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San Fabian National High School

San Fabian, Pangasinan
11
MODULE
in
PRE-CALCULUS
Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics Strand

Quarter 1 Module 3
Week 3

For queries, please contact me:

Name of Teacher Contact Number Messenger
MICHAEL P. NAVARRO 09307911269 Mike Navarro

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MODULE 3: ELLIPSE

Most Essential Learning Competencies

1. Define an ellipse (STEM_PC11AG-Ic-1).
2. Determine the standard form of equation of an ellipse (STEM_PC11AG-Ic-2).

 Introduction
Unlike circle and parabola, an ellipse is one of the conic sections that most students have not
encountered formally before. Its shape is a bounded curve which looks like a flattened circle. The orbits
of the planets in our solar system around the sun happen to be elliptical in shape. Also, just like
parabolas, ellipses have reflective properties that have been used in the construction of certain
structures. These applications and more will be encountered in this lesson.

 Definition and Equation of an Ellipse

An ellipse is the set of points in a plane such that the sum of the distances from each point to
two fixed points is constant. Each of the two fixed points is called a focus (plural, foci). In general, the
ellipse is given using the figure below (see Figure 1).

Figure 1

The line through the foci of an ellipse is called its principal axis. The principal axis may be
horizontal or vertical. Two points on the principal axis are called vertices (singular, vertex) and the line
segment joining them is called the major axis. The midpoint of the major axis is called the center of
the ellipse. The line segment through the center, perpendicular to the principal axis and with endpoints
on the ellipse is called the minor axis. The endpoints of the minor axis are called co-vertices. The
minor axis of an ellipse can either be horizontal or vertical.

We use a to denote the distance from the center to a vertex (half the length of the major axis),
b the distance from the center to a co-vertex (half the length of the minor axis) and c the focal distance.
Take note that 𝑎 > 𝑏, and variables 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 are related according to the equation 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏2 .

Consider the points F1(−3, 0) and F2(3, 0), as shown in Figure 2. What is the sum of the
distances of A(4, 2.4) from F1 and from F2? How about the sum of the distances of B (and C(0,−4))
from F1 and from F2?

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AF1 + AF2 = 7.4 + 2.6 = 10

BF1 + BF2 = 3.8 + 6.2 = 10
CF1 + CF2 = 5 + 5 = 10

There are other points P such that PF1 + PF2 = 10. The collection of all such points forms a
shape called an ellipse.

Figure 2 Figure 3

Let F1 and F2 be two distinct points. The set of all points P, whose distances
from F1 and from F2 add up to a certain constant, is called an ellipse. The
points F1 and F2 are called the foci of the ellipse.

Given are two points on the x-axis, F1(−c, 0) and F2(c, 0), the foci, both c units away from their
center (0, 0). See Figure 3. Let P(x, y) be a point on the ellipse. Let the common sum of the distances
be 2a (the coefficient 2 will make computations simpler). Thus, we have PF1 + PF2 = 2a.

When we let 𝑏 = √𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 , we assumed a > c. To see why this is true, look at PF1 F2 in
Figure 3. By the Triangle Inequality, PF1 + PF2 > F1 F2, which implies 2a > 2c, so a > c.

𝑥2 𝑦2
We collect here the features of the graph of an ellipse with standard equation 𝑎2
+ 𝑏2 = 1,
where a > b. Let 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏2 .

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 Vertex Form of the Equation of an Ellipse.

Table 1 shows standard/vertex form of the equation of an ellipse with vertex at origin and at
(h, k), along with their general graphs (see Figure 4).
Center Major Axis Equation
𝑥2 𝑦 2
(0, 0) Horizontal + =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
𝑥2 𝑦 2
(0, 0) Vertical + =1
𝑏2 𝑎2
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
(h, k) Horizontal + =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
(h, k) Vertical + =1
𝑏2 𝑎2
Table 1

