Conics: Circles, Parabolas, Ellipses, and Hyperbolas

shelovesmath.com/precal/conics

This section covers:

Conics (circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas) involves a set of curves that are formed by intersecting a plane and a double-
napped right cone (probably too much information!). But in case you are interested, there are four curves that can be formed, and all are
used in applications of math and science:

In the Conics section, we will talk about each type of curve, how to recognize and graph them, and then go over some common
applications (sorry – another way of saying “word problems”).

Always draw pictures first when working with Conics problems!

Table of Conics
Before we go into depth with each conic, here are the Conic Section Equations. Note that you may want to go through the rest of this
section before coming back to this table, since it may be a little overwhelming at this point!

CONIC Circle Parabola Ellipse Hyperbola

Center: (h,k) Center: (h,k)
Center: (h,k) Vertex: (h,k)
a>b a2 before negative sign

HORIZONTAL (x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2 x=14p(y−k)2+h (x−h)2a2+(y−k)2b2=1 (x−h)2a2−(y−k)2b2=1

Asymptotes:
or
y−k=±ba(x−h)
x−h=14p(y−k)2

or

4p(x−h)=(y−k)2

Ex
am
ple
(p
osi
tiv
e
co
eff.
)

VERTICAL No Change y=14p(x−h)2+k (y−k)2a2+(x−h)2b2=1 (y−k)2a2−(x−h)2b2=1

Asymptotes:
or
y−k=±ab(x−h)
y−k=14p(x−h)2

or

4p(y−k)=(x−h)2

Exa
mpl
e
(po
sitiv
e
coe
ff.)

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 CONIC Circle Parabola Ellipse Hyperbola
Center: (h,k) Center: (h,k)
Center: (h,k) Vertex: (h,k)
a>b a2 before negative sign

Other To get y: Focal length:p c2=a2−b2 c2=a2+b2

Information y=±r2−(x−h)2−−−−−−−−−−−√+k Focal Width: 4p Length of Major Axis: 2a Length of Transverse

Axis: 2a
Negative Coefficients: Flip Length of Minor Axis: 2b
parabola Length of Conjugate
Axis: 2b

Note: The standard form (general equation) for any conic section is:

Ax2+Bxy+Cy2+Dx+Ey+F=0,whereA,B,C,D,E,F are constants

It actually turns out that if:

B2−4AC<0, if a conic exists, it is a circle or ellipse

B2−4AC=0, if a conic exists, it is a parabola

<

B2−4AC>0, if a conic exists, it is a hyperbola

Note: We can also write equations for circles, ellipses, and hyperbolas in terms of cos and sin, and other trigonometric functions using
Parametric Equations; there are examples of these in the Introduction to Parametric Equations section.

Circles
You’ve probably studied Circles in Geometry class, or even earlier.

Circles are defined as a set of points that are equidistant (the same distance) from a certain point; this distance is called the radius of a
circle.

Here is the equation for a circle, where r is the radius: Center (0,0):x2+y2=r2Center (h,k):(x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2.

If we were to solve for y in terms of x (for example, to put in the graphing calculator), we’d get:
Center (0,0):y=±r2−x2−−−−−−√Center (h,k):y=±r2−(x−h)2−−−−−−−−−−−√+k .

Here are graphs of sample circles, with their domains and ranges:

Circle with Center (0,0) Circle with Center (h,k)

Domain: [−3,7] Range: [−8,2]

Domain: [−2,2] Range: [−2,2]

Sometimes we have to complete the square to get the equation for a circle. We learned how to complete the square with quadratics
here in the Factoring and Completing the Square Section. Note that, after completing the square, we may not necessarily get a circle
if the coefficients of x2 and y2 are not both positive 1, as we’ll see later.

