8.5.

Conic sections

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Course: TSC Online Class (NiMaVi) Date: Sunday, 29 May 2022, 7:05 AM
Book: 8.5. Conic sections
 Table of contents

1. Introduction

2. Types of Conic Section

3. Conic Section (Analytic Definition)

4. Conic Section

5. Parabola
5.1. Equation of Parabola
5.2. Equation of Parabola in standard form
5.3. Sketching a parabola

6. Ellipse
6.1. Equation of Ellipse
6.2. Equation of Ellipse in Standard Form
6.3. Parameters of Ellipse in Standard Form

7. Hyprobola
7.1. Equation of Hyperbola
7.2. Hyperbola Foci and vertex
7.3. Hyperbola in Standard Form

8. General Equation of Conic Section

9. Polar form of Conic

 1. Introduction

Introduction
The Greek mathematician Menaechmus (BC380-BC320) is generally credited with discovering the shapes formed by the intersection of a plane
and a right circular cone. It was also said that Aristotle may have had an intuitive understanding of these shapes,
as he observed the orbit of the
planet to be circular. He presumed that the planets moved in circular orbits around Earth.

ग्रीक गणितज्ञ मेनाएकमस (BC380-BC320)लाई सामान्यतया प्लेनले गोलाकार शंकु लाई काट्दा बन्ने चित्रको आकार पत्ता लगाएको श्रेय
दिईन्छ। अरस्तुले ग्रहको घुम्ने कक्ष गोलाकार
भएको कु रा उल्लेख गरेको हुनाले उनलाई पनि यी आकारहरुका बारेमा सहज ज्ञान भएको अनुमान लगाईन्छ । ग्रहहरू पृथ्वीको वरिपरि गोलाकार कक्षमा घुम्दछन भन्ने कु रा उनले अनुमान
लगाएका थिए।

It was not until the Renaissance movement that Johannes Kepler noticed that the orbits of the planet were not circular in nature. His published
law of planetary motion in the 1600s changed our view of the solar system forever. He claimed that the sun
was at one end of the orbits, and the
planets revolved around the sun in an oval-shaped path.

पुनर्जागरण आन्दोलनपछि के प्लरले ग्रहको घुम्ने कक्ष गोलाकार नभएको कु रा दावी गरे। उनले 1600 को दशकमा ग्रह गतिविधि सम्बन्धी पुस्तक प्रकाशन गरे जसमा सूर्य
परिक्रमाको एक
छेउमाहुने र ग्रहहरू अंडाकार आकारको पथमा सूर्यको वरिपरि घुम्ने कु रा दाबी गरे । यसपछी हाम्रो दृष्टिकोण सँधै परिवर्तन भयो ।

Formally, Conic sections were discovered during the classical Greek period around 600 to 300 B.C. By that time, enough was known of conics
for Apollonius (262–190 B.C.). However, it was not until the early seventeenth century that the broad applicability
of conics became apparent.

औपचारिक रूपमा, ग्रीकमा लगभग 600 to 300 B.C को अवधिमा Conic sections पत्ता लगाइएको मानिन्छ। त्यतिखेर अपोलोनिस (262–190 B.C.)ले Conic sections को
बारेमा चर्चा गरेको पाईन्छ। यद्यपि, सत्रौं शताब्दीको सुरुबाट मात्र Conic
sections को व्यापक प्रयोग भएको पाईन्छ।

These days, conic sections are important to model many physical processes in nature. For example, trajectories of heavenly bodies are conics
(circle, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola).

आजका दिनहरूमा, प्रकृ तिमा हुने धेरै प्रक्रियाहरूलाई मोडेल गर्न

conic sections महत्त्वपूर्ण छन्। उदाहरण को लागी, ग्रह र अन्य universal bodies को locus कोनिक्स (सर्क ल,
अण्डाकार, प्याराबोला, र हाइपरबोला) हो ।

Cone
The definition of conic section is based on definition of cone.

In mathematics, cone is defined a three dimensional surface traced out by a straight line passing through a fixed point and moving around a
fixed line.

Conic section को परिभाषा cone

को परिभाषा मा आधारित छ।

तसर्थ, गणितमा,

cone लाई त्रि-आयामिक सतहको रुपमा परिभाषित गरिन्छ जसलाई एउटा सीधा रेखालाई निश्चित बिन्दुमा स्थिर रहेर दिएको बक्र रेखाको वरिपरि घुमेर बनाएको सतहि surface को
रुपमा बुझ्न सकिन्छ।

In this definition of cone,

1. The straight line is called generator[red line in this case].

2. The fixed point is called vertex [middle blue point in this case]
3. The fixed line is called axis [middle blue vertical line in this case]


The circle or a curve through which the generator moves is called guiding curve or directrix.

Thus

A cone is a three-dimensional geometric shape traced by a straight line moving around a fixed axis through a point (called vertex) of cone. If the
base curve is circular and the axis is perpendicular to that plane of base, then that cone is
called right circular cone, otherwise the cone is called
oblique.

