Conic Sections

01 02
Conic Sections General Equation of Conic

A conic is the locus of a point whose distance from a fixed point bears A second degree equation ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
a constant ratio to its distance from a fixed line. The fixed point is the represents
focus S and the fixed line is directrix l. a h g
Z (i) a pair of straight lines, if D h=
= b f 0
P g f c
M
(ii) a pair of parallel (or coincident) straight lines, if D = 0 and h2 =
ab.
directrix (iii) a pair of perpendicular straight lines, if D = 0 and a + b = 0
S (iv) a point, if D = 0 and h2 < ab
(focus) (v) a circle, if a = b ≠ 0, h2 = 0 and D ≠ 0
Z′ (vi) a parabola, if h2 = ab and D ≠ 0
The constant ratio is called the eccentricity denoted by e. (vii) a ellipse, if h2 < ab and D ≠ 0
(i) If 0 < e < 1, conic is an ellipse. (viii) a hyperbola, if h2 > ab and D ≠ 0
(ii) e = 1, conic is a parabola. (ix) a rectangular hyperbola, if h2 > ab, a + b = 0 and D ≠ 0
(iii) e > 1, conic is a hyperbola
 Circle

03 04
Equaqtion of Circle in Various Forms Equation of circle in Particular Cases

1. Centre Radius Form : Equation of circle with centre (h, k) and 1. Equation of circle with centre (h, k) & passing through origin.
2 2
radius r. ( x − h) + ( y − k ) =r2 ⇒ ( x − h) 2 + ( y − k ) 2 = h 2 + k 2
2. Diameter form : Equation of circle with a diameter end (x1, y1) and ⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 2hx − 2ky =
0
(x2, y2) are ( x − x1 )( x − x2 ) + ( y − y1 )( y − y2 ) =
0

3. General Form : x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c =0 2. Equation of circle with centre (h, k) that touches x-axis.
( x − h) 2 + ( y − k ) 2 =
k2
Centre ⇒ (− g , − f )
Radius ⇒ g 2 + f 2 − c 3. Equation circle with centre (h, k) that touches y-axis.
2 2
Above equation represent circle only if g + f − c > 0 . ( x − h) 2 + ( y − k ) 2 =
h2

• If g2 + f 2 = 0, then equation represents a point sometimes called

a degenerate circle. 4. Equation of circle with radius r and which touches both the axes,
( x ± r )2 + ( y ± r )2 =
r2.
• If g2 + f 2 < 0, then equation represents no locus. It is an
imaginary equation.

06
05 Position of Point with Respect to Circle
Parametric Equation
Let circle is given by S(x, y) = x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and point is
1. If equation of circle is x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, then its parametric (x1, y1).
1. If S(x1, y1) = 0 point, lies on the circle.
form is x + g = r cos q; y + f = r sin q: r = g 2 + f 2 − c ; q = parameter
2. S1 > 0, point lies outside the circle
2. If equation of circle is x2 + y2 = r2, then its parametric form is x = r 3. S1 < 0, point lies inside the circle.
cos q, y = r sin q, q = parameter.
 09
07
Two Circles Cases
Intercept made by Circle on Coordinate Axes
Let S = 0 and S′ = 0 be the circle with center C1 and C2 and radius r1
Let the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 intersects x-axis at A and B and and r2 respectively. Let C1C2 = d.
y-axis of C and D respectively, then :
Intersecting Circle: Disjoint Circles
1. Length of x-intercept,= AB 2 g 2 − c r1 − r2 < d < r1 + r2 Have no point in common in their
2. Length of y-intercept,=
CD 2 f 2 − c interior region and on the circles
Number of common tangents = 2
S = 0 S′ = 0 d > r1 + r2
Note Number of common tangents = 4
• Circle intersect x-axis at two distinct point only if g2 > c, g2 = c c1 c2
then circle touches x-axis. If g2 < c, then circle neither intersect nor
touches.
• If f 2 > c, then the circle intersect y-axis at two distinct points. Externally Touching Circle
If f 2 = c, then circle touches y-axis. d = r1 + r2 One Circle Contained in Other
If f 2 < c, neither touches nor intersect y-axis. Number of common tangents = 3 d > |r1 – r2|
• Touches both axes simultaneously iff g2 = f 2 = c c1 c2 Number of common tangents = 0

