Name :……………………………………………….............................

Matrix No. :…………………….........….......Group :……......................

CHAPTER 1
Conic Sections
1.1 Introduction to Conic Sections

Definition of conic sections

Conic sections are the curves which result from the intersection of a
plane with a cone.

a) Circle

When a plane intersects a double-napped cone and is parallel to the

base of a cone, a circle is formed.

Page 1 of 54
 b) Parabola

When a plane intersects a double-napped cone and is parallel to the

side of the cone, a parabola is formed.

c) Ellipse

When a plane intersects a double-napped cone and is neither parallel

nor perpendicular to the base of the cone, an ellipse can be formed.

d) Hyperbola

When a plane intersects a double-napped cone and is neither parallel

nor perpendicular to the base of the cone, a hyperbola can be formed

Page 2 of 54
1.2 Circles

Definition of Circles
A circle is a set of all points in a plane equidistant from a given fixed
point called the center. A line segment determined by the center and any
point on the circle is called a radius.

𝑦
𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦)
𝑟
(𝑕, 𝑘) = center of circle
𝐶(𝑕, 𝑘) 𝑟 = radius
𝑥

Let the center of the circle b(𝑕, 𝑘)e and the fixed distance be 𝑟 and 𝑃
for any point on the circle with coordinate (𝑥, 𝑦)

Using distance formula

𝑟 = 𝑥−𝑕 2 + 𝑦−𝑘 2

𝑟2 = 𝑥 − 𝑕 2
+ 𝑦−𝑘 2
[ Square both sides ]

Equation of circle
a) Standard Form
𝑟2 = 𝑥 − 𝑕 2
+ 𝑦−𝑘 2

Center = 𝑕, 𝑘 Radius = 𝑟

b) General Form

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0

Center = – 𝑔, −𝑓 Radius = 𝑟 = 𝑔2 + 𝑓 2 − 𝑐

Page 3 of 54
Example 1:
1. Find the equation of the circle having its center at 0,0 and radius
of length 3 units.

2. Find the equation of a circle having its center at −3,5 and radius
of length 4 units.

3. Find the equation of a circle that has its center at −5, −9 and a
radius of length 2 3 units.

Page 4 of 54
The centre and radius of a circle by completing square

To purpose of completing the square is to convert the general equation

of the circle into the standard form.

4. Graph 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 9 = 0

5. Find the center and the length of the radius of the circle
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 + 12𝑦 − 2 = 0.

Page 5 of 54
 6. Find the center and the radius of the circle with equation
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 4.

Circle passing through three given points

7. Find the equation of the circle passing through the points (0,1).
(4,3), and (1, −1).

Page 6 of 54
 8. Find the equation of the circle passing through the points (1,3).
(3, −1), and (4,0).

The equation of a circle passing through two points with the equation of
the diameter given.

9. Find the equation of the circle passing through the points (1,1)
and (3,2) and with diameter 𝑦 − 3𝑥 + 7 = 0.

Page 7 of 54
 10. Find the equation of the circle having 𝐴𝐵 as diameter where 𝐴 is
the point (1,8) and 𝐵 is the point (3,14).

The points of intersection of two circles

11. Find the intersections between the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 10 and line

𝑦 + 2𝑥 = 5.

Page 8 of 54
12. Find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the two circles
with equation
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 13𝑦 − 48 = 0
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 0

Page 9 of 54
The equations of tangents and normal to a Circle

Theorem 1
Suppose we have a standard equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑟 2 , so the equation
of a tangent for the circle at the point of 𝑃 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 is given by

𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 = 𝑟 2 .

𝑃 𝑥1 , 𝑦1

𝑥
𝑥 2 + 𝑦2 = 𝑟2 𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 = 𝑟 2

Figure 1

13. Find the equation of the tangent to a circle

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 13 at the point 𝑇 2,3 .

Page 10 of 54
14. Find the equation of the tangent to a circle
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 25 at the point 𝑇 3,4 .

Theorem 2
If we have a common equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0, the
tangent to the circle at the point 𝑃 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 is

𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑔 𝑥 + 𝑥1 + 𝑓 𝑦 + 𝑦1 + 𝑐 = 0

15. Find tangent and normal line of the circle

2 2
𝑥 + 𝑦 − 6𝑥 − 10𝑦 − 82 = 0 at the point 𝑆 −1, −5 .

