PRE-CALCULUS

MS. REAH FERATER VARGA

The Pre-calculus course bridges basic mathematics and calculus. This course completes
the foundational knowledge on algebra, geometry, and trigonometry of students who
are planning to take courses in the STEM track. It provides them with conceptual
understanding and computational skills that are prerequisites for Basic Calculus and
future STEM courses.
ANALYTIC GEOMETRY

LESSON 1.1 INTRODUCTION TO CONIC SECTIONS AND CIRCLES

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:

(1) illustrate the different types of conic sections: parabola, ellipse, circle,
hyperbola, and degenerate cases;

(2) define a circle;

(3) determine the standard form of equation of a circle;

(4) graph a circle in a rectangular coordinate system; and

(5) solve situational problems involving conic sections (circles).

Lesson Outline

(1) Introduction of the four conic sections, along with the degenerate conics

(2) Definition of a circle

(3) Derivation of the standard equation of a circle

(4) Graphing circles

(5) Solving situational problems involving circles

ACTIVITY: 4 PICS- 1 WORD
Instruction: Identify what is common in the pictures provided. (Hint: The number of lines
corresponds to the number of letters of the word of the correct answer.)

1.

ANSWER: C
_ _I R_ C
_ _L _E

2.

ANSWER: _P _A_R_A_B_ O
_ _L A
3.

ANSWER: E
_ _L _L _I P
_S_ _E

4.

ANSWER: H
_ _Y _P_E_R_B_ O
_ _L A
5.

ANSWER: C
_O_ _N_I _C _S
 1.1.1. An Overview of Conic Sections

 Conic Sections (or conics) – a particular class of curves which

oftentimes appear in nature and which have applications in other
fields.
 Circle – is a conic and one of the first shapes we learned.
- when the plane is horizontal
 The orbit taken by each planet around the sun is an ellipse.
- when the tilted plane intersects only one cone to form a
bounded curve
 Parabola – when the plane intersects only one cone to form an
unbounded curve
 Hyperbola – when the plane (not necessarily vertical) intersects
both cones to form two unbounded curves (each called a branch
of the hyperbola)
From the figure, identify
the following.
1. Center of the Circle
2. The length of the
radius and diameter
 1.1.2 Definition and
Equation of a Circle

A circle may also be

considered a special kind of
ellipse (for the special case
when the tilted plane is
horizontal). As we get to
know more about a circle,
we will also be able to
distinguish more between
these two conics.
 1.1.2 Definition and
Equation of a Circle

Find the following:

1. AC
2. BC
Let C be a given point. The set of all points P
having the same distance from C is called a
circle. The point C is called the center of the
circle, and the common distance its radius.

The term radius is both used to refer to a

segment from the center C to a point P on the
circle, and the length of this segment.

See the figure, where a circle is drawn. It has

center C(h, k) and radius r > 0. A point P(x, y) is
on the circle if and only if PC = r. For any such
point then, its coordinates should satisfy the
following.
𝑃𝐶 = 𝑟
𝑥−ℎ 2+ 𝑦−𝑘 2 =𝑟
𝑥 − ℎ 2 + 𝑦 − 𝑘 2 = 𝑟2 This is the standard equation of the circle with center 𝐶(ℎ, 𝑘)
and radius r. If the center is the origin, then ℎ = 0 and 𝑘 =
0. The standard equation is then 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑟 2 .
Example 1.1.1. In each item, give the standard 5
equation of the circle satisfying the given 4
3
.
conditions.
(1) center at the origin, radius 4 2
(2) center (-4, 3), radius 7 1
(3) circle A
.
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
-1
123456
(4) circle B
-2
(5) center (5, -6), tangent to the y-axis -3
(6) center (5, -6), tangent to the x-axis -4
(7) has a diameter with endpoints A(-1, 4) -5
and B(4, 2)
HOMEWORK #1
Find the standard equation of the circle being described in each item.
(1)With center at the origin, radius 11
(2)With center (-6, 7), tangent to the y-axis
(3)Has a diameter with endpoints A(-3, 2) and B(7, 4)
1.1.2 More Properties of Circles
After expanding, the standard equation