08 One Circle Touches Internally

Tangent to a Circle The Other
d = |r1 – r2|
• Equation of tangent at point (x1, y1) on x2 + y2 = a2 is xx1 + yy1 = a2 Number of common tangents = 1
• Condition for line y = mx + c to be tangent to circle
x2 + y2 = a2,
c2 = a2(l + m2)
 a2m a2  Note
And point at which it touch is  − , 
 c c  If the centre of both the cirles lies on the same sides of their common
Note tangent, then such a tangent is said to the direction common tangent.
• If line lx + my + c = 0 touches the fixed circle with center (h, k)
and radius r, then to find center and radius we can compare the
ly + mk + c
given relation with =r
l 2 + m2 Length of direction common tangent l = d 2 − ( r1 − r2 )
2

d 2 − ( r1 + r2 )
2
Length of indirect common tangent l =

Locus of centre of circle which is touched by two noncongruent circles

externally is always a hyperbola
 Parabola

10
STANDARD PARABOLAS

S.No. Concept y2 = 4ax(a > 0) y2 = –4ay(a > 0) x2 = 4ay(a > 0) x2 = –4ay(a > 0)

1. Graph

2. Focus (a, 0) (–a, 0) (0, a) (0, –a)

3. Directric Equation x+a=0 x-a=0 y+a=0 y-a=0

4. Vertex (0, 0) (0, 0) (0, 0) (0, 0)

5. Latus Rectum (L.R.) 4a 4a 4a 4a

6. END of L.R. (a, ± 2a) (–a, ± 2a) (± 2a, a) (± 2a, –a)

7. Axis y=0 y=0 x=0 x=0

8. Focal Distance of Point (x, y) (x + a) (a – x) (y + a) (a - y)

9. Parametric Equation x = at2, y = 2at x = at2, y = 2at x = 2at, y = at2 x = 2at, y = –at2

10. Parametric Point (at2, 2at) (–at2, 2at) (2at, at2) (2at, –at2)
11
Other Forms of a Parabola

If the vertex of the parabola is at a point A(h, k) and its latusrectum is of length 4a, then its equation is
(i) (y – k)2 = 4a(x – h), if its axis is parallel to OX i.e. parabola opens rightward.
The general equation of a parabola whose axis is parallel to X-axis, is x = ay2 + by + c and then general equation of a parabola whose axis is parallel to
Y-axis, is y = ax2 + bx + c.
Position of a Point
2
The point (x1, y1) lies outside, on or inside the parabola y2 = 4ax according as y1 − 4ax1 >, = , < 0 .

12 13
Equation of Tangent Candition of Tangency
Tangent a
The line y = mx + c touches a parabola, iff c = and the point of
Y m
 a 2a 
contact is  2 , 
y 1) m m 
,
P(x 1 Equation of Normal
A line which is perpendicular to the tangent at the point of contact
X′ X with parabola.
O
Y

)
at
,2
at 2
Normal at P

P(
Y′
Point Form X′ X
The equation of the tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax at a point (x1, y1) is O G
given by yy1 = 2a(x + x1).

Slope Form y2 = 4ax

The equation of the tangent of slope m to the parabola y2 = 4ax is Y′
a Point Form:
y mx +
=
m The equation of the normal to the parabola y2 = 4ax at a point (x1, y1)
y
is given by y − y1 =− 1 ( x − x1 )
2a
 Ellipse

14 15
2 2
x y 2 2
Horizontal Ellipse i.e., 2
+ 2= 1,(0 < b < a ) Vertical Ellipse i.e., x 2 + y2 = 1,(0 < a < b)
a b a b
If the coefficient of x2 has the larger denominator, then its major axis lies If the coefficient of x2 has the smaller denominator, then its
along the X-axis, then it is said to be horizontal ellipse. major axis lies along the Y-axis, then it is said to be vertical
Z′ Y Z ellipse.
Y
B(0, b) I
P(x, y) B
M
S′(–ae, 0) L1 S L
K
X′ X P′ N P(x, y)
K′ A′ C S N A
(–a, 0) (ae, 0) (a, 0) X′ X
A1 O
S1
B′(0, –b) L′1 L′
a a
X=– e X= e B1
I′
Y′
The condition for second degree equation ax2 + 2hxy + by2 +
2gx + 2fy + c = 0 to represent an ellipse is that h2 – ab < 0 and
D = abc + 2fgh – af2 – bg2 – ch2 ≠ 0