In a cone, the surface formed by the locus of generator to the perimeter of the base is called lateral surface. The angle between the axis and the
generator of the cone is called semi-vertical angle. Two right circular cones having same vertex, axis and
symmetrically opposite to one-another
is called double right circular cone.

Question
The guiding curve (directrix) of a cone is always a circle in shape?
 2. Types of Conic Section

Conic section
Cone लाई एउटा plane ले काट्दा बन्ने plane curve (cross section) लाई conic section भनिन्छ ।

Conic section is a plane curve obtained by section (intersection) of a cone by a plane.

Based on this intersection, there are seven types of conic section.

These seven types of conic section are given below

Based on the animation and picture given above, the types of cone are tabulated as below

Conic Vertex Generator Axis

1 Point Cuts outside
2 Line Cuts touches
3 Line Pair Cuts inside
4 Circle Misses Right angle
5 Ellipse Misses Not right angle
6 Parabola Misses Parallel to
7 Hyperbola Misses Not Parallel to
According to this table, for example,

Parabola: a parabola is conic section defined as a plane curve obtained by intersection of a cone and a plane in which

the plane misses the vertex and

the plane is parallel to the generator.

Hyperbola: Hyperbole is a conic section obtained by section of a cone by a plane in which

the plane misses the vertex of cone

the plane is not parallel to the generator of cone

Similarly, we can define other conic sections

Notice that, from the table above we see that in some intersection, plane does not pass through the vertex of the cone. When the plane does
pass through the vertex, the resulting conic is a degenerate conic section.

Question
How many types of conic sections are there?
 3. Conic Section (Analytic Definition)

In analytic geometry, conic section can be defined in algebraic expression. This algebraic forms of conic section is called analytic
representation.

In analytic geometry,

Conic section can be defined based on the definition of circle.

Circle
Circle is defined a locus of point whose

distance from a fixed point = constant

In this definition of circle,

the constant distance is called radius.

the fixed point is called center

Based on this definition of circle, we can define conic section. We do this in the next section.

Question
The two basic tools to define a circle are (a) a fixed point and (b) a fixed line segment
 4. Conic Section

Conic Section: Definition

Conic section is defined a locus of a point whose

distance from a fixed point

distance from a fixed line

= constant

In this definition of conic section,

the constant ratio is called eccentricity, it is denoted by e.

the fixed point is called focus.
the fixed line is called directrix.

Classification of Conic Section

Based on the value of e, conic section can be classified into three standard types. These three standard types are

1. Circle (e =0)
2. Parabola (e =1)
3. Ellipse (e <1)
4. Hyperbola (e >1)
5. Straight Line (e =∞)

Question
How many standard types of conic exist based on the definition of eccentricity?
 5. Parabola

Parabola is a plane curve defined a locus of a point whose

distance from a fixed point

distance from a fixed line

= constant (=1)

In this definition,

the locus of point in a plane which is equidistant from a given fixed point (or
focus) and a given fixed straight line (or directrix) is called parabola.

2.0
Point
2

1 2.0

Focus
−1 1 2 3

−1

−2

−3

−4

In this definition

2.0
Point
2

1 2.0

Focus
−1 1 2 3

−1

−2

−3

−4

Directrix Latus Rectom

Focus: The fixed point of parabola is called focus

Directrix: The fixed line of parabola is called directrix
Axis: The straight line passing through focus and perpendicular to directrix is called axis
Vertex: The meeting point of axis and parabola is called vertex
Latus rectum: the chord passing through focus and perpendicular to axis is called latus rectum The distance between the meeting points of
latus rectum to the parabola is called length of latus rectum. In the figure above, green segment is called length
of latus rectum

Question
What is the value of eccentricity in a parabola?
 5.1. Equation of Parabola

Let C be a parabola whose

Focus is F (a,0)

Directrix is 𝑙 : 𝑥 = −𝑎

Vertex is O: (0,0)

Take any point P(x,y) on parabola C,

2.0
A(-a,y) P(x,y)

2.0

Axis Vertex F(a,0)

Directrix

Then
1. Draw PA ⊥ 𝑙 then A (-a,y)
2. Join F and P

By the definition of parabola

PA = PF

2 2 2
or
(𝑥 + 𝑎) = (𝑥 − 𝑎) + 𝑦

2 2 2 2 2
or
𝑥 + 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎 = 𝑥 − 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎 + 𝑦

2
or
2𝑎𝑥 = −2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑦

2
or
𝑦 = 4𝑎𝑥

Summary on Equation of Parabola

The basic parameters of parabola are summarized as below

Parabola Parabola Parabola Parabola Parabola

2 2 2 2
Equation 𝑦 = 4𝑎𝑥 𝑥 = 4𝑎𝑦 (𝑦 − 𝑘) = 4𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ) (𝑥 − ℎ) = 4𝑎(𝑦 − 𝑘)