2
3 2
29
𝑥 − + 𝑦−3 =
2 4

can be rewritten as
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 4 = 0
an equation of the circle in general form.
If the equation of a circle is given in the general form
𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐴𝑦 2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 + 𝐸 = 0, 𝐴≠0
Or
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 + 𝐸 = 0,
we can determine the standard form by completing the square in both variables.
Completing the square
- means determining the term to be added that will produce perfect polynomial
square
Ex. 𝑥 2 + 14𝑥

Example 1.1.2
Identify the center and radius of the circle with the given equation in each item. Sketch its graph,
and indicate the center.
1. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 = 7
2. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 14𝑥 + 2𝑦 = −14
3. 16𝑥 2 + 16𝑦 2 − 96𝑥 − 40𝑦 = 315

Hint: The first step is to rewrite each equation in standard form by completing the square in x and
in y. From the standard equation, we can determine the center and radius.
Example 1.1.2
HOMEWORK #2
Identify the center and radius of the circle with the given equation in each item.
Sketch its graph, and indicate the center.
(1) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 46
(2) 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 + 40𝑥 − 32𝑦 = 5
1.1.4. Situational Problems Involving Circles

Example 1.1.3 A street with two lanes, each 10ft. wide, goes through a semicircular tunnel with radius
12ft. How high is tunnel at the edge of each lane? Round off to 2 decimal places.

Example 1.1.4. A piece of a broken plate was dug up in an archaeological site. It was put on top of a
grid, as shown in Figure 1.15, with the arc of the plate passing through A(-7, 0), B(1, 4) and C(7, 2). Find
its center, and the standard equation of the circle describing the boundary of the plate.

Note: A perpendicular bisector of a segment is the line that passes through the midpoint of the segment
and is perpendicular to the segment.
PARABOLAS
Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:

(1) define a parabola;
(2) determine the standard form of equation of a parabola;
(3) graph a parabola in a rectangular coordinate system; and
(4) solve situational problems involving conic sections (parabolas).
Lesson Outline

(1) Definition of a parabola

(2) Derivation of the standard equation of a parabola
(3) Graphing parabolas
(4) Solving situational problems involving parabolas
1.2.1. DEFINITION AND EQUATION OF A PARABOLA

PARABOLA – is a curve where any point is at an equal

distance from: a fixed point (the focus), and a fixed straight
line(the directrix).
Theorem 1.2.1
A parabola with standard equation 𝑥 2 =
4𝑝𝑦 has the y-axis as its principal axis, vertex at the
origin and focus at (0,p).
A parabola with standard equation 𝑦 2 =
4𝑝𝑥 has the x-axis as its principal axis vertex at the
origin, and focus at (p, 0).
PARTS OF PARABOLA Example. 𝒙𝟐 = 𝟏𝟐𝒚
• Vertex – the turning point Find the following:
• Focus – inside the parabola (a) Principal axis
• |p| - distance from vertex to focus
(b) Vertex
• Principal Axis or Axis of Symmetry –
(c) Focus
the line that divides the parabola in
(d) Directrix
two equal parts
(e) Endpoints of the focal width
• Directrix – distance from vertex to the
line, p units
(f) Length of the focal width

• Focal Width or Latus Rectum – 2𝑝 (g) Sketch the graph

units or simply, the chords that passes
through the focus of the parabola
SOLUTION: (e) Endpoints of the focal width
(a) Principal axis - at y-axis 2𝑝
(b) Vertex - (0, 0) 𝑝=3
(c) Focus 𝑥 2 = 12𝑦 2𝑝 = 6
𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 Thus, endpoints of the focal width are
4𝑝 = 12 (-6, 3) and (6, 3).
𝑝=3 (f) Length of the focal width
If 𝑝 > 0, upward 2𝑝 + 2𝑝 = 4𝑝
If 𝑝 < 0, downward 4𝑝 = 12
(d) Directrix 𝑦 = −3 Thus, the length of the focal width are
(e) Endpoints of the focal width 12 units.
1.2.2. MORE PROPERTIES OF A PARABOLA

