Precalculus

Quarter 1 – Module 3
Ellipses

Compiled and Repackaged by:

JOE JAYSON CALETENA

Teacher II
Schools Division of the City of Batac
Precalculus – Grade 11
Compiled and Repackaged Module
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Ellipses
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Compiler and Lay-out Artist: Joe Jayson Caletena

Editors: Marilou B. Sales, EdD Alexander L. Lino, EdD Whellalyn Duldulao

Reviewers: Aubhrey Marie R. Oasay, PhD Blessilda B. Antiporda

John Ernest L. Medrano

Cover Art Artist: Clarence Manarpaac

Management Team: Joel B. Lopez, EdD, CESO V Marilou B. Sales, EdD

Annie D. Pagdilao, EdD Aubhrey Marie R. Oasay, PhD
John Rey D. Ortal, EdD

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Introductory Message

For the facilitator:

This module was collaboratively compiled, repackaged and reviewed by
educators of the Department of Education Schools Division of the City of Batac to assist
you, the teacher or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to
12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in
schooling.
Particularly, this module hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent Fun-filled learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this
also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills and the four livelihood
skills for survival – the 4As (agtagibalay, agtaraken agmula, agliwliwa), which are
considered very vital in surviving any crisis.
As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners
as they do the tasks included in the module.
For the learner:
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities
for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
The following are some directions in using this module:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not
alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
 What I Need to Know

An ellipse is one of the conic sections that you have not encountered formally
before, unlike circles and parabolas. Its shape is a bounded 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. Also, just like parabolas, ellipses have reflective properties
that have been used in the construction of certain structures.
This module will allow you to understand better ellipses and their application in
real life.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. define an ellipse (STEM_PC11AG-Ic-1);
2. determine the standard form of equation of an ellipse (STEM_PC11AG-
Ic-1); and
3. solves problems involving ellipses.

Suggested Time Frame or Duration: 4 hours

What I Know

Directions: Read each item carefully. Write the letter only of the correct answer for
each question. Use a separate sheet for your answers.

1. How many vertices does an ellipse have?

A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 4

(𝑥−1)2 (𝑦−2)2
2. What is the orientation of the graph illustrated by the equation + =
15 25
1?
A. oblique B. vertical C. horizontal D. slant

3. What do call the axis of an ellipse that contains the foci?

A. axis of symmetry C. transverse axis
B. major axis D. minor axis

1
 (𝑥−2)2
4. Determine the coordinates of the center of the ellipse with the equation +
16
𝑦2
= 1?
12
A. (0,2) B. (2,0) C. (0, −2) D. (−2,0)

5. Which of the following is the length of the major axis of the ellipse having an
(𝑥−1)2 (𝑦−1)2
equation of + = 1?
27 35
A. 2√35 units B. 6√3 units C. √35 units D. √3 units

6. Which of the following is not true with an ellipse?

A. The midpoint of the foci is the center of the ellipse.
B. The distance of the foci to the center is given by 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 .
C. The minor axis contains the foci.
D. The major axis contains the vertices.

(𝑥−3)2 (𝑦+2)2
7. Given the equation + = 1, what are the coordinates of the foci?
49 24
A. (3,2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (7,2) C. (8,2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (−2,2)
B. (2,3) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (2,7) D. (2,8) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (2, −2)

8. What is the equation of the ellipse whose center is at the origin, major axis at
the x-axis and whose lengths of minor and major axes are 8 units and 12 units
respectively?
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2
A. + 144 = 1 C. 16 + 36 = 1
64
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2
B. + 64 = 1 D. 36 + 16 = 1
144

9. What is the standard form of the ellipse with the general form 4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 −
40𝑥 + 36𝑦 + 100 = 0?
(𝑥−5)2 (𝑦+2)2 (𝑥−2)2 (𝑦+5)2
A. + =1 C. + =1
9 4 9 4
(𝑥−5)2 (𝑦+2)2 (𝑥+5)2 (𝑦−2)2
B. + =1 D. + =1
4 9 9 4

10. If the foci of an ellipse are (−4,4) and (6,4), then the coordinates of the center
of the ellipse are __________.
A. (1,4) B. (5,4) C. (9,4) D. (11,4)

11. A racetrack is in the shape of an ellipse, 100 feet long and 50 feet wide. What
is the width 10 feet from a vertex?
A. 60 ft B. 50 ft C. 50 ft D. 30 ft

(𝑥+4)2 𝑦2
12. The coordinates of the co-vertices of the ellipse with equation + 49 = 1
4
are __________.
A. (6,0),(2,0) B. (−6,0),(−2,0) C. (−6,0),(2,0) D. (6,0),(−2,0)

2
For items 13 – 15

Given: 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 9𝑦 2 − 72𝑦 + 112 = 0

13. What is the center of the ellipse?

A. (−1,4) B. (1,4) C. (4,1) D. (−4,1)

14. How far is each focus from the center?

A. √2 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 B. √3 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 C. √5 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 D. 6 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠

15. What is the length of the major axis?

A. 9 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 B. 8 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 C. 7 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 d. 6 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠

What’s New

Ellipse is one among geometrical shapes commonly used by many Filipino

architects in designing buildings, bridges etc. In fact, the famous Kaybiang Tunnel,
located in Nusugbu Batangas, is said to be elliptical in shape. It has a vertical
clearance of 4.85 meters and about a length of 300 meters. This elliptical tunnel is a
hole through Mt. Pico de Loro.
Aside from the impressive artistry that an elliptical figure can bring as a design,
it can also be used to make sounds in the air waves to bounce back on the wall. The
ceiling of Philippine Arena is shaped like an ellipse so that during events, sounds are
confined and heard inside the place with clarity.