Figure 4
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In the standard equation, if the x-part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is horizontal. If
the y-part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is vertical (see Figure 4).
This section presents how to find the coordinates of the center, vertices, co-vertices and foci of
the ellipse with the given equations.
Example 1: Find the coordinates of the center, vertices, co-vertices, and foci of the ellipse with the
given equations. Sketch the graph, and include these points.
𝑥2 𝑦 2
1. + =1
25 9
Solution: From the standard form of the ellipse, the center is at (0, 0). Since 𝑎2 = 25 and 𝑏2 = 9,
then 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑏 = 3. The center (0, 0) is 5 units away from a vertex, we get V1(−5, 0) and V2(5, 0)
as the coordinates of the vertices. The co-vertex is 3 units away from the center, we get W1(0, 3)
and W2(0, −3) as the coordinates of the co-vertices. Using the equation 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏2 , we get 𝑐 =
√25 − 9 = √16 = 4, therefore the coordinates of the foci are 𝐹1(−4, 0) and 𝐹2(4, 0). Take note
from Figure 4 that the major axis of the ellipse in this example is horizontal.
Answer:
Center: (0, 0) Vertices: V1(−5, 0) and V2(5, 0)
Co-vertices: W1(0, 3) and W2(0, −3) Foci: 𝐹1(−4, 0) and 𝐹2(4, 0)

Figure 5

(𝑥 + 3)2 (𝑦 − 5)2
2. + =1
24 49
Solution: From the standard form of the ellipse, the center is at (−3, 5). The bigger denominator is
49 and it is below 𝑦2 (the major axis is vertical, see Table 1 and Figure 4), we now have 𝑎2 = 49
2
and 𝑏2 = 24, then 𝑎 = 7 and 𝑏 = √6  4.9. The center (-3, 5) is 7 units away from a vertex, we get
V1(−3, 12) and V2(-3, -2) as the coordinates of the vertices. The co-vertex is 4.9 units away from the
center, we get W1(-7.9, 5) and W2(1.9, 5) as the coordinates of the co-vertices. Using the equation
𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏2 , we get 𝑐 = √49 − 24 = √25 = 5, therefore the coordinates of the foci are 𝐹1(−3,
10) and 𝐹2(−3, 0).
Answer:
Center: (−3, 5) Vertices: V1(−3, 12) and V2(-3, -2)
Co-vertices: W1(-7.9, 5) and W2(1.9, 5) Foci: 𝐹1(−3, 10) and 𝐹2(−3, 0)

Figure 6

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This section presents how to find the equation in standard form of the ellipse which satisfies
the given conditions.
Example 2: Find the equation in standard form of the ellipse which satisfies the given conditions.
1. The foci of an ellipse are (-3, -6) and ( -3, 2). For any point on the ellipse, the sum of its distances
from the foci is 14. Find the standard equation of the ellipse.
Solution: Since the foci of an ellipse are (-3, -6) and ( -3, 2), its midpoint is (−3, −2), which, it is
the center of the ellipse. The ellipse is vertical (because the foci are vertically aligned) and c = 4
(the distance from the center to each focus). From the given sum, 2a = 14 so a = 7 (a2 = 49). Also,
𝑏 = √𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 = √33 (b2 = 33). The equation is
(𝑥 + 3)2 (𝑦 + 2)2
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: + =1
33 49
2. An ellipse has vertices (2 - √61, −5) and (2 + √61, −5) and its minor axis is 12 units long. Find the
standard equation and its foci.
Solution: The midpoint (2, -5) of the vertices is the center of the ellipse, which is horizontal
(because the vertices are horizontally aligned). Each vertex is 𝑎 = √61 units away from the center
(a2 = 61). From the length of the minor axis, 2b = 12 so b = 6 (b2 = 36). Using the equation 𝑐 =
√𝑎 2 − 𝑏2 , we get 𝑐 = √61 − 36 = √25 = 5, therefore the coordinates of the foci are 𝐹1(-3, -5)
and 𝐹2(7, -5). The standard equation and coordinates of the foci are
(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 + 5)2
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: Standard equation: + =1
61 36
Foci: 𝐹1(-3, -5) and 𝐹2(7, -5)

 General Form of the Equation of an Ellipse.

The General Form of the Equation of an Ellipse

𝐴𝑥2 + 𝐵𝑦2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 + 𝐸 = 0
where 𝐴𝐵 > 0. That is, either or both 𝐴 and 𝐵 are positive or both
negative.
This section presents how to convert general form of ellipse to its standard form and vice versa.
Example 3: Convert the following general equation to standard form.
1. 9x2 + 8y2 = 288
Solution: 9x2 + 8y2 = 288
9𝑥 2 8𝑦 2 288
+ =
288 288 288
𝑥2 𝑦 2
+ =1
32 36
𝑥2 𝑦 2
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: The standard form is + =1
32 36
2. 3x2 + 4y2 + 24x – 16y + 52 = 0
Solution: (3x2 + 24x) + (4y2 – 16y) + 52 = 0 Regroup the terms
3(x + 8x) + 4(y – 4y) = -52
2 2
Apply common factor
3(x + 8x + 16) + 4(y – 4y + 4) = -52 + 3(16) + 4(4) Apply completing the square
2 2