Page 11 of 54
 16. Find tangent and normal line of the circle
2 2
𝑥 + 𝑦 − 4𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 8 = 0 at the point 𝑆 1,5 .

The length of the tangent to a Circle

Theorem 3
The length of the tangent from 𝑎 fixed point 𝑁 𝑎, 𝑏 to a circle with
equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0 (denote by 𝑑), is given by

𝑑= 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 + 2𝑔𝑎 + 2𝑓𝑏 + 𝑐.

𝑦
𝑑
𝑁 𝑎, 𝑏

𝐶 −𝑔, −𝑓

𝑥
Figure 2

Page 12 of 54
17. Find the length of the tangent from the point 𝐾 4,6 to the circle
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 6

18. Find the length of the tangents from the point 8,4 to the circle
with centre 3,0 and radius 2.

Page 13 of 54
1.3 Parabola

Definition of Parabola
A parabola is defined as a set of points in a plane that are equidistant
from a fixed point (focus) and from a fixed line (directrix).
(see figure 3)

Figure 3 Figure 4

We obtain a particularly simple equation for a parabola if we place its

vertex as origin 0 and its directrix parallel to the 𝑥-axis as in Figure 4.
If the focus is the point 0, 𝑝 then the directrix has the equation
𝑦 = −𝑝. If 𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 is any point on the parabola, then the distance
from 𝑃 to the focus is
𝑃𝐹 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 − 𝑝 2

and the distance from 𝑃 to the directrix is 𝑦 + 𝑝 .

The defining property of a parabola is that these distances are equal:

𝑥2 + 𝑦 − 𝑝 2 = 𝑦+𝑝

We get equivalent equation by squaring and simplifying:

𝑥2 + 𝑦 − 𝑝 2 = 𝑦 + 𝑝 2 = 𝑦 + 𝑝 2
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑝𝑦 + 𝑝2 = 𝑦 2 + 2𝑝𝑦 + 𝑝2
𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦

Page 14 of 54
The equation of a Parabola with Vertex 0,0

The standard equation for parabolas with vertex 0,0 is summarized

below.

Parabola Vertex Focus Directrix Shape

0,0 𝑝, 0 𝑥 = −𝑝

𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 Opens to the right

0,0 −𝑝, 0 𝑥=𝑝

Opens to the left

0,0 0, 𝑝 𝑦 = −𝑝

𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 Opens upward

0,0 0, −𝑝 𝑦=𝑝

Opens downward
𝑦

Vertex
0, 𝑝
Focus
𝑥
Directrix 0,0

0, −𝑝

Page 15 of 54
Example 2:
1. Write the equation of the a parabola with
a) Vertex, 𝑉 0,0 and focus, 𝐹 3,0
b) Vertex, 𝑉 0,0 and focus, 𝐹 0, −5
Hence, sketch each graph.

1
2. Find the focus and directrix of the parabola 𝑦 = 8 𝑥 2 and sketch
the graph.

Page 16 of 54
3. Find the equation of a parabola that has vertex at origin, opens
left, and passes through the point 𝑃 −5,4 .

4. Find the equation of the parabolas with following vertices and foci.
a) Vertex 0,0 ; focus 0, −2
b) Vertex 0,0 ; focus −4,0

Page 17 of 54
The equation of a Parabola with Vertex 𝑕, 𝑘

The standard equation for parabolas with vertex 𝑕, 𝑘 is summarized

below.
Parabola Vertex Focus Directrix Shape

𝑕, 𝑘 𝑕 + 𝑝, 𝑘 𝑥 =𝑕−𝑝
Opens to
2 the right
𝑦−𝑘 = 4𝑝 𝑥 − 𝑕

𝑕, 𝑘 𝑕 − 𝑝, 𝑘 𝑥 =𝑕+𝑝
Opens to
the left

𝑕, 𝑘 𝑕, 𝑘 + 𝑝 𝑦 =𝑘−𝑝
Opens
2 upward
𝑥−𝑕 = 4𝑝 𝑦 − 𝑘

𝑕, 𝑘 𝑕, 𝑘 − 𝑝 𝑦 =𝑘+𝑝
Opens
downward

Page 18 of 54
5. State the vertex, focus and directrix for each of the following
a) 𝑦 − 2 2 = 12 𝑥 − 3
b) 𝑥 − 1 2 = 5 𝑦 + 2

6. Sketch the graph of 𝑦 − 2 2 = 12 𝑥 − 1 showing clearly the

focus and directrix of the curve.

