Science and Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Pre- Calculus
Documentation

Carandang, Mariane C. Engr. Jovette A. Pecayo

STEM 11 - H
October 17, 2019
Lines
Lines are all around us. It is the basis of all things straight. The simplest among
the graphs is the straight line. One of the undefined terms in mathematics but can be well
represented as an edge that extends on both sides to infinity.

Geometry is one of the example of line application or in other terms, with geometry
we will learn the properties of line and its types: the line segment and the ray. A line
means a line of points that extends to infinity in two directions. It only has one dimension
and length. The line segment, on the other hand, is a segment in the line defined by two
endpoints. In other words, it has a beginning and an end.

The standard equation of the line is Ax + By = C where A is a positive integer while

B and C could be either positive or negative integer. The general equation of the line is
Ax + By + C = 0 and the integer of its self are same as the integer of the standard equation
wherein A is a positive integer while B and C could be either positive or negative integer.

From the Pythagorean Theorem: |𝑃𝑄|2 = |𝑅𝑄|2 + |𝑃𝑅|²

|𝑃𝑄|2 = (𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )²
|𝑃𝑄| = (𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )²

Where the given two points (𝑥1 − 𝑦1 ) and (𝑥2 − 𝑦2 ), the distance 𝑑 between them
is given by the formula:
𝐴𝐵 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )² + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )²

Basing on its general and standard equations, we can find the distance of points
in a line. Its formula: √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 ) + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 ) wherein 𝑥2 and 𝑥1 are the x-coordinates of
two separate points while 𝑦2 and 𝑦1 are the y-coordinates of the points respectively.

The intercepts of a line are the points where the line intercepts, or crosses, the
horizontal and vertical axes.The straight line on the graph below intercepts the two
coordinate axes. The point where the line crosses the x-axis is called the [x-intercept].
The [y-intercept] is the point where the line crosses the y-axis.

To calculate the intercepts of the line, just substitute 0 to the x or y of the

equation. Depending on what is asked, for the x-intercept, just substitute 0 to the y of
the given equation and vice versa. The slope of a line characterizes the direction of
𝑦2−𝑦1
where the line will be going. To find it, we have to use the formula: 𝑚 = .
𝑥2 −𝑥1

The equation of the line has four ways of solving it. Namely, point-slope form,
intercept form, two-point form, slope-intercept form. These are named after the values
that are given in the problem. Point-slope meaning there is a point a slope that are
given in the problem, two-point meaning two points are given and so on.
EXAMPLE:
1. Find the equation of the line that passes through the points (-1, 0) and (-4,
(𝑦 2 −𝑦1 ) (12−0) 12
12). Solution: The slope of the line is given by 𝑚 = = (−4−(−1) = − =
(𝑥 2 −𝑥 1 ) 3
−4
We now write the equation of the line in point slope form: 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚 (𝑥 −
𝑥1)
y − 0 = − 4(x − (−1)
Simplify and write the equation in general form 𝑦 + 4 𝑥 = − 4

2. Find the equation of the line that passes through the points (7, 5) and (-9, 5).
Solution: The two points have the same y coordinate and are on the same
horizontal line whose equation is 𝑦 = 5

3. What is the equation of the line through the point (-3 , 2) and has x intercept
at x = -1. Solution: The x intercept is the point (-1 , 0). The slope of the line is
(2−0) 2
given by: 𝑚 = (−3−(−1) = −2 = −1
The point slope form of the line is y − 0 = −1(x − (−1)
The equation can be written as y = − x – 1

4. What is the equation of the line through the point (-1 , 0) and perpendicular to
the line y = 9. Solution: The line y = 9 is a horizontal line (parallel to the x
axis). The line that is perpendicular to the line y = 9 have the form x =
constant. Since the (-1 , 0) is a point on this line, the equation is given by
x = -1
𝑥 𝑦
5. Find the slope intercept form for the line given by its equation: −5=3
4
𝑥 𝑦
Solution: Given the equation 4 − 5 = 3
−𝑦 𝑥
Keep only the term in y on the left side of the equation =3−4
5
5
Multiply all terms by -5 y = (4) 𝑥 − 15

6. For what values of b the point (2 , 2 b) is on the line with equation x - 4 y = 6

Solution: For a point to be on a line, its coordinates must satisfy the equation
of the line. 2 - 4(2 b) = 6
1
Solve for b, b = − 2