Here are some examples:

Completing the Square Circle Problem

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Completing the Square Circle Problem

Find the center and radius of the following circle:

x2+y2+8y−9=0

x2+y2+8yx2+(y2+8y+–––)x2+(y2+8y+(4)2–––––)x2+(y+4–)2=9=9+–––=9+(4)2––––=52

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Completing the Square Circle Problem

Find the center and radius of the following circle:

x2+y2−6x−12y−55=0

x2−6x+y2−12y(x2−6x+–––)+(y2−12y+–––)(x2−6x+(3)2––––)+(y2−12y+(6)2–––––)(x−3–)2+(y−6–)2(x−3)2+(y−6)2(x−3)2+(y−6)2=55=55+–––

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 Completing the Square Circle Problem

Complete the square and graph:

x2+y2−4x+2y+5=0

x2−4x+y2+2y(x2−4x+–––)+(y2+2y+–––)(x2−4x+(2)2––––)+(y2+2y+(1)2––––)(x−2–)2+(y+1–)2(x−2)2+(y+1)2=−5=−5+–––=−5+(2)2+(1)2––––

Writing Equations of Circles

Sometimes you will have to come up with the equations of circle, or tangents of circles.

Problem:

Write the equation of the line that is tangent to the circle (x−3)2+(y+2)2=61 at the point (−2,−8).

Solution:

A line tangent to a circle means that it touches the circle at one point on the outside of the circle, at a radius that is perpendicular to that
line:

For this problem, since we only have one point on the tangent line (−2,−8), we’ll have to get the slope of the line of the
line to get its equation. Remember here in the Coordinate System and Graphing Lines that perpendicular lines have
slopes that are opposite reciprocals of each other.

Let’s draw a picture, and then get the solution:

Circle with Tangent Line Solution

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 Circle with Tangent Line Solution

We can get the slope of the line that connects the center of the circle (3,−2) and the point on the
tangent line (−2,8), and then take the negative or opposite reciprocal to get the slope of the tangent
line.
The slope of the line that contains (3,−2) and (−2,8) is y2−y1x2−x1=−8−(−2)−2−(3)=−6−5=65. So, the
slope of the tangent line is −56.

Using this slope and point (–2,–8), we can use either the slope-intercept or point-slope method to get the
equation; let’s use the slope-intercept:

yb=−56x+b;−8=−56(−2)+b=−8−106=−293

The equation of the tangent line is y=−56x−293.

Here’s another type of problem you might see:

Problem:

The lines y=43x−53 and y=−43x−133 each contain diameters of a circle, and the point (−5,0) is also on that circle. Find the equation of
this circle.

Solution:

If two lines are both diameters of the same circle, where they intersect must be the center of the circle. In this case, it was easier to
draw a picture to see that this is true:

Now we can get the center of the circle by finding the intersection of the two lines. Since we have another point, too, we
can get the equation of the circle:

Circle Graph Solution

We can get the intersection of the diameters by using substitution and setting the y’s of the
equations equal:
43x−5383xy=43(−1)−53=−43x−133=−83;x=−1=−3

Now we know the center of the circle is (−1,−3), so the circle is in the form: (x+1)2+(y+3)2=r2.

To get the radius of the circle, we can use the Distance Formula
(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√ to get the distance between the center and the
given point : (−1−(−5))2+(−3−0)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=25−−√=5.

The equation of circle is (x+1)2+(y+3)2=25.

Applications of Circles
Problem:

A pizza delivery area can be represented by a circle, and extends to the points (0,18) and (−6,8) (these points are on the
diameter of this circle). Write an equation for the circle that models this delivery area.

Solution:

If we draw a picture, we’ll see that we’ll have to use both the Distance Formula and Midpoint Formula from the
Coordinate System and Graphing Lines section.

Let’s draw a picture, and then get the solution:

Circle Graph Solution

We first plotted the two points that form a diameter of the circle that represents the pizza delivery area: (0,18)
and (−6,8).
Since the center of a circle is midpoint between any two points of the diameter, we can use the Midpoint
Theorem (x1+x22,y1+y22) to get the center of the circle: (0+−62,18+82)=(−3,13).

To get the radius of the circle, we can use the Distance Formula
(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√ to get the distance between the center and one of the points;
let’s pick (0,18): (0−(−3))2+(18−13)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=34−−√.

The equation of circle is (x+3)2+(y−13)2=34.

Parabolas
Let’s revisit parabolas (a type of quadratic), but go into a little more depth here.

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We studied Parabolas in the Introduction to Quadratics section, but we only looked at “vertical” parabolas (that either go up or
down); a parabola with negative coefficient faces down (“cup down”).