Source: (L) www.tripadvisor.com (R) www.wikipedia.com

3
 What Is It

Definition of an Ellipse

An ellipse is a type of conic section, a shape resulting from intersecting a plane

with a cone and looking at the curve where they intersect.
Consider the points 𝐹1 (−3, 0) and 𝐹1 (−3, 0), as shown in Figure 1. What is the
sum of the distances of 𝐴(4,2.4)from F1 and from F2? How about the sum of the
distances of 𝐵(−2,3.8) and 𝐶(0, −4) from 𝐹1 and from 𝐹2 ?

𝐴𝐹1 + 𝐴𝐹2 = 7.4 + 2.6 = 10

𝐵𝐹1 + 𝐵𝐹2 = 3.8 + 6.2 = 10
𝐶𝐹1 + 𝐶𝐹2 = 5 + 5 = 10

There are other points 𝑃 such that 𝑃𝐹1 + 𝑃𝐹2 = 10. The collection of all such
points forms a shape called an ellipse.

Figure 1 Figure 2

Let 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 be two distinct points. The set of all points 𝑃, whose distances from 𝐹1
to 𝐹2 addthe
Deriving up to a certainof
Equation constant, is called an ellipse. The points 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 are called
an Ellipse
the foci of the ellipse.

4
 Given two points on the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠, 𝐹1 (−𝑐, 0) and 𝐹2 (𝑐, 0), the foci, both 𝑐 units
away from the center (0,0). See Figure 2. Let 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) be a point on the ellipse. Let the
common sum of the distances be 2𝑎 (the coefficient 2 will make computations
simpler). Thus, we have 𝑃𝐹1 + 𝑃𝐹2 = 2𝑎.

𝑃𝐹1 = 2𝑎 − 𝑃𝐹2
√(𝑥 + 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 = 2𝑎 − √(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2
𝑥 2 + 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎2 − 4𝑎√(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 2 − 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2
4𝑎√(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎2 − 4𝑐𝑥
𝑎√(𝑥 − 𝑐)2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑐𝑥
𝑎2 [𝑥 2 − 2𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 + 𝑦 2 ] = 𝑎4 − 2𝑎2 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐 2 𝑥 2
(𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 )𝑥 2 + 𝑎2 𝑦 2 = 𝑎4 − 𝑎2 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 (𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 )
𝑏 2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎2 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 𝑏 2 by letting 𝑏 = √𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 , so 𝑎 > 𝑐
𝑥2 𝑦2
+ 𝑏2 = 1 Standard Form of the Equation of an
𝑎2
Ellipse

When we let = √𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 , we assumed 𝑎 > 𝑐. To see why this is true, look
at ∆𝑃𝐹1 𝐹2 in Figure 2. By the Triangle Inequality, 𝑃𝐹1 + 𝑃𝐹2 > 𝐹1 𝐹2 , which
implies 2𝑎 > 2𝑐, so 𝑎 > 𝑐.
We collect here the features of the graph of an ellipse with a standard equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
+ 𝑏2 = 1, where 𝑎 > 𝑏. Let 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 .
𝑎2

Figure 3

1. 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟: origin (0,0)

2. 𝑓𝑜𝑐𝑖: 𝐹1 (−𝑐, 0) and 𝐹2 (𝑐, 0)
• Each focus is 𝑐 units away from the center.
• For any point on the ellipse, the sum of its distances from the foci
is 2𝑎.

5
 3. 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠: 𝑉1 (−𝑎, 0) and 𝑉2 (𝑎, 0)
• The vertices are points on the ellipse, collinear with the center and
the foci.
• If 𝑦 = 0, then 𝑥 = ±2𝑎 . Each vertex is 𝑎 units away from the
center.
• The segment 𝑉1 𝑉2 is called the 𝑚𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠. Its length is 2𝑎 . It
divides the ellipse into congruent parts.
4. 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠: 𝑊1 (0, −𝑏) and 𝑊2 (0, 𝑏)
• The segment through the center, perpendicular to the major axis,
is the 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠. It meets the ellipse at the covertices. It divides
the ellipse into two congruent parts.
• If 𝑥 = 0, then 𝑦 = ±2𝑏 . Each vertex is 𝑏 units away from the
center
• The segment 𝑊1 𝑊2 is 2𝑏 units. Since 𝑎 > 𝑏 , the major axis is
longer than the minor axis.

