PARABOLA

ELLIPSE
 Ellipse
Critical Topics:

● Equations of standard ellipses

● Tangents and Normals
 Remark

(1) 0 < e < 1 ⇒ Ellipse

 Remark

(1) 0 < e < 1 ⇒ Ellipse

(2) ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 represents an ellipse

if Δ ≠ 0 and h2 − ab < 0.
 The set of real values of k for which the equation
Q
(k + 1)x2 + 2(k - 1)xy + y2 - x + 2y + 3 = 0 represents an
ellipse, given that its not pair of lines, is

A (0, 3)

B (-∞, 0)

C (3, ∞)

D (-∞,∞)
 Standard Ellipse & their equations
Standard ellipses having centre at origin
 Standard Ellipse & their equations
Standard ellipses having centre at origin

B(0, b)
S’(-ae, 0) S(ae, 0)

O
A’(-a, 0) A(a, 0)

B’(0, -b)
 Standard Ellipse & their equations
Standard ellipses having centre at origin

(a) Major axis : Along X-axis, and of length 2a.

(b) Minor axis : Along Y-axis, and of length 2b.
(c) Foci : S(ae, 0) and S’(-ae, 0)

(d) Directrices : and

(e) Eccentricity :

(f) LR : x = ae and x = − ae and length of LR =

 Standard Ellipse & their equations
Standard ellipses having centre at origin
 Standard Ellipse & their equations
Standard ellipses having centre at origin

(a) Major axis : Along Y-axis, and of length 2b.

(b) Minor axis : Along X-axis, and of length 2a.
(c) Foci : S(0, be) and S’(0, -be)

(d) Directrices : and

(e) Eccentricity :

(f) LR : y = be and y = − be and length of LR =

Standard Ellipse & their equations

Remark

is the equation of an ellipse having centre at (h, k).

 Draw the following ellipses and mention their foci, LR,
Q directrices and centre.

(a)
Solution:
Here, a = 6, b = 4, a > b

Y
(0, 4)

(−6, 0) (6, 0) X
O

(0, −4)
 Draw the following ellipses and mention their foci, LR,
Q directrices and centre.
(b) 9x2 + 16y2 - 36x + 32y - 92 = 0
Solution:

(2, 2)

(−2, -1) C (2, -1) (6, -1)

LR =

Centre: (2, -1) (2, −4)

 Draw the following ellipses and mention their foci, LR,
Q directrices and centre.
(c) 9(x - 1)2 + 4(y - 2)2 = 36
Solution:
9(x - 1)2 + 4(y - 2)2 = 36

(1, 5)

(3, −2) (3, 2)

(1, −5)
 JEE Main 2013
The equation of the circle passing through the foci of the ellipse
Q
and having centre at (0, 3) is _____.

A x2 − y2 − 6y − 7 = 0

B x2 + y2 − 6y + 7 = 0

C x2 + y2 − 6y − 5 = 0

D x2 + y2 − 6y + 5 = 0
 JEE Main 2013
The equation of the circle passing through the foci of the ellipse
Q
and having centre at (0, 3) is _____.

A x2 − y2 − 6y − 7 = 0

B x2 + y2 − 6y + 7 = 0

C x2 + y2 − 6y − 5 = 0

D x2 + y2 − 6y + 5 = 0
 An ellipse has its centre at (1, -1) and semi-major axis = 8,
Q
which passes through the point (1, 3). If the major axes is
parallel to x-axis, then the equation of ellipse is

D
 JEE Main 27th July, 2022 Shift-1
If the length of the latus rectum of the ellipse
Q
x2 + 4y2 + 2x + 8y - λ = 0 is 4, and l is the length of its
major axis, then λ + l is equal to_____.
 Find equation of ellipse with centre at origin whose major
Q
axis is X-axis and length of its minor axis is equal to
distance between foci and LR is of 10 units.
 Find eccentricity of an ellipse if length of its minor axis
Q
equal to its focal length (that is distance between foci).
 If the angle between the lines joining the end points of
Q
minor axis of an ellipse with its foci is π /2. Then the
eccentricity of the ellipse is

D
 If the angle between the lines joining the end points of
Q
minor axis of an ellipse with its foci is π /2. Then the
eccentricity of the ellipse is

Solution:
Foci S(ae, 0) and S’ (-ae, 0)
One end of minor axis B(0, b)
Slope of BS × Slope of BS’ = -1
⇒ b2 = a2e2
Since b2 = a2 (1 - e2)

⇒
 JEE Main 7th Jan, 2020

Q If distance between the foci of an ellipse is 6 and

distance between its directrices is 12, then length of
its latus rectum is

A 4

C 9

D
 JEE Main 15th April, 2023 - S1

Let an ellipse with centre (1, 0) and latus rectum of length 1/2
Q
have its major axis along x-axis. If its minor axis subtends an
angle 60° at the foci, then the square of the sum of the lengths of
its minor and major axes is equal to_________
Solution:
 Standard Ellipse & their equations

NOTE

In general, for any ellipse, the following hold true.

(1)
 Standard Ellipse & their equations

NOTE

In general, for any ellipse, the following hold true.

