Ellipse and Its Applications

A project report
submitted to

Department of Mathematics
Kathmandu Model Secondary School
Bagbazar, Kathmandu

Submitted by
SAKSHYAM
CHAPAGAIN
Roll no. 35(m-11)
symbol:782645

Under Supervision: Mr. Santosh Ghimire

Lecturer, KMC Bagbazar.

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 Subject Teacher’s Recommendation
The project work report entitled ‘Ellipse and its Application’ submitted
by Sakshyam Chapagain, of Kathmandu Model Secondary School,
Kathmandu, Nepal is prepared under my supervision as per the
procedure and format requirements laid by the Department of
Mathematics, Kathmandu Model Secondary School, as the partial
fulfillment of the requirements of the internal evaluation of grade XII. I,
therefore, recommend the report for evaluation.

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 Endorsement

I hereby endorse the project work report entitled ‘Ellipse and its
Application’ submitted by Sakshyam Chapagain of Kathmandu Model
Secondary School, Bagbazar, Kathmandu, Nepal in partial fulfillment of
the requirements of the MATHEMATICS subject internal evaluation of
grade XII.

Signature:
Name of Subject Teacher: Santosh Ghimire
Date:

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 Table of Contents
Declaration i
Subject Teacher’s Recommendation ii
Endorsement iii
CHAPTER I 1
Historical Background 1
OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT 2
Introduction 3
What is an Ellipse? 3
Parts of an Ellipse 3
Ellipse Formulas 4
Properties of an Ellipse 6
A Precise Method for Drawing an Ellipse 6
Standard equation of ellipse 7
Derivation 8
Converse Situation 8
Observations 9
Latus Rectum of Ellipse 10
CHAPTER II 11
Application of ellipse in practical world 11
Planetary orbits 11
3D objects formed from ellipses 12
Architecture 13

Signature:
Carpentry
Signature: 13

Name Lithotripsy
of HoD: 14
Solved problems 14
Department of Mathematics Principal
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Date:CHAPTER III Date:
Conclusion 18
Reference 18

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Abstract
This project focuses on the demonstration of the ellipse, that is very
important topic to study the motion of planets in its trajectory. The
project will even consist derivation of some key formula for
understanding the origin of that formula and the historical background of
ellipse.
All the basic information required to understand shall be mentioned.
Also the objective and scope of the study will be mentioned that will
help to have a further insight about the project that is being discussed
here.
Finally, moving to the main part we will study the variety of things
regarding ellipse. We will keep some examples and real life application
to sum up the acquired abstract knowledge into tangible gain of
information.
The later pages will have the conclusion to recall all the material that we
learnt in this project and the references through which the project was
possible.

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CHAPTER I
Historical Background
The ellipse was first studied by Menaechmus. Euclid wrote about the
ellipse and it was given its present name by Apollonius.
The focus and directrix of an ellipse were considered by Pappus.

Kepler, in 1602, said he believed that the orbit of Mars was oval, then he
later discovered that it was an ellipse with the sun at one focus. In
fact Kepler introduced the word "focus" and published his discovery
in 1609. The eccentricity of the planetary orbits is small (i.e. they are
close to circles). The eccentricity of Mars is 1 /11 and of the Earth is 1 /60.

In 1705 Halley showed that the comet, which is now called after him,
moved in an elliptical orbit round the sun. The eccentricity of Halley's
comet is 0.9675 so it is close to a parabola (eccentricity 1).

The area of the ellipse is \pi abπab. There is no exact formula for the
length of an ellipse in elementary functions and this led to the study of
elliptic functions. Ramanujan, in 1914, gave the approximate length
\pi(3(a + b) - [(a + 3b)(3a + b)])(3(a+b)[(a+3b)(3a+b)]).

The pedal curve of an ellipse, with its focus as pedal point, is a circle.

The evolute of the ellipse with equation given above is the Lamé curve.
(ax)^{2/3} + (by)^{2/3} = (a - b)^{2/3}(ax)2/3+(by)2/3=(ab)2/3.

From a point inside the evolute (it is a closed curve) four normals can be
drawn to the ellipse but from a point outside only two normals can be
drawn.

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OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
The general motive of any mathematical theorem, axioms, principle or
law exists to reconnect the fundamental rationalities and connect them
logically so, the objective of the project is summarized to:

● Introduce ellipse

● Recognize characteristics of ellipse.