7. What is the equation of the line through the points (-2 , 0) and (-2 , 4).
Solution: The two points have the same x coordinate and are on the same
vertical line whose equation is x = - 2
 8. Find the equation of the line that has an x intercept at x = - 4 and y intercept
at y = 5.
Solution: The x and y intercepts are the points (-4 , 0) and (0 , 5). The slope of
(5−0) 5
the line is given by: 𝑚 = (0−(−4) = 4
5
The point slope form of the line is 𝑦 − 5 = (4) (𝑥 − 0)
Multiply all terms by 4 and simplify 4 y − 20 = 5 x

9. Find the slope of a line passing through the points: (2 , 3) and (0 , - 1)

(y2 −y1 ) (−1−3)
Solution: m = = =2
(x2 −x1 ) (0−2)

10. Find the equation of the line that passes through the point (-2 , 5) and has a
slope of −4.
Solution: Substitute 𝑦1 , 𝑥1 and m in the point slope form of a line
y − 𝑦1 = m(x − 𝑥1 )
y − 5 = − 4(x − (−2)
y = −4x − 3

Circles
A circle is a locus of all points 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 from a fixed point. The fixed point is called the
𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 of the circle and the distance from the center to any point on the circle is called 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠.

Shown above is a circle with center at the origin and radius r. If the point (𝑥1 − 𝑦1 )
is on the circle, then r is the distance from the origin to the point.

From the formula: 𝑟 2 = (𝑥2 − 0)2 + (𝑦1 − 0)²

(𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦1 )2 = 𝑟²

This is the equation of the circle with center at the origin and radius r.

The distance around the circle is called the circumference, C, and could be
determined either by using the radius, r, or the diameter, d:
𝐶 = 2𝜋𝑟
𝐶 = 𝜋𝑑
𝑑 = 2𝑟
 The area of the circle is denoted by:
𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2

A circle is the same as 360°. You can divide a circle into smaller portions. A part
of a circle is called an arc and an arc is named according to its angle. Arcs are divided
into minor arcs (0° < v < 180°), major arcs (180° < v < 360°) and semicircles (v = 180°).
The length of an arc, l, is determined by plugging the degree measure of the Arc, v, and
the circumference of the whole circle, C, into the following formula:
𝑙 = 𝐶 ⋅ 𝑣360
The standard form of the circle is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑟² if the center is at the origin of the
Cartesian plane; and (𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2 if the center is at (ℎ, 𝑘). The general
equation of a circle is: 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑦 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0.
EXAMPLE:
1. Standard equation of a circle with a center at (9,12) and radius 7 is:
Solution: In this example ℎ = 9, 𝑘 = 12 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟 = 7, so after substituting into above
formula we get:
(x – 9) ² + ( y – 12) ² = 72
(x – 9) ² + ( y – 12) ² = 49

2. What is the Standard equation of a circle with a center at (16,21) and radius 3:
Solution: In this example ℎ = 16, 𝑘 = 21 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟 = 3, so after substituting into
above formula we get:
(x – 16) ² + ( y – 21) ² = 32
(x – 16) ² + ( y – 21) 2² = 9

3. What is the Standard equation of a circle with a center at (−15,−11) and radius 9:
Solution: In this example ℎ = −15, 𝑘 = −11 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟 = 9, so after substituting into
above formula we get:
(x – (−15)² + ( y – (−11)² = 92
(x + 15)² + ( y + 11)² = 81

4. Find the center and radius of the circle having the equation: The center of the circle
is at: 𝐶 = (−6, −8). The radius of the circle is r=2√.
Solution: A circle with center at (h, k) and a radius of r has equation (x−h) 2 +(y−k)
2 =r 2

In this example our circle equation can be written as:

(𝑥 − (−6)² + (𝑦 − (−8)² = (2√) 2
So, we have: h=−6 , k=−8 and r=2√.

5. Find the center and radius of the circle having the equation: The center of the
circle is at: 𝐶 = (9, −7). The radius of the circle is r=6√.
Solution: A circle with center at (h, k) and a radius of r has equation (x−h)
2 +(y−k) 2 =r 2
 In this example our circle equation can be written as:
(𝑥 − 9)² + (𝑦 − (−7)² = (6√)2

So, we have: ℎ = 9 , 𝑘 = −7 and r=6√.