The following box summarizes what we have just proved about ellipses
centered at the origin.
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1 + =1
𝑎2 𝑏 2 𝑏 2 𝑎2
Equation
𝑎>𝑏>0 𝑎>𝑏>0
Vertices (±𝑎, 0) (0, ±𝑎)
Major Axis Horizontal, length 2a Vertical, length 2a
Minor Axis Vertical, length 2b Horizontal, length 2b
Foci (±𝑐, 0), 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 (0, ±𝑐), 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2

Graph

6
 The General Form of the Equation of an ellipse is defined by
𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐶𝑦 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0
where 𝐴 and 𝐶 are not equal to zero and that 𝐵 2 − 4𝐴𝐶 < 0.
If the equation is given in the general form 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐶𝑥 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0 (𝐴
and 𝐶 are nonzero), we can determine the standard form by completing the square in
both variables.

Rewrite the following general form of the equation of the

Example 1 ellipses to the Standard Form.

1. 2𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 + 16𝑥 − 90𝑦 + 239 = 0

2. 5𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 30𝑥 + 40 = 0
3. 9𝑥 2 + 25𝑦 2 − 18𝑥 + 100𝑦 − 116 = 0

Solutions:

1. 2𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 + 9𝑦 2 − 90𝑦 = −239 Rearrange the terms.

2 2
2(𝑥 + 8𝑥) + 9(𝑦 − 10𝑦) = −239 Factor out the GCF of each
group.
2 𝑥 16 = 32

2(𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 𝟏𝟔) + 9(𝑦 2 − 10𝑦 + 𝟐𝟓) = −239 + 𝟑𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐𝟓 Complete the square.

9 𝑥 25 = 225

2(𝑥 + 2)2 + 9(𝑦 − 5)2 = 18

1
[2(𝑥 + 2)2 + 9(𝑦 − 5)2 = 18] Multiply teach side of the
18
1
equation by (MPE) and
18
simplify.

(𝑥+2)2 (𝑦−5)2
+ =1 Required equation
9 2

2. 5𝑥 2 − 30𝑥 + 𝑦 2 = −40 Rearrange the terms.

5(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥) + 𝑦 2 = −40 Factor out the GCF of each
group.
5 𝑥 9 = 45

5(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 𝟗) + 𝑦 2 = −40 + 𝟒𝟓 Complete the square.

7
 1
5
[5(𝑥 − 3)2 + 𝑦2 = 5] Multiply teach side of the
1
equation by (MPE) and
5
simplify.

(𝑥−3)2 𝑦2
+ =1 Required equation
1 5

3. 9𝑥 2 − 18𝑥 + 25𝑦 2 + 100𝑦 = 116

9(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥) + 25(𝑦 2 + 4𝑦) = 116

9 𝑥 1=9

9(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 𝟏) + 25(𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 + 𝟒) = 116 + 𝟗 + 𝟏𝟎𝟎 Complete the square.

25 𝑥 4 = 100

9(𝑥 − 1)2 + 25(𝑦 + 2)2 = 225

1
225
[9(𝑥 − 1)2 + 25(𝑦 + 2)2 = 225] Multiply teach side of the
1
equation by (MPE) and
5
simplify.

(𝑥−1)2 (𝑦+2)2
25
+ 9
=1 Required equation

Identify the salient parts of the ellipses with equations:

Example 2
𝑥2 𝑦2
1. + =1
25 9
𝑥2 𝑦2
2. + =1
36 16
𝑥2 𝑦2
3. + =1
4 16
𝑥2 𝑦2
4. + =1
1 9

Solutions:
1. Step 1 : Determine the center and the orientation
The center of the ellipse is at (0,0). The
orientation of the ellipse is horizontal since the
denominator of 𝑥 2 is greater than the denominator
in 𝑦 2 .

8
Step 2 : Determine the vertices
A vertex of the ellipse is denoted by 𝑎 =
±√25 = ±5 . This means that the vertices are
located 5 units away to the right and left of the
center with coordinates (5,0) and (−5,0)
respectively.

Step 3 : Determine the major axis and its length.

The major axis is the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 because the
denominator of the fraction in 𝑥 2 is greater than
denominator in 𝑦 2 . The length of the major axis is
2𝑎 = 2(5) = 10 units.

Step 4 : Determine the covertices

A covertex the ellipse is denoted by 𝑏 =
±√9 = ±3 . This means that the covertices are
located 3 units above and below the center and with
coordinates (0,3) and (0, −3) respectively.

Step 5 : Determine the minor axis and its length

The minor axis is the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 because the
denominator of the fraction in 𝑦 2 is lesser than
denominator in 𝑥 2 . The length of the major axis is
2𝑏 = 2(3) = 6 units.

Step 6 : Locate the foci.

The foci of the ellipse, we use the formula,

𝑐 = ±√𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = ±√25 − 9 = ±4.

This means that the foci are located 4 units

away to the right and left of the center respectively
and with coordinates (4,0) and (−4,0).

Step 7 : Graph the ellipse

9
2. Step 1 : Determine the center and the orientation
The center of the ellipse is at (0,0). The
orientation of the ellipse is horizontal since the
denominator of 𝑥 2 is greater than the denominator
in 𝑦 2 .

Step 2 : Determine the vertices

A vertex of the ellipse is denoted by 𝑎 =
±√36 = ±. This means that the vertices are located
6 units away to the right and left of the center with
coordinates (6,0) and (−6,0) respectively.