● Know the practical application of ellipse in various fields

● Solve problems involving ellipse

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 Introduction
Ellipse is a member of the conic section and has features similar to a
circle. An ellipse, unlike a circle, has an oval shape. The locus of points
is represented by an ellipse with an eccentricity less than one, and the
total of their distances from the ellipse’s two foci is a constant value.

The shape of an egg in two dimensions, the running track in a sports

stadium, orbit of planet Pluto with sun at one of the foci are some
examples of the ellipse in practical world. Here, we’ll learn about the
ellipse, parts of an ellipse, and more.

What is an Ellipse?
In mathematics, an ellipse is a set of points in
a plane whose distance from a fixed point has
a constant ratio of ‘e’ to the distance from a
fixed line (less than 1). The ellipse is a portion
of the conic segment, which is the point where
a cone meets a plane that does not cross the
base of the cone. The focus is designated by S,
the constant ratio ‘e’ is known as the
eccentricity, and the fixed-line is known as the
directrix (d) of the ellipse.

Parts of an Ellipse
Let’s go through a few keywords related to the various sections of an
ellipse.

1. Focus: F(c, o), and F’ are the coordinates of the ellipse’s two foci (-c, 0).
As a result, the distance between the foci is equal to 2c.
2. Centre: The ellipse’s centre is in the middle of the line connecting the
two foci.

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3. Major Axis: The length of
the ellipse’s central axis is
2a units, and the end
vertices of this significant
axis are (a, 0), (-a, 0).
4. Minor Axis: The length of
the ellipse’s minor axis is
2b units, and the minor
axis’ end vertices are (0, b)
and (0, -b), respectively.
5. Latus Rectum: The latus
rectum is a line that runs perpendicular to the ellipse’s transverse axis
and passes through the ellipse’s foci. 2b2/a is the length of the ellipse’s
latus rectum.
6. Transverse Axis: The transverse axis is the line that connects the two
foci and the ellipse’s centre.
7. Conjugate Axis: The conjugate axis is a line that passes through the
ellipse’s centre and is perpendicular to the transverse axis.

Ellipse Formulas
The shape ellipse is connected with a variety of formulas. The perimeter,
area, equation, and other vital characteristics can be calculated using
these ellipse formulas.

● The Perimeter of Ellipse Formulas

The perimeter of an ellipse is the whole length of its boundary and is

measured in cm, m, ft, yd, and other units. The perimeter of an ellipse
can be approximated using the following general formulas:

P (a + b)
2
P [ 2 ((a +b2 ]

P [ (3/2)(a+b) – (ab) ]
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 where,

a = semi-major axis length

b = semi-minor axis length

● Area of Ellipse Formula

An ellipse area is classified as the whole area or region covered by the

elliptical in two dimensions, and it is measured in sq. units. Given the
lengths of the central and minor axes, the area of an ellipse can be
determined using a general formula. The ellipse formula of an area is as
follows:

Area of ellipse = π a b

where,

a is equal to semi-major axis length

b is equal to semi-minor axis length

● The eccentricity of an Ellipse Formula

The ratio of the distance of the focus from the centre of the ellipse to the
distance of one end of the ellipse from the centre of the ellipse is the
eccentricity of an ellipse.

e=[ 1-b2/a2]
● Latus Rectum of Ellipse Formula

The latus rectum of an ellipse is a line drawn perpendicular to the

ellipse’s transverse axis and going through the ellipse’s foci. The ellipse
calculator for the latus rectum is:

L = 2b2/a

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 Properties of an Ellipse
Many characteristics distinguish an ellipse from other comparable
shapes. These are the properties of an ellipse:

1. An ellipse is formed when a plane intersects a cone at its base angle.

2. There are two foci or focal points in every ellipse. The distances
between any point on the ellipse and the two focus points add a constant
value.
3. All ellipses have a centre and a major and minor axis.
4. All ellipses have an eccentricity value of less than one.

Standard equation of ellipse

When the center of the ellipse is at the origin and the foci are on the x-
axis or y-axis, then the equation of the ellipse is the simplest. Here are
two such possible orientations:

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Of these, let’s derive the equation for the ellipse shown in Fig.5 (a) with
the foci on the x-axis. Let F1 and F2 be the foci and O be the mid-point
of the line F1F2. Also, let O be the origin and the line from O through
F2 be the positive x-axis and that through F1 as the negative x-axis.