16
Standard Equation of the Ellipse

x2 y 2
2
1, where b2 = a2(1 – e2)
+ 2 =
a b
Since e < 1, therefore a2(1 – e2) < a2 ⇒ b2 < a2
17 18
Parametric form of the Ellipse Special form of an Ellipse
For the equation of ellipse in standard from the parametic form will be If the centre of the ellipse is at point (h, k) and the directions of
given by taking x = a cos f, y = b sin f, where f is the eccentric angle, the axes are parallel to the coordinates axes, then its equation is
x2 y 2 ( x − h) 2 ( y − k ) 2
in 2 + 2 = 1 + 1
=
a b a2 b2

19
Position of a Point with Respect to an Ellipse

x2 y 2
Let P(x1, y1) be any point and let + = 1 is the equation of
a 2 b2
an ellipse. The point lies outside, on or inside the ellipse as if

x12 y12
S1 = + − 1 > 0, = 0, < 0
a 2 b2
20
Ellipse– Basic Fundamentals

 x2 y 2 
Equation  2+ 2 = 1
a b 
For a > b For b > a
Centre (0, 0) (0, 0)
Vertices (±a, 0) (0, ±b)
Length of major axis 2a 2b
Length of minor axis 2b 2a
Foci (±a, 0) (0, ±b)
Equation of directrices x = ±a/e y = ±b/e
Relation in a, b and e b = a2(1 – e2)
2
a = b2 (1 – e2)
2

2b 2 2a 2
Length of latus rectum
a b

 b2   a2 
Ends of latus rectum  ± ae, ±   ± , ± be 
 a   b 
Parametric equations (a cos f, b sin f) (a cos f, b sin f) (0 ≤ f < 2p)
Focal radii SP = a – ex1 and S′P = a + ex1 SP = b – ey1 and S′P = b + ey1
Sum of focal radii SP + S′P= 2a 2b
Distance between foci 2ae 2be
Distance between directrices 2a/e 2b/e
Tangents at the vertices x = –a, x = a y = b, y = –b
21
Equations of Tangent in Different Forms

x2 y 2 xx yy
1. Point form: The equation of the tangent to the ellipse 2
1 at the point (x1, y1) is 21 + 21 =
+ 2 = 1
a b a b
 q+f q+f
2 2  a cos  2  b sin  2  
x y  ,  
1 is 
Note: Point of intersection of tangent at point q and f on 2 + 2 =
a b   q − f   q − f  
 cos  2  cos  2  
     
x2 y 2
2. Slope from: If the line y = mx + c touches the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 then c2 = a2m2 + b2. Hence, the straight line y =±
mx a 2 m 2 + b 2 always
represents the tangents to ellipse. a b
x2 y 2  −a 2 m b2 
Points of contact: Line y =± mx a 2 m 2 + b 2 touches the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 at  ,  where c2 = a2m2 + b2
a b  c c 
x y
3. Parametric form: The equation of tangent at any point f(a cos f, b sin f) is cos f + sin f =1 .
a b