Step 3 : Determine the major axis and its length.

The major axis is the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 because the
denominator of the fraction in 𝑥 2 is greater than
denominator in 𝑦 2 . The length of the major axis is
2𝑎 = 2(6) = 12 units.

Step 4 : Determine the covertices

A covertex of the ellipse is denoted by 𝑏 =
±√16 = ±4 . This means that the covertices are
located 4 units above and below the center and with
coordinates (0,4) and (0, −4) respectively.

Step 5 : Determine the minor axis and its length

The minor axis is the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 because the
denominator of the fraction in 𝑦 2 is lesser than
denominator in 𝑥 2 . The length of the minor axis is
2𝑏 = 2(4) = 8 units.

Step 6 : Locate the foci.

The foci of the ellipse, we use the formula,

𝑐 = ±√𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = ±√36 − 16 = ±2√5.

This means that the foci are located 4 units

away to the right and left of the center respectively
and with coordinates (2√5, 0) and (−2√5, 0).

10
Step 7 : Graph the ellipse

3. Step 1 : Determine the center and the orientation

The center of the ellipse is at (0,0). The
orientation of the ellipse is vertical since the
denominator of 𝑦 2 is greater than the denominator
in 𝑥 2 .

Step 2 : Determine the vertices

A vertex of the ellipse is denoted by 𝑎 =
±√16 = ±4 . This means that the vertices are
located 6 units away above and below of the center
with coordinates (0,4) and (0, −4) respectively.

Step 3 : Determine the major axis and its length.

The major axis is the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 because the
denominator of the fraction in 𝑦 2 is greater than
denominator in 𝑥 2 . The length of the major axis is
2𝑎 = 2(4) = 8 units.

Step 4 : Determine the covertices

A covertex of the ellipse is denoted by 𝑏 =
±√4 = ±2 . This means that the covertices are
located 3 units to the right and left of the center and
with coordinates (−2,0) and (2,0) respectively.

Step 5 : Determine the minor axis and its length

The minor axis is the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 because the
denominator of the fraction in 𝑥 2 is lesser than
denominator in 𝑦 2 . The length of the minor axis is
2𝑏 = 2(2) = 4 units.

11
Step 6 : Locate the foci.
The foci of the ellipse, we use the formula,

𝑐 = ±√𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = ±√16 − 4 = ±2√3.

This means that the foci are located 2√3

units away to the right and left of the center
respectively and with coordinates (0,2√3) and
(0, −2√3).

Step 7 : Graph the ellipse

4. Step 1 : Determine the center

The center of the ellipse is at (0,0). The
orientation of the ellipse is vertical since the
denominator of 𝑦 2 is greater than the denominator
in 𝑥 2 .

Step 2 : Determine the vertices

A vertex of the ellipse is denoted by 𝑎 =
±√9 = ±3. This means that the vertices are located
6 units away to the right and left of the center with
coordinates (0,3) and (0, −3) respectively.

Step 3 : Determine the major axis and its length.

The major axis is the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 because the
denominator of the fraction in 𝑦 2 is greater than
denominator in 𝑥 2 . The length of the major axis is
2𝑎 = 2(3) = 6 units.

12
Step 4 : Determine the covertices
A covertex of the ellipse is denoted by 𝑏 =
±√1 = ±1 . This means that the covertices are
located 1 unit to the right and to the left of the center
and with coordinates (1,0) and (−1,0) respectively.

Step 5 : Determine the minor axis and its length

The minor axis is the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 because the
denominator of the fraction in 𝑥 2 is lesser than
denominator in 𝑦 2 . The length of the minor axis is
2𝑏 = 2(1) = 2 units.

Step 6 : Locate the foci.

The foci of the ellipse, we use the formula,

𝑐 = ±√𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = ±√9 − 1 = ±2√2.

This means that the foci are located 4 units

away to the right and left of the center respectively
and with coordinates (0,2√2) and (0,2√2).

Step 7 : Graph the ellipse

13
More Properties of Ellipses

Some ellipses have their foci aligned vertically, and some have centers not at
the origin. Their standard equations and properties are given in the box. The
derivations are more involved, but are similar to the one above, and so are not shown
anymore.

Center Major Axis Foci Vertices Equation

(ℎ. 𝑘) Parallel to (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) (ℎ + 𝑎, 𝑘) (𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
+
the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 (ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘) (ℎ − 𝑎, 𝑘) 𝑎2 𝑏2

𝑎 > 𝑏 > 0, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2

(ℎ. 𝑘) Parallel to (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐) (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑎) (𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
+
the y−𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐) (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑎) 𝑏2 𝑎2

𝑎 > 𝑏 > 0, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2

Figure 4

Identify the salient parts of the ellipses with equations:

Example 3
(𝑥−1)2 (𝑦−1)2
1. + =1
16 4
(𝑥+2)2 (𝑦−3)2
2. + =1
25 16
(𝑥+1)2 (𝑦−4)2
3. + =1
12 16
(𝑥+3)2 (𝑦−4)2
4. + =1
7 16

14
1. Step 1 : Determine the center and the orientation
The center of the ellipse is at (1,1). The
orientation of the ellipse is horizontal since the
denominator of 𝑥 2 is greater than the denominator
in 𝑦 2 .