6. What is the General equation of a circle with a center at (7,9) and radius 5:
Solution: In this example h=7, k=9 and r=5, so after substituting into above
formula we get: (x−7) 2+(y−9) 2=25
Now we will find general form.
(x−7) 2+(y−9) 2=25
x2 – 14x + 49 + y2 – 18y + 81 – 25 = 0
x2 – 14x + y2 – 18y + 105 = 0

7. What is the General equation of a circle with a center at (−5,11) and radius 6:
Solution : In this example h=−5, k=11 and r=6, so after substituting into above
formula we get: (x + 5) 2+(y - 11) 2= 36
Now we will find general form.
(x + 5) 2+(y - 11) 2=36
x2 + 10x + 25 + y2 – 22y + 121 – 36 = 0
x2 + 10x + y2 – 22y + 110 = 0

8. What is the Standard equation of a circle with a center at (9,9) passing through
the point (6,8)
Solution: Find circle radius. To find a radius of a circle we will compute the
distance between points C and P. Distance can be computed by using formula:
𝑟 = √(𝐶𝑥 − 𝑃𝑥)2 + (𝐶𝑦 − 𝐶𝑥)²
In this example 𝐶𝑥 = 9 , 𝐶𝑦 = 9, 𝑃𝑥 = 6 , 𝑃𝑦 = 8, and after substituting these values into
the formula we get r=√ 10
The equation of a circle with center at (h, k) and a radius of r is:(x−h) ²+(y−k) ²=r²
after substituting into above formula we get:
(x – 9) 2 + (y – 9) 2 = (√10) 2
(x – 9) 2 + (y – 9) 2 = 10

9. What is the Standard equation of a circle with a center at (8,7) passing through
the point (10, 1)
Solution: Find circle radius. To find a radius of a circle we will compute the
distance between points C and P. Distance can be computed by using formula:
r= √(𝐶𝑥 − 𝑃𝑥)2 + (𝐶𝑦 − 𝐶𝑥)2
In this example 𝐶𝑥 = 8 , 𝐶𝑦 = 7, 𝑃𝑥 = 10 , 𝑃𝑦 = 1, and after substituting these
values into the formula we get r=2√10
The equation of a circle with center at (h, k) and a radius of r is: (x−h) ²+(y−k) ²=r²
after substituting into above formula we get:
(x – 8) 2 + (y – 7) 2 = (2√10) 2
 (x – 8 ) 2 + (y – 7) 2 = 40
10. What is the Standard equation of a circle with a center at (−12,7) passing through
the point (1, 1)
Solution: Find circle radius. To find a radius of a circle we will compute the
distance between points C and P. Distance can be computed by using formula:

r= √(𝐶𝑥 − 𝑃𝑥)² + (𝐶𝑦 − 𝐶𝑥)²

In this example 𝐶𝑥 = −12 , 𝐶𝑦 = 7, 𝑃𝑥 = 1 , 𝑃𝑦 = 1, and after substituting these
values into the formula we get r=√205
The equation of a circle with center at (h, k) and a radius of r is:
(𝑥 − ℎ)² + (𝑦 − 𝑘)² = 𝑟²
after substituting into above formula we get:
(𝑥 – (− 12)² + (𝑦 – 7)² = (√205) ²
(𝑥 + 12)² + (𝑦 – 7)² = 205

Parabola
A parabola is a conic section. It is a slice of a right cone parallel to one side of the
cone. Like the circle, the parabola is a quadratic relation, but unlike the circle, either x will
be squared or y will be squared, but not both. It is defined as the set of points that are
equidistant from both the directrix and the 𝑓𝑜𝑐𝑢𝑠.

A parabola is the locus of all points whose distance from a fixed point is equal to
its distance from a fixed line. The fixed point is called 𝑓𝑜𝑐𝑢𝑠 and the fixed line is 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑥.
A parabola with vertex at origin are shown below. Let the coordinates of the focus
and the equation of the directrix given.

For ANY point on a parabola, the distance from that point to the focus is the same
as the distance from that point to the directrix. Notice that the "distance" being measured
to the directrix is always the shortest distance. The specific distance from the vertex to
the focus is traditionally labeled "p". Thus, the distance from the vertex to the directrix is
also "p". The two equation of parabola is used when its vertex is at origin nor ℎ and 𝑘.

