Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION VIII – EASTERN VISAYAS
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF CATBALOGAN CITY

Office of the Schools Division Superintendent

PRE-CALCULUS (Grade 11)
Name of Learner: ____________________________________Grade & Section: ______________

School: _______________________________________________Teacher: _____________________

LEARNER’S ACTIVITY SHEET FOR QUARTER 1, WEEK 2

ELLIPSE: A CONIC SECTION
Competencies:
1. Define an ellipse (STEM_PC11AG-Ic-1)
2. Determine the standard form of equation of an ellipse (STEM_PC11AG-Ic-2)
General Reminders: Use this activity sheet with care. Read the directions carefully
before doing each task. Return this activity sheet to your teacher/facilitator once you
are through with it.

Explore (Review and Motivation)

ACTIVITY 1: Circle or Not Circle?

Description: This activity will enable you to identify whether the given equation is an equation
of a circle or not a circle. You will learn in this module the relationship of a circle and an ellipse.

DIRECTION: Which of the following equations is a circle? Use GeoGebra or other graphing
apps to graph the following equations. Also, you can manually sketch the given equations by
using what you have learn so far in this subject. After digital graphing or manual sketching,
you must answer the questions in the next page.

1. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑥 + 3 = 0
2. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 17 = 0
3. 16𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 32𝑥 + 72𝑦 + 16 = 0
4. 4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 16𝑥 − 14𝑦 + 61 = 0

QUESTIONS
1. What is the best way of determining whether the given equation is a circle?
2. Which of the given equations are circles?
3. Which equations are not circle?
4. How will you describe the graphs of the equations that are not circles?

Learn (What is it/Discussion of the Topic)

Unlike circle and parabola, an ellipse is one of the conic sections that most students
have not encountered formally before. It is an oval 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.
You have also encounter elliptical shape objects that you had thought of that shape as an
oblong or oval.

The subtopics in this module are the definition of ellipse as conic section, standard
form of ellipse with a center on the origin and the center at (h, k), eccentricity of an ellipse,
general form of the equation of ellipse and graphs of the vertical and horizontal ellipse. You
will also learn how to rewrite the general form to standard form of an ellipse and determine the
equation of an ellipse from its given parts. You will also apply your knowledge of ellipse in
answering some real-life questions.

What is an Ellipse?

An ellipse is a conic section that is formed

when a plane at an angle intersects the cone
as illustrated in Figure 3.1. Notice that as you
rotate the plane at various angle, you can
form several ellipses.

Something to Think of:

Take note that an ellipse is formed when a

cone is cut by a plane at an angle.

A circle is formed when a cone is cut by a

Figure 3.1 An ellipse is formed when a cone plane at an angle of 0° 𝑜𝑟 180°.
is cut by a plane at an angle.
Adapted from Based on the definition of the ellipse, can
https://www.onlinemathlearning.com
you consider a circle as an ellipse? Why?
(last accessed on 30 August 2020)
Why not?

2
 An ellipse is the set of all
points (𝑥, 𝑦) in a plane such that
the sum of its distances from two
fixed points on a plane is constant
that is shown in Figure 3.2. The
fixed points are referred to as foci
(plural of focus).

Figure 3.2 An ellipse where the sum of the distance

of any points on the ellipse to the two focus is
constant.

Parts of an Ellipse

There are six parts of an

ellipse, namely, center, foci,
vertices, covertices, major
axis and minor axis.

Figure 3.3. Parts of an Ellipse

PARTS OF THE ELLIPSE DEFINITION

Center (𝑪) • The center of an ellipse is the midpoint of

the major and minor axis.
Foci (𝑭𝟏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝟐 ) • The fixed points of the ellipse where in all
the points on the ellipse are equidistant with
each other.
• Each focus is c units away from the center.
Vertices (𝑽𝟏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑽𝟐 ) • The vertices are points on the ellipse,
collinear with the center and foci. It is
located on the major axis.
• Each vertex is 𝑎 units away from the center.

Covertices (𝑾𝟏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑾𝟐 ) • The covertices are points on the ellipse

located on the minor axis of the ellipse.
• Each covertex is 𝑏 units away from the
center.

3
 ̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
Major Axis (𝑽 𝟏 𝑽𝟐 ) • It is the segment connected by the vertices.
• It is where the center, vertices and foci are
located. It divides the ellipse into two
congruent parts.
• Its length is 2𝑎.
̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
Minor Axis (𝑾 𝟏 𝑾𝟐 ) • It is the segment connected by the
covertices.
• It is the segment through the center and
perpendicular with the major axis. It divides
the ellipse into two congruent parts.
• Its length is 2𝑏.

Next, we will be discussing the two sets of the standard equation of an ellipse.
The first one whose center is at the origin and the second one whose center is not
found in the origin rather in any point in the different quadrant and axes represented by
the ordered pair (h, k). You will also be introduced about the concept of eccentricity.

Standard Form of the Equation of an Ellipse with Center at the Origin

The standard form of an equation of an ellipse centered at the origin depends on

whether the major axis is horizontal or vertical. The table below gives the standard
equation, center, vertices, covertices, foci, major and minor axis of ellipse.

Ellipses with Centers at the Origin and its Parts

Orientation Horizontal Vertical
Equation in 𝒙 𝟐 𝒚𝟐 𝒙 𝟐
𝒚𝟐
standard form + =𝟏 + =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐
𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 > 𝑏 > 0 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 > 𝑏 > 0
Let 𝒄 = √𝒂𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐 . Let 𝒄 = √𝒂𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐 .
Center (0, 0) (0, 0)
Foci (𝑐, 0) (0, 𝑐)
(−𝑐, 0) (0, −𝑐)
Vertices (𝑎, 0) (0, 𝑎)
(−𝑎, 0) (0, −𝑎)
Covertices (0, 𝑏) (𝑏, 0)
(0, −𝑏) (−𝑏 ,0)
Length of Major 2𝑎 2𝑏
Axis
Length of Minor 2𝑏 2𝑎
Axis

Note of the following observation:

• 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.
• Notice that a horizontal major axis yields a horizontal ellipse while a vertical
major axis yields a vertical ellipse.
• For both horizontal and vertical ellipse, “𝒂” represents the distance of the center
to one of the vertices, “𝒃” represents the distance of the center to one of the
covertices and “𝒄” represents the distance of the center to one of the foci (use
𝒄 = √𝒂𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐 ).
4
 See Figure 3.4 and 3.5 for the graph of the ellipse with center at the origin

Figure 3.4. Horizontal Ellipse with C:(0, 0)

If 𝒂 = 𝒃 in the equation of an ellipse, then

𝒙 𝟐 𝒚𝟐
+ =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒂𝟐
so 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝒂𝟐 . This shows that in this case the
“ellipse” is a circle with radius 𝑎.
Hence, circle is a special type of an ellipse. Figure 3.5. Vertical Ellipse with C:(0, 0)

Definition of Eccentricity

The eccentricity of an ellipse is the ratio of the distances from the center of the ellipse to
one of the foci and to one of the vertices of the ellipse. It is actually one of the characteristics
of a conic section. It describes on how much a conic section varies from being circular.

𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐 𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
For the ellipse + 𝒃𝟐 = 𝟏 or + 𝒃𝟐 = 𝟏 (𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 > 𝑏 > 0), the eccentricity e is the
𝒂𝟐 𝒂𝟐
ratio
𝒄
𝒆=
𝒂
where 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 . The eccentricity of every ellipse satisfies 0 ≤ 𝑒 < 1. Bigger
eccentricities are less curved.

Something to Think of: The eccentricity describes how much a conic section varies
from being circular. Since a circle is a special type of ellipse, what is the value of its
eccentricity?

Examples

Direction: Determine the center, vertices, covertices, foci, length of major and minor axis,
and the eccentricity of the ellipse given its equation. Sketch the graphs.
𝑥2 𝑦2
1.
25
+ 9
=1

5
 𝑥2 𝑦2
2. + =1
1 9

Solutions

(1)

• Since the 𝑥-part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is horizontal and it takes the
𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
form + 𝒃𝟐 = 𝟏.
𝒂𝟐
• To identify the different parts, find the value of 𝒂, 𝒃 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄.
• With 𝑎2 = 25 and 𝑏 2 = 9, we have

𝑎2 = 25 𝑏2 = 9 𝑐 = ඥ𝑎 2 − 𝑏 2
ඥ𝑎2 = √25 ඥ𝑏 2 = √9 𝑐 = √25 − 9
𝒂=𝟓 𝒃=𝟑 𝑐 = √16
𝒄=𝟒
• Since 𝒂 = 𝟓, 𝒃 = 𝟑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒄 = 𝟒, the table below shows the parts of the given ellipse.
𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
Parts of the Ellipse + =
𝟐𝟓 𝟗
𝟏
Equation in 𝒙 𝟐 𝒚𝟐 𝒙 𝟐 𝒚𝟐
standard form + =𝟏 + =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝟐𝟓 𝟗
Center (0, 0) (0, 0)
Foci (𝑐, 0) (4, 0)
(−𝑐, 0) (−4, 0)
Vertices (𝑎, 0) (5, 0)
(−𝑎, 0) (−5, 0)
Covertices (0, 𝑏) (0, 3)
(0, −𝑏) (0, −3)
Length of Major 2𝑎 10
Axis
Length of Minor 2𝑏 6
Axis
Eccentricity c 4
a 5

6
 To graph an ellipse with its
center at the origin,
• Locate and label the center
(𝐶) of the ellipse at the
origin.
• Locate and label the foci
(𝐹1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹2 )
• Locate and label the
vertices (𝑉1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉2 ) which
are the x-intercepts of the
graph.
• Locate and label the
covertices (𝑊1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊2 )
which are the y-intercepts of
the graph.
• Sketch the elliptical graph
𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
containing the points Figure 3.6. Graph of
𝟐𝟓
+ 𝟗
=𝟏
located on the curve.

(2)

• Since the 𝑦-part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is vertical and it takes the
𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
form + 𝒂𝟐 = 𝟏.
𝒃𝟐
• To identify the different parts, find the value of 𝒂, 𝒃 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄.
• With 𝑎2 = 9 and 𝑏 2 = 1, we have
𝑐 = ඥ𝑎 2 − 𝑏 2
𝑎2 = 9 2
𝑏 =1 𝑐 = √9 − 1
ඥ𝑎2 = √9 ඥ𝑏 = √1
2 𝑐 = √8
𝒂=𝟑 𝒃=𝟏 𝒄 = 𝟐√𝟐
• Since 𝒂 = 𝟑, 𝒃 = 𝟏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒄 = 𝟐√𝟐, the table below shows the parts of the given ellipse.
𝒙𝟐 𝒚 𝟐
Parts of the Ellipse
𝟏
+𝟗= 𝟏
Equation in 𝒙 𝟐 𝒚𝟐 𝒙 𝟐 𝒚𝟐
standard form + =𝟏 + =𝟏
𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐 𝟏 𝟗
Center (0, 0) (0, 0)
Foci (0, 𝑐) (0, 𝟐√𝟐)
(0, −𝑐) (0, −𝟐√𝟐)
Vertices (0, 𝑎) (0, 3)
(0, −𝑎) (0, −3)
Covertices (𝑏, 0) (1, 0)
(−𝑏 ,0) (−1 ,0)
Length of Major 2𝑎 6
Axis
Length of Minor 2𝑏 2
Axis
Eccentricity c 𝟐√𝟐
a 3

7
 • To sketch the graph, we plot the vertices and covertices.
• Then we sketch the ellipse, rounding at the vertices and the covertices.
• If you want to locate the foci, note that 𝑐 = 2√2 ≈ 2.83. Hence, foci are
(0, 2.83) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (0, −2.83).

Figure 3.7. Plotting of Vertices and 𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐

Figure 3.8. Graph of
𝟏
+ 𝟗
=𝟏
Covertices

Tip: If an accurate graph is needed, we will need to determine more points by substituting
x-values and solving for the corresponding y-value.

Standard Form of the Equation of an Ellipse with Center at (𝒉, 𝒌)

The standard form of an equation of an ellipse centered at (𝒉, 𝒌) depends on

whether the major axis is horizontal or vertical. The table in the next page gives the
standard equation, center, vertices, covertices, foci, major and minor axis of the ellipse.

Ellipses with Centers at (h, k) and its Parts

Orientation Horizontal Vertical
Equation in (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐
+ = 𝟏, 𝒂 > 𝒃 + = 𝟏, 𝒃 > 𝒂
standard 𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐
form Let 𝒄 = √𝒂𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐 . Let 𝒄 = √𝒃𝟐 − 𝒂𝟐 .
Center (ℎ, 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘)
Foci (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐)
(ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐)
Vertices (ℎ + 𝑎, 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑎)
(ℎ − 𝑎, 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑎)
8
Covertices (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑏) (ℎ + 𝑏, 𝑘 )
(ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑏) (ℎ − 𝑏 , 𝑘 )
Length of 2𝑎 2𝑎
Major Axis
Length of 2𝑏 2𝑏
Minor Axis

Note of the following observation:

• 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.
• Notice that a horizontal major axis yields a horizontal ellipse while a vertical
major axis yields a vertical ellipse.
• For both horizontal and vertical ellipse, “𝒂” represents the distance of the center to
one of the vertices, “𝒃” represents the distance of the center to one of the covertices
and “𝒄” represents the distance of the center to one of the foci (use 𝒄 = √𝒂𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐 ).
See Figure 3.9 and 3.10 for the graph of the ellipse with center at the origin.

Figure 3.9. Horizontal Ellipse with C:(h, k)

Figure 3.10. Vertical Ellipse with C:(h, k)

Examples
Direction: Determine the center, vertices, covertices, foci, length of major and minor axis,
and the eccentricity of the ellipse given its equation. Sketch the graphs.
(𝑥+3)2 (𝑦−5)2
1. + =1
24 49
(𝑥+1)2 (𝑦−3)2
2. + =1
4 1

Solutions

9
(1)
• Since the 𝑦-part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is vertical and it takes the
(𝒙−𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚−𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙+𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟓)𝟐
form + . Since + = 𝟏, then the center (𝒉, 𝒌) is
𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐 𝟐𝟒 𝟒𝟗
(−𝟑, 𝟓).
• To identify the different parts, find the value of 𝒂, 𝒃 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄.
• With 𝑎2 = 49 and 𝑏 2 = 24, we have
𝑐 = ඥ𝑎 2 − 𝑏 2
2 2
𝑎 = 49 𝑏 = 24 𝑐 = √49 − 24
ඥ𝑎 = √49
2 √𝑏 2 = √24 𝑐 = √25
𝒂=𝟕 𝒃 = 𝟐√𝟔 ≈ 𝟒. 𝟗 𝒄=𝟓
• Since 𝒉 = −𝟑, 𝒌 = 𝟓, 𝒂 = 𝟕, 𝒃 = 𝟐√𝟔 ≈ 4.9 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒄 = 𝟓, the table below shows the parts
of the given ellipse

(𝒙+𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟓)𝟐
Parts of the Ellipse
𝟐𝟒
+ 𝟒𝟗 = 𝟏
Equation in (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌) 𝟐
(𝒙 + 𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝟓)𝟐
standard form + =𝟏 + =𝟏
𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐 𝟐𝟒 𝟒𝟗
Center (ℎ, 𝑘) (−3, 5)
Foci (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐) (−3, 10)
(ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐) (−3, 0)
Vertices (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑎) (−3,12)
(ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑎) (−3, −2 )
Covertices (ℎ + 𝑏, 𝑘 ) (−3 + 2√6, 5) ≈ (1.9, 5)
(ℎ − 𝑏 , 𝑘 ) (−3 − 2√6 ,5) ≈ (−7.9, 5)
Length of Major 2𝑎 14
Axis
Length of Minor 2𝑏 4√6 ≈ 9.80
Axis
Eccentricity c 𝟓
a 7

10
(2)
To graph an ellipse with its center not
at the origin,
• Locate and label the center of the
ellipse 𝐶(ℎ, 𝑘)
• Locate and label the two points
on the graph located a vertical
distance a from the center (𝑉1 , 𝑉2 )
• Locate and label the two points
on the graph located a vertical
distance c from the center (𝐹1 , 𝐹2 )
• Locate and label the two points
on the graph located a horizontal
distance b from the center
(𝑊1 , 𝑊2 )
• Sketch the graph containing the
points located on the ellipse.

(𝒙+𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟓)𝟐
Figure 3.11. Graph of
𝟐𝟒
+ 𝟒𝟗
=𝟏

• Since the 𝑥-part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is horizontal and it takes the
(𝒙−𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚−𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙+𝟏)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟑)𝟐
form + . Since + = 𝟏, then the center (𝒉, 𝒌) is (−𝟏, 𝟑).
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝟒 𝟏
• To identify the different parts, find the value of 𝒂, 𝒃 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄
• With 𝑎2 = 4 and 𝑏 2 = 1, we have 𝑐 = ඥ𝑎 2 − 𝑏 2
2 =1
2
𝑎 =4 𝑏 𝑐 = √4 − 1
ඥ𝑎 = √4
2 ඥ 𝑏 2 = √1
𝒄 = √𝟑 ≈ 𝟏. 𝟕𝟑
𝒂=𝟐 𝒃=𝟏
• Since 𝒉 = −𝟏, 𝒌 = 𝟑, 𝒂 = 𝟐, 𝒃 = 𝟏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒄 = √𝟑 ≈ 𝟏. 𝟕𝟑, the table below shows the
parts of the given ellipse

(𝒙+𝟏)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟑)𝟐
Parts of the Ellipse
𝟒
+ 𝟏 = 𝟏
Equation in (𝒙 −𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐
standard form + =𝟏 + =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝟒 𝟏
Center (ℎ, 𝑘) (−1, 3)
Foci (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) (−1 + √3, 3) ≈ (0.73, 3)
(ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘) (−1 − √3, 3) ≈ (−2.73, 3)
Vertices (ℎ + 𝑎, 𝑘) (1,3)
(ℎ − 𝑎, 𝑘) (−3, 3 )
Covertices (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑏) (−1, 4)
(ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑏) (−1 ,2)
Length of Major 2𝑎 4
Axis
Length of Minor 2𝑏 2
Axis
Eccentricity c √𝟑
a 2

11
 • To sketch the graph, we plot the vertices and covertices.
• Then we sketch the ellipse, rounding at the vertices and the covertices.

Figure 3.12. Plotting of Vertices and (𝒙+𝟏)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟑)𝟐

Figure 3.13. Graph of
𝟒
+ 𝟏
=𝟏
Covertices

General Form of the Equation of an Ellipse

The general form of the equation of an ellipse is given by 𝑨𝒙𝟐 + 𝑩𝒚𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 +

𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎 where 𝑨 ≠ 𝟎, 𝑩 ≠ 𝟎, and A and B must have the same sign. You can use
the skills you had develop in the previous lessons. Completing the square and algebraic
manipulation are important for rewriting the general form into a standard form of an
ellipse.
Examples
Direction: Rewrite the general form into the standard form of the ellipse. Determine the
different parts of the ellipse. Sketch the graph.
1. 𝑥2 + 4𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 − 8𝑦 + 9 = 0
2. 9𝑥 2 + 16𝑦 2 − 126𝑥 + 64𝑦 = 71

Solutions

(1)
The following are the steps in transforming the equation of an ellipse to its standard
form.
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒚𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟖𝒚 + 𝟗 = 𝟎
(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙) + (𝟒𝒚𝟐 − 𝟖𝒚) = −𝟗 Group all x and y terms and
transpose the constant to the right
side of the equation.
(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙) + 𝟒(𝒚𝟐 − 𝟐𝒚) = −𝟗 Factor out the greatest common
factor in the y terms.

12
(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟗) + 𝟒(𝒚𝟐 − 𝟐𝒚 + 𝟏) = −𝟗 + 𝟗 + 𝟒 Complete the square on x, and
then add 9 to the right side of the
equation.
Complete the square on y, and
then add 4(1) = 4 to the right side
of the equation.
(𝒙 + 𝟑)𝟐 + 𝟒(𝒚 − 𝟏)𝟐 = 𝟒 Factor the left side of the equation
by expressing each of the x and y
terms as a square of a binomial.
Simplify the right side of the
equation.
𝟐 Divide both side of the equation by
(𝒙 + 𝟑)𝟐 𝟒(𝒚 − 𝟏) 𝟒
+ = 4 to express the equation in the
𝟒 𝟒 𝟒 (𝒙−𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚−𝒌)𝟐
form + = 𝟏.
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐
𝟐 Simplify.
(𝒙+𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟏)
+ =𝟏
𝟒 𝟏
𝟐
(𝒙+𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟏)
• Therefore, the standard form of the given ellipse is + = 𝟏.
𝟒 𝟏
• Since the 𝑥-part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is horizontal and it takes the
(𝒙−𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚−𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙+𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟏)𝟐
form + . Since + = 𝟏, then the center (𝒉, 𝒌) is (−𝟑, 𝟏).
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝟒 𝟏
• To identify the different parts, find the value of 𝒂, 𝒃 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄
• With 𝑎2 = 4 and 𝑏 2 = 1, we have 𝑐 = ඥ𝑎 2 − 𝑏 2
2 2
𝑎 =4 𝑏 =1 𝑐 = √4 − 1
ඥ𝑎 = √4
2 ඥ 𝑏 2 = √1 𝒄 = √𝟑 ≈ 𝟏. 𝟕𝟑
•
𝒂=𝟐 𝒃=𝟏
•
• Since 𝒉 = −𝟑, 𝒌 = 𝟏, 𝒂 = 𝟐, 𝒃 = 𝟏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒄 = √𝟑 ≈ 𝟏. 𝟕𝟑, the table below shows
the parts of the given ellipse
(𝒙+𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟏)𝟐
Parts of the Ellipse
𝟒
+ 𝟏 = 𝟏
Equation in (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙 + 𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝟏)𝟐
standard form + =𝟏 + =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝟒 𝟏
Center (ℎ, 𝑘) (−3, 1)
Foci (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) (−3 + √3, 1) ≈ (−1.27, 1)
(ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘) (−3 − √3, 1) ≈ (−4.73, 1)
Vertices (ℎ + 𝑎, 𝑘) (−1,1)
(ℎ − 𝑎, 𝑘) (−5, 1 )
Covertices (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑏) (−3, 2)
(ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑏) (−3 ,0)
Length of Major 2𝑎 4
Axis
Length of Minor 2𝑏 2
Axis
Eccentricity c √𝟑
a 2

13
 (𝒙+𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟏)𝟐
Figure 3.14. Graph of
𝟒
+ 𝟏
=𝟏

(2)
The following are the steps in transforming the equation of an ellipse to its standard
form.
𝟗𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏𝟔𝒚𝟐 − 𝟏𝟐𝟔𝒙 + 𝟔𝟒𝒚 = 𝟕𝟏
(𝟗𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟐𝟔𝒙) + (𝟏𝟔𝒚𝟐 + 𝟔𝟒𝒚) = 𝟕𝟏 Group all x and y terms.
𝟗(𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟒𝒙) + 𝟏𝟔(𝒚𝟐 + 𝟒𝒚) = −𝟗 Factor out the greatest
common factor in the x
and y terms.
𝟗(𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟒𝒙 + 𝟒𝟗) + 𝟏𝟔(𝒚𝟐 + 𝟒𝒚 + 𝟒) = −𝟗 + 𝟒𝟒𝟏 + 𝟔𝟒 Complete the square on
x, and then add 9(49) =
441 to the right side of
the equation.
Complete the square on
y, and then add 16(4) =
64 to the right side of the
equation.
𝟗 (𝒙 − 𝟕)𝟐 + 𝟏𝟔(𝒚 + 𝟐)𝟐 = 𝟓𝟕𝟔 Factor the left side of the
equation by expressing
each of the x and y
terms as a square of a
binomial. Simplify the
right side of the
equation.
𝟐 Divide both side of the
𝟗(𝒙 − 𝟕)𝟐 𝟏𝟔(𝒚 + 𝟐) 𝟓𝟕𝟔
+ = equation by 576 to
𝟓𝟕𝟔 𝟓𝟕𝟔 𝟓𝟕𝟔
express the equation in
(𝒙−𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚−𝒌)𝟐
the form + = 𝟏.
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐
𝟐 Simplify.
(𝒙−𝟕)𝟐 (𝒚+𝟐)
+ =𝟏 9
= ,
1 16
=
1
, and
𝟔𝟒 𝟑𝟔 576 64 576 36
576
= 1.
576

𝟐
(𝒙−𝟕)𝟐 (𝒚+𝟐)
• Therefore, the standard form of the given ellipse is + = 𝟏.
𝟔𝟒 𝟑𝟔

14
 • Since the 𝑥-part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is horizontal and it takes the
(𝒙−𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚−𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙−𝟕)𝟐 (𝒚+𝟐)𝟐
form + . Since + = 𝟏, then the center (𝒉, 𝒌) is (𝟕, −𝟐).
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝟔𝟒 𝟑𝟔
• To identify the different parts, find the value of 𝒂, 𝒃 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄
• With 𝑎2 = 64 and 𝑏 2 = 36, we have 𝑐 = ඥ𝑎2 − 𝑏 2
2 2
𝑎 = 64 𝑏 = 36 𝑐 = √64 − 36
ඥ𝑎 = √64
2 ඥ𝑏 2 = √36 𝒄 = √𝟐𝟖 = 𝟐√𝟕 ≈ 𝟓. 𝟐𝟗
𝒂=𝟖 𝒃=𝟔
• Since 𝒉 = 𝟕, 𝒌 = −𝟐, 𝒂 = 𝟖, 𝒃 = 𝟔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒄 = 𝟐√𝟕 ≈ 𝟓. 𝟐𝟗, the table below shows
the parts of the given ellipse
(𝒙−𝟕)𝟐 (𝒚+𝟐)𝟐
Parts of the Ellipse
𝟔𝟒
+ 𝟑𝟔 = 𝟏
Equation in (𝒙 −𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝟕)𝟐 (𝒚 + 𝟐)𝟐
standard form + =𝟏 + =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝟔𝟒 𝟑𝟔
Center (ℎ, 𝑘) (7, −2)
Foci (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) (7 + 2√7, −2) ≈ (−1.27, −2)
(ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘) (7 − 2√7, −2) ≈ (−4.73, −2)
Vertices (ℎ + 𝑎, 𝑘) (15, −2)
(ℎ − 𝑎, 𝑘) (−1, −2 )
Covertices (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑏) (7, 4)
(ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑏) (7 , −8)
Length of Major 2𝑎 16
Axis
Length of Minor 2𝑏 12
Axis
Eccentricity c √𝟕
a 4

Labels
Center (𝐶)
Foci (𝐹1 , 𝐹2 )
Vertices (𝑉1 , 𝑉2 )
Covertices (𝑊1 , 𝑊2 )

(𝒙−𝟕)𝟐 (𝒚+𝟐)𝟐
Figure 3.15. Graph of
𝟔𝟒
+ 𝟑𝟔
=𝟏

15
More Example
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.
(Hint: Find the value of 𝒉, 𝒌, 𝒂, 𝒃 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄 to determine the equation of the ellipse.)

Solution:
• By plotting the foci of the given ellipse, it is vertically aligned.

• The given are Foci: (−3, −6), (−3, 2) and the length of the major axis is 14.

• Note that the sum of any points on the ellipse from the foci is equal to the
length of the major axis. (The length of the major axis is 2𝑎.)
To find a:

We have 𝟐𝒂 = 𝟏𝟒. Then, 𝒂 = 𝟕.

To find Center (h, k):
Note that the midpoint of the foci is the center (ℎ, 𝑘). The “𝑐” is the distance of one
of the foci from the center (ℎ, 𝑘).

Use the midpoint formula. 𝐹1 (−3, −6), 𝐹2 (−3, 2)

𝑥1 + 𝑥2 𝑦1 + 𝑦2 −3 − 3 −6 + 2 −6 −4
𝐶: ( , ) → 𝐶: ( , ) → 𝐶: ( , ) → 𝐶: (−3, −2)
2 2 2 2 2 2
The center of the ellipse is 𝐶: (−3, −2). Hence, 𝒉 = −𝟑 and 𝒌 = −𝟐.

To find the c:
Note that “𝑐” is the distance of one of the foci from the center (ℎ, 𝑘). You just need
to count the distances from one of the foci to the center. The distance between
𝐶: (−3, −2) and 𝐹1 (−3, −6) is 4 while 𝐶: (−3, −2) and 𝐹2 (−3, 2) is also 4.
Hence, 𝑐 = 4.

To find b:
You can rewrite this formula in terms of b 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 . To solve for b, use 𝒃 = √𝒂𝟐 − 𝒄𝟐 .
Since 𝒂 = 𝟕 and 𝒄 = 𝟒, we have
𝒃 = ඥ𝒂𝟐 − 𝒄𝟐 → 𝒃 = ඥ𝟕𝟐 − 𝟒𝟐 → 𝒃 = √𝟒𝟗 − 𝟏𝟔 → 𝒃 = √𝟑𝟑
Hence, 𝒃 = √𝟑𝟑.

Standard Equation:

Since we have found the value of ℎ, 𝑘, 𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏, we can now determine the standard
equation of the ellipse.
(𝒙−𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚−𝒌)𝟐
Since the ellipse has a vertical major axis, it takes the form + = 𝟏.
𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐
Given that 𝒉 = −𝟑, 𝒌 = −𝟐, 𝒂 = 𝟕 and 𝒃 = √𝟑𝟑, we have

16
 (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌 )𝟐
+ =𝟏
𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐
(𝒙 − (−𝟑))𝟐 (𝒚 − (−𝟐))𝟐
𝟐 + =𝟏
(√𝟑𝟑) 𝟕𝟐

(𝒙 + 𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚 + 𝟐)𝟐
+ =𝟏
𝟑𝟑 𝟒𝟗
(𝒙+𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚+𝟐)𝟐
Therefore, the equation is + = 𝟏.
𝟑𝟑 𝟒𝟗

Practice Exercises/Activity

ACTIVITY 2: True or False

Direction: Write T if the statement is true and F for False.
1. The foci always lie on the minor axis.
2. All circles are ellipse.
3. All ellipses are circle.
4. The eccentricity of ellipse is less than 0.
5. For a vertical ellipse, the length of the major axis is lesser than minor axis.

ACTIVITY 3:
Direction: Determine the center, vertices, covertices, foci, length of major and minor axis,
and the eccentricity of the ellipse given its equation. Sketch the graphs.
𝑥2 𝑦2
1. + 25 = 1
169
𝑥2 𝑦2
2. + 16 = 1
4

Tip: You can use mobile friendly graphing apps for you to check if your sketches are
correct. Such graphing apps are Geogebra, Desmos, MathLab, Algeo, MathAlly and
many more.

17
ACTIVITY 4:

Direction: Determine the center, vertices, covertices, foci, length of major and minor axis,
and the eccentricity of the ellipse given its equation. Sketch the graphs.
(𝑥+3)2 (𝑦−2)2
1. + =1
16 9
(𝑥−3)2 (𝑦+2)2
2. + =1
4 10

TIP: Enrich your knowledge in the standard form of the equation of the ellipse and its
eccentricity. You can visit these links.
• https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/ellipse.html
• https://www.khanacademy.org/math/precalculus/x9e81a4f98389efdf:conics/x9e81a4f9
8389efdf:ellipse-center-radii/v/conic-sections-intro-to-ellipses
• https://courses.lumenlearning.com/waymakercollegealgebra/chapter/equations-of-
ellipses/
• https://www.mathwarehouse.com/ellipse/equation-of-ellipse.php
• https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/eccentricity.html
• https://www.mathopenref.com/ellipseeccentricity.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dld-MP4djsU
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgWj6dCD9kY
(Last Accessed on 30 August 2020)

ACTIVITY 5:
Direction: Rewrite the
(All Websites weregeneral form into
last accessed the
on 30 standard
July 2020) form of the ellipse. Determine the
different parts of the ellipse. Sketch the graph.
1. 5𝑥2 + 4𝑦 2 − 20𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 76 = 0
2. 4𝑥2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 − 35 = 0

ACTIVITY 6:
Instruction: Find the standard equation of the ellipse which satisfies the given conditions.
1. Foci (-7, 6) and (-1, 6); the sum of the distances of any point on the ellipse from
the foci is 14.
2. Vertices (2 + √61, −5) and (2 − √61, −5); Length of minor axis is 12 units.
3. Vertices (−10, −4) and (6, −4); Covertices (−2, −9) and (−2, 1)

Something to Think of: What mathematical skills and background knowledge did you use
to transform the general form of the equation of an ellipse to its standard form?
TIP: Enrich your knowledge about parabola. You can visit the following links.
• https://www.purplemath.com/modules/sqrellps.htm
• https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_intermediate-algebra/s11-03-ellipses.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQOiW_7MTCk
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxxRHmcbRS0
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yuQyVNPMV0
(All Websites were last accessed on 30 August 2020)
18
 Engage (What I Learned/Generalizations)

This activity will enable you to reflect about the topic and activities you underwent.
Reflect on the activities you have done by wring a short paragraph. Write your
answers on your journal notebook. The beginning sentences are as follows:

I learned that _____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________.

I discovered that __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________.

I was surprised that I _____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________.

I was pleased that I _______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________.

Apply (What I Can Do)

Let’s do this!

Materials: bond paper, cylindrical bottle, compass

1. A flashlight shines on a wall, as shown in the figure. What is the shape of the
boundary of the lighted area? Explain your answer.

Figure 3.16
Source:nicepng.com
(Last accessed 30 August 2020)
19
 2. Get a piece of bond paper and wrapped around a cylindrical bottle, and then
use a compass to draw a circle on the paper, as shown in the figure. When the
paper is laid flat, is the shape drawn on the paper an ellipse? Explain your
findings.

Figure 3.17.
Source:orangelutheranacademics.files.w
ordpress.com
(Last accessed 30 August 2020)

Post Test

Direction: Encircle the correct answer of the following questions. Show your solution in
a separate clean paper.

1. What is the segment where foci and vertices are located?

a. Minor Axis
b. Major Axis
c. Latus Rectum
d. Directrix
2. What are the fixed points of the ellipse where in all the points on the ellipse are
equidistant with each other?
a. Vertices
b. Foci
c. Covertices
d. Center
3. Which of the following is always true about an ellipse?
a. The major and minor axes have equal lengths.
b. The eccentricity of ellipse is less than 0.
c. The major and minor axes intersect at the foci of the ellipse.
d. The length of the major axis is greater than the length of the minor axis.

20
4. The center of an ellipse is at the origin. The vertices are at points (-4, 0) and
(4, 0) and the co-vertices are at (0, 3) and (0, -3). What is the length of its
major axis?
a. 3 units
b. 4 units
c. 6 units
d. 8 units
5. Which of the following is the standard form of the equation of an ellipse
defined by 25𝑥 2 + 16𝑦 2 − 400 = 0?
𝑥2 𝑦2
a. + 100 = 1
4
𝑥2 𝑦2
b. + 25 = 1
8
𝑥2 𝑦2
c. + 25 = 1
16
𝑥2 𝑦2
d. + 20 = 1
20
𝑥2 𝑦2
6. Which of the following is not a property of the ellipse defined by + 49 = 1?
36
a. The Center is at the origin.
b. The vertices are at points (0, 7) and (0, -7)
c. The length of the major axis is 12 units.
d. The foci are at (0, √13) and (0, −√13).
(𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−ℎ)2
7. Given the standard equation of the horizontal ellipse + = 1,
𝑎2 𝑏2
what condition it will become a circle?
a. 𝑎 > 𝑏
b. 𝑎 < 𝑏
c. 𝑎 = 𝑏
d. 𝑎 ≠ 𝑏
8. Which of the statement is not true about ellipse?
a. The foci always lie on the major axis.
b. All circles are ellipse.
c. All ellipses are circle.
d. For a vertical ellipse, the length of the major axis is greater than minor axis.
9. Find the center and vertices of the ellipse 4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 24𝑥 + 72𝑦 + 144 = 0.
a. Center: (−4, 3) and Vertices: (−7, 3), (−1, 3)
b. Center: (−3, 4) and Vertices: (−5, 4), (−1, 4)
c. Center: (3, −4) and Vertices: (1, − 4), (5, −4)
d. Center: (3, −4) and Vertices: (0, −4), (6, −4)
10. What is the equation in standard form of an ellipse that is centered at (0, 0), the
horizontal major axis has the length 10 and minor axis has length 8?
𝑥2 𝑦2
a. + 102 = 1
82
𝑥2 𝑦2
b. + 82 = 1
102
𝑥2 𝑦2
c. + 52 = 1
42
𝑥2 𝑦2
d. + 42 = 1
52

21
 (𝑥+6)2
11. What is the length of the minor axis of the ellipse with equation +
16
(𝑦−9)2
= 1?
9
a. 6 units
b. 8 units
c. 9 units
d. 16 units
(𝑥+4)2
12. What is the coordinates of the co-vertices of the ellipse with equation +
4
𝑦2
= 1?
49
a. (6, 0)𝑎𝑛𝑑 (2, 0)
b. (−6, 0)𝑎𝑛𝑑 (2, 0)
c. (−6, 0)𝑎𝑛𝑑 (−2, 0)
d. (6, 0)𝑎𝑛𝑑 (−2, 0)
𝑥2 𝑦2
13. Given + 𝑏2 = 1, what will happen if 𝑎 = 𝑏?
𝑎2
a. The graph of the given equation will not exist.
b. It will not affect the equation.
c. The graph of the given equation will become parabola.
d. The graph of the given equation will become circle.

14-15.
14. What is the equation of an ellipse with center (3, -3), vertical major axis of length 12, and
minor axis of length 6?
15. What is the graph of the ellipse in item no. 29?

22
 Reflect

1. What important concepts have you learned in this lesson?

2. What are the difficulties have you encountered in the process of learning?
3. In your future career, do you think you can apply this lesson in real life? Why or
why not?

23
 24
ACTIVITY 5 Activity 1: Circle or Not
(𝑥−2)2 (𝑦+1)2 Circle
1. + =1
20 25 1. Circle
POST TEST 𝐶: (2, −1);
2. Circle
𝑉: (2, 4), (2, −6)
1. b 3. Not Circle
𝐹: (2, −1 + √5), (2, −1 − √5) 4. Not Circle
2. b 𝐶𝑉: (2 + 2√5, −1), (2 − 2√5, −1) ACTIVITY 2
3. d 𝑀𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑠: 10 1. F
4. d 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑠: 4√5 2. T
5. c 3. F
√5
6. c 𝑒= 4. F
7. c 5
𝑥2 (𝑦−1)2 5. F
8. c 2. + =1
9 36 ACTIVITY 3
9. d 𝐶: (0, 1); 1. 𝐶: (0, 0);
10.d 𝑉: (0, 7), (0, −5) 𝑉: (0, 4), (0, −4)
11.a 𝐹: (0, 1 + 3√3), (0, 1 − 3√3) 𝐹: (0, √2), (0, √2)
12.c 𝐶𝑉: (3, 1), (−3, 1) 𝐶𝑉: (2, 0), (−2, 0)
13.d 𝑀𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑠: 12 𝑀𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑠: 26
14.d 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑠: 6 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑠: 10
15.d √3 12
𝑒= 𝑒=
2 13
ACTIVITY 6 2. 𝐶: (0, 0);
(𝑥+4)2 (𝑦−6)2 𝑉: (13, 0), (−13, 0)
1. + =1
49 40 𝐹: (12, 0), (−12, 0)
(𝑥−2)2 (𝑦+5)2
2. + =1 𝐶𝑉: (0, 5), (0, −5)
61 36
(𝑥+2)2 (𝑦+4)2 𝑀𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑠: 8
3. + =1
64 25 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑠: 4
√2
𝑒=
4
ACTIVITY 4
1. 𝐶: (−3, 2);
𝑉: (1, 2), (−7, 2)
𝐹: (−3 + √7, 2), (−3 − √7, 2)
𝐶𝑉: (−3, 5), (−3, −1)
𝑀𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑠: 8, 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑠: 6
√7
𝑒=
4
2. 𝐶: (3, − 2);
𝑉: (3, −2 + √10), (3, −2 − √10)
𝐹: (3, −2 + √6), (3, −2 − √6)
𝐶𝑉: (5, −2), (1, −2)
𝑠𝑠
√15
𝑒=
5
Answer Keys