Step 2 : Determine the vertices

Since 𝑎2 = 16, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = ±4 , then the
vertices are located 4 units away to the right and to
the left of the center. Hence, the coordinates of the
vertices are (ℎ + 𝑎, 𝑘) → (1 + 4,1) → (5,1) and (ℎ −
𝑎, 𝑘) → (1 − 4,1) → (−3,1) respectively.

Step 3 : Determine the major axis and its length.

The major axis is parallel to the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
because the denominator of the fraction in 𝑥 2 is
greater than denominator in 𝑦 2 . The length of the
major axis is 2𝑎 = 2(4) = 8 units.

Step 4 : Determine the covertices

Since 𝑏 2 = 4, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = ±2 ,then the
covertices are located 2 units above and below
center. Hence, the coordinates of the vertices are
(ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑏) → (1,1 + 2) → (1,3) and (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑏) →
(1,1 − 2) → (1, −1) respectively.

Step 5 : Determine the minor axis and its length

The minor axis is parallel to the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
because the denominator of the fraction in 𝑦 2 is
lesser than denominator in 𝑥 2 . The length of the
major axis is 2𝑏 = 2(2) = 4 units.

Step 6 : Locate the foci.

The foci of the ellipse, we use the formula,

𝑐 = ±√𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = ±√16 − 4 = ±2√3.

This means that the foci are located 2√3

units away to the right and left of the center
respectively and with coordinates (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) → (1 +
2√3, 1) and (ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘) → (1 − 2√3, 1) respectively.

15
Step 7 : Graph the ellipse

2. Step 1 : Determine the center and the orientation

The center of the ellipse is at (−2,3). The
orientation of the ellipse is horizontal since the
denominator of 𝑥 2 is greater than the denominator
in 𝑦 2 .

Step 2 : Determine the vertices

Since 𝑎2 = 25, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = ±5 , then the
vertices are located 5 units away to the right and to
the left of the center. Hence, the coordinates of the
vertices are (ℎ + 𝑎, 𝑘) → (−2 + 5,3) → (3,3) and
(ℎ − 𝑎, 𝑘) → (−2 − 5,3) → (−7,3) respectively.

Step 3 : Determine the major axis and its length.

The major axis is parallel to the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
because the denominator of the fraction in 𝑥 2 is
greater than denominator in 𝑦 2 . The length of the
major axis is 2𝑎 = 2(5) = 10 units.

Step 4 : Determine the covertices

Since 𝑏 2 = 16, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = ±4 ,then the
covertices are located 4 units above and below
center. Hence, the coordinates of the vertices are
(ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑏) → (−2,3 + 4) → (−2,7) and (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑏) →
(−2,3 − 4) → (−2, −1) respectively.

Step 5 : Determine the minor axis and its length

The minor axis is parallel to the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
because the denominator of the fraction in 𝑦 2 is

16
 lesser than denominator in 𝑥 2 . The length of the
major axis is 2𝑏 = 2(4) = 8 units.

Step 6 : Locate the foci.

The foci of the ellipse, we use the formula,

𝑐 = ±√𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = ±√25 − 16 = ±3.

This means that the foci are located 3 units

away to the right and left of the center respectively
and with coordinates (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) → (−2 + 3,3) →
(1,3) and (ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘) → (−2 − 3,3) → (−5,3
respectively.

Step 7 : Graph the ellipse

3. Step 1 : Determine the center and the orientation

The center of the ellipse is at (−1,4). The
orientation of the ellipse is vertical since the
denominator of 𝑦 2 is greater than the denominator
in 𝑥 2 .

Step 2 : Determine the vertices

Since 𝑎2 = 16, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = ±4 , then the
vertices are located 4 units away above and below
the center. Hence, the coordinates of the vertices
are (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑎) → (−1,4 + 4) → (−1,8) and (ℎ, 𝑘 −
𝑎) → (−1,4 − 4) → (−1,0) respectively.

17
Step 3 : Determine the major axis and its length.
The major axis is parallel to the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
because the denominator of the fraction in 𝑦 2 is
greater than denominator in 𝑥 2 . The length of the
major axis is 2𝑎 = 2(4) = 8 units.

Step 4 : Determine the covertices

Since 𝑏 2 = 12, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = ±2√3 ,then the
covertices are located 2√3 units to the right and left
of the center. Hence, the coordinates of the
covertices are (ℎ − 𝑏, 𝑘) → (−1 − 2√3, 4) and (ℎ +
𝑏, 𝑘) → (−1 + 2√3, 4)

Step 5 : Determine the minor axis and its length

The minor axis is parallel to the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
because the denominator of the fraction in 𝑦 2 is
lesser than denominator in 𝑥 2 . The length of the
major axis is 2𝑏 = 2(2√3) = 4√3 units.

Step 6 : Locate the foci.

The foci of the ellipse, we use the formula,

𝑐 = ±√𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = ±√16 − 12 = ±2.