We remember that a parabola is in the form y=a(x−h)2+k, where (h,k) is the vertex and x=h is the axis of symmetry or line of
symmetry (LOS); this is a vertical parabola. Note that this can also be written y−k=a(x−h)2 or b(y−k)=(x−h)2+k, where b=1a.
The line of symmetry (LOS) is a line that divides the parabola into two parts that are mirror images of each other.

Parabolas can also be in the form x=a(y−k)2+h, where (h,k) is the vertex, and y=k is the LOS; this is a horizontal parabola. In these
cases, parabolas with a negative coefficient faces left.

Technically, a parabola is the set of points that are equidistant from a line (called the directrix) and another point not on that line (called
the focus, or focal point). For vertical (up and down) parabolas, the directrix is a horizontal line (“y=”), and for horizontal (sideways),
the directrix is a vertical line (“x=”).

If p is the distance from the vertex to the focus point(called the focal length), it is also the distance from the vertex to the directrix.
This makes the distance from the focus to the directrix is 2p. Note that the focus is always “inside” the parabola on the line of symmetry,
and the directrix is “outside” the parabola.

Also note that the line perpendicular to the line of symmetry (and thus parallel to the directrix) that connects the focus to the sides of
the parabola is called the latus chord, latus rectum, focal width, focal diameter, focal chord or focal rectum; the length of
this chord is 4p.

This is cool! To draw the parabola, if you know p, you can just go out 2p on either side of the focus to get more points!

Here is a vertical parabola with center (0,0):

If the vertex is at the origin (0,0), the equation of a vertical parabola is y=ax2, and
a=14p; if you do the algebra, it follows that that p=14a.

For example, if p=4(length of focus to vertex), the equation of the parabola would be
y=14(4)x2=116x2.

Here are the four different “directions” of parabolas and the generalized equations for each.
It looks complicated, but it’s really not that bad; just remember to draw the parabolas,
and you’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly.

Also remember that the “h” always goes with the “x” and the “k” always goes with the “y”.

Vertical Parabola Horizontal Parabola

Positive Coefficient Positive Coefficient

At (0,0):y=ax2 At (0,0):x=ay2

y=a(x−h)2+k or y−k=a(x−h)2 x=a(y−k)2+h or x−h=a(y−k)2

y=14p(x−h)2+k or y−k=14p(x−h)2 x=14p(y−k)2+h or

x−h=14p(y−k)2
or
or
4p(y−k)=(x−h)2
4p(x−h)=(y−k)2
Vertex: (h,k) Axis of Symmetry: x=h
Vertex: (h,k) Axis of
Symmetry: y=k

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 Vertical Parabola Horizontal Parabola

Negative Coefficient Negative Coefficient

At (0,0):y=−ax2 At (0,0):x=−ay2

y=−a(x−h)2+k or y−k=−a(x−h)2 x=−a(y−k)2+h or

x−h=−a(y−k)2
y=−14p(x−h)2+k or y−k=−14p(x−h)2
x=−14p(y−k)2+h or
or x−h=−14p(y−k)2

−4p(y−k)=(x−h)2 or
Vertex: (h,k) Axis of Symmetry: x=h −4p(x−h)=(y−k)2

Vertex: (h,k) Axis of

Symmetry: y=k

Note that sometimes (as in the problem below) we have to complete the square to get the equation in parabolic form; we did this here
in the Solving Quadratics by Factoring and Completing the Square Section.

Let’s do some problems!

Problem:

Identify the vertex, axis of symmetry, focus, equation of the directrix, and domain and range for the following parabolas, then
graph the parabola: (a) y−4=2(x−3)2 (b) y2−4y+2x−8=0. (This is in standard or general form).

Solution:

It’s typically easier to graph the parabola first, and then answer the questions.

Parabola Graph Solution

y−4=116(x−3)2 We see the equation is in the form y−k=14p(x−h)2, where

p is the focal length. Thus, the vertex is (3,4), and the
axis/line of symmetry(LOS) is x=3.
Since 4p=16, the focal length is 4.Since the focus point is
“inside” the parabola, it is up 4 from (3,4), so it is (3,8). The
directrix is “outside” the parabola the same distance away
from the vertex, so it is at y=0.