Page 19 of 54
Standard form and General form of parabola

The equation 𝑦 − 𝑘 2 = 4𝑝 𝑥 − 𝑕 or 𝑥 − 𝑕 2 = 4𝑝 𝑦 − 𝑘 is
known as standard form of parabolic equation and it can be written in
the general form as
𝑨𝒚𝟐 + 𝑫𝒙 + 𝑬𝒚 + 𝑭 = 𝟎 or 𝑨𝒙𝟐 + 𝑫𝒙 + 𝑬𝒚 + 𝑭 = 𝟎

Finding vertex and focus of a parabola by completing the square

7. Write down the equation of given parabola below in standard

form. For each parabola state the coordinates of the vertex, focus
and the equation of the directrix. Hence, sketch each graph.
a) 𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 12 = 0

Page 20 of 54
b) 𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 − 2𝑥 + 22 = 0

Page 21 of 54
8. Find the equation of a parabola which satisfies the following
conditions, vertex −1, −2 , its axis parallel to the 𝑦-axis and the
parabola passes through the point (3,6)

Page 22 of 54
Applications of parabola.

9. A necklace hanging between two fixed points 𝐴 and 𝐵 at the same

level. The length of the necklace between the two points is 100 cm.
The midpoint of the necklace is 8 cm below 𝐴 and 𝐵. Assume that
the necklace hangs in the form of parabolic curve, find the
equation of the curve.

Page 23 of 54
10. A gigantic gate to the entrance of a theme park in the shape of a
parabola is constructed on a level ground. The horizontal distance
between the end points to the gigantic gate is 20 meters. The
maximum height of the gigantic gate from the ground is 5 meters.
Calculate the height of the gigantic gate at a horizontal distance of
4 meters from one of the end points.

Page 24 of 54
1.4 Ellipse
Definition of an Ellipse
An ellipse is the set of point in a plane the sum of whose distances from
two fixed points 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 is a constant. (see figure 5)

Figure 5 Figure 6

In order to obtain the simplest equation for an ellipse, we place the foci
on the 𝑥-axis at the point – 𝑐, 0 and 𝑐, 0 as in Figure 6 so that the
origin is halfway between the foci. Let the sum of the distances from a
point on the ellipse to the foci be 2𝑎 > 0. Then 𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 is a point on
the ellipse when

𝑃𝐹1 + 𝑃𝐹2 = 2𝑎

That is 𝑥+𝑐 2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑥−𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2 = 2𝑎

Or 𝑥−𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2 = 2𝑎 − 𝑥+𝑐 2 + 𝑦2

Squaring both sides, we have

𝑥 2 − 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎2 − 4𝑎 𝑥+𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 2 + 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2

Which simplifies to
𝑎 𝑥+𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑐𝑥

Page 25 of 54
We Square again:
𝑎2 𝑥 2 + 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎4 + 2𝑎2 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 𝑥 2

Which becomes
𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎2 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2

From triangle 𝐹1 𝐹2 𝑃 in Figure 6 we see that 2𝑐 < 2𝑎, so 𝑐 < 𝑎 and,

therefore, 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 > 0. For convenience, let 𝑏2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 . Then the
equation of the ellipse becomes 𝑏2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎2 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 𝑏2 or, if both sides
are divided by 𝑎2 𝑏2 ,

𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1
𝑎2 𝑏2

Where 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏2 For 𝑎 > 𝑏

𝑉3 0, 𝑏
focus focus

vertex vertex

𝑥
𝑉2 −𝑎, 0 𝐹2 −𝑐, 0 0 𝐹1 𝑐, 0 𝑉1 𝑎, 0

𝑉4 0, −𝑏 latus rectum
latus rectum

Figure 7

Page 26 of 54
The equation of a Ellipses with Vertex 0,0

The standard equations of ellipses with centre 0,0 are as summarized

as below
Latus
Ellipse Major axis Center Foci Vertex
rectum

𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1 Horizontal
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑦=0
2𝑏2
Where 0,0 ±𝑐, 0 ±𝑎, 0
𝑎
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏2

For 𝑎 > 𝑏

𝑥2 𝑦2 Vertical
+ =1 𝑥=0
𝑎2 𝑏2
2𝑎2
Where 0,0 0, ±𝑐 0, ±𝑏
𝑏
𝑐 2 = 𝑏2 − 𝑎2

For 𝑏 > 𝑎

Example 3:
1. Find an equation of the ellipse with vertices ±4,0 and foci
±2,0 .