Vertex (0,0) (0,0) (h,k) (h,k)

Focus (a,0) (0,a) (h+a,k) (h,k+a)
Directrix x=-a y=-a x=h-a y=k-a
Axis y=0 x=0 y=k x=h
Axis of Symmetry x-axis y-axis y=k x=h
Endpoints of Latus Rectum (a,±2a) (±2a,a) (h+a,k±2a) (h±2a,k+a)
Question
How many directrix exist in a parabola?
 5.2. Equation of Parabola in standard form

Writing Equations of Parabolas in Standard Form

Given its focus and directrix, write the equation for a parabola in standard form as below

1. Determine whether the axis of symmetry is the x- or y-axis.

If the given coordinates of the focus have the form (a,0), then the axis of symmetry is the x-axis.

Use the standard form y2=4ax.

If the given coordinates of the focus

have the form (0,a), then the axis of symmetry is the y-axis.

Use the standard form x2=4ay.

2. Multiply 4a.
3. Substitute the value from Step 2 into the equation determined in Step 1.

Example
What is the equation for the parabola with focus (−1/2,0) and directrix x=1/2?

Solution

The focus has the form (a,0), so the equation will have the form

y2=4ax.

Multiplying 4a, we get

4a=4(−1/2)=−2.

Substituting for 4a, we get

y2=4ax=-2x

Therefore, the equation for the parabola is

y2=-2x

Question
What is the equation for the parabola with focus (0,7/2) and directrix y=−7/2?
 5.3. Sketching a parabola

How to sketch a parabola

Given a standard form equation for a parabola centered at (0, 0), sketch the graph as below.

1. Determine which of the standard forms applies to the given equation: y2=4ax or x2=4ay.
2. Use the standard form identified in Step 1 to determine the axis of symmetry, focus, equation of the directrix, and endpoints of the latus
rectum.
If the equation is in the form y2=4ax, then

the axis of symmetry is the x-axis, y=0

set 4a equal to the coefficient of x in the given equation to solve for a.

If a>0, the parabola opens right.

If a<0, the parabola

opens left.

use a  to find the coordinates of the focus, (a,0)

use a to find the equation of the directrix, x=−a

use a to find the endpoints of the latus rectum, (a,±2a).

Alternately, substitute x=a into the original equation.

If the equation is in the form x2=4ay, then

the axis of symmetry is the y-axis, x=0

set 4a equal to the coefficient of y in the given equation to solve for a.

If a>0, the parabola opens up.

If a<0, the parabola

opens down.

use a to find the coordinates of the focus, (0,a)

use a to find equation of the directrix, y=−a

use a to find the endpoints of the latus rectum, (±2a,a)

3. Plot the focus, directrix, and latus rectum, and draw a smooth curve to form the parabola.

Question
What is the equation for directrix in a parabola x2=24x?
 6. Ellipse

Ellipse is a plane curve defined a locus of a point whose

distance from a fixed point

distance from a fixed line

= constant (<1)

In this definition,

ellipse is the locus of point in a plane in which distance from a given fixed
point (or focus) is always less than the distance from fixed line (or
directrix).

4.0
Point
2

3.0 1

Focus Focus
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4

−1

−2

Alternatively,

in an ellipse, the ratio of its distance from a fixed point (focus) to its distance from a fixed straight line (directrix) is always constant and is less
than 1.

Alternatively, ellipse can be defined as the locus of a point in a plane in which sum of its distances from two fixed points (or focus) is always a
constant.

Point
2

3.0

3.0 1

Focus Focus
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4

−1

−2

In this definition

Foci: The two fixed points of ellipse are called foci

Directrix: The fixed line of ellipse are called directrix
Axis: The straight line passing through focus and perpendicular to directrix is called axis
Major axis: The straight line passing through the foci is called major axis.
Minor axis: The straight line passing through the center and perpendicular to the major axis is called minor axis.
Length of major axis: The distance between the vertices on major axis is called length of major axis.
Length of minor axis: The distance between the meeting points of minor axis with ellipse is called length of minor axis.
Vertices: The meeting points of the major axis with ellipse are called vertices
Centre of ellipse: The middle point of the join of foci is called center
Latus rectum: The chord passing through focus (singular of foci) and perpendicular to major axis is called latus rectum and the distance
between the meeting points of latus rectum is called length of latus rectum.

Please Note that

1. Every ellipse has two axes of symmetry. The longer axis is called the major axis, and the shorter axis is called the minor axis.
2. Each endpoint of the major axis is the vertex of the ellipse (plural: vertices), and each endpoint of the minor axis is a co-vertex of the
ellipse.
3. The center of an ellipse is the midpoint of both the major and minor axes.

The axes are perpendicular at the center.

 4. The foci always lie on the major axis, and the sum of the distances from the foci to any point on the ellipse (the constant sum) is greater
than the distance between the foci.