This means that the foci are located 2 units

above and below the center respectively and with
coordinates (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐) → (−1,4 + 2) → (−1,6) and
(ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐) → (−1,4 − 2) → (−1,2) respectively.

Step 7 : Graph the ellipse

18
4. Step 1 : Determine the center and the orientation
The center of the ellipse is at (−3,4). The
orientation of the ellipse is vertical since the
denominator of 𝑦 2 is greater than the denominator
in 𝑥 2 .

Step 2 : Determine the vertices

Since 𝑎2 = 16, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = ±4 , then the
vertices are located 4 units away above and below
the center. Hence, the coordinates of the vertices
are (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑎) → (−3,4 + 4) → (−3,8) and (ℎ, 𝑘 −
𝑎) → (−3,4 − 4) → (−3,0) respectively.

Step 3 : Determine the major axis and its length.

The major axis is parallel to the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
because the denominator of the fraction in 𝑦 2 is
greater than denominator in 𝑥 2 . The length of the
major axis is 2𝑎 = 2(4) = 8 units.

Step 4 : Determine the covertices

Since 𝑏 2 = 7, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = ±√7 ,then the
covertices are located √7 units to the right and left
of the center. Hence, the coordinates of the
covertices are (ℎ − 𝑏, 𝑘) → (−3 − √7, 4) and (ℎ +
𝑏, 𝑘) → (−3 + √7, 4)

Step 5 : Determine the minor axis and its length

The minor axis is parallel to the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
because the denominator of the fraction in 𝑦 2 is
lesser than denominator in 𝑥 2 . The length of the
major axis is 2𝑏 = 2(√7) = 2√7 units.

Step 6 : Locate the foci.

The foci of the ellipse, we use the formula,

𝑐 = ±√𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = ±√16 − 7 = ±3.

This means that the foci are located 3 units

above and below the center respectively and with
coordinates (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐) → (−3,4 + 3) → (−3,7) and
(ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐) → (−3,4 − 3) → (−3,1) respectively.

19
 Step 7 : Graph the ellipse

Word Problems Involving Ellipses

The foci of an ellipse are (−3,−6) and (−3, 2). For any point
Example 3 on the ellipse, the sum of its distances from the foci is 14.
Find the standard equation of the ellipse.

Solution: The midpoint (−3, −2) of the foci is the center of the
ellipse. The ellipse is vertical (because the foci are
vertically aligned) and 𝑐 = 4. From the given sum, 2𝑎 = 14
so 𝑎 = 7. Also, 𝑏 = √𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 = √33 . The equation is
(𝑥+3)2 (𝑦+2)2
+ = 1.
33 49

An ellipse has vertices (2 − √61, −5) and (2 + √61, −5),

Example 4
and its minor axis is 12 units long. Find its standard
equation and its foci.

Solution: The midpoint (−2,5) of the vertices is the center of the

ellipse, wich ia horizontal. Each vertex is √61 units away
from the center. From the length of the minor axis. 2𝑏 = 12
(𝑥−2)2 (𝑦+5)2
so 𝑏 = 6 . The standard equation is + = 1.
61 36
Each focus 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 5 units away from (2, −5), so
their coordinates are (−3, −5) and (7, −5)

20
 A tunnel has the shape of a semi-ellipse that is 15 ft high
Example 5 at the center, and 36 ft across at the base. At most how
high should a passing truck be, if it is 12 ft wide, for it to be
able to fit through the tunnel? Round off your answer to
two decimal places.

Solution:

Refer to the figure above. If we draw the semi-ellipse on a

rectangular coordinate system, with its center at the origin,
an equation of the ellipse which contains it, is
𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1
182 152

To maximize its height, the corners of the truck, as shown

in the figure, would have to just touch the ellipse. Since the
truck is 12 ft wide, let the point (6, 𝑛) be the corner of the
truck in the first quadrant, where 𝑛 > 0, is the (maximum)
height of the truck. Since this point is on the ellipse, it
should fit the equation. Thus, we have
62 𝑛2
+ =1
182 152
62
𝑛2 = 152 (1 − 2 )
15
𝑛 = 10√2 ≈ 14.14 𝑓𝑡

The orbit of a planet around a star is described by the

Example 5 𝑥2 𝑦2
equation + 630 000 = 1 , where the star is at one
640 000
focus, and all units are in millions of kilometers. The planet
is closest and farthest from the star, when it is at the
vertices. How far is the planet when it is closest to the sun?
How far is the planet when it is farthest from the sun?

Solution: The ellipse has center at the origin, and major axis on the
x-axis. Since 𝑎2 = 640 000, then 𝑎 = 800, so the vertices
are 𝑉1 (−8000,0) and 𝑉2 (−8000,0) . Since 𝑏 2 = 630 000 ,
then 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = √10 000 = 100. Suppose the star is

21
 at the focus at the right of the origin (this choice is arbitrary,
since we could have chosen instead the focus on the left).
Its location is then 𝐹(100,0). The closest distance is then
𝑉2 𝐹 = 700 (million kilometers) and the farthest distance is
𝑉1 𝐹 = 900 (million kilometers).

What I Have Learned

An ellipse is the collection of all points in the plane, the sum of whose distances
from two fixed points, called the foci, is a constant.