To complete the graph, we can use the fact that the latus
chord (line perpendicular to the LOS through the focus to
either side of the parabola) is 4p, so we can go over 2p
(8) from each side of the focus to get points on the
parabola. (We could also plug random points in the
equation for x to get y).

Domain: (−∞,∞) Range: [4,∞)

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 Parabola Graph Solution

y2−4y+2x−8=0
Since we have an x and y2, let’s try to put the standard
x−4x−4−12(2)2––––––x−6=−12(y2−4y)=−12(y2−4y+(2)2––––)=−.5(y−2)2 equation in the form x−h=(–)14p(y−k)2, where p is the focal
length.

When we solve for x (getting x and a constant on one side),

we’ll see that we need to complete the square so we can
get the equation in parabola form. We get x−6=−.5(y−2)2.

We can see from the equation of a parabola that it is a

“horizontal” parabola that opens up to the left with
vertex (6,2) and axis/line of symmetry (LOS) y=2.

Since 4p=2, the focal length is 12. Since the focus point is
“inside” the parabola, it is to the left 12 from (6,2), so it is
(5.5,2). The directrix is “outside” the parabola the same
distance away from the vertex, so it is x=6.5.

To complete the graph, we can use the fact that the latus
chord (line perpendicular to the LOS through the focus to
either side of the parabola) is 4p, so we can go over 2p (1)
Domain: (−∞,6] Range: (−∞,∞) from each side of the focus to get points on the parabola.
(We could also plug random points in the equation for x to
get y).

Writing Equations of Parabolas

Here are some problems where we need to find equations of parabolas, given certain conditions.

Parabola Graph Problem Solution

Write the equation of a parabola

with a vertex of (−2,4)and focus It’s best to first plot the points, so we can see the direction of the parabola. We can see that it’s
point (0,4) a horizontal parabola that opens up to the right, since the focus is inside the graph.

Graph: We know that the parabola is in the form x−h=14p(y−k)2, where p is focal length.

Since the focal length (length from the vertex to the focus) is 2, and the vertex is (−2,4), we have
x−(−2)=14(2)(y−4)2, or x+2=18(y−4)2. You can also write the parabola as x=18(y−4)2−2 or
8(x+2)=(y−4)2.

Domain: [−2,∞) Range: (−∞,∞)

Write the equation of the parabola
with a focus of (−2,4) and
a directrix of y=9
Graph:
It’s best to first plot the points, so we can see the direction of the parabola. We can see that it’s
a vertical parabola that opens down, since the since the directrix is horizontal and the focus is
below it.
We know that the parabola is in the form y−h=−14p(x−k)2, where p is focal length.
Since the length from the focus to the directrix is 5(9−4), and the vertex is exactly in between the
focus and directrix, the focal length (length from the vertex to the focus) is 52=2.5. The vertex is
(−2,6.5).

We have y−6.5=−14(2.5)(x−(−2))2, or y−6.5=−110(x+2)2. This is also y=−110(x+2)2+6.5 or

10(y−6.5)=−(x+2)2.

Domain: (−∞,∞)
Range: (−∞,6.5)

Here are more problems where we need to find an equation for a parabola; the second one is really tricky!

Parabola Graph Problem Solution

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 Parabola Graph Problem Solution

Write the equation of the parabola
with a vertex of (−3,−3), contains the
point (1,−4), and opens vertically
Graph:
It’s best to first plot the points, so we can that the parabola opens down.
Since we know the vertex, we have y+3=−14p(x+3)2.
Put in the other point to get −4+3=−14p(1+3)2;p=4:
The equation for the parabola is y+3=−116(x+3)2.

Write the equation of the parabola
with a focus of (−2,−7) that opens to
the right, parabola contains the point
(6,−1)
Graph:
We know that the equation for a parabola that opens up to the right is x−h=14p(y−k)2, where
p is the focal point. By drawing the parabola, we can see that the vertex will be p units to the left
of the focus, (−2,−7), so the vertex will be at (−2−p,−7). From this, we know that h=−2−p and
k=−7.
We can now plug in the point (6,−1) for x and y, and (−2−p,−7) for (h,k), and solve for p:
6−(−2−p)=14p((−1)−(−7))24p(8+p)=62;32p+4p2=36p2+8p−9=0;(p+9)(p−1)=0p=−9 ,1

Since p=1, the vertex is at (−2−1,−7), or (−3,−7). The equation for the parabola is
x+3=14(y+7)2.