The line segment passing through the focus and perpendicular to the axis of the
parabola is called a 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑚 whose length is 4𝑐.
 Just like the circle, once the vertex (0,0) is translated to some point (h,k) the
equations of the parabola will become:
1. (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘), parabola opening upwards
Directrix: 𝑦 = 𝑘 − 𝑐
F (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐)
Axis of symmetry:𝑥 = ℎ

2. (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = −4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘), parabola opening downwards

3. (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ),
Directrix: 𝑦 = 𝑘 + 𝑐
F (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐)
Axis of symmetry:𝑥 = ℎ
parabola opening to the right
Directrix: 𝑦 = ℎ − 𝑐
F (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘)
Axis of symmetry:𝑦 = 𝑘

4. (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = −4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ), parabola opening to the left

Directrix: 𝑦 = ℎ + 𝑐
F (ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘)
Axis of symmetry:𝑦 = 𝑘
Tangent to a Parabola
Find the equation of the line tangent to the parabola 𝑦2 = −4𝑥 at the point P (4,4).
Solution:
The desired line with the slope 𝑚 through the point P (-4,4) is defined by
𝑦 − 4 = 𝑚(𝑥 + 4)
Which is equivalent to
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 4𝑚 + 4.
Substitute this equation of the parabola, 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑏𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛
(𝑚𝑥 + 4𝑚 + 4)2 = −4𝑥
𝑚 𝑥 + 16𝑚2 + 16 + 8m2 x + 8mx + 32m = −4x
2 2

𝑚2 𝑥 2 = (8𝑚2 + 8𝑚 + 4)𝑥 + 16𝑚2 + 32m + 16 = 0

The above equation is quadratic in form and it has only one solution when the
discriminant 𝐵 2 − 4AC = 0. That is,
(8𝑚2 + 8𝑚 + 4)2 − 4𝑚2 (16𝑚2 + 32𝑚 + 16) = 0
16(2𝑚2 + 2𝑚 + 1)2 − 64𝑚2 (𝑚2 + 2𝑚 + 1) = 0
16(4𝑚4 + 4𝑚2 + 1 + 8𝑚3 + 4𝑚2 + 4𝑚) − 64𝑚2 (𝑚2 + 2𝑚 + 1) = 0
4𝑚4 + 8𝑚3 + 8𝑚2 + 4𝑚 + 1 − 4𝑚4 − 8𝑚3 − 4𝑚2 = 0
4𝑚2 + 4𝑚 + 1 = 0
(2𝑚 + 1)2 = 0
1
𝑚=−
2

Thus, the desired equation of a line is

 1
𝑦 − 4 = − (𝑥 + 4)
2

2(𝑦 − 4) = −(𝑥 + 4)
𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 4 = 0
EXAMPLE:
1. What transformations are needed to transform the graph of the parabola 𝑦 =
𝑥 2 into the graph of the parabola 𝑦 = − 𝑥 2 + 4 𝑥 + 6?
Solution: Given: 𝑦 = − 𝑥 2 + 4 𝑥 + 6
Rewrite in vertex form by completing the square:
y = - x 2 + 4 x + 6 = - (x - 2) 2 + 10
Start: y = x 2
2 units to the right: y = (x - 2) 2
reflection on the x axis: y = -(x - 2) 2
shift 10 units up: y = -(x + 2) 2 + 10

2. Shift the graph of the parabola y = x 2 by 3 unit to the left then reflect the graph
obtained on the x axis and then shift it 4 units up. What is the equation of the new
parabola after these transformations?
Solution: Start: y = x 2
3 units to the left: y = (x + 3) 2
reflection on the x axis: y = -(x + 3) 2
shift 4 units up: y = -(x + 3) 2 + 4

3. What is the equation the parabola with x intercepts at x = 2 and x = -3, and a y -
intercept at y = 5?
Solution: The equation of a parabola with x intercepts at x = 2 and x = -3 may be
written as the product of two factors whose zeros are the x intercepts as follows:
y = a(x - 2)(x + 3)
We now use the y intercept at (0 , 5), which is a point through which the parabola
passes, to write:
5 = a(0 - 2)(0 + 3)
5
Solve for a 𝑎 = − 6
5
Equation: 𝑦 = (− 6)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3)

4. Find the equation the parabola y = 2 x 2 + b x + c that passes by the points (-1,-
5) and (2,10).
Solution: Points (-1,-5) and (2,10) are on the graph of the parabola 𝑦 = 2𝑥² +
𝑏 𝑥 + 𝑐, ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒.
-5 = 2 (-1) 2 + b (-1) + c
10 = 2 (2) 2 + b (2) + c
Rewrite the above system in b and c in standard form. - b + c = - 7 2 b + c = 2
 Solve the above system of equations to obtain: c = - 4 and b = 3
Equation of the parabola that passes by the points (-1,-5) and (2,10) is:
y = 2 x2 + b x + c = 2 x2 + 3 x – 4