Further, let the line drawn through O perpendicular to the x-axis be the
y-axis. Let the coordinates of F1 be (– c, 0) and F2 be (c, 0) as shown in
Fig.5 (a) above.

Derivation
Now, we take a point P(x, y) on the ellipse such that, PF1 + PF2 = 2a

By the distance formula

,2 we have,
+ y2 } + {(x – c) 2
+ y2
2} = 2a
+ y2 } = 2a – {(x – c) 2
+ y 2}

Further, let’s square both sides. Hence, we have

(x + c)2 + y2 = 4a2 2
+ y2} + (x – c)2 + y2

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 2
Simplifying the equation, we get {(x – c) + y 2} = a –
x(c/a)
We square both sides again and simplify it further to get,
x2/a2 + y2/(a2 – c2) = 1

We know that c2 = a2 – b2. Therefore, we have x2/a2 + y2/b2 = 1

Therefore, we can say that any point on the ellipse satisfies the equation:

x2/a2 + y2/b2 = 1….(1)

Converse Situation
Let’s look at the converse situation now. If P(x, y) satisfies equation (1)
with 0 < c < a, then y2 = b2 (1 –( x2 /a2))

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Therefore, PF1 + y2
}
2
+ b2(1-(x2/a2))}

Simplifying the equation and replacing b2 with a2 – c2, we get PF1 = a +

x(c/a)
Using similar calculations for PF2, we get PF2 = a – x(c/a)
Hence, PF1 + PF2 = {a + x(c/a)} + {a – x(c/a)} = 2a.

Therefore, any point that satisfies equation (1), i.e. x2/a2 + y2/b2 = 1, lies
on the ellipse. Also, the equation of an ellipse with the center of the
origin and major axis along the x-axis is:

x2/a2 + y2/b2 = 1.

Note: Solving the equation (1), we get

x2/a2 = 1 – y2/b2

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Therefore, x2 2

. So, – a x a. Hence, we can say that the ellipse lies between the

x2/b2 + y2/a2 = 1.

Hence the Standard Equations of Ellipses are:

● x2/a2 + y2/b2 = 1.
● x2/b2 + y2/a2 = 1.

Observations

● An ellipse is symmetric to both the coordinate axes. In simple words,

if (m, n) is a point on the ellipse, then (- m, n), (m, – n) and (- m, – n)
also fall on it.
● The foci always lie on the major axis.
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o If the coefficient of x has a larger denominator, then the major
axis is along the x-axis.
o If the coefficient of y2 has a larger denominator, then the major
axis is along the y-axis.

Latus Rectum of Ellipse

Latus rectum of an ellipse is a line
segment perpendicular to the major axis
through any of the foci and whose
endpoints lie on the ellipse as shown
below.
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Let’s find the length of the latus rectum of the ellipse x 2/a2 + y2/b2 = 1
shown above. Let the length of AF2 be l. Therefore, the coordinates of A
are (c, l).

∴ x2/a2 + y2/b2 = c2/a2 + l2/b2 = 1

Now, in ‘eccentricity’ we learned that e = c/a or c = ae. Substituting the

values, we get

(ae)2/a2 + l2/b2 = 1
Or, e2 + 2
(l /b ) 2
= 1
∴ l2 = b2(1 – e2)

Now, we know that e = c/a

∴ e = c /a = (a – b )/a … (from the relationship between a, b, and c) =
2 2 2 2 2 2

1 – b2/a2

Hence, we have
l = b (1 – e ) = b (1 – {1 – b /a }) = b (1 – 1 + b /a ) = b4/a2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Or, l = b2/a

Since the ellipse is symmetric to the y-axis,

AF2 = F2B

So, the length of the latus rectum is = 2b2/a.

CHAPTER II
Application of ellipse in practical world
The shape of the ellipse and its properties make it useful in several areas.
For example, ellipses are used in architecture to design buildings and
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rooms, in carpentry to design tables and shelf pieces. Ellipses even have
their application in the Kepler orbits of planets and satellites. Few are
listed below.