Theorem 1.2.2
EXAMPLE: 𝒙+𝟏 𝟐 = −𝟒 𝒚 − 𝟑
A parabola with equation
Find the following:
𝑥−ℎ 2
= 4𝑝 𝑦 − 𝑘 has principal
(a) Principal axis
axis 𝑥 = ℎ, at vertex (ℎ, 𝑘) and p as
(b) Vertex
directed distance from the vertex to
(c) Focus
the focus.
(d) Directrix
A parabola with equation
(e) Endpoints of the focal width
𝑦−𝑘 2 = 4𝑝 𝑥 − ℎ has principal
(f) Length of the focal width
axis y = 𝑘, at vertex (ℎ, 𝑘) and p as
(g) Sketch the graph
directed distance from the vertex to
the focus.
SOLUTION: 𝒙 + 𝟏 𝟐 = −𝟒 𝒚 − 𝟑
(a) Principal axis: 𝑥 = −1
(f) Length of the focal width
(b) Vertex - 𝑉: (−1, 3)
2𝑝 + 2𝑝 = 4𝑝
(c) Focus: (-1, 2)
4𝑝 = 4
4𝑝 = −4
𝑝 = −1 Thus, the length of the focal width are

(d) Directrix: 𝑦 = 4 4 units.

(e) Endpoints of the focal width
𝑝 = −1 = 1
2𝑝 = 2
Thus, endpoints of the focal width
(-3, 2) and (1, 2).
ASSIGNMENT:
Determine the focus and directrix of the parabola with the given
equation. Sketch the graph, and indicate the focus, directrix, vertex,
axis of symmetry and include these points and lines.
(1) 𝑥 2 = 10𝑦
(2) 𝑥 2 = −6𝑦
(3) 𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 + 12𝑦 = −16
(4) 5𝑥 2 + 30𝑥 + 24𝑦 = 51
1.2.3. SITUATIONAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING PARABOLAS

EXAMPLE: A satellite dish has a

shape called a paraboloid, where
each cross-section is a parabola.
Since radio signals (parallel to the
axis) will bounce off the surface of
the dish to the focus, the receiver
should be placed at the focus. How
far should the receiver be from the
vertex, if the dish is 12 ft across,
and 4.5 ft deep at the vertex?
From the problem, we deduce that (6, 4.5) is
a point on the parabola. We need the
distance of the focus from the vertex, i.e.,
the value of 𝑐 in 𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦.
𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦
62 = 4𝑐 4.5

62
𝑐= =2
4.45
Thus, the receiver should be 2 ft away from
the vertex.
ELLIPSE
LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE LESSON

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:

(1) define an ellipse;
(2) determine the standard form of equation of an ellipse;
(3) graph an ellipse in a rectangular coordinate system; and
(4) solve situational problems involving conic sections (ellipses).
LESSON OUTLINE

(1) Definition of an ellipse

(2) Derivation of the standard equation of an ellipse
(3) Graphing ellipses
(4) Solving situational problems involving ellipses
 TWO TYPES OF ELLIPSE
A. VERTICAL ELLIPSE B. HORIZONTAL ELLIPSE
 PARTS OF ELLIPSE
• Centre
• 2 Vertices
• 2 Co-vertices
• 2 Foci
• Major Axis
• Minor Axis
 1.3.1 DEFINITION AND EQUATION OF AN ELLIPSE
ELLIPSE – is a closed plane curve generated by a point moving in such a way
that the sum of its distances from two fixed points, called foci is a constant.

HORIZONTAL ELLIPSE
𝑥2 𝑦2
At 0, 0 : 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 =1

𝑥−ℎ 2 𝑦−𝑘 2
General: 𝑎2
+ 𝑏2
=1

𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2
Center: (ℎ, 𝑘) Foci: ℎ ± 𝑐, 𝑘
Vertices: (ℎ ± 𝑎, 𝑘) Co-Vertices: ℎ, 𝑘 ± 𝑏
 1.3.1 DEFINITION AND EQUATION OF AN ELLIPSE

VERTICAL ELLIPSE
𝑥2 𝑦2
At 0, 0 : 𝑏2 + 𝑎2 =1

𝑥−ℎ 2 𝑦−𝑘 2
General: + =1
𝑏2 𝑎2

𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2
Center: (ℎ, 𝑘) Foci: ℎ, 𝑘 ± 𝑐
Vertices: (ℎ, 𝑘 ± 𝑎) Co-Vertices: ℎ ± 𝑏, 𝑘
ELLIPSE
Theorem 1.3.1
𝑥2 𝑦2
An ellipse with equation 𝑎2
+ 𝑏2
=1 has the x-axis as its

principal axis and the origin as its center, where a, b > 0.