The key features of the ellipse are its center, vertices, co-vertices, foci, and lengths and positions of the major and minor axes. Just as with
other equations, we can identify all of these features just by looking at the standard form of the equation.

There are four variations of the standard form of the ellipse. These variations are categorized first by

the location of the center (the origin or not the origin),

and by

the position (horizontal or vertical).

Question
How many directrix exist in an ellipse?
 6.1. Equation of Ellipse

Equation of Ellipse
Let C be an ellipse whose

foci are (−c,0) and (c,0).

cente is O: (0,0)

Take any point P(x,y) on ellipse C,

P(x,y)

3.0
d2 d1
3.0

(-a,0) (-c,0) (c,0) (a,0)

Then,
If (a,0) is a vertex of the ellipse, then 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

(a+c)+(a−c)=2a

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

d1=the distance from (−c,0)to (x,y)

d2=the distance from (c,0)to (x,y)

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.

Here

𝑑 1 + 𝑑 2 = 2𝑎

or
√‾
2
‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾
(𝑥
2
− (−𝑐)) + (𝑦 − 0) ‾ + √‾
2
‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾
(𝑥 − 𝑐) + (𝑦 −‾‾‾
2
0) ‾ = 2𝑎

or
√‾‾‾+
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ + √‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾ 2
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ = 2𝑎
2 2 2

or
√‾‾‾+
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ = 2𝑎 − √‾‾‾−
(𝑥
2
‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦‾
2 2 2

2
2 2
or
(𝑥 + 𝑐) + 𝑦 = [2𝑎 − √‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾]
2 2

2 + 2 2 2 2
or
𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑐 + 𝑐 𝑦 = 4𝑎 − 4𝑎√‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ + (𝑥 − 𝑐)
2 2
+ 𝑦

2 + 2 2 2 + 2
or
𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑐 + 𝑐 𝑦 = 4𝑎 − 4𝑎√‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦‾ + 𝑥
2 2
− 2𝑥𝑐 + 𝑐 𝑦

2
or
2𝑥𝑐 = 4𝑎 − 4𝑎√‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐 2
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
2
𝑦 ‾ − 2𝑥𝑐

2
or
4𝑥𝑐 − 4𝑎 = −4𝑎√‾
(𝑥
‾‾−
‾‾𝑐 2
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾2
𝑦 ‾ − 2𝑥𝑐

2
or
𝑥𝑐 − 𝑎 = −𝑎√‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ − 2𝑥𝑐
2 2

2 2
2
or
[𝑥𝑐 − 𝑎 ] = [−𝑎√‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ − 2𝑥𝑐]
2 2

2 2 2 4 2 2 2
or
𝑐 𝑥 − 2𝑎 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑎 = 𝑎 [(𝑥 − 𝑐) + 𝑦 ]

2 2 2 4 2 2 + 2
or
𝑐 𝑥 − 2𝑎 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑎 = 𝑎 (𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑐 + 𝑐 𝑦 )

2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 + 2 2
or
𝑐 𝑥 − 2𝑎 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑎 = 𝑎 𝑥 − 𝑎 2𝑥𝑐 + 𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑦

2 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 2
or
𝑎 𝑥 − 𝑐 𝑥 + 𝑎 𝑦 = 𝑎 − 𝑎 𝑐

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
or
𝑥 (𝑎 − 𝑐 ) + 𝑎 𝑦 = 𝑎 (𝑎 − 𝑐 )

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
or
𝑥 𝑏 + 𝑎 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 − 𝑐 = 𝑏
2 2
𝑥 𝑦
or
2
+
2
= 1
𝑎 𝑏
Thus, the standard equation of an ellipse is

2 2
𝑥 𝑦

2
+
2
= 1

𝑎 𝑏

This equation defines an ellipse centered at the origin.

If a>b, the ellipse is stretched further in the horizontal direction, and

if b>a, the ellipse

is stretched further in the vertical direction.

Summary of parameters in an Ellipse

Ellipse Ellipse Ellipse Ellipse
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
𝑥 𝑦 𝑥 𝑦 (𝑥−ℎ) (𝑦−𝑘) (𝑥−ℎ) (𝑦−𝑘)
Equation 2
+
2
= 1 ;a>b 2
+
2
= 1 ;a<b 2
+
2
= 1 ;a>b 2
+
2
= 1 ;a<b
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏

Center (0,0) (0,0) (h,k) (h,k)

Vertex (±𝑎, 0) (0, ±𝑏) (ℎ ± 𝑎, 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘 ± 𝑏)

Focus (±𝑎𝑒, 0) (0, ±𝑏𝑒) (ℎ ± 𝑎𝑒, 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘 ± 𝑏𝑒)

𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏
Directrix 𝑥 = ±
𝑒
𝑦 = ±
𝑒
𝑥 = ℎ ±
𝑒
𝑦 = 𝑘 ±
𝑒

Length 𝑏
2 2
𝑎 𝑏
2 2
𝑎
2 2 2 2
Rectum 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Eccentricity 𝑏 = 𝑎 (1 − 𝑒 ) 𝑎 = 𝑏 (1 − 𝑒 ) 𝑏 = 𝑎 (1 − 𝑒 ) 𝑎 = 𝑏 (1 − 𝑒 )

Question
Every ellipse has two axes of symmetry.?
 6.2. Equation of Ellipse in Standard Form

Equation in Standard Form

Given the vertices and foci of an ellipse centered at the origin, we find its equation in standard form with following procedure.

1. Determine whether the major axis lies on the x- or y-axis.

If the given coordinates of the vertices and foci have the form (±a,0) and (±c,0) respectively, then the major axis is the x-axis.

Use the standard form x2/a2+y2/b2=1.

If the given coordinates of the vertices and foci have the form (0,±a) and (±c,0), respectively, then the major axis is the y-axis.

Use the standard form x2/b2+y2/a2=1.

2. Use the equation c2=a2−b2, along with the given coordinates of the vertices and foci, to solve for b2.
3. Substitute the values for a2 and b2 into the standard form of the equation determined in Step 1.

Question
What is the standard form equation of the ellipse that has vertices (±8,0) and foci (±5,0)?
 6.3. Parameters of Ellipse in Standard Form

2 2
𝑥 𝑦
Ellipse 𝑎
2
+ 2
= 1
𝑏

The standard form of the equation of an ellipse with center (0,0) and major axis on the x-axis is

2 2
𝑥 𝑦

2
+
2
= 1

𝑎 𝑏

where

1. a>b
2. the length of the major axis is 2𝑎
3. the coordinates of the vertices are (±𝑎,0)
4. the length of the minor axis is 2𝑏
5. the coordinates of the co-vertices are (0,±𝑏)
6. the coordinates of the foci are (±𝑐,0) where 𝑐2=𝑎2−𝑏2.

2 2
𝑥 𝑦
Ellipse 2
+
𝑎
2
= 1
𝑏

The standard form of the equation of an ellipse with center (0,0) and major axis on the x-axis is

2 2
𝑥 𝑦

2
+
2
= 1

𝑏 𝑎

where

1. a>b
2. the length of the major axis is 2𝑎
3. the coordinates of the vertices are (0,±𝑎)
4. the length of the minor axis is 2𝑏
5. the coordinates of the co-vertices are (±𝑏,0)
6. the coordinates of the foci are (0,±𝑐) where 𝑐2=𝑎2−𝑏2.

Note that the vertices, co-vertices, and foci are related by the equation 𝑐2=𝑎2−𝑏2.

When we are given the coordinates of the foci and vertices of an ellipse, we can use this relationship to find the equation of the ellipse in
standard form.

Question
The standard form of the equation of an ellipse is

2 2
𝑥 𝑦
+ = 1 , what are the vertices?
36 49
 7. Hyprobola

Hyprobola is a plane curve defined a locus of a point whose

distance from a fixed point

distance from a fixed line

= constant (>1)

In this definition,

hyprobola is the locus of point in a plane in which distance from a given fixed
point (or focus) is always greater than the distance from fixed line
(or directrix).

6.5
2 Point

1 7.8

Focus Focus
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4

−1

−2

Alternatively,

in a hyperbola, the ratio of its distance from a fixed point (focus) to its distance from a fixed straight line (directrix) is always constant and is
greater than 1.

Alternatively, hyperbolacan be defined as the locus of a point in a plane in which difference of its distances from two fixed points (or focus) is
always a constant.

2 Point

1.8
1 7.8

Focus Focus
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4

−1

−2

In this definition

Foci: The two fixed points of ellipse are called foci

Directrix: The fixed line of ellipse are called directrix
Axis: The straight line passing through focus and perpendicular to directrix is called axis
Transverse axis: the straight line passing through foci is called transverse axis

2 2
𝑥 𝑦
The transverse axis: The axis of a hyperbola that passes through the two foci. The transverse axis of the hyperbola − = 1 is
along
𝑎2 𝑎2

the x-axis and its length is 2a

Conjugate axis: the straight line passing from the centre and perpendicular to the transverse axis is called conjugate axis

2 2
𝑦
The Conjugate axis: The axis of a hyperbola that is perpendicular to transverse axis. The conjugate axis of the hyperbola
𝑥 2
−
2
= 1 is
𝑎 𝑎

along the y-axis and its length is 2b

In case of rectangular hyperbola a = b i.e., the length of transverse axis = length of conjugate axis.
A rectangular hyperbola is also known as an equilateral hyperbola.
The eccentricity of a rectangular hyperbola = √2.
The asymptotes of rectangular hyperbola are y = ± x.
2 2 2 2
𝑥 𝑦 𝑥 𝑦
The point 𝑃 (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) lies outside, on or inside the hyperbola 2
−
2
= 1 according as 2
−
2
− 10
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏
Question
Co-vertex are the endpoints of the conjugate axis of the hyperbola.
 7.1. Equation of Hyperbola

Equation of Hyperbola
Let C be an hyperbola whose

foci are (−c,0) and (c,0).

cente is O: (0,0)

Take any point P(x,y) on hyperbola C,

If (a,0) is a vertex of the hyperbola, then the distance from (−c,0) to (a,0) is

a−(−c)=a+c.

The distance from (c,0) to (a,0) is

c-a.

The difference of the distances from the foci to the vertex is

(a+c)-(c-a)=2a

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

d1=the distance from (−c,0)to (x,y)

d2=the distance from (c,0)to (x,y)

By the definition of an hyperbola,

d1-d2 is constant for any point (x,y) on the hyperbola.

We know that the difference 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.

Here

𝑑 1 − 𝑑 2 = 2𝑎

or
√‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾
(𝑥 − (−𝑐)) + (𝑦 − 0) ‾ − √‾
2
‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾
(𝑥 − 𝑐) + (𝑦 −‾‾‾
0) ‾ = 2𝑎
2 2 2

or
√‾‾‾+
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ − √‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾ 2
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ = 2𝑎
2 2 2

or
√‾‾‾+
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ = 2𝑎 + √‾‾‾−
(𝑥
2
‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦‾
2 2 2

2
2 2
or
(𝑥 + 𝑐) + 𝑦 = [2𝑎 + √‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐 2
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
2
𝑦 ‾]

2 + 2 2 2 2
or
𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑐 + 𝑐 𝑦 = 4𝑎 + 4𝑎√‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐 2
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
2
𝑦 ‾ + (𝑥 − 𝑐) + 𝑦

2 + 2 2 2 + 2
or
𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑐 + 𝑐 𝑦 = 4𝑎 + 4𝑎√‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦‾ + 𝑥
2 2
− 2𝑥𝑐 + 𝑐 𝑦

2
or
2𝑥𝑐 = 4𝑎 + 4𝑎√‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ − 2𝑥𝑐
2 2

2
or
4𝑥𝑐 − 4𝑎 = 4𝑎√‾
(𝑥
‾‾−
‾‾𝑐 2
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾2
𝑦 ‾ − 2𝑥𝑐

2
or
𝑥𝑐 − 𝑎 = 𝑎√‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐 2
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
2
𝑦 ‾ − 2𝑥𝑐

2 2
2
or
[𝑥𝑐 − 𝑎 ] = [𝑎√‾‾‾−
(𝑥 ‾‾𝑐
‾‾‾
) ‾‾
+ ‾‾
𝑦 ‾ − 2𝑥𝑐]
2 2

2 2 2 4 2 2 2
or
𝑐 𝑥 − 2𝑎 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑎 = 𝑎 [(𝑥 − 𝑐) + 𝑦 ]

2 2 2 4 2 2 + 2
or
𝑐 𝑥 − 2𝑎 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑎 = 𝑎 (𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑐 + 𝑐 𝑦 )

2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 + 2 2
or
𝑐 𝑥 − 2𝑎 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑎 = 𝑎 𝑥 − 𝑎 2𝑥𝑐 + 𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑦

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4
or
𝑐 𝑥 − 𝑎 𝑥 − 𝑎 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑐 − 𝑎

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
or
𝑥 (𝑐 − 𝑎 ) − 𝑎 𝑦 = 𝑎 (𝑐 − 𝑎 )

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
or
𝑥 𝑏 − 𝑎 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 − 𝑎 = 𝑏
2 2
𝑥 𝑦
or
2
−
2
= 1
𝑎 𝑏

Thus, the standard equation of an hyperbola is

2 2
𝑥 𝑦

2
− = 1
2
𝑎 𝑏

This equation defines a hyperbola centered at the origin with vertices (±a,0) and co-vertices (0±b).
 2 2
𝑥 𝑦
Equation of Hyperbola 𝑎
2
− 2
= 1
𝑏

The standard form of the equation of a hyperbola with center (0,0) and transverse axis on the x-axis is

2 2
𝑥 𝑦

2
− = 1
2
𝑎 𝑏

where

1. the length of the transverse axis is 2a

2. the coordinates of the vertices are (±a,0)
3. the length of the conjugate axis is 2b
4. the coordinates of the co-vertices are (0,±b)
5. the distance between the foci is 2c, where 𝑐 2 − 𝑎
2
= 𝑏
2

6. the coordinates of the foci are (±c,0)

𝑏
7. the equations of the asymptotes are 𝑦 = ±
𝑎
𝑥

2 2
𝑦 𝑥
Equation of Hyperbola 𝑎
2
− 2
= 1
𝑏

The standard form of the equation of a hyperbola with center (0,0) and transverse axis on the y-axis is

2 2
𝑦 𝑥
2
− = 1
2
𝑎 𝑏

where

1. the length of the transverse axis is 2a

2. the coordinates of the vertices are (0,±a)
3. the length of the conjugate axis is 2b
4. the coordinates of the co-vertices are (±b,0)
5. the distance between the foci is 2c, where 𝑐 2 − 𝑎
2
= 𝑏
2

6. the coordinates of the foci are (0,±c)

𝑎
7. the equations of the asymptotes are 𝑦 = ±
𝑏
𝑥

Note that the vertices, co-vertices, and foci are related by the equation 𝑐 2 = 𝑎
2
+ 𝑏
2
. When we are given the equation of a hyperbola, we can
use this relationship to identify its vertices and foci.

Summary of parameters in Hyperbola

Hyperbola Hyperbola
2 2 2 2
𝑥 𝑦 (𝑥−ℎ) (𝑦−𝑘)
Equation 2
−
2
= 1
2
−
2
= 1
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏

Center (0,0) (h,k)

vertex (±𝑎, 0) or (0, ±𝑏) the greater (ℎ ± 𝑎, 𝑘)

Focus (±𝑎𝑒, 0) or (0, ±𝑏𝑒) (ℎ ± 𝑎𝑒, 𝑘)

𝑎 𝑏 𝑎
Directrix 𝑥 = ±
𝑒
or 𝑦 = ±
𝑒
𝑥 = ℎ ±
𝑒

2 2 2 2
𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎
Latus Rectum 2
𝑎
2 2
𝑎
2
𝑏 𝑏

2 2 2
𝑏 = 𝑎 (𝑒 − 1) or 𝑎2 = 𝑏 (𝑒
2 2
− 1)
𝑏
2
= 𝑎 (𝑒
2 2
− 1) or 𝑎2 2
= 𝑏 (𝑒
2
− 1)

Eccentricity Another formula

Another formula

2 2
√𝑎2 +𝑏 √𝑎2 +𝑏
𝑒 = 𝑒 =
𝑎 𝑎

Transverse
2a 2a
axis
Conjugate
2b 2b
axis
 These are the two intersecting straight lines in a
hyperbola which intersects at the center. The 𝑏
Asymptotes 𝑦 − 𝑘 = ± (𝑥 − ℎ)
equation of asymptotes are:
𝑎

𝑏
𝑦 = ± 𝑥
𝑎

Focus is a point from which the distance is

measured to form conic. The Hyperbola has two
If the coordinate of center is (h, k) then the
foci. To calculate the focus we can use the
coordinates of the foci will be

Focus formula

(h−c, k) and (h+c, k) in horizontal hyperbola and

𝑐 = √‾
𝑎‾‾‾‾‾
+ 𝑏‾

2 2

(h, k−c) and (h, k+c) in vertical hyperbola.

(−c, 0) and (c, 0) in horizontal hyperbola and

(0, −c) and (0,

c) in vertical hyperbola.
Question
2 2
𝑥 𝑦
Which of the following is true in rectangular hyperbola 2
−
2
= 1 ?
𝑎 𝑏
 7.2. Hyperbola Foci and vertex

HOW TO locate its vertices and foci

Given the equation of a hyperbola in standard form, locate its vertices and foci as below.

1. Determine whether the transverse axis lies on the x- or y-axis.

Notice that a2 is always under the variable with the positive coefficient.

So, if you set the other variable equal to zero, you can easily find the intercepts.

In the case
where the hyperbola is centered at the origin, the intercepts coincide with the vertices.

2 2
𝑥 𝑦
If the equation has the form 2
−
2
= 1 , then the transverse axis lies on the x-axis.

𝑎 𝑏

The vertices are located at (±a,0), and the foci are located at (±c,0).
2 2
𝑦 𝑥
If the equation has the form 2
−
2
= 1 , then the transverse axis lies on the y-axis.

𝑎 𝑏

The vertices are located at (0,±a), and the foci are located at (0,±c).
2. Solve for a using the equation a=√a2.
3. Solve for c using the equation c=√(a2+b2)

Example 1
2 2
𝑦 𝑥
Identify the vertices and foci of the hyperbola with equation − = 1
49 32

.
Solution

The equation has the form

2 2
𝑦 𝑥
2
− = 1
2
𝑎 𝑏

so the transverse axis lies on the y-axis.

The hyperbola is centered at the origin, so the vertices serve as the y-intercepts of the graph.

To find the vertices, set x=0, and solve for y.

2 2
𝑦 𝑥

49
−
32
= 1

2
𝑦 0
or
49
−
32
= 1

2
𝑦
or
= 1

49

or
𝑦 = ±7

The vertices are located at (0,±c)=(0,±7).

Solving for c,

𝑐 = √‾ 𝑎‾‾‾‾‾
+ 𝑏 ‾ = √‾ ‾‾ = 9

2 2
49 +
‾‾‾‾‾32

Therefore, the foci are located at at (0,±c)=(0,±9).