3(x2 + 8x + 16) + 4(y2 – 4y + 4) = -52 + 48 + 16 Simplify right side

3(x + 4) + 4(y – 2) = 12
2 2
Factoring completely and simplify
3(𝑥+4)2 4(𝑦−2)2 12
12
+ 12
= 12 Divide both sides by 12
(𝑥+4)2 (𝑦−2)2
4
+ 3
=1 Simplify
(𝑥 + 4)2 (𝑦 − 2)2
𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫: The standard form is + =1
4 3
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Example 3: Convert the following standard form to general equation.

(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 − 3)2
1. + =1
25 9
(𝑥−2)2 (𝑦−3)2
Solution: 225 [ 25
+ 9
= 1]
9(y - 2)2 + 25(x - 3)2 = 225
9(y2 – 4y + 4) + 25(x2 – 6x + 9) = 225
9y2 – 36y + 36 + 25x2 – 150x + 225 = 225
9y2 – 36y + 36 + 25x2 – 150x + 225 – 225 = 0
25x2 + 9y2 – 150x – 36y + 36 = 0
Answer: The general form is 25x2 + 9y2 – 150x – 36y + 36 = 0

(𝑥 − 1)2 (𝑦 + 1)2
2. + =1
100 36
(𝑥−1)2 (𝑦+1)2
Solution: 3600 [ + = 1]
100 36
36(x - 1)2 + 100(y + 1)2 + = 3600
36(x2 – 2x + 1) + 100(y2 + 2y + 1) = 3600
36x2 – 72x + 36 + 100y2 + 200y + 100 = 3600
36x2 – 72x + 36 + 100y2 + 200y + 100 – 3600 = 0
36x2 + 100y2 – 72x + 200y – 3464 = 0
Answer: The general form is 36x2 + 100y2 – 72x + 200y – 3464 = 0

MODULE 3 EXERCISES

Let us find out if you really understand the discussed concept by answering these exercises.
I. Give the coordinates of the center, vertices, co-vertices, and foci of the ellipse with the given equation.
Sketch the graph, and include these points.
(𝑥 + 7)2 (𝑦 − 4)2
1. + =1
16 25
𝑥2 𝑦2
2. + =1
169 25

II.
1. Find the standard equation of the ellipse whose foci are F1(0, -8) and F2(0, 8), such that for any point
on it, the sum of its distances from the foci is 34.
2. Find an equation of an ellipse with center at (0,0), one focus at (3, 0), and a vertex (-4, 0). Sketch the
graph.

III. Convert the following general form to standard form of an ellipse.

1. 16x2 + 4y2 – 32x + 16y – 32 = 0
2. 4x2 + 9y2 + 48x + 72y + 144 = 0

IV. Convert the following standard form to general form of an ellipse.

(𝑥 − 4)2 (𝑦 − 3)2 (𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 − 3)2
1. + =1 2. + =1
9 4 20 36

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Name: _____________________________________________________ Date: ______