5. Find an equation of the parabola with vertex at (0 , 0), the x axis is its axis of
symmetry and its graph contains the point (-2 , 4).
Solution: Since the x axis is the axis of symmetry of the parabola and its vertex is
at the origin, the equation of the parabola has the form
y 2 = 4a x

6. Find an equation of the parabola with focus at (8 , 0) and directrix given by the
equation x = 2.
Solution: Since the directrix is the x = 2 and the focus is at (8 , 0), the parabola
has the x axis as an axis of symmetry and opens to the right. Its equation is of
the form
(y - k) 2 = 4a (x - h) , vertex at (h , k)
The vertex is the midpoint of the point (2 , 0), which the point of intersection of
the directrix and the x axis, and the focus ( 8 , 0). Hence h = 5 and k = 0. The
distance between the directrix and the focus is twice |a|. Hence 2|a| = 6, |a| = 3
and since the parabola opens to the right a = 3.
y 2 = 12 (x - 5)

7. Find an equation of the parabola with vertex at (0 , 2) and focus at (0 , 6).

Solution: Since the vertex is at (0 , 2) and the focus is at (0 , 6), the parabola
opens upward and the equation of a parabola with vertex at (h , k) is given by
(x - h) 2 = 4a (y - k)

8. Find the equation of the horizontal parabola that passes through the point (3, 4)
and has its vertex at (0, 0).

9. Find the vertex and focus of y2 + 6y + 12x – 15 = 0

y2 + 6y – 15 = –12x
y2 + 6y + 9 – 15 = –12x + 9
(y + 3)2 – 15 = –12x + 9
(y + 3)2 = –12x + 9 + 15 = –12x + 24
(y + 3)2 = –12(x – 2)
(y – (–3))2 = 4(–3)(x – 2)
 Then the vertex is at (h, k) = (2, –3) and the value of p is –3. Since y is squared
and p is negative, then this is a sideways parabola that opens to the left. This
puts the focus 3 units to the left of the vertex.

vertex: (2, –3); focus: (–1, –3)

10. Write an equation for the parabola with vertex (5, –2) and directrix y = –5.
The directrix is an horizontal line; since this line is perpendicular to the axis of
symmetry, then this must be a regular parabola, where the x part is squared.
The distance between the vertex and the directrix is |–5 – (–2)| = |–5 + 2| = 3.
Since the directrix is below the vertex, then this is a right-side up parabola,
so p is positive: p = 3
(x – h)2 = 4p(y – k)
(x – 5)2 = 4(3)(y – (–2))
(x – 5)2 = 12(y + 2)

Ellipse
Is a bounded curve which looks like a flattened circle. Also just like parabolas,
ellipses have reflective properties that have been used in the construction of certain
structures
An ellipse is the locus of all points at the sum of whose distances from two fixes
points is constant. The two fixed points are called the 𝑓𝑜𝑐𝑖.

There is also a two types of ellipse, horizontal ellipse and vertical ellipse which
their equation are different because the center of horizontal ellipse is at the center while
the center of vertical ellipse is h and k.
𝑥2 𝑦2
When its vertex is at the origin the equation to be used is 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 = 1, its properties
are: Center (0,0), Foci (±𝑐, 0), Vertices (±𝑎, 0), Major axis the x-axis, y = 0 with length
2𝑏 2
2𝑎, Minor axis the y-axis, x = 0 with length 2𝑏, Length of the latus rectum , The
𝑎
𝑐
eccentricity 𝑎
Take note that the above ellipse has its elongated axis along the x-axis. For the
𝑥2 𝑦2
ellipse that has elongated side along the y-axis the equation is 𝑏2 + 𝑎2 = 1 whose
properties are: Center (0, 0), Foci (0, ±𝑐 ), Vertices (0, ±𝑎), Major axis the y-axis, x = 0
 with length 2𝑎, Minor axis the x-axis, y = 0 with length 2𝑏, Length of the latus
2𝑏 2 𝑐
rectum , The eccentricity 𝑎.
𝑎
𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑒: Which denominator is larger, the variable above it is the major axis where
the foci and vertices are found.
The vertex translated at some point (h, k) and the elongated axis is along at x-axis,
(𝑥−ℎ)² (𝑦−𝑘)²
the equation will be + = 1 whose properties are: Center (h, k), Foci (ℎ ± 𝑐, 𝑘),
𝑎2 𝑏2
Vertices (ℎ ± 𝑎, 𝑘), Major axis, y = k with length2𝑎, Minor axis, x = h with length2𝑏,
2𝑏 2 𝑐
Length of the latus rectum , The eccentricity 𝑎.
𝑎