Question
2 2
𝑥 𝑦
Identify the vertex of the hyperbola with equation 9
−
25
= 1
 7.3. Hyperbola in Standard Form

HOW TO find equation in standard form

Given the vertices and foci of a hyperbola centered at (0,0), find its equation in standard form with following ways

1. Determine whether the transverse axis lies on the x- or y-axis.

If the given coordinates of the vertices and foci have the form (±a,0) and (±c,0), respectively, then the transverse axis is the x-axis.

Use the standard form

2 2
𝑥 𝑦

2
−
2
= 1

𝑎 𝑏

If the given coordinates of the vertices and foci have the form (0,±a) and (0,±c), respectively, then the transverse axis is the y-axis.

Use the standard form

2 2
𝑦 𝑥
2
− = 1
2
𝑎 𝑏

2. Find b2 using the equation b2=c2−a2.

3. Substitute the values for a2 and b2 into the standard form of the equation determined in Step 1.

Example 1
What is the standard form equation of the hyperbola that has vertices (±6,0) and foci (±2√10,0)?

Solution

The vertices and foci are on the x-axis. Thus, the equation for the hyperbola will have the form

2 2
𝑥 𝑦

2
−
2
= 1

𝑎 𝑏

The vertices are (±6,0), so a=6 and a2=36.

The foci are (±2√10,0), so c=2√10 and c2=40.

Solving for b2, we have

b2=c2−a2=40−36=4

Substitute for c2 and a2 into the standard form of the equation

The equation of the hyperbola is

2 2
𝑥 𝑦
− = 1
36 4

Question
What is the standard form equation of the hyperbola that has vertices (0,±2) and foci (0,±2√5)?
 8. General Equation of Conic Section

General Equation of Conic Section

The general equation of second degree in x and y represents a conic section. It is given by

2 2
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 2ℎ𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓 𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0

In this definition of conic

2 2 2
Δ = 𝑎𝑏𝑐 + 2𝑓 𝑔ℎ − 𝑎𝑓 − 𝑏𝑔 − 𝑐ℎ

is called discriminant.

Based on the value of the discriminant, following conics can be classified.

2
1. Δ ≠ 0, ℎ > 𝑎𝑏 then the conic is hyperbola
2
2. Δ ≠ 0, ℎ > 𝑎𝑏, 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 0 then the conic is rectangular hyperbola
2
3. Δ ≠ 0, ℎ then the conic is ellipse
2
4. Δ ≠ 0, ℎ = 𝑎𝑏 then the conic is parabola
5. Δ ≠ 0, 𝑎 = 𝑏 ≠ 0, ℎ = 0 then the conic is circle
2
6. Δ = 0, ℎ = 𝑎𝑏 then the conic is pair of straight lines
𝑎 ℎ 𝑔
7. Δ = 0,
ℎ
=
𝑏
=
𝑓
then the conic is parallel lines

The equation of the conic whose center is at the origin is of the form

2 2
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 2ℎ𝑥𝑦 + 1 = 0

This conic is called central conic

Question
Are parallel line a conic?
 9. Polar form of Conic

THE POLAR EQUATION FOR A CONIC

For a conic with a focus at the origin, if the directrix is x=±p, where p is a positive real number, and the eccentricity is a positive real number e,
the conic has a polar equation

𝑒𝑝
𝑟 =
1±𝑒 cos 𝜃

For a conic with a focus at the origin, if the directrix is y=±p, where p is a positive real number, and the eccentricity is a positive real number e,
the conic has a polar equation

𝑒𝑝
𝑟 =
1±𝑒 sin 𝜃

HOW TO
Given the polar equation for a conic, identify the type of conic, the directrix, and the eccentricity with following procedure

1. Multiply the numerator and denominator by the reciprocal of the constant in the denominator to rewrite the equation in standard form.
2. Identify the eccentricity e as the coefficient of the trigonometric function in the denominator.
3. Compare e with 1 to determine the shape of the conic.
4. Determine the directrix as x=p if cosine is in the denominator and y=p if sine is in the denominator. Set ep equal to the numerator in
standard form to solve for x or y
.

Example 1
6
Identify the shape, the directrix, and the eccentricity of a conic 𝑟 =
3+2 sin 𝜃

Solution

1. Multiply the numerator and denominator by 1/3, then we get

2
𝑟 =
2
1+ sin 𝜃
3

2
2. Identify the eccentricity e = as it is the coefficient of the trigonometric function in the denominator.
3

3. Compare e with 1 to determine the shape of the conic.

Since e< 1, the conic is an ellipse. The eccentricity is e=2/3

4. Determine the directrix as x=p if cosine is in the denominator and y=p if sine is in the denominator. Set ep equal to the numerator in
standard form to solve for x or y

Here

2=ep

or
2=2/3p

or
p=3

Question
12
Identify directrix of a conic 𝑟 =
4+5 cos 𝜃