The General Form of the Equation of an ellipse is defined by

𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐶𝑦 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0
where 𝐴 and 𝐶 are not equal to zero and that 𝐵 2 − 4𝐴𝐶 < 0.

𝑥2 𝑦2
The standard form of an ellipse is + 𝑏2 = 1.
𝑎2

What’s More

Activity 1: Rewrite Me Please!

Direction: Rewrite the following general equations of ellipses into their corresponding
standard form.

1. 6𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 24𝑥 − 54𝑦 + 51 = 0
2. 9𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 − 18𝑥 + 16𝑦 − 11 = 0
3. 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 + 18𝑦 + 33 = 0
4. 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 + 20𝑥 − 32𝑦 − 99 = 0
5. 9𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 − 54𝑥 − 16𝑦 + 61 = 0

22
Activity 2: Want to Know My Parts?

Direction: Given the equation of the ellipse, list the coordinates of the center, vertices,
covertices and foci.
(𝑥+3)2 (𝑦−1)2
1. 16
+ 4
=1
(𝑥−3)2 (𝑦−1)2
2. 5
+ 15
=1
(𝑥−1)2 (𝑦+5)2
3. 9
+ 4
=1
2 2
4. 9𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 36𝑥 + 24𝑦 + 36 = 0
5. 𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 − 90𝑦 + 225=0
6. 9(𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 18
7. 𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 + 6x − 18y + 9 = 0
(𝑥−3)2 (𝑦+1)2
8. 4
+ 9
=1
(𝑥+4)2 (𝑦+2)2
9. 9
+ 4
=1
2 2
10. 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 8x − 6y = 5

Activity 3: Determine my Equation

Direction: Find an equation for each ellipse.

1. Center at (2, −2); vertex at (7, −2); focus at (4, −2)
2. Length of major axis:4, length of minor axis: 2, foci on y-axis, center at (0,0)
5
3. Vertices at (0,5) and (0, −5) and passing through the point (2, − 3 √5)
4. Foci at(−1, −1) and (−1,7) and the semimajor axis of length 8 units.
5. Center at the origin, symmetric with respect to the x and y-axes, focus at (4,
0), and point on graph (0, 3).

What I Can Do

Direction: Solve the following problems completely.

1. A bridge is to be built in the shape of a semielliptical arch and is to have a
span of 120 feet. The height of the arch at a distance of 40 feet from the
center is to be 8 feet. Find the height of the arch at its center.
2. A person in a whispering gallery standing at one focus of the ellipse can
whisper and be heard by a person standing at the other focus because all
the sound waves that reach the ceiling are reflected to the other person. If
a whispering gallery has a length of 120 feet, and the foci are located 30
feet from the center, find the height of the ceiling at the center.

23
 3. For an object in an elliptical orbit around the moon, the points in the orbit
that are closest to and farthest from the center of the moon are called
perilune and apolune, respectively. These are the vertices of the orbit. The
center of the moon is at one focus of the orbit. The Apollo 11 spacecraft was
placed in a lunar orbit with perilune at 68 mi and apolune at 195 mi above
the surface of the moon. Assuming that the moon is a sphere of radius 1075
mi, find an equation for the orbit of Apollo 11. (Place the coordinate axes so
that the origin is at the center of the orbit and the foci are located on the x-
axis.)

Assessment
Di
Directions: Read each item carefully. Write only the letter of the correct answer for
each question. Use a separate sheet for your answers.

1. How many vertices does an ellipse have?

A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 4

(𝑥−2)2 (𝑦−1)2
2. What is the orientation of the graph illustrated by the equation + =
25 15
1?
A. vertical B. oblique C. horizontal D. slant

3. What do call the axis of an ellipse that contains the foci?

A. axis of symmetry C. major axis
B. transverse axis D. minor axis

(𝑥+3)2
4. Determine the coordinates of the center of the ellipse with the equation +
16
(𝑦−1)2
= 1?
12
A. (1, −3) B. (−3,1) C. (3, −1) D. (3,1)

5. Which of the following is the length of the major axis of the ellipse having an
(𝑥+2)2 (𝑦+6)2
equation of + = 1?
24 16
A. 24√2 units C. 2√6 units
B. 2√16 units D. 4√6 units

24
 6. Which of the following is not true with an ellipse?
A. The midpoint of the foci is the center of the ellipse.
B. The distance of the foci to the center is given by 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 .
C. The minor axis contains the vertices.
D. The major axis contains the foci.