(1)

(2)
 Standard Ellipse & their equations

NOTE

In general, for any ellipse, the following hold true.

(1)

(2)

(3) distance between foci = major axis × eccentricity

(4)
Q Find the equation of an ellipse whose focus is (− 1, 1),
e = 0.5 and directrix is x − y + 3 = 0. Also find equation of
major axis, length of minor axes and its latus rectum.
Parametric form of an ellipse
 Parametric form of an ellipse

The parametric form of is x = a cos θ, y = b sin θ

Here θ is a parameter and is called the eccentric angle.

Lets see in the figure, which angle θ represents. Y

(acosθ, asinθ)
(0, b)

P(θ)
θ X
(−a, 0) O (a, 0)

(0, −b) x2 + y2 = a 2
Auxiliary Circle
 Focal chords

It can be easily proved that the equation of chord joining P(θ1) and Q(θ2) is

Y
P(θ1)

O S X

Q(θ2)

NOTE

You need not remember the equation of chord PQ.

 Focal chords

It can be easily proved that the equation of chord joining P(θ1) and Q(θ2) is

Y
It will be a focal chord if focus satisfies it.
P(θ1)

O S X

Q(θ2)

NOTE

You need not remember the equation of chord PQ.

Focal distances
Y

S’(−ae, 0) O S(ae, 0) X
 Focal distances
Y

P
M’ M

S’(−ae, 0) O S(ae, 0) X
 Observation

For every point P on an ellipse, sum of focal distances, i.e. PS + PS’ = 2a

Ellipse is also defined as :
Locus of a point which moves such that sum of its distances from two
fixed points is constant.
The fixed points are its foci and the constant sum is the length of its
major axis.
Q An ellipse has foci (4, 2), (2, 2) and it passes through
the point P(2, 4). The eccentricity of the ellipse is

D
Solution:
 JEE Main 5th Sep, 2020 Shift-1

Q If the coordinates of two points A and B are

respectively and P is any point on the conic, 9x2 + 16y2 = 144, then
PA + PB is equal to:

A 9

B 16

C 6

D 8
 A variable point P on an ellipse of eccentricity e is
Q
joined to its foci S and S’. Prove that the locus of the
incentre of Δ PSS’ is an ellipse.
 Position of a point w.r.t. a Ellipse

Result

(1) S1 > 0 ⇒ point lies outside ellipse

(2) S1 = 0 ⇒ point lies on ellipse
(3) S1 < 0 ⇒ point lies inside ellipse
 Position of a Line w.r.t. a Ellipse
Various Equations of Tangents of an Ellipse

Slope form Tangent at a point Parametric form

on ellipse
slope = m (x1, y1)
P(θ)
 Position of a Line w.r.t. a Ellipse
Various Equations of Tangents of an Ellipse

Slope form Tangent at a point Parametric form

on ellipse
slope = m (x1, y1)
P(θ)

T=0 T=0
 Find the equation of tangent with slope 3 to the
Q
following ellipse:

(a) (b)

Solution:
 The straight line x + y = c will be tangent to the
Q
ellipse if c = ____.

A ±4

B ±6

C ±5

D ±3
 The line x cos 𝞪 + y sin 𝞪 = p will be tangent to the
Q
ellipse

A p2 = a2 sin2 𝞪 + b2 cos2𝞪

B p 2 = a2 + b 2

C p2 = b2 sin2 𝞪 + a2 cos2 𝞪

D p 2 = a2 - b 2
 The line x cos 𝞪 + y sin 𝞪 = p will be tangent to the
Q
ellipse

Solution:
Condition of tangency is
c2 = a2 m2 + b2
Given equation of line can be written as

∴ by (i) p2 = a2 cos2 𝞪 + b2 sin2 𝞪

 If the locus of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from centre upon
Q
any tangent to the ellipse is

then (a - b) is equal to

A 10

B 20

C 25

D 30
Q Find equation of tangent to passing through (2,3).
 JEE Main 26th July, 2022 Shift-2

The acute angle between the pair of tangents drawn

Q
to the ellipse 2x2 + 3y2 = 5 from the point (1, 3) is

D
Q Find the equation of the director circle of the ellipse

Remark

Remember equation of director circle as a result.

Q If the tangents from the point (λ,3) to the ellipse

are at right angles, then λ is

A ±1

B ±3

C ±2

D ±4
Q If the tangents from the point (λ,3) to the ellipse

are at right angles, then λ is

Solution:
Since tangent from (λ, 3) are at right angles.
So, this point lies on director circle.
i.e. x2 + y2 = a2 + b2
∴ λ2 + 9 = 9 + 4 ]
⇒ λ = ±2
 JEE Main 26th June, 2022 - S2
If m is the slope of a common tangent to the curves
Q
and x2 + y2 = 12, then 12m2 is equal to:

A 6

B 9

C 10

D 12
 JEE Main 27th July, 2021 - S2

Let E be an ellipse whose axes are parallel to the coordinate axes,

Q
having its center at (3, -4), one focus at (4, -4) and one vertex at
(5, -4). If mx - y = 4, m > 0 is a tangent to the ellipse E, then the
value of 5 m2 is equal to
 Position of a Line w.r.t. a Ellipse
NOTE

For the ellipse ,

(a) Point of contact of tangent having slope m, is given by

(b) Point of intersection of tangents at P(α) and Q(β) is given by

Q If the line x - y = - 4 touches the ellipse x2 + 3y2 = 12, then find
the point of contact.
Q Tangent drawn to the ellipse at point ‘P’ meets

the coordinate axes at points A and B respectively. Locus of

midpoint of segment AB is

D
Q Tangent drawn to the ellipse at point ‘P’ meets

the coordinate axes at points A and B respectively. Locus of

midpoint of segment AB is

Solution:
 JEE Main 24th Jan, 2023 - S1
Let a tangent to the curve 9x2 + 16y2 = 144 intersect
Q
the coordinate axes at the points A and B. Then, the
minimum length of the line segment AB is
 JEE Main 1st Feb, 2023 - S2

Q The line x = 8 is the directrix of the ellipse with

the corresponding focus (2, 0). If the tangent to E at the point P

in the first quadrant passes through the point (0, 4√3) and
intersects the x-axis at Q, then (3PQ)2 is equal to____
 Equations of chords of an ellipse

The formula for the equation of the chord of contact and a chord with given
midpoint remain the same for all conics, that is

Chord of contact: T = 0

Chord with given midpoint: T = S1

Q Tangents are drawn from the point (3, 1) to the
ellipse x2 + 9y2 = 9. Find the equation and middle
point of its chord of contact.
Solution:

Given ellipse is x2 + 9y2 = 9

The equation of the chord of contact of the pair of tangents from (3, 1) is
3x + 9y = 9 . . . .(i)
This must be same as the chord whose middle point is (h, k)
T = S1

or hx + 9ky = h2 + 9k2 . . . . (ii)

Equation (i) and (ii) represent the same straight lines.
So, comparing the coefficients of (i) and (ii), we get
Solution:

or h = 3k and 3h = h2 + 9k2

or
 The locus of midpoints of the chords of the ellipse
Q
, which passes through the positive

end of major axis, is

D
Solution:
Q The locus of mid point of normal chords of the ellipse

A x2 + y2 = 2

B x2 - y2 = 1

D x2 + y2 = 1
Q The locus of mid point of normal chords of the ellipse

A x2 + y2 = 2

B x2 - y2 = 1

D x2 + y2 = 1
Solution:
 Multiple Correct Question JEE Advanced 2023, P1

Q Let T1 and T2 be two distinct common tangents to the ellipse

and the parabola P : y2 = 12x. Suppose that the tangent T1 touches P and E
at the points A1 and A2 , respectively and the tangent T2 touches P and E at
the points A4 and A3 , respectively. Then which of the following statements
is/ are TRUE ?

The area of the quadrilateral

A
A1A2A3A4 is 35 Sq. u

B The area of the quadrilateral

A1A2A3A4 is 36 Sq. u

The tangents T1 and T2 meet

C
the x-axis at (-3, 0)

D The tangents T1 and T2 meet

the x-axis at (-6, 0)
 Multiple Correct Question JEE Advanced 2023, P1

Q Let T1 and T2 be two distinct common tangents to the ellipse

and the parabola P : y2 = 12x. Suppose that the tangent T1 touches P and E
at the points A1 and A2 , respectively and the tangent T2 touches P and E at
the points A4 and A3 , respectively. Then which of the following statements
is/ are TRUE ?

The area of the quadrilateral

A
A1A2A3A4 is 35 Sq. u

B The area of the quadrilateral

A1A2A3A4 is 36 Sq. u

The tangents T1 and T2 meet

C
the x-axis at (-3, 0)

D The tangents T1 and T2 meet

the x-axis at (-6, 0)
 Some important properties of ellipse

(1) Product of lengths of perpendiculars from foci on any tangent to

ellipse is equal to (semi-minor axis)2, that is, for ,

P1P2 = b2

P2 P1

S’ O S
 Some important properties of ellipse
Eg. An ellipse slides between 2 straight lines which are at right angles to
each other. Show that locus of the centre is a circle.

(x 2 , y 2)

(x 1, y 1)
(h, k)
 Some important properties of ellipse
Eg. An ellipse slides between 2 straight lines which are at right angles to
each other. Show that locus of the centre is a circle.

(x 2, y 2)

(x 1 , y 1)
(h, k)
 Some important properties of ellipse

(2) Feet of perpendicular from either focus on any tangent to an ellipse

lies on its auxiliary circle.
 JEE Main 6th Sept, 2020
Which of the following points lie on the locus of the foot of
Q
perpendicular drawn upon any tangent to the ellipse,

from any of its foci?

A (1, 2)

D
 Some important properties of ellipse

(3) Reflection property : An incident ray coming from focus S after

striking concave side of ellipse gets reflected towards focus S’.
Q If normal at meets the major axis of ellipse

at Q and S and S’ are foci of given ellipse

then find the ratio SQ : S’Q.

 Some important properties of ellipse

(4)The portion of tangent to an ellipse between point of contact and

directrix subtends a right angle at the corresponding focus.