23
x2 y2
22 Conjugate Hyperbola – + =1
a2 b2
x2 y2
Hyperbola of the Form 2 – 2 = 1 Y
a b
L′ L L1 S L
P
S1 A1 P
X′ A S X A
O l X
X′ O
L′1 l′ l L1
Y′ A1 l′
L′1 L′
S1
Y′
24 25
Definition of Hyperbola Hyperbola - Basics
A hyperbola is the particular case of
Hyperbola Fundamentals Hyperbola Conjugate Hyperbola
the conic
ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 x2 y 2 x2 y 2 x2 y 2
where, abc + 2fgh – af2 – bg2 – ch2 ≠ − 1
= − + 1
= or − −1
=
a 2 b2 a 2 b2 a 2 b2
0
i.e., D ≠ 0 and h2 > ab Centre (0, 0) (0, 0)
Length of transverse axis 2a 2b
Equations of Tangent in
Length of conjugate axis 2b 2a
Different Forms
Foci (±ae, 0) (0, ±be)
Point form: The equation of the Equation of directrices x = ±a/e y = ±b/e
tangent to the hyperbola
x2 y 2 xx yy Eccentricity
= − 2 1 at ( x1 , y1 )=
is 21 − 21 1  a 2 + b2   a 2 + b2 
2 e=   e=  
.a b a b 2 2
 a   b 
Length of latus rectum 2b 2 2a 2
Rectangular or Equilateral
Hyperbola a b

x2 y 2 Parametric co-ordinates (a sec f, b tan f), 0 ≤ f < 2p (b sec f, a tan f), 0 ≤ f < 2p
In a hyperbola + = 1 , if b
a 2 b2 Focal radii SP = ex1 – a and S′P = ex1 + a SP = ey1 – b and S′P = ey1 + b
= a , then it said to be rectangular
Difference of focal radii (S′P – SP) 2a 2b
hyperbola. The eccentricity of a Tangents at the vertices x = –a, x = a y = –b, x = b
rectangular hyperbola is always 2. Equation of the transverse axis y=0 x=0
Equation of the conjugate axis x=0 y=0
 Questions

1. Equation of a circle which passes through (3, 6) and touches the axes 6. If the vertex of the parabola is the point (–3, 0) and the directrix is the
is line x + 5 = 0, then its equation is
(a) x2 + y2 + 6x + 6y + 3 = 0 (b) x2 + y2 – 6x – 6y – 9 = 0 (a) y2 = 8(x + 3) (b) x2 = 8(y + 3)
(c) x + y – 6x – 6y + 9 = 0
2 2
(d) None of these (c) y = –8(x + 3)
2
(d) y2 = 8(x + 5)

2. Equation of the circle with centre on the y-axis and passing through 7. The equation of the ellipse whose focus is (1, –1), the directrix the
the origin and the point (2, 3) is 1
line x – y – 3 = 0 and eccentricity is
(a) x + y – 13y = 0
2 2
(b) 3x + 3y + 13x + 3 = 0
2 2
2
(c) 6x2 + 6y2 – 13 = 0 (d) x2 + y2 + 13x + 3 =0 (a) 7x2 + 2xy + 7y2 – 10x + 10y + 7 = 0
(b) 7x2 +2xy + 7y2 + 7 = 0
3. The equation of a circle with origin as centre and passing through the (c) 7x2 + 2xy + 7y2 + 10x – 10y – 7 = 0
vertices of an equilateral triangle whose median is of length 3a is (d) None
(a) x2 + y2 = 9a2 (b) x2 + y2 = 16a2
(c) x2 + y2 = 4a2 (d) x2 + y2 = a2 8. The length of the latus rectum of the ellipse 3x2 + y2 = 12 is
(a) 4 (b) 3
4. If the focus of a parabola is (0, –3) and its directrix is y = 3, then its 4
equation is (c) 8 (d)
3
(a) x2 = –12y (b) x2 = 12y
(c) y2 = –12x (d) y2 = 12x x2 y 2
9. If e is the eccentricity of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 (a < b), then
a b
5. If the parabola y2 = 4ax passes through the point (3, 2), then the length (a) b2 = a2 (1 – e2) (b) a2 = b2 (1 – e2)
of its latus rectum is (c) a2 = b2 (e2 – 1) (d) b2 = a2 (e2 – 1)
2 4
(a) (b)
3 3 10. What is the sum of the focal distances of a point of an ellipse
1 x2 y 2
+ 1?
=
(c) (d) 4 a 2 b2
3 (a) a (b) b
(c) 2a (d) 2b
 Answer Key

1. (c)

2. (a)

3. (c)

4. (a)

5. (b)

6. (a)

7. (a)

8. (d)

9. (b)

10. (c)