Applications of Parabolas
The main application of parabolas, like ellipses and hyperbolas, are their reflective properties (lines parallel to the axis of symmetry
reflect to the focus). They are very useful in real-world applications like telescopes, headlights, flashlights, and so on.

Problem:

The equation 132x2 models cross sections of parabolic mirrors that are used for solar energy. There is a heating tube located at the focus
of each parabola; how high is this tube located above the vertex of its parabola?

Solution:

For problems like these, unless otherwise noted, just assume the vertex of the parabola is
at (0,0). Since we know that the equation of a parabola is y=ax2, where a=14p and p=14a, then
for 132x2, we have 132=14p. We can either cross multiply or just do mental math to see that
p=8. The heating tube needs to be located 8 units above the vertex of the parabola.

Problem:

A searchlight has a parabolic reflector (has a cross section that forms a “bowl”). The parabolic
“bowl” is 16 inches wide from rim to rim and 12 inches deep. The filament of the light bulb is
located at the focus. (a) What is the equation of the parabola used for the reflector?
(b) How far from the vertex is the filament of the light bulb?

Solution:

Let’s graph this particular parabola, again putting the vertex at (0,0).

Graph of Parabola Solution

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 Graph of Parabola Solution

(a) Since the vertex is at (0,0), we can put the parabola in the form y=ax2, where a=14p, and p is focal
length.

It’s best to draw the parabola, and since the diameter of the bowl is 16 and the height is 12, we know that
the point (8,12) is on the graph (we have to divide the diameter by 2, since that is the distance all the way
across).

We can find a, using the equation y=ax2, where x=8 and y=12. So 12=a(8)2, and we see that
a=1264=.1875. The equation of the parabola then is y=.1875x2.

(b) To find how far the filament is, we need to find the focus. Since p=14a, we have p=14(.1875)=1.75=43.
Therefore, the distance from the vertex to the filament (focus) is 43 inch.

Problem:

The cables of the middle part of a suspension bridge are in the form of a parabola, and the towers supporting the cable
are 600 feet apart and 100 feet high. What is the height of the cable at a point 150 feet from the center of
the bridge?

Solution:

Let’s draw a picture of the bridge, and place the middle of the cable (vertex) at the point (0,0).

Graph of Parabola Solution

We know the distance between the towers is 600 feet and they are 100 feet tall. Therefore, we can place
a point at (300,100) at the top of a tower (since the bridge is symmetrical).
The problem asks for the height of the parabola 150 feet from the center, so we need the y value when
the x value is 150.

We can get the equation of the parabola with y=ax2, and plug in the point (300,100) to get the a value:
100=a(300)2; a=10090000=1900. The equation of the parabola then is y=1900x2.

To find the y value when x=150, plug in x: y=1900(150)2=25. Therefore, the height of the cable 150 feet
from the center of the bridge is 25 feet.

Ellipses
An ellipse sort of looks like an oval or a football, and is the set of points whose distances from two fixed points (called the foci) inside the
ellipse is constant: d1+d2=2a. The distance 2a is called the constant sum or focal constant, and a is the distance between the center of
the ellipse to a vertex (you usually don’t have to worry about the d1 and d2); thus, the constant sum is the distance between the vertices.
Can you see this in the drawing? (lay the two distances down flat)

a (the length of the center to the vertices) is always bigger than b (the length of the
center to the co-vertices).

The equation of a horizontal ellipse that is centered on the origin (0,0) is

x2a2+y2b2=1 (what’s under the x is larger than what’s under the y). The equation of
a transformed horizontal ellipse with center (h,k) is (x−h)2a2+(y−k)2b2=1. For
vertical ellipses, see the table below.

The length of the longest axis (called the major axis) is always 2a, and this is along
the x-axis for a horizontal ellipse. Again, the distance from the center of the ellipse
to a vertex is a, so the vertices are at (±a,0).

The length of the smaller axis (called the minor axis or) is 2b, and this is along the y-axis for a horizontal ellipse. Again, the distance
from the center of the ellipse to a co-vertex is b, so the co-vertices are at (0,±b).