Planetary orbits
The orbits of the planets follow an
elliptical path. Kepler’s first law of
planetary motion says: The path of
each planet is an ellipse with the sun
at one focus.

This means that the different

parameters and the different formulas
of the ellipses can be used to perform calculations on the trajectory of
planets or satellites. This is very useful in astronomy and aerospace
engineering.

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3D objects formed from ellipses
Ellipses can form different shapes and three-dimensional objects when
rotated. For example, if we rotate an ellipse with respect to its major
axis, we get a football.

It is also possible to form elliptical shapes of food. This results in a

refined touch for meals that could be simple. For example, cutting

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carrots, cucumbers, or other similar foods at an angle to their main axis,
results in elliptical slices.

Architecture
Various elliptical shapes can be used in architecture to enhance building
design and produce unique properties. An example of this is the National
Statuary Hall in the United States. This building is elliptical and has a
very interesting acoustic phenomenon.

John Quincy Adams was the one who

discovered this phenomenon. He placed
his desk at a focal point of the elliptical
ceiling and this allowed him to hear
private conversations from other members
of the representative house who were
located near the other focal point.

Rooms or buildings that have acoustic properties are called whispering

galleries. These rooms have a special construction that allows
conversations to be heard at a specific point, even in a low voice, that
take place at any other point of the building.

This propert

y stems from the design of the roof and the shape of the walls. The
sound waves that start from a point are reflected when they encounter an
obstacle, so in an elliptical ceiling, the sounds produced in one of the
foci are reflected in another of the foci of the ellipse.

Carpentry
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Elliptical shapes can enhance the design of various pieces of woodwork
such as tables, shelving parts, and bookcases. Additionally, the reflective
property of ellipses is useful in elliptical pool tables. As the name
implies, the elliptical pool tables is shaped like an ellipse.

When you hit the ball so that it passes through one focus, it will reflect
off the ellipse and go into the hole that is located at the other focus.

Lithotripsy
In order to eliminate kidney stones,
doctors use a device called a
lithotripter, a tool that uses ultra-high-
frequency shock waves that move
through water to break up the stones.
After x-raying the patient, the doctor
will position the lithotripter so that the
shock waves reflecting off the inner surface of the elliptically-shaped
reflector will meet in the spot of the stone and break it up. This device
incorporates the useful reflective properties of the ellipse, using the
source of shock wave and the location in the human of the kidney stone
as the two foci.

The study of ellipse has helped researchers a lot to study the trajectory of
the planets around the sun. Let us take some examples for better
understanding:

Solved problems
Example: Pluto moves in an elliptical orbit with the sun at one of the
foci. The length of half of the major axis is 3.67*10^9 miles and the
eccentricity is 0.249. Find the smallest distance (perihelion) and the
greatest distance (aphelion) of Pluto from the centre of the sun.

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Solution:-

We are given;

Length of half of the major axis (a) = 3.67*10^9

Eccentricity (e) = 0.249

Smallest distance, perihelion (a-ae) =?

Greatest distance, aphelion (a+ae) =?

Now,

Perihelion= a-ae

= 3.67*10^9 – (3.67*10^9)*0.249

= 2.75617*10^9

Aphelion= a+ae

= 3.67*10^9 + (3.67*10^9)*0.249

= 4.58383*10^9

Hence, the smallest distance (perihelion) is 2.75617*10^9 miles and the

greatest distance (aphelion) is 4.58383*10^9 miles of Pluto from the
centre of the sun.

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CHAPTER III
Conclusion
With the help of this project, we are able to conclude:
Study of elliptical shape is very important because many natural
phenomenon include the involvement of elliptical shape, so to
understand these phenomenon study of ellipse important. Ellipse has
even been used in medical field for treatment without surgery which is
really easy and effective way. We can use the concept of ellipse to
enhance the design of buildings. We can use the formula of ellipse for
the calculation of trajectory planets and express them in mathematical
form which makes the study of those motions much more easier.
Similarly, ellipse can be used in various fields. Hence, study of Ellipse
has been important to us.

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Reference
❖ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellipse

❖ https://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-0516/ijsrp-p5328

❖ https://mathworld.wolfram.com/Ellipse

❖ https://www.cuemath.com/geometry/ellipse/

❖ Foundation of Mathematics grade-XII

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