But when the elongated axis is along at y-axis but still the vertex is translated at
(𝑥−ℎ)² (𝑦−𝑘)²
some point (h, k), the equation will become 𝑏2 + 𝑎2 = 1 whose properties are:
Center (h, k), Foci (ℎ, 𝑘 ± 𝑐), Vertices (ℎ, 𝑘 ± 𝑎), Major axis, y = h with length 2𝑎, Minor
2𝑏 2 𝑐
axis, x = k with length 2𝑏, length of the latus rectum 𝑎 , The eccentricity 𝑎.
EXAMPLE:
1. Write an equation for the ellipse having one focus at (0, 3), a vertex at (0, 4),
and its center at (0, 0).
Solution: Since the focus and vertex are above and below each other, rather
than side by side, ellipse must be taller than it is wide. Then a2 will go with
the y part of the equation. Also, since the focus is 3 units above the center,
then c = 3; since the vertex is 4 units above, then a = 4. The
equation b2 = a2 – c2 gives me 16 – 9 = 7 = b2. The equation is:

2. Write an equation for the ellipse with vertices (4, 0) and (–2, 0)
and foci (3, 0) and (–1, 0).
The center is midway between the two foci, so (h, k) = (1, 0), by the Midpoint
Formula. Each focus is 2 units from the center, so c = 2. The vertices
are 3 units from the center, so a = 3. Also, the foci and vertices are to the left
and right of each other, so this ellipse is wider than it is tall, and a2 will go with
the x part of the ellipse equation.
The equation b2 = a2 – c2 gives 9 – 4 = 5 = b2, the equation:

3. Write an equation for the ellipse having foci at (–2, 0) and (2, 0)
3
and eccentricity e = 4.
The center is between the two foci, so (h, k) = (0, 0). Since the foci are 2 units
to either side of the center, then c = 2, this ellipse is wider than it is tall,
 𝑐 3 2
and a2 will go with the x part of the equation. e = 𝑎, so 4 = 𝑎. Solving the
8 64 64
proportion, the result s = 3, so a2 = . The equation b2 = a2 – c2 result is −
9 9
64 36 28
4= − = = 𝑏²
9 9 9

Equation:

4. Write an equation for the ellipse centered at the origin, having a vertex at (0, –
5) and containing the point (–2, 4).

Since the vertex is 5 units below the center, then this vertex is taller than it is
wide, and the a2 will go with the y part of the equation. Also, a = 5, so a2 = 25.
b2 = a2 – c2, but the values is missing of b or c. However, given the values
of h, k, and a, and also a set of values for x and y, those values being the
point they gave on the ellipse. Set up the equation with everything that is
given, and solve for b.

16b2 + 100 = 25b2

100 = 9b2
100/9 = b2

Equation is:

5. Find the equation of the ellipse whose foci are at (0 , -5) and (0 , 5) and the
length of its major axis is 14.
Solution: From the coordinates of the foci, c = 5 and the major axis is the y
axis. From the length of the major axis, we obtain a = 7.
 Also b 2 = a 2 - c 2 = 24.
𝑥2 𝑦2
The equation of the ellipse is given by 24 + 49 = 1

6. What is the standard form equation of the ellipse that has

vertices (−3,3)(−3,3) and (5,3)(5,3) and
foci (1−2√3,3)(1−23,3) and (1+2√3,3)?
(𝑥−1)² (𝑦−3)²
Solution: + =1
16 4

7. Write the equation of the ellipse that has a center at (5,−6), a focus at (8,−6),
and a vertex at (11,−6)

(𝑥−5) ² (𝑦+6) ²
Solution: + =1
36 27

1
8. What is the major axis and its length for the following ellipse?(9) 𝑥 2 +
9 1
(25) 𝑦 2 = 25
Solution: Multiply all terms of the equation by 25 to obtain
25
( )𝑥² + (9)𝑦² = 1
9
(𝑥−ℎ)² (𝑦−𝑘)² 𝑥2
The above equation may be written in the form 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 = 1 as follows 3 +
( )²
5
𝑦2 3 1
1 = 1 with a = 5 and b = 3 . The major axis is the x axis and its length is equal to
( )²
3
6
2a = 5 = 1.2