Grade/Section: _______________________________________________ Score: ___

PRE-CALCULUS QUARTER 1 MODULE 3

SUMMATIVE TEST
Multiple Choice: Encircle the letter that corresponds to the correct answer.
1. The axis of an ellipse containing the foci is called ___________.
a. Horizontal axis b. Major axis c. Minor axis d. Vertical axis
2. The endpoints of the major axis are called ___________.
a. Co-vertices b. Foci c. Principal Axis d. Vertices
3. The standard form of the equation of an ellipse with vertex at origin and major axis is vertical.
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2 (𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2 (𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2
a. + =1 b. + =1 c. + = 1 d. + =1
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑏2 𝑎2 𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑏2 𝑎2
4. The standard form of the equation of an ellipse with vertex at origin and major axis is horizontal.
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2 (𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2 (𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2
a. 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 = 1 b. 𝑏2 + 𝑎 2 = 1 c. 𝑎2
+ 𝑏2
= 1 d. 𝑏2
+ 𝑎2
=1
5. The standard form of the equation of an ellipse with vertex at (h, k) and major axis is vertical.
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2 (𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2 (𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2
a. + =1 b. + =1 c. + = 1 d. + =1
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑏2 𝑎2 𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑏2 𝑎2
6. The standard form of the equation of an ellipse with vertex at (h, k) and major axis is horizontal.
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2 (𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2 (𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2
a. 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 = 1 b. 𝑏2 + 𝑎 2 = 1 c. 𝑎2
+ 𝑏2
= 1 d. 𝑏2
+ 𝑎2
=1
𝑥2 𝑦2
7. The coordinates of the center of the ellipse with equation 9
+ 15 = 1.
a. (9, 15) b. (0, 9) c. (0, 0) d. (15, 0)
(𝑥−5)2 (𝑦−4)2
8. The coordinates of the center of the ellipse with equation 16
+ 4
= 1.
a. (0, 0) b. (16, 4) c. (-5, -4) d. (5, 4)
𝑥2 𝑦2
9. The coordinates of the vertices of the ellipse with equation 64
+ 9
= 1.
a. (-8, 0) & (8, 0) b. (0, -8) & (0, 8) c. (0, 9) & (9, 0) d. (-9, 0) & (9, 0)
(𝑥+5)2 (𝑦−3)2
10. The coordinates of the co-vertices of the ellipse with equation 9
+ 16
= 1.
a. (-9, 3) & (-1, 3) b. (-8, 3) & (-2, 3) c. (-5, 6) & (-5, 0) d. (-5, 7) & (-5, -1)
(𝑥−2)2 (𝑦−4)2
11. The coordinates of the foci of the ellipse with equation 16
+ 25
= 1.
a. (2, 9) & (2, -1) b. (2, 7) & (2, 1) c. (-2, 7) & (-2, 1) d. (5, 4) & (-1, 4)
12. The standard equation of the ellipse that has vertices (-10, -4) and (6, -4), and co-vertices (-2, -9)
and (-2, 1).
(𝑥+2)2 (𝑦+4)2 (𝑥−2)2 (𝑦−4)2 (𝑥+2)2 (𝑦+4)2 (𝑥−2)2 (𝑦−4)2
a. 25
+ 64
=1 b. 25
+ 64
= 1 c. 64
+ 25
=1 d. 64
+ 25
=1
13. The standard equation of the ellipse whose foci are F1 (-8, 0) and F2 (8, 0), such that for any point
on it, the sum of its distances from the foci is 20.
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 (𝑦−8)2 𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2
a. + = 1 b. + =1 c. + = 1 d. + =1
100 64 100 36 100 36 36 100
14. The standard form of an ellipse whose general form is 9x2 + 4y2 - 72x - 24y + 144 = 0.
(𝑥−4)2 (𝑦−3)2 (𝑥−3)2 (𝑦−4)2 (𝑥−3)2 (𝑦−4)2 (𝑥−4)2 (𝑦−3)2
a. 9
+ 4
=1 b. 9
+ 4
= 1 c. 4
+ 9
= 1 d. 4
+ 9
=1
(𝑥−2)2 (𝑦+3)2
15. The general form of an ellipse whose standard form is + =1
4 1
2 2 2 2
a. 16x + 4y - 16x - 6y + 12 = 0 c. 4x + 6y - 32x - y + 24 = 0
b. x2 + 4y2 - 4x + 24y + 36 = 0 d. 4x2 + y2 - 16x + 6y + 21 = 0

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PERFORMANCE TASK 3
Directions: Do the indicated task individually. Apply the concepts you gained in your module in doing
this performance task.
1. Take a photo of any elliptical object inside your house.
2. Trace that photo in the rectangular Cartesian plane provided below.
3. Locate the center of the elliptical object and place the center at the origin.
4. Think of a creative design in labeling the elliptical object in rectangular Cartesian plane.
5. Determine the standard form of the equation of the elliptical object and identify its parts.

Solutions and answers:

Cartesian plane

Rubric:
Category Excellent Very Satisfactory Satisfactory Needs Improvement Score
100% of the solutions 80 -99% of the 60-79% of the Below 60% of the
Content- Accuracy
and answers are solutions and answers solutions and answers solutions and answers
(10)
correct. (10) are correct (8) are correct (6) are correct (4)
Output is
Output is attractive in Output is acceptably
Presentation of exceptionally Output is distractingly
terms of design, attractive though it
Output attractive in terms of messy and not
layout and neatness may be a bit messy
(10) design, layout and attractive (4)
(8) (6)
neatness (10)
Work was received on Work was received 1 Work was received 2 Work was received 3
Timeliness (10)
the due date (10) week late (8) weeks late (6) or more weeks late (4)