The focuses or foci always lie inside the ellipse on the major axis, and the distance from the center to a focus is c. The foci are at (±c,0)
for this type of ellipse, and it turns out that a2−b2=c2.

Note that a circle happens when a and b are the same in an ellipse, so a circle is a special type of ellipse, but for all practical purposes,
circles are different than ellipses. Sometimes you will be asked to get the eccentricity of an ellipse ca, which is a measure of how close to
a circle the ellipse is; when it is a circle, the eccentricity is 0. Also, the area of an ellipse is πab.

Note also that the focal width (focal chord, or focal rectum) of an ellipse is 2b2a; this the distance perpendicular to the major axis
that goes through the focus.

Here are the two different “directions” of ellipses and the generalized equations for each:

Horizontal Ellipse Vertical Ellipse

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 Horizontal Ellipse Vertical Ellipse

At (0,0):x2a2+y2b2=1 At (0,0):x2b2+y2a2=1

General: (x−h)2a2+(y−k)2b2=1 General: (y−k)2a2+(x−h)2b2=1

a2−b2=c2 a2−b2=c2

Center: (h,k) Foci: (h±c,k) Center: (h,k) Foci: (h,k±c)

Vertices: (h±a,k) Co-Vertices: (h,k±b) Vertices: (h,k±a) Co-Vertices: (h±b,k)

Major Axis Length =2a

Minor Axis Length =2b

Focal Width =2b2a

You also may have to complete the square to be able to graph an ellipse, like we did here for a circle. (And since you always have to
have a “1” after the equal sign, you may have to divide all terms by the constant on the right, if it isn’t “1”).

Let’s put it all together and graph some ellipses:

Problem:

Identify the vertices, co-vertices, foci, and domain and range for the following ellipses; then graph: (a) 9x2+49y2=441 (b)
(x+3)24+(y−2)236=1.

Solution:

It’s typically easier to graph the ellipse first, and then answer the questions:

Ellipse Math/Notes

(a) 9x2+49y2=441 We first need to get our equation into the form of an ellipse by dividing all terms by 441:
9x2441+49y2441=441441, or x249+y29=1. We will use the equation (x−h)2a2+(y−k)2b2=1, since 49>9
(horizontal ellipse).
This would make a2=49, so a=7. Since the ellipse’s center is (0,0), the vertices are (−7,0) and (7,0).
b2=9, so b=3; the co-vertices are (0,−3) and (0,3).

Now let’s find the foci: c2=a2−b2=49−9=40. c=40−−√ (or 210−−√), and the foci are (±40−−√,0). These
can be difficult to graph, but just estimate 40−−√ to be close to 6.

Notice that the vertices and foci lie along the horizontal line y=0. The length of the major axis is 2a=14
Domain: [−7,7] Range: and the length of the minor axis is 2b=6.
[−3,3]

(b) (x+3)24+(y−2)236=1 We will use equation: (y−k)2a2+(x−h)2b2=1, since 36>4 (vertical ellipse). We see that the center of the
ellipse is at (−3,2), so we can first plot that point.
a2=36, so a=6. Since the center is (–3,2), the vertices are (−3,2−6) and (−3,2+6), or (−3,−4) and (−3,8).
b2=4, so b=2; the co-vertices are (−3−2,2) and (−3+2,2) or (−5,2) and (−1,2).

Now let’s find the foci: c2=a2−b2=36−4=32. c=32−−√ (or 42–√), and the foci are (−3,2±32−−√). These
can be difficult to graph, but just estimate the point: for example, 2+32−−√ is about 2+5.5, or about 7.5.

Notice that the vertices and foci are along the vertical line x=−3. The length of the major axis is 2a=12
and the length of the minor axis is 2b=4.
Domain: [−5,−1]
Range: [−4,8]

Here’s one where you have to Complete the Square to be able to graph the ellipse:

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Problem:

Identify the vertices, co-vertices, foci and domain and range for the following ellipse; then graph: 4x2+y2+24x+2y=−33

Solution:

Ellipse

4x2+y2+24x+2y=−33

4x2+24x+y2+2y=−334(x2+6x)+y2+2y=−334(x2+6x+–––)+(y2+2y+–––)=−33+–––4(x2+6x+(3)2––––)+(y2+2y+(1)2––––)=−33+4(3)2+(1)2–––

(x+3)21+(y+1)24=1

Domain: [−4,−2] Range: [−3,1]

Writing Equations of Ellipses

You may be asked to write an equation from either a graph or a description of an ellipse:

Problem

Write the equation of the ellipse:

Solution:

13/21
We can see that the ellipse is 10 across (the major axis length) and 4 down (the minor axis length). So, 2a=10, and 2b=4. We can
also see that the center of the ellipse (h,k) is at (4,−3).