𝑥2 𝑦2
An ellipse with equation + = 1 has the y-axis as its principal
𝑏2 𝑎2

axis and the origin as its center, where a, b > 0.

 𝑥2 𝑦2
EXAMPLE: + =1
9 4
Find the following:
(a) Principal axis – at x-axis
(a) Principal axis
(b) Center – (0, 0)
(b) Center
Before solving the vertex, let us find
(c) Vertex
first the following:
(d) Co-Vertices
𝑎 =?
(e) Foci
𝑏 =?
(f) Length of the major axis
𝑐 =?
(g) Length of the minor axis
Before solving the vertex, let us find
first the following: 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2
𝑎 =? 9 − 4 = 𝑐2
𝑏 =? 5 = 𝑐2
𝑐 =? 5=𝑐
or 𝑐 ≈ 2.24
𝑎2 = 9
𝒂=𝟑
(c) Vertex : (-3, 0) & (3, 0)
(d) co-vertices: (0, 2) & (0, -2)
𝑏2 = 4
𝒃=𝟐 (e) Foci: − 5, 0 & ( 5, 0)
(f) Length of the major axis – 2a units
2𝑎
2 3 =6
Thus, the length of the major axis is 6 units.

(g) Length of the minor axis – 2b units

2𝑏
2 2 =4
Thus, the length of the minor axis is 4 units.
 𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
EXAMPLE: + =𝟏
𝟗 𝟐𝟓
Find the following:
(a) Principal axis – at y-axis
(a) Principal axis
(b) Center – (0, 0)
(b) Center
(c) Vertex Before solving the vertex, let us find
(d) Co-Vertices first the following:
(e) Foci 𝑎 =?
(f) Length of the major axis 𝑏 =?
(g) Length of the minor axis 𝑐 =?
Before solving the vertex, let us find
first the following: 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2
𝑎 =? 25 − 9 = 𝑐 2
𝑏 =? 16 = 𝑐 2
𝑐 =? 4=𝑐

𝑎2 = 25
(c) Vertex : (5, 0) & (-5, 0)
𝒂=𝟓
(d) co-vertices: (0, 3) & (0, -3)

2
(e) Foci: 0, −4 & (0, 4)
𝑏 =9
𝒃=𝟑
(f) Length of the major axis – 2a units
2𝑎
2 5 = 10
Thus, the length of the major axis is 10 units.

(g) Length of the minor axis – 2b units

2𝑏
2 3 =6
Thus, the length of the minor axis is 6 units.
ELLIPSE
Theorem 1.3.2

𝑥−ℎ 2 𝑦−𝑘 2
An ellipse with equation + = 1 has principal
𝑎2 𝑏2

axis 𝑦 = 𝑘 and center (ℎ, 𝑘), where a, b > 0.

𝑥−ℎ 2 𝑦−𝑘 2
An ellipse with equation 𝑏2
+ 𝑎2
= 1 has principal axis

𝑥 = ℎ and center (ℎ, 𝑘), where a, b > 0.

 𝑥−1 2 𝑦−3 2
EXAMPLE: 144
+ 64
=1
Find the following: (a) Principal axis - 𝑦 = 𝑘
(a) Principal axis 𝑦−3=0
(b) Center 𝑦=3
(c) Vertex (b) Center - ℎ, 𝑘
(d) Co-Vertices 𝑥−1=0 𝑦−3=0
(e) Foci 𝑥=1 𝑦=3
(f) Length of the major axis Thus, the center is (1,3).
(g) Length of the minor axis
Before solving the vertex, let us find
first the following:
𝑎 =?
𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2
𝑏 =?
144 − 64 = 𝑐 2
𝑐 =?
80 = 𝑐 2
𝑎2 = 144 80 = 𝑐
𝒂 = 𝟏𝟐 16 ⋅ 5 = 𝑐