Page 27 of 54
2. Find the equation of the ellipse with centre 0,0 with the vertices
at 3,0 and 𝑏 = 2.

𝑥2 𝑦2
3. Sketch the ellipse + =1
9 4

Page 28 of 54
4. Sketch the ellipse 9𝑥 2 + 16𝑦 2 = 144

5. Find the equation for the ellipse that has its centre at the origin
with vertices 0, ±7 and foci 0, ±2 .

Page 29 of 54
6. Find the equation for the ellipse that has its centre at the origin
with vertices 𝑉 0, ±5 and minor axis of length 3. Sketch the
ellipse.

7. Find the focus and equation of the ellipse with centre 0, 0 and
vertices at 0, 4 and length of minor axis is 4

Page 30 of 54
 𝑥2 𝑦2
8. Sketch the ellipse with equation + 16 = 1
9

9. Find the centre, vertices, foci, major and minor axes and length of the
𝑥2 𝑦2
latus rectum for the ellipse + =1
16 25

Page 31 of 54
 The equation of a Ellipses with Vertex 𝑕, 𝑘

The standard equations of ellipses with centre 𝑕, 𝑘 are as summarized

as below
Latus
Ellipse Major axis Center Vertex Foci
rectum
2 2
𝑥−𝑕 𝑦−𝑘
+ =1 Horizontal
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑦=𝑘 2𝑏 2
Where 𝑕, 𝑘 𝑕 ± 𝑎, 𝑘 𝑕 ± 𝑐, 𝑘
𝑎
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2

For 𝑎 > 𝑏
2 2 Vertical
𝑥−𝑕 𝑦−𝑘 𝑥=𝑕
+ =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
2𝑎2
Where 𝑕, 𝑘 𝑕, 𝑘 ± 𝑏 𝑕, 𝑘 ± 𝑐
𝑏
𝑐 2 = 𝑏 2 − 𝑎2

For 𝑏 > 𝑎

𝑥+3 2 𝑦−1 2
10. Find the centre and the foci of the ellipse + =1
9 4

Page 32 of 54
11. Write the equation of the ellipse that has vertices at −3, −5 and
7, −5 and foci at −1, −5 and 5, −5 .

𝑥−1 2 𝑦2
12. Sketch the ellipse with equation + 16 = 1
25

Page 33 of 54
13. Find the equation of an ellipse with centre 3,1 and the major
axis running parallel with the 𝑦-axis. The length of the major axis
is 10 units and the minor axis is 6 units Sketch the ellipse.

14. Find the equation of ellipse with vertices 8,5 and 10,1 with
centre 8, 𝑘 .

Page 34 of 54
Finding the centre and foci of and ellipse by completing square

15. Sketch the graph of the equation

16𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 + 64𝑥 − 18𝑦 − 71 = 0

Page 35 of 54
16. Sketch the graph of the equation
4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 8𝑥 − 36𝑦 + 4 = 0

Page 36 of 54
1.5 Hyperbola

Definition of the Hyperbola

A hyperbola is the set of all points in the plane, the difference of whose
distance from two fixed points 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 is a constant. (see Figure 8).
These two fixed points are the foci of the hyperbola.

Notice that the definition of a hyperbola is similar to that of an ellipse;

the only change is that the sum of distances has become a difference of
distance.

In fact, the derivation of the equation of a hyperbola is also similar to

the one given earlier for an ellipse. The difference of distances is
𝑃𝐹1 − 𝑃𝐹2 = ±2𝑎, then the equation of the hyperbola is

𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
Where 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 .

When we draw a hyperbola it is useful to first draw its asymptotes,

𝑏 𝑏
which are the dashed lines 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − 𝑎 𝑥.

𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦

𝑥
𝐹1 −𝑐, 0 0 𝐹2 𝑐, 0

Figure 8

Page 37 of 54
 𝑦

Vertex
Focus Focus

𝑥
𝐹2 𝑉1 𝑉2 𝐹1
Latus Rectum Latus Rectum

Asymptotes
Figure 9

The equation of a Hyperbola with Center 0,0

The standard equation for Hyperbola with Center 0,0 is summarized

below.
Latus
Ellipse Major axis Center Vertex Foci Asymptotes
rectum

𝑥 2 𝑦2 Horizontal
− =1
𝑎2 𝑏 2 𝑦=0
𝑏 2𝑏 2
0,0 ±𝑎, 0 ±𝑐, 0 𝑦=± 𝑥
Where 𝑎 𝑎
𝑐 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2
2

Vertical
𝑦2 𝑥 2
− =1 𝑥=0
𝑏 2 𝑎2
𝑏 2𝑎2
𝑕, 𝑘 0, ±𝑏 0, ±𝑐 𝑦=± 𝑥
Where 𝑎 𝑏
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2

Page 38 of 54
Example 4:
1. Determine the centre, vertices, and foci of the hyperbola given by
𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
the equation 𝟒 − 𝟒𝟗 = 𝟏. Also, determine the equations of the
asymptotes of this hyperbola.

𝒙𝟐 𝑦2
2. Graph the hyperbola 𝟏𝟔 − 4 = 𝟏. Find the vertices, foci and
equations of the asymptotic lines.

Page 39 of 54
 𝒚𝟐 𝑥2
3. Graph the hyperbola 𝟐𝟓 − 9 = 𝟏, Give the vertices, foci and
equations of asymptotic lines.

4. Find an equation of a hyperbola with centre at the origin, one

vertex at 7,0 and a focus at 12,0 .

Page 40 of 54
 The equation of a Hyperbola with Center 𝑕, 𝑘

The standard equation for Hyperbola with Center 𝑕, 𝑘 is summarized

below.
Major Latus
Ellipse Center Vertex Foci Asymptotes
axis rectum

2 2
𝑥−𝑕 𝑦−𝑘
− =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
𝑦=𝑘 𝑏 2𝑏 2
𝑕, 𝑘 𝑕 ± 𝑎, 𝑘 𝑕 ± 𝑐, 𝑘 𝑦−𝑘 =± 𝑥−𝑕
Where 𝑎 𝑎
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2

2 2
𝑦−𝑘 𝑥−𝑕 𝑥=𝑕
− =1
𝑏2 𝑎2
𝑏 2𝑎2
𝑕, 𝑘 𝑕, 𝑘 ± 𝑏 𝑕, 𝑘 ± 𝑐 𝑦−𝑘 =± 𝑥−𝑕
Where 𝑎 𝑏
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2

𝑦−2 2 𝑥−1 2
5. Graph the equation 36 − 25 = 1. Find the centre, vertices,
foci and the equations of the asymptotes.

Page 41 of 54
6. Find the equation of a hyperbola with centre 1,1 , vertex
3,1 and focus at 5,1 .

7. Find the equation of the hyperbola with vertices at 1,6 and

1, −2 and foci at 1,7 and 1, −3 .

Page 42 of 54
Finding the centre and foci of hyperbola by completing the square

8. Sketch the curve represented by the equation

9𝑥 2 − 4𝑦 2 − 18𝑥 + 32𝑦 − 91 = 0.

Page 43 of 54
9. Sketch the curve represented by the equation
2 2
4𝑦 − 16𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 128𝑥 − 316 = 0.

Page 44 of 54
1.6 The Intersection of Straight Line and Conic Sections

Type of Points of Intersections

The coordinates of the points of intersection of straight line and conic

section can be found by solving two equations simultaneously.

If the quadratic equation;

The line and the curve meet at the
a) 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 = 0 same points, 𝑃. The line is 𝑃
has one real root
tangent to the curve at 𝑃
𝑃
The line and the curve intersect at
b) 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 > 0 two different points, 𝑃 and 𝑄.
has two real roots 𝑄

The line does not intersect the

c) 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 < 0 conic section at all
has no real roots

Example 5:
1. Find the intersections between the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 24 and line
𝑦 + 2𝑥 = 5.

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2. Find the coordinates of the points of intersection between the circle
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 − 4𝑦 + 9 = 0 and the line 𝑦 = 7 − 𝑥

3. The line passing through the point 𝑃 𝑝2 , 2𝑝 on the curve

𝑦 2 = 4𝑥 and the point 𝑄 2,0 intersects the curve once again at
the point 𝑅. Find the coordinates of the point 𝑅 in terms of 𝑝.

