y= x 2 or x 2y 4 = 0
2

Drill Exercise - 4
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ps
1. Prove that the line joining two points on an ellipse, the difference of whose eccentric angle is constant,
touches an other ellipse.
te

2. Any ordinate MP of an ellipse meet the auxiliary circle in Q. Prove that the locus of the point of
yS

intersection of the normals at P and Q is the circle x2 + y2 = (a + b)2.

x 2 y2
3. A tangent to the ellipse = 1 at the point P, in the first quadrant, meets the coordinate axis in A
ud

a 2 b2
& B respectively. If P divides AB in the ratio 3 : 1, find the equation of the tangent.
St

4. Prove that the tangents at the extremities of latusrectum of an ellipse intersect on the corresponding
directrix.
5. Show that for all real values of p (1, 1) the line 2px + y 1 p 2 1 touches a fixed ellipse. Find the
eccentricity of the ellipse.

5. EQUATION OF CHORD WITH MID POINT (x1, y1)

x 2 y2
The equation of the chord of the ellipse 1 , whose mid point is (x1, y1) is given by T = S1,
a 2 b2

xx1 yy1 x12 y12

where T 1 and S1 1.
a2 b2 a2 b2

6. CHORD OF CONTACT

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 Ellipse

x 2 y2
If PA and PB be the tangents through point P(x1, y1) to the ellipse 1,
a 2 b2
xx1 yy
then the equation of the chord of contact AB is 2
21 1 or T = 0 at (x1, y1)
a b

A
P (x1, y)
1

X X
O
B

Y
7. PAIR OF TANGENTS
x 2 y2
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Let P (x1, y1) be any point outside the ellipse 2 2 1, and let a pair of tangents PA, PB be drawn
a b
ps
to it from P.
then the equation of pair of tangents of PA and PB is
te

x2 y2 A
SS1 = T , where S 2
2 1,
yS

a b2

x 2 y2
1 and
ud

S1 P(x,
1 y)
a 2 b2 1

xx1 yy1
St

B
T 2 1
a2 b

x 2 y2
1 which are
Note: The locus of the point of intersection of the tangents to an ellipse
a 2 b2
perpendicular to each other is called the director circle and its equation is given by
x2 + y2 = a2 + b2.

8. DIRECTOR CIRCLE :
Locus of the point of intersection of the tangents which meet at right angles is called the Director
Circle. The equation to this locus is x2 + y2 = a2 + b2 i.e. a circle whose centre is the centre of the
ellipse and whose radius is the length of the line joining the ends of the major and minor axis.

Drill Exercise - 5

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 Ellipse

x 2 y2
1. Tangents are drawn to the ellipse 1 at points where it is intersected by the line
a 2 b2
lx + my + n = 0. Find the point of intersection of tangents at these points.

x 2 y2
2. Prove that the chord of contact of tangents drawn from the point (h, k) to the ellipse 2 2 1 will
a b

h2 k2 1 1
subtend a right angle at the centre, if 4 + 4 = 2 + 2 . Also find the locus of (h, k).
a b a b

x 2 y2
3. A line intersects the ellipse 2 2 1 at P and Q and the parabola y2 = 4d (x + a) at R and S. The
a b
line segment PQ subtends a right angle at the centre of the ellipse. Find the locus of the point of
intersection of tangents to the parabola at R and S.

x 2 y2
4. Show that the equation of the tangents to the ellipse 2 2 1 at the points of intersection with the

.in
a b

x 2 y2
line ax + by 1 = 0 is 2 2 1 (a2 a2 + b2 b2 1) = (ax + by + 1)2
ps
a b
te

x 2 y2
5. Prove that the tangents drawn to the ellipse = a + b at the points where it is cut by any tangent
yS

a b

x 2 y2
to the ellipse 2 2 1 intersect at right angles.
ud

a b
St

9. SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

(i) The product of the lengths of the
perpendicular segments from the foci y
on any tangent to the ellipse (at p) is x = a/e
Y
b2 and the feet of these perpendiculars t Y
Y, Y lie on the auxiliary circle.
1
P
Y
(ii) If the normal at any point P on the
ellipse with centre C meet the major C G
& minor axes in G & g respectively, x S F N S T x
& if CF be perpendicular upon this g
normal, then
(a) PF. PG = b2
(b) PF.Pg = a2
y
(c) PG. Pg = SP . S P

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 Ellipse

(d) CG . CT = CS2
(e) locus of the mid point of Gg is another ellipse having the same eccentricity as that
of the original ellipse.
[S and S are the focii of the ellipse and T is the point where tangent at P meet the
major axis].
(iii) The tangent & normal at a point P on the ellipse bisect the external & internal angles between
the focal distances of P. This refers to the well known reflection property of the ellipse which
states that rays from one focus are reflected through other focus & vice-versa.
(iv) The portion of the tangent to an ellipse between the point of contact & the directrix subtends a
right angle at the corresponding focus.
(v) The circle on any focal distance as diameter touches the auxiliary circle.
(vi) If the tangent at the point P of a standard ellipse meets the axes in T and t and CY1 is the
perpendicular on it from the centre then,
(a) Tt. PY1 = a2 b2 (b) least value of Tt is a + b.

Drill Exercise - 6
1.
.in
Prove that the product of the perpendiculars from the foci upon any tangent to the ellipse
ps
x 2 y2
1 (a b) is b2.
a 2 b2
te

x 2 y2
2. If the normal at any point P on the ellipse 2 2 = 1 (a > b), meets the axes in G and g respectively,,
yS

a b
2 2
then prove that PG : Pg = b : a .
x 2 y2 x 2 y2
ud

3. Find the locus of mid-points of chords of the ellipse 2 2 1 touching the ellipse 2 2 1 .
a b c d
St

x 2 y2
4. If the tangent at (h, k) to the ellipse 1 cuts the auxiliary circle in points whose ordinates are
a 2 b2
1 1 2
y1 and y2, show that y + y = .
1 2 k

5. Prove that the portion of the tangent to an ellipse intercepted between the curve and the directrix
subtends a right angle at the corresponding focus.

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 Ellipse

Answer Key
Drill Exercise - 1

7 16
1. 8, 6, , ( 7 , 0), ( 4, 0), x = 2. 9x2 + 5y2 = 180
4 7

x 2 y2
3. line segment joining the points (3, 0) and (3, 0) 4. 1
25 9
3
5. e= ; foci = (1 3 , 1) ; length of latusrectum = 1
2

Drill Exercise - 2
1. length of major axis = 6, length of minor axis = 4, equation of major axis = 2x + y + 2 = 0, equation of
5
minor axis = x 2y + 1 = 0; centre of the ellipse (1, 0); e =
3
b

.in
2. = tan 1
ae
ps
Drill Exercise - 3

155 3 465 , 2 465

te

12 62 93
1. x + y 5 = 0, x + y + 5 = 0 2. y = 3x ;
yS

3. 24 sq. units 4. p2 = a2 cos2 + b2 sin2

5. = 5
ud

Drill Exercise - 4
St

3
3. bx + a 3 y = 2ab 5. e=
2

Drill Exercise - 5

a2 b2m x 2 y2 1 1 1 1

1. n , n 2. 4 2 2 3. y2 + 4d2 = 4d2 (x + 2a)2 2 2
a 4
b a b a b

Drill Exercise - 6
2
x 2 y2 c2 d2
2 2 4 x 2 4 y2
3. a b
a b

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