9. Find the equation of the ellipse whose foci are at (-1 , 0) and (3 , 0) and the
length of its minor axis is 2
Solution: Find the equation of the ellipse whose foci are at (-1 , 0) and (3 , 0)
and the length of its minor axis is 2.
The center of the ellipse is the midpoint of the two foci and is at (2 , 0).
c is the length from one foci to the center, hence c = 2.
length of minor axis 2 = 2b hence b = 1
a2 = b2 + c2 = 5
Since the foci are on the x axis, the major axis of the ellipse is the x axis.
(𝑥−2)²
Equation of ellipse: 5+𝑦²
=1
 10. An ellipse has the following equation 0.2x 2 + 0.6y 2 = 0.2
Solution: Solve the above equation for x and select the solution for which x is
positive 𝑥 = √(1 − 3𝑦 ²)

Hyperbola
A hyperbola is the set of all points such that the difference of the distances between
any point on the hyperbola and two fixed points is constant. The two fixed points are
called the foci of the hyperbola.
The standard form of the equation of a hyperbola with center at the origin and
𝑥² 𝑦2
transverse axis on the x-axis is 𝑎² − 𝑏2 =1 whose properties are: the length of the
transverse axis is 2a, the coordinates of the vertices are (±a,0), the length of the
conjugate axis is 2b, the coordinates of the co-vertices are (0,±b), the distance between
the foci is 2c, where 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 , the coordinates of the foci are (±c,0), the equations of
𝑏
the asymptotes are 𝑦 = ± 𝑎 𝑥.

While standard form of the equation of a hyperbola with center at the origin and
𝑦² 𝑥2
transverse axis on the y-axis 𝑎² − 𝑏2 = 1 whose properties are: the length of the
transverse axis is 2a, the coordinates of the vertices are (0,±a), the length of the
conjugate axis is 2b, the coordinates of the co-vertices are (±b,0), the distance between
the foci is 2c, where 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 , the coordinates of the foci are (0,±c), the equations of
𝑏
the asymptotes are 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥.
Note that the vertices, co-vertices, and foci are related by the equation 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 +
2
𝑏 . When we are given the equation of a hyperbola, we can use this relationship to identify
its vertices and foci.

The graph of a hyperbola is not continuous, every hyperbola has two distinct
branches. The line segment containing both foci of a hyperbola whose endpoints are both
on the hyperbola is called the transverse axis. The endpoints of the transverse axis are
called the vertices of the hyperbola. The point halfway between the foci or the midpoint
of the transverse axis is the center.
 The standard equation for a hyperbola with a horizontal transverse axis is
(𝑥−ℎ)² (𝑦−𝑘)²
− 𝑏² . The center is at (ℎ, 𝑘). The distance between the vertices is 2𝑎.
𝑎²
The distance between the foci is 2𝑐. 𝑐² = 𝑎² + 𝑏². The line segment of
length 2𝑏 perpendicular to the transverse axis whose midpoint is the center is the
conjugate axis of the hyperbola.

The standard equation for a hyperbola with a vertical transverse axis is

(𝑦−𝑘)² (𝑥−ℎ)2
− 𝑏2 = 1. The center is at (ℎ, 𝑘). The distance between the vertices is 2𝑎. The
𝑎²
distance between the foci is 2𝑐. 𝑐² = 𝑎² + 𝑏².

Every hyperbola has two asymptotes. A hyperbola with a horizontal transverse

axis and center at (ℎ, 𝑘) has one asymptote with equation 𝑦 = 𝑘 + (𝑥 − ℎ) and the
other with equation 𝑦 = 𝑘 − (𝑥 − ℎ). A hyperbola with a vertical transverse axis and
center at (ℎ, 𝑘) has one asymptote with equation 𝑦 = 𝑘 + (𝑥 − ℎ) and the other with
equation 𝑦 = 𝑘 − (𝑥 − ℎ).
𝑐
The eccentricity of a hyperbola, like an ellipse, is 𝑒 = 𝑎. For all hyperbolas,
though, 𝑐 > 𝑎, so 𝑒 > 1. If e is close to one, the branches of the hyperbola are very
narrow, but if e is much greater than one, then the branches of the hyperbola are very
flat.
EXAMPLES:

1. Write the equation of a hyperbola with foci at (-1 , 0) and (1 , 0) and one of its
asymptotes passes through the point (1 , 3).
Solution: Since the foci are at (-1,0) and (1,0), the transverse axis of the
hyperbola is the x axis, the center is at (0,0) and the equation of the hyperbola
𝑥² 𝑦2
has the form 𝑎² − 𝑏2 = 1 with c 2 = a 2 + b 2
𝑏 𝑎 3
The asymptote is given by y = (𝑎)x, hence 𝑏 = 1 = 3 which gives a 2 = 9b 2.
Solve both equations: 1 = a 2 + b 2 and a 2 = 9 b 2.
1 9
Solve to find: b 2 = 10 and a 2 = 10
10𝑥²
The equation of the hyperbola is given by: − 10𝑦² = 1
9

2. Write the equation of a hyperbola with the x axis as its transverse axis, point (3,
1) lies on the graph of this hyperbola and point (4 , 2) lies on the asymptote of
this hyperbola.
𝑥² 𝑦2
Solution: The equation of the hyperbola has the form: 𝑎² − 𝑏2 = 1
3² 12
Use point (3 , 1) to write: 𝑎² − 𝑏2 = 1
𝑏
The asymptote has the form: y = + or - (𝑎)x, using the point (4,2) that lies on the
 𝑏 2 1
asymptote we write: 𝑎 = 4 = 4 𝑜𝑟 4𝑏 2 = 𝑎²
5
Solve the two equations to find: a 2 = 5 and b 2 = 4
𝑥² 𝑦2
The equation of the hyperbola has the form: 5
− 5 =1
4

3. Find the asymptotes of the parabolas given by the equations:

𝑥2 𝑦2
a) 4 − 36 = 1
b) y 2 - 49 x 2 = 49
Solution: a) y = 3x and y = -3x
b) y = 7x and y = -7x

4. Find the equation of a hyperbola whose vertices are at (0, -3) and (0, 3) and has
a focus at (0, 5).
Solution: Since the vertices are at (0, -3) and (0,3), the transverse axis is the y
𝑦² 𝑥2
axis and the center is at (0,0). The equation has the form: 9 − 𝑏2 = 1, a 2 = 9.
The focus is at (0,5) hence c = 5. We now use the formula c 2 = a 2 + b 2 to find
b 2 = 25 - 9 = 16
𝑦² 𝑥2
The equation may be written as: − 16 = 1
9

5. Find the transverse axis, the center, the foci and the vertices of the hyperbola
whose equation is
x2/4-y2/9=1
Solution: Transverse axis: x axis or y = 0
center at (0 , 0)
vertices at (2 , 0) and (-2 , 0)
c 2 = 4 + 9 = 13. Foci are at (√13, 0) and (-√13 , 0).

6. Find the transverse axis, the center, the foci and the vertices of the hyperbola
whose equation is 16 y 2 - x 2 = 16
𝑥2
Solution: Divide all terms of the given equation by 16 which becomes 𝑦 2 − 16 = 1
Transverse axis: y axis or x = 0
center at (0 , 0)
vertices at (0 , 1) and (0 , -1)
c 2 = 1 + 16 = 17. Foci are at (0, √17) and (0, -√17).

7. Find the equation of a hyperbola that has the y axis as the transverse axis, a
center at (0 , 0) and passes through the points (0 , 5) and (2 , 5√2).
Solution: Since the y axis is the transverse axis, the equation has the form
𝑦² 𝑥2
− 𝑏2 = 1
𝑎²
5²
Use the point (0 , 5) to write: 𝑎² = 1 and find a 2 = 25. Use the second point to
 (5√2)² 22
write − 𝑏2 = 1 and find b 2 = 4
25
𝑦² 𝑥2
The equation is given by: 25 − =1
4

8. Find the equation of a hyperbola with vertices at (0 , -7) and (0 , 7) and

asymptotes given by the equations y = 3x and y = - 3x.
Solution: Since the vertices are at (0,-7) and (0,7), the transverse axis of the
hyperbola is the y axis, the center is at (0,0) and the equation of the hyperbola
𝑦² 𝑥2 𝑎
has the form 𝑎² − 𝑏2 = 1 with a 2 = 49. The asymptote is given by 𝑦 = ± 𝑏 𝑥, hence
𝑎
= 3 which gives a 2 = 9b 2.
𝑏
49
Since a 2 = 49, 9 b 2 = 49 and b 2 = 9
𝑦² 9𝑥 2
The equation of the hyperbola is given by: − =1
49 49

9. Calculate the equation of a rectangular hyperbola knowing that its focal length
is .
Solution:

10. Determine the equation of the hyperbola centered at (0, 0) knowing that one
focus is 2 units from one vertex and 50 from the other.
Solution: