1.

DEFINITION
An ellipse is the locus of a point which moves in such a way that its distance from a fixed point is in
a constant ratio (less than one) to its distance from a fixed line. The fixed point is called the focus
and fixed line is called the directrix and the constant ratio is called the eccentricity of the ellipse.

2. EQUATION OF AN ELLIPSE
2.1 Standard Equation of Ellipse
Let S be the focus and ZM the directrix of the ellipse. Draw SZ  ZM. Divide SZ internally and
externally in the ratio e : 1(e < 1) and let A and A  be these internal and external points of division.
Then SA = eAZ ... (1)
and SA = eAZ ... (2)
Clearly A and A will lie on the ellipse. Let AA = 2a and take C the mid point of AA as origin.
 CA  CA  a ... (3)
Let P(x, y) by any point on the ellipse referred to CA and CB as co-ordinate axes.
Then adding (1) and (2) we get
 SA + SA  e (AZ  AZ)
 AA  e(CZ  CA  CA  CZ) (from figure)

Directrix
Directrix

(0, b) B P(x, y)
N M
Z’ C Z
x
x’ A’ S’(-ae,0) S(ae,0) A Axis
(–a, 0) (a, 0)
(0, -b) B’
Y’ x = a/e
x = –a/e

 AA  e(2CZ) ( CA  CA )

 2a = 2eCZ  CZ = a/e
 The equation of the directrix MZ is x = CZ = a/e
Subtracting (1) from (2), we get
SA  SA  e (A Z  AZ)
 (CA  CS)  (CA  CS)  e (AA)  2CS  e (AA) ( CA  CA)
 2CS = e(2a)  CS = ae
 The focus S is (CS, 0) i.e., (ae, 0)
Now draw PM  MZ
SP
 e or, (SP)2 = e2 (PM)2
PM
 2
a
 (x – ae)2 + (y – 0)2 = e2   x   (x – ae)2 + y2 = (a – ex)2
e 
 x + a e – 2aex + y = a – 2aex + e2x2  x2 (1 – e2) + y2 = a2 (1 – e2)
2 2 2 2 2

x2 y2 x2 y2
 2
 2 2
1 or 2
 2
1 , where b2 = a2 (1 – e2)
a a (1  e ) a b
This is the standard equation of an ellipse. AA and BB are called the major and minor axes of
the ellipse. Here b < a and A and A  are the vertices of the ellipse.

2.1.1 Another definition of Ellipse

PS + PS = e (PM + PN)
 2a  2a
e  { PM  PN  }
 e  e
= 2a
In other words an ellipse is locus of a point which moves in a plane so that the sum of its distances
from fixed points is constant.
Hence an ellipse can be also be defined as the locus of the point (P) which moves such that sum of
its distances from two fixed points (S and S ) is a constant (2a).

2.1.2 Various terms related with an Ellipse

x2 y2
Let the equation of the ellipse be   1, a  b
a2 b2
(i) Vertices of an ellipse : The points at which the ellipse cuts the x-axis (a, 0) & (–a, 0) are
called the vertices of the ellipse.
(ii) Major & Minor axis : The line segment AA  is called the major axis and BB is called
the minor axis. The major and minor axis taken together are called the principal axes and
their lengths will be given by 2a and 2b respectively.
(iii) Centre: The point which bisect each chord of the ellipse is called the centre ((0, 0)).
a
(iv) Directrix: ZM and ZM  are two directrices and their equations are x  and
e
a
x .
e
(v) Focus: S(–ae, 0) and S (ae, 0) are two foci of the ellipse.
(vi) Latus Rectum: The chord which passes through either focus and perpendicular to the
major axis is called a latus rectum.
Length of Latus Rectum :
2b 2
Length of Latus rectum is given by .
a
 (vii) Relation between constant a, b and e

2 2 2
a 2  b2
2
a 2  b2
b = a (1– e )  e =  e=
a2 a
Result:
x 2 y2
(i) Another form of standard equation of ellipse  1 when a < b
a 2 b2
In this case major axis is BB = 2b which is along y-axis and minor axis is AA = 2a which
is along x-axis. Foci are S(0, be) and S (0, –be) and directrices are y = b/e and y = –b/e.
x 2 y2
(ii) Focal distances: The focal distance of the point (x, y) on the ellipse 2  2  1 are a + ex
a b
and a – ex.

Drill Exercise - 1

1. If the equation of the ellipse is 9x2 + 16y2 = 144, find the lengths of the major and the minor axes,
the eccentricity, the coordinates of the foci, the vertices and the equations of the directrices.
2
2. Find the locus of the point whose distances from the point (0, 4) is of its distances from the
3
line y = 9.

3. Find the locus of the point which satisfies ( x  3) 2  y 2  ( x  3) 2  y 2  6 .

4. Find the equation of the ellipse whose axes are along the coordinate axes, vertices are (±5, 0) and
foci at (±4, 0).
5. Find the eccentricity, foci and the length of the latus-rectum of the ellipse x2 + 4y2 + 8y–2x+1= 0.

2.2 General equation of the ellipse

The general equation of an ellipse, whose focus is (h, k) , the directrix is the line ax + by + c = 0 and
the eccentricity is e is given by
e 2 (ax  by  c) 2
(x – h)2 + (y –k)2 = .
a 2  b2
Note: Condition for a second degree equation ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 in x & y to represent
an ellipse is given by
h2 – ab < 0 &  = abc + 2 fgh – af 2 – bg2 – ch2  0

2.3 Auxiliary Circle/Eccentric Angle :

A circle described on major axis as diameter is called the
auxiliary circle. Let Q be a point on the auxiliary circle x2 +
y2 = a2 such that QP produced is perpendicular to the x-
axis then P and Q are called as the Corresponding Points
on the ellipse and the auxiliary circle respectively ' ' called
 the Eccentric Angle of the point P on the ellipse ( 0    2  ) .
( PN ) b Semi min or axis
Note that   . Hence “ If from each point of a circle perpendicu-
(QN ) a Semi major axis
lars are drawn upon a fixed diameter then the locus of the points dividing these perpendiculars in a
given ratio is an ellipse of which the given circle is the auxiliary circle “.

2.4 PARAMETRIC EQUATION OF AN ELLIPSE

x 2 y2
Clearly x = a cos , y = bsin  satisfy the equation 2  2  1 for all real values of  . Moreover
a b
any point on the ellipse can be represented as (a cos , b sin ), 0    2 . Hence the parametric
x 2 y2
equations of the ellipse   1 are x = a cos  y = bsin  , where  , is the parameter..
a 2 b2

y
Q(acos, bsin)

P
 A
A’ C x
M

The point P (a cos , b sin ) is also called the point  . The angle  is called the eccentric angle
of the point P on the ellipse. Draw a circle with AA (the major axis) as a diameter. The circle is
called the auxiliary circle of the ellipse. The equation of the circle is x2 + y2 = a2. Draw QM as
perpendicular to AA cutting the ellipse at P. The x-co-ordinate of P = CM = a cos 
 y-coordinate of P is b sin 
 P  ( a cos , b sin )
Equation of the chord of the ellipse whose eccentric angles are  &  ,

x  y    

cos    sin    cos  
a  2  b  2   2 
Illustration 1:
Find the centre, the length of the axes, eccentricity and the foci of the ellipse.
12x2 + 4y2 + 24x – 16y + 25 = 0
Solution :
The given equation can be written in the form
12(x + 1)2 + 4(y –2)2 = 3

( x  1) 2 ( y  2) 2
or  =1 ...(1)
1/ 4 3/ 4
Co-ordinates of the centre of the ellipse are given by
x + 1 = 0 and y – 2 = 0
Hence centre of the ellipse is (–1, 2)
If a and b be the lengths of the semi major and semi minor axes, then a2 = 3/4, b2 = 1/4

 Length of major axis = 2b = 3 ,

Length of minor axis = 2a = 1

3 1
 b , a 
2 2
since a2 = b2 (1–e2)
 1/4 = 3/4 (1–e2)  e = 2/3

3 2 1
 be =  
2 3 2
Co-ordinates of foci are given by x + 1 = 0, y –2 =  be

 1 
Thus foci are   1, 2  
 2
Illustration 2:
The foci of an ellipse are (  2, 0) and its eccentricity is 1/2, find its equation.

Solution :
x 2 y2
Let the equation of the ellipse be 2  2  1, Then coordinates of foci are (  ae, 0).
a b

1  1
 ae = 2  a ×
2
2  e  2   a = 4
 
We have b2 = a2 (1 – e2)
 1
 b2 = 16 1    12
 4

x 2 y2
Thus, the equation of the ellipse is  1
16 12
 Drill Exercise - 2

1. Find the major axis, minor axis, centre and eccentricity of the ellipse,
4 (x – 2y + 1)2 + 9 (2x + y + 2)2 = 180.

x 2 y2
2. Find the eccentric angles of the extremities of latus rectum of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1.
a b
3. If the chord joining two points whose eccentric angles are and , cut the major axis of an ellipse
  ca
at a distance ‘c’ from the centre, show that, tan tan = .
2 2 ca

x 2 y2
4. If any two chords be drawn through two points on the major axis of the ellipse 2  2  1
a b
   
equidistance from the centre, prove that, tan tan tan tan = 1
2 2 2 2
where are the eccentric angles of the extremities of the chords.

3. POINT AND ELLIPSE

x 2 y2
Let P (x1 y1) be any point and let  1 be the equation of an ellipse.
a 2 b2
x12 y12
The point lies outside, on or inside the ellipse according as S1 =  1  0 , = 0, < 0
a 2 b2

Illustration 3:
Find the position of the point (4, – 3) relative to the ellipse 5x2 + 7y2 = 140.
Solution :
 5 (4)2 + 7 (–3)2 – 140 = 80 + 63 – 140 = 3 > 0, the point (4, –3) lies outside the ellipse
5x2 + 7y2 = 140.

4. ELLIPSE AND LINE

x 2 y2
Let the equation of an ellipse be   1 and the given line be y = mx + c.
a 2 b2
x 2 (mx  c) 2
Solving the line and ellipse, we get  =1
a2 b2
i.e., (a2m2 + b2)x2 + 2 mca2 x + a2 (c2 – b2) = 0
above equation being a quadratic in x its discriminant = 4m2 c2a4 – 4a2 (a2 m2 + b2) (c2 – b2)
= – b2 {c2 – (a2 m2 + b2)} = b2 {(a2m2 + b2) –c2}
 Hence the line intersects the ellipse in 2 distinct points if a2m2 + b2 > c2, in one point if
c2 = a2m2 + b2 and does not intersect if a2m2 + b2 < c2.
 y = mx  (a 2 m 2  b 2 ) touches the ellipse and condition for tangency is
c2 = a2m2 + b2
Moreover the line y = mx  (a 2 m 2  b 2 )

x 2 y2   a 2m  b2 

touches the ellipse a 2 b 2  1 at  , .
 2 2 
 a m  b 2
a 2m   b2 
Note: (i) x cos  + y sin  = p is a tangent if p2 = a2 cos2  + b2 sin2  .
(ii) lx + my + n = 0 is a tangent to the ellipse if n2 = a2 l2 + b2m2.

Drill Exercise - 3

1. Find the equations of the lines with equal intercepts on the axes & which touch the ellipse
x 2 y2
  1.
16 9
2. Find the equation of the tangents to the ellipse 4x2 + 3y2 = 5, which are parallel to the line y = 3x
+ 7. Also, find the point of contact.

x 2 y2 4
3. A tangent to the ellipse  1 having slope – intersects the axis of x & y in points A & B
18 32 3
respectively. If O is the origin, find the area of triangle OAB.

x2 y2
4. Find the condition for the line x cos  + y sin  = p to be a tangent to the ellipse + = 1.
a2 b2
5. For what value of  does the line y = x +  touches the ellipse 9x2 + 16y2 = 144.

4.1 EQUATION OF THE TANGENT

x2 y2 xx yy
(i) The equation of the tangent at any point (x1, y1) on the ellipse 2
 2  1 is 21  21  1
a b a b
x y
(ii) The equation of tangent at any point ‘  ’ is cos  sin  1
a b
(iii) Point of intersection of tangents to ellipse at points ‘  ’, ‘  ’ is

  
 a cos   b sin  
  2 ,  2 
    
 cos  cos   
  2   2  
4.2 EQUATION OF THE NORMAL
x 2 y2
(i) The equation of the normal at any point (x1, y1) on the ellipse  1 is
a 2 b2
a 2x b2y 2
  a  b2
x1 y1

(ii) The equation of the normal at any point ‘  ’ is ax sec  – by cosec  = a2 – b2

Illustration 4:

x 2 y2
Find the condition that the line lx + my = n may be a normal to the ellipse 2  2  1 .
a b
Solution :
ax by
Equation of normal to the given ellipse at (a cos  , bsin  ) is   a 2  b2 ... (1)
cos  sin 
If the line lx + my = n is a normal to the ellipse, then there must be a value of  for which line (1)

and line lx + my = n are identical. For that value of  , we have

l m n
  2 2
 a   b  (a  b )
   
 cos    sin  

an
 cos   ... (2)
l (a 2  b 2 )

 bn
and sin   ... (3)
m (a 2  b 2 )
Squaring and adding (3) and (4) we get

n2  a 2 b2 
1 = (a 2  b 2 )2  l 2  m2 
 
which is the required condition.

Illustration 5:
An ellipse slides between two straight lines at right angles to each other. Show that the locus of its
centre is a circle.
Solution :
Suppose the ellipse is sliding between coordinate axis. Let P be the centre of the sliding ellipse.
Now origin is always on the director circle of the sliding ellipse, hence OP, O being the origin is a
constant. Therefore locus of P is a circle with centre at O.
Illustration 6:
Find the equations of the tangents to the ellipse 3x2 + 4y2 = 12 which are perpendicular to the line
y + 2x = 4.

Solution :
Let m be the slope of the tangent, since the tangent is perpendicular to the line y + 2x = 4,
1
 m=
2

x 2 y2
2 2
Equation of the given ellipse is 3x + 4y = 12 or  1
4 3

x 2 y2
Comparing this with 2  2  1 , we get a2 = 4 and b2 = 3
a b

1 1
So the equation of the tangents are y = x  4   3
2 4
1
 y= x  2 or x – 2y  4 = 0
2

Drill Exercise - 4

1. Prove that the line joining two points on an ellipse, the difference of whose eccentric angle is
constant, touches an other ellipse.
2. Any ordinate MP of an ellipse meet the auxiliary circle in Q. Prove that the locus of the point of
intersection of the normals at P and Q is the circle x2 + y2 = (a + b)2.

x 2 y2
3. A tangent to the ellipse  = 1 at the point P, in the first quadrant, meets the coordinate axis
a 2 b2
in A & B respectively. If P divides AB in the ratio 3 : 1, find the equation of the tangent.
4. Prove that the tangents at the extremities of latusrectum of an ellipse intersect on the corresponding
directrix.

5. EQUATION OF CHORD WITH MID POINT (x1, y1)

x 2 y2
The equation of the chord of the ellipse 2  2  1 , whose mid point is (x1, y1) is given by T = S1,
a b
xx1 yy1
where T  2
  1
a b2

x12 y12
and S1    1.
a2 b2
6. CHORD OF CONTACT
x 2 y2
If PA and PB be the tangents through point P(x1, y1) to the ellipse 2  2  1,
a b
xx1 yy
then the equation of the chord of contact AB is 2
 21  1 or T = 0 at (x1, y1)
a b
Y

A
P (x1, y1)
X X
O
B

Y

7. PAIR OF TANGENTS
x 2 y2
Let P (x1, y1) be any point outside the ellipse 2  2  1, and let a pair of tangents PA, PB be
a b
drawn to it from P.
then the equation of pair of tangents of PA and PB is
x2 y2
SS1 = T , where S  2  2  1 ,
2
a b A

x 2 y2
S1    1 and
a 2 b2 P(x ,
1 y
1 )
xx1 yy1 B
T  2  1
a2 b

x 2 y2
Note: The locus of the point of intersection of the tangents to an ellipse 2  2  1 which are
a b
perpendicular to each other is called the director circle and its equation is given by
x2 + y2 = a2 + b2.

8. DIRECTOR CIRCLE :
Locus of the point of intersection of the tangents which meet at right angles is called the Director
Circle. The equation to this locus is x2 + y2 = a2 + b2 i.e. a circle whose centre is the centre of the
ellipse and whose radius is the length of the line joining the ends of the major and minor axis.

Drill Exercise - 5
x 2 y2
1. Tangents are drawn to the ellipse   1 at points where it is intersected by the line
a 2 b2
lx + my + n = 0. Find the point of intersection of tangents at these points.
 x 2 y2
2. Prove that the chord of contact of tangents drawn from the point (h, k) to the ellipse  1
a 2 b2

h2 k2 1 1
will subtend a right angle at the centre, if 4 + 4 = 2 + 2 . Also find the locus of (h, k).
a b a b

x 2 y2
3. A line intersects the ellipse   1 at P and Q and the parabola y2 = 4d (x + a) at R and S.
a 2 b2
The line segment PQ subtends a right angle at the centre of the ellipse. Find the locus of the point
of intersection of tangents to the parabola at R and S.
x 2 y2
4. Show that the equation of the tangents to the ellipse   1 at the points of intersection with
a 2 b2

 x 2 y2 
the line ax + by – 1 = 0 is  2  2  1 (a2 a2 + b2 b2 – 1) = (ax + by + 1)2
a b 

x 2 y2
5. Prove that the tangents drawn to the ellipse  = a + b at the points where it is cut by any
a b

x 2 y2
tangent to the ellipse 2  2  1 intersect at right angles.
a b

9. SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER y

x = a/e
(i) The product of the lengths of the Y
perpendicular segments from the foci on any t Y
tangent to the ellipse (at p) is b2 and the feet
1
P
Y’
of these perpendiculars Y, Y
lie on the auxiliary circle.
C G
x’ S F N S’ T x
(ii) If the normal at any point P on
the ellipse with centre C meet the g
major & minor axes in G & g
respectively, & if CF be
perpendicular upon this normal,
then y’
(a) PF. PG = b2

(b) PF.Pg = a2 (c) PG. Pg = SP . S P

(d) CG . CT = CS2
(e) locus of the mid point of Gg is another ellipse having the same eccentricity as that
of the original ellipse.
[S and S are the focii of the ellipse and T is the point where tangent at P meet the
major axis].
 (iii) The tangent & normal at a point P on the ellipse bisect the external & internal angles
between the focal distances of P. This refers to the well known reflection property of the
ellipse which states that rays from one focus are reflected through other focus & vice-
versa.
(iv) The portion of the tangent to an ellipse between the point of contact & the directrix subtends
a right angle at the corresponding focus.
(v) The circle on any focal distance as diameter touches the auxiliary circle.
(vi) If the tangent at the point P of a standard ellipse meets the axes in T and t and CY1 is the
perpendicular on it from the centre then,
(a) Tt. PY1 = a2 – b2 (b) least value of Tt is a + b.

Drill Exercise - 6

x 2 y2
1. If the normal at any point P on the ellipse 2  2 = 1 (a > b), meets the axes in G and g
a b
2 2
respectively, then prove that PG : Pg = b : a .
x 2 y2 x 2 y2
2. Find the locus of mid-points of chords of the ellipse 2   1 touching the ellipse 2  2  1 .
a b2 c d

x 2 y2
3. If the tangent at (h, k) to the ellipse   1 cuts the auxiliary circle in points whose ordinates
a 2 b2
1 1 2
are y1 and y2, show that y + y = .
1 2 k
 Answers
Drill Exercise - 1

7 16
1. 8, 6, , ( 7 , 0), (  4, 0), x =  2. 9x2 + 5y2 = 180
4 7

x 2 y2
3. line segment joining the points (3, 0) and (–3, 0) 4.  1
25 9
3
5. e= ; foci = (1 ± 3 , –1) ; length of latusrectum = 1
2
Drill Exercise - 2

1. length of major axis = 6, length of minor axis = 4, equation of major axis = 2x + y + 2 = 0, equation
5
of minor axis = x – 2y + 1 = 0; centre of the ellipse (–1, 0); e =
3
 b
2. = tan 1   
 ae 
Drill Exercise - 3

155  3 465 ,  2 465 

1. x + y – 5 = 0, x + y + 5 = 0 2. y = 3x ± ;
12  62 93 
3. 24 sq. units 4. p2 = a2 cos2  + b2 sin2 
5. = ± 5
Drill Exercise - 4
3
3. bx + a 3 y = 2ab 5. e=
2
Drill Exercise - 5

 a 2 b 2 m  x 2 y2 1 1
 
1.  n , n  2. 4
 4  2 2
  a b a b

 1 1 
3. y2 + 4d2 = 4d2 (x + 2a)2  2  2 
a b 

Drill Exercise - 6

2
 x 2 y2  c2 d2
2.  2  2   4 x 2  4 y2
a b  a b