4 5=𝑐
𝑏2 = 64
𝑐 ≈ 8.94
𝒃=𝟖
(c) Vertex : (-11, 3) & (13, 3)
(d) co-vertices: (1, 11) & (1, -5)

(e) Foci: 1 − 4 5, 3 & (1 + 1 5, 3)

(f) Length of the major axis – 2a units
2𝑎
2 12 = 24
Thus, the length of the major axis is 24 units.
(g) Length of the minor axis – 2b units
2𝑏
2 8 = 16
Thus, the length of the minor axis is 16 units.
 STANDARD EQUATIONS OF ELLIPSE

𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥−ℎ 2 𝑦−𝑘 2
+ =1 + =1
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑎2 𝑏2

𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥−ℎ 2 𝑦−𝑘 2
+ =1 + =1
𝑏2 𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑎2

A>B
1.3.2 GENERAL EQUATION OF ELLIPSE

𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑦 2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 + 𝐸 = 0
𝐵𝑥 2 + 𝐴𝑦 2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 + 𝐸 = 0

A>B
EXAMPLE:
Convert the following general equation of ellipse to its
standard form and determine the value of a, b and c.

1. 4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 48𝑥 + 72𝑦 + 144 = 0

2. 3𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 − 8𝑦 − 11 = 0
Solution:
4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 48𝑥 + 72𝑦 + 144 = 0
4𝑥 2 − 48𝑥 + 9𝑦 2 + 72𝑦 = −144
4 𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 9 𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 = −144
4 𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 36 + 9 𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 + 16 = −144 + 4 36 + 9 16
4 𝑥−6 2
+9 𝑦+8 2
= −144 + 144 + 144 𝑎2 = 36
𝑎=6
2 2
4 𝑥−6 +9 𝑦+8 = 144
𝑏2 = 16
4 𝑥−6 2 9 𝑦+8 2 144 𝑏=4
+ =
144 144 144
𝑎2 − 𝑏2 = 𝑐 2
𝑥−6 2
𝑦+8 2 36 − 16 = 𝑐 2
+ =1 20 = 𝑐 2
36 16
𝑐=2 5
Solution:
3𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 − 8𝑦 − 11 = 0
2 2
3𝑥 + 6𝑥 + 𝑦 − 8𝑦 = 11 𝑎2 = 30
3 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 𝑦 2 − 8𝑦 = 11 𝑎 = 30

3 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 + 𝑦 2 − 8𝑦 + 16 = 11 + 3 1 + 16 𝑏2 = 10
2 2 𝑏 = 10
3 𝑥+1 + 𝑦−8 = 30
2 2
3 𝑥+1
+
𝑦−8
=
30 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2
30 30 30 30 − 10 = 𝑐 2
2 2
20 = 𝑐 2
𝑥+1 𝑦−8
+ =1 𝑐=2 5
10 30
 1.3.3 SOLVING REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS INVOLVING ELLIPSES

PROPERTIES:
1.3.3 SOLVING REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS INVOLVING ELLIPSES
 1.3.3 SOLVING REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS INVOLVING ELLIPSES

EXAMPLE:
A tunnel has the shape of a semi-ellipse that is 15ft high at the center, and 36ft
across at the base. At most how high should a passing truck be, if it is 12ft
wide, for it to be able to fit through the tunnel? Round off your answer to two
decimal places.
SOLUTION:
A tunnel has the shape of a semi-ellipse that is 15ft high at the center, and 36ft across at the
base. At most how high should a passing truck be, if it is 12ft wide, for it to be able to fit through
the tunnel? Round off your answer to two decimal places.

C:( 0, 0 ) a=18 b=15

x=6 y=?

𝑥2 𝑦2
2
+ 2=1 𝑦2 1
𝑎 𝑏
=1−
225 9
𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1 𝑦2 8
182 152
=
225 9
62 𝑦2
+ =1 9𝑦 2 = 1800
324 225
𝑦 2 = 200
36 𝑦2
+ =1 𝑦 = 10 2 ≈ 14.14𝑓𝑡
324 225