(𝑥+2)2 (𝑦−3)2
7. Given the equation + = 1, what are the coordinates of the foci?
24 49
A. (3,2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (7,2) C. (8, −2) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (−3,2)
B. (2,3) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (2,7) D. (−2,8) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (−2,3)

8. What is the equation of the ellipse whose center is at the origin, major axis at
the x-axis and whose lengths of minor and major axes are 10 units and 12 units
respectively?
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2
A. + 144 = 1 C. 36 + 25 = 1
100
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2
B. + 100 = 1 D. 25 + 36 = 1
144

9. What is the standard form of the ellipse with the general form 4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 −
40𝑥 + 36𝑦 + 100 = 0?
(𝑥−5)2 (𝑦+2)2 (𝑥−2)2 (𝑦+5)2
A. + =1 C. + =1
9 4 9 4
(𝑥−5)2 (𝑦+2)2 (𝑥+5)2 (𝑦−2)2
B. + =1 D. + =1
4 9 9 4

10. If the foci of an ellipse are (−8,6) and (16,6), then the coordinates of the center
of the ellipse are __________.
A. (0,6) B. (2,6) C. (4,6) D. (6,4)

11. A racetrack is in the shape of an ellipse, 120 feet long and 60 feet wide. What
is the width 20 feet from a vertex?
A. 20√2 ft B. 30√2 ft C. 40√2 ft D. 50√2 ft

(𝑥+2)2 (𝑦−4)2
12. The coordinates of the co-vertices of the ellipse with equation + =
49 16
1 are __________.
A. (-2,8), (-2,0) B. (−8,2),(−2,0) C. (2,-8),(0,-2) D. (6,0),(−2,0)

For items 13 – 15

Given: 9𝑥 2 − 54𝑥 + 9𝑦 2 − 54𝑦 + 81 = 0

13. What is the center of the ellipse?

A. (3,3) B. (−3,3) C. (3, −3) D. (−3, −3)

25
 14. How far is each focus from the center?
A. 0 units B. 1 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 C. 2 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 D. 3 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠

15. What is the length of the major axis?

A. 0 units B. 1 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 C. 2 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 D. 3 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠

Additional Activities

Performance Task

Goal : To construct an elliptical table top from a 4 ft by 8 ft sheet of

plywood

Role : Carpenter

Audience : Parents, Neighbors, Teacher, Carpenters

Situation : You are tasked by your father to construct an elliptical table top from
a 4 ft by 8 ft sheet of plywood available in your house. However, you
do not have an accurate measuring device. Instead, you father just
gave you thumbtacks and a string. You are to determine the length
of string to be used and how far apart should the tacks be located,
if the ellipse is to be the largest possible that can be cut out of the
plywood sheet.

Product : You will make a detailed plan on how you will be able to illustrate the
largest possible ellipse that can be cut from the plywood. Explain
your plan.

Illustration

26
Explanation

27
 28
1. A 6. C 11. D
1. 10.73 ft 2.30√3 ft
2. B 7. C 12. B 𝑥2 𝑦2
3. + =1
3. B 8. D 13. B 1455642 1451610
4. B 9. A 14. C
5. B 10. A 15. D
Activity 1: Rewrite Me Please! 1. A 6. C 11. A
(𝑥−2)2 (𝑦 −3)2 2. C 7. D 12. A
1. + =1
9 6 3. C 8. C 13. A
2. 4. B 9. A 14. A
(𝑥−1)2 (𝑦 +2)2 5. D 10. C 15. A
3. + =1
4 9
1 9
(𝑥− )2 (𝑦+ )2
2 2
4. + =1
4 4
5
(𝑥+ )2 (𝑦−4)2
2
5. + =1
47 47
(𝑥−3)2 (𝑦 −2)2
6. + =1 Answers may vary
4 9
Activity 2: Want to Know My Parts?
CENTER VERTICES CO-VERTICES FOCI
1. (-3,1) (1,1) and (-7,1) (-3,3) and (-3, -1) (−3 ± 2√3, 1)
2. (3,1) (3,1 ± √15) (3 ± √5, 1) (3,1 ± √10)
3. (1, -5) (4, -5) and (-2, -5) (1, -3) and (1, -7) (1 ± √5, −5)
4. (2, -3) (2, -6) and (2,0) (4, -3) and (0, -3) (2, −3 ± √5)
5. (-3,5) (-6,5) and (0,5) (-3,4) and (-3,6) (−3 ± 2√2, 5)
6. (3, -2) (3 ± √2, −2) (3, −2 ± 3√2 (3, -6), (3,2)
7. (-3,1) (-6,1) and (0,1) (-3,0) and (-3,2) (−3 ± 2√2, 1)
8. (3, -1) (3, -4) and (3,2) (5, -1) and (1, -1) (3, −1 ± √5)
9. (-4, -2) (-7, -2) and (-1, -2) (-4, -4) and (-4, 0) (−4 ± √5, −2)
10. (-1,1) (-1,-1) and (-1,3) (−1 ± √3, 1) (-1,0) and (-1,2)
Activity 3: Determine my Equation
(𝑥 −2)2 (𝑦 +2)2
1. + =1
25 21
𝑥2 𝑦2
2. + =1
1 4
𝑥2 𝑦2
3. + =1
9 25
(𝑥 +1)2 (𝑦 −3)2
4. + =1
16 32
𝑥2 𝑦2
5. + =1
25 9
Answer Key
References
Books

Bacani, Jericho. Precalculus. Quezon City: Commision on Higher Education, 2016.

Leithold, Louis. The Calculus with Analytic Geometry. New York: Harper and Rows,
Publisher, Inc., 1978.

Stewart, James. Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus.Boston: Cengage Learning,

2016.

Sullivan, Micchael. Precalculus. Boston:Pearson, 2012.

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