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4. Find the equations of the tangents with gradient 2 to the ellipse
with equation 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 = 6, and find their points of contact.

5. Show that part of the line 3𝑦 = 𝑥 + 5 is a chord of the circle

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 15 = 0 and find the length if this chord.

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6. Prove line 𝑙𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 + 𝑛 = 0 touches the ellipse
𝑏2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎2 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 𝑏2 , then 𝑎2 𝑙 2 + 𝑏2 𝑚2 = 𝑛2 .

7. Find the condition that the line 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 shall touch the

𝑥2 𝑦2
hyperbola − = 1.
𝑎2 𝑏2

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1.7 Parametric Representations of Conic Sections

Definition
The equations 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑡 and 𝑦 = 𝑔 𝑡 are called the parametric
equations for the curve defined by set of points 𝑥, 𝑦 and the variable 𝑡
is called parameter.

Conic Section Cartesian Equations Parametric Equations

𝑥 = 𝑎 cos 𝑡
1 Circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦2 = 𝑟2
𝑦 = 𝑏 sin 𝑡

2 Parabola 2 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑡 2
𝑦 = 4𝑎𝑥
𝑦 = 2𝑎𝑡
𝑥 = 𝑎 cos 𝑡
𝑥2 𝑦2
3 Ellipse + =1 𝑦 = 𝑏 sin 𝑡
𝑎2 𝑏2

𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥 = 𝑎 sec 𝑡
4 Hyperbola − =1
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑦 = 𝑏 tan 𝑡

Conic Section Cartesian Equations Parametric Equations

2 2 𝑥 = 𝑎 cos 𝑡 + 𝑕
1 Circle 𝑥−𝑕 + 𝑦−𝑘 = 𝑟2
𝑦 = 𝑏 sin 𝑡 + 𝑘

2 Parabola 2 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑡 2 + 𝑕
𝑦−𝑘 = 4𝑎 𝑥 − 𝑕
𝑦 = 2𝑎𝑡 + 𝑘
2 2 𝑥 = 𝑎 cos 𝑡 + 𝑕
𝑥−𝑕 𝑦−𝑘
3 Ellipse + =1 𝑦 = 𝑏 sin 𝑡 + 𝑘
𝑎2 𝑏2
2 2
𝑥−𝑕 𝑦−𝑘 𝑥 = 𝑎 sec 𝑡 + 𝑕
4 Hyperbola − =1
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑦 = 𝑏 tan 𝑡 + 𝑘

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Example 6:
1. Show that the curve whose parametric equation are
𝑥 = 𝑎 1 + cos 𝑡 and 𝑦 = 𝑎 sin 𝑡 represent a circle.

2. Describe and graph the curve represented by the parametric

equations 𝑥 = cos 𝑡, 𝑦 = sin 𝑡 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2𝜋.

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Graphing Parametric Equations and Eliminating the Parameter

𝑥 = 𝑡2
3. Graph the curve given parametrically by 𝑦 = . Identify the
𝑦 = 2𝑡
curve by eliminating the parameter.

4. Graph the plane curve given parametrically by 𝑥 = 𝑡 + 1 and

𝑦 = 𝑡 2 − 2𝑡, −∞ < 𝑡 < ∞. Identify the curve by eliminating the
parameter 𝑡.

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5. For each of the following curves, obtain its parametric equations.
(a) 𝑦 2 = 12𝑥
(b) 2𝑦 2 = 9𝑥

6. Graph the plane curve given parametrically by 𝑥 = 8 cos 𝑡,

y = 4sin 𝑡, −∞ < 𝑡 < ∞. Identify the curve by eliminating
the parameter 𝑡.

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7. Find parametric equations for the conic section with the given
equations 25𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 100𝑥 + 54𝑦 − 144 = 0.

8. Find the Cartesian equation for the curve with the parametric
equations 𝑥 = 3 + 2 cos 𝑡 and 𝑦 = 2 + sin 𝑡. Hence sketch the
curve.

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9. Find parametric equations for the conic section with the given
equations 𝑥 2 − 16𝑦 2 − 10𝑥 + 32𝑦 − 7 = 0.

2
10. A curve is given the parametric equations 𝑥 = 3 cos 𝑡 + 2 and
𝑦 = 3 sin 𝑡 − 3 where 𝑡 is parameter. Show that the curve is an
ellipse. Hence, find the coordinates at the center and foci of the
curve.

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