Since the ellipse is horizontal, we’ll use the equation (x−h)2a2+(y−k)2b2=1. Plug in our values for a,b,h,andk, and we get
(x−4)225+(y+3)24=1.

Note that we didn’t have to have the coordinates of the foci to obtain the equation of the ellipse.

Problem:

Find the equation of this ellipse, graph, and find the domain and range: Endpoints of major or minor axis at (−1,−6) and (−1,2)
and focus at (−1,−3).

Solution:

Let’s graph the points we have, and go from there.

Ellipse Math/Notes

Let’s first graph the points we have, and we can see that the ellipse is (barely!)
vertical.We know that the endpoints (–1,–6) and (–1,2) are in fact vertices, and not
co-vertices (since the focus is on the same line). The center is halfway between
the two vertices, so it is (−1,−2).
a=4, so a2=1. c=1 (distance from center to a focus), so c2=1. Since c2=a2−b2,
b2=a2−c2=16−1=15. Thus, b=15−−√, which we’ll need for the domain. Note that
the co-vertices would be (−1−15−−√,−2) and (−1+15−−√,−2).

The equation of the ellipse is (x+1)215+(y+2)216=1.

Domain: [−1−15−−√,−1+15−−√] Range: [−6,2]

Applications of Ellipses
The foci of ellipses are very useful in science for their reflective properties (sound waves, light rays and shockwaves, as examples),
and are even used in medical applications. In fact, Kepler’s first law of planetary motion states that the path of a planet’s orbit models
an ellipse with the sun at one focus, so the orbits of asteroids and other bodies are another elliptical application.

Problem:

Two girls are standing in a whispering gallery that is shaped like semi-elliptical arch. The height of the arch is 30 feet, and the width is
100 feet. How far from the center of the room should whispering dishes be placed so that the girls can whisper to each
other? (Whispering dishes are places at the foci of an ellipse).

Solution:

Ellipse Math/Notes

We’ll put the center of the arch at (0,0).

Since the width of the arch is 100 ft, a=50. The height of the arch is 30 feet, so b=30 (the height of the arch
is only half of the minor axis of the ellipse). Therefore, we know the equation of the ellipse
is x22500+y2900=1.

We need to get c, so we can find the foci, since the whispering dishes are at the foci. Since
c2=a2−b2, c2=502−302=1600, so c=40.

Each girl would stand 40 feet from the center of the room.

Problem:

An ice rink is in the shape of an ellipse, and is 150 feet long and 75 feet wide. What is the width of the rink 15 feet from a vertex?

Solution:

Ellipse Math/Notes

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 Ellipse Math/Notes

Let’s first find the equation of the ellipse, with the center at (0,0). Since the major axis is 150, and the minor axis is
75, we have a=75 and b=37.5. From this, we know the equation of the ellipse is x2752+y237.52=1, or
x25625+y21406.25=1.
Now that we have the equation, we can plug in any x value to get the y value(s) on the ellipse; since we want the width
of the ellipse 15 feet from the vertex, our x value is 75−15=60. Plugging in 60 for x, we get: 6025625+y21406.25=1;
solving for y, we get ±(1−6025625)×1406.25−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=±22.5 (take positive only). Note that we need to
take double 22.5 to get the whole width: the width of the rink 15 feet from a vertex is 45 feet.

Hyperbolas
A hyperbola sort of looks like two parabolas that point at each other, and is the set of points whose absolute value of the differences
of the distances from two fixed points (the foci) inside the hyperbola is always the same, |d1−d2|=2a.

This distance, 2a, is called the focal radii distance, focal constant, or constant difference, and it turns out that a is the distance
between the center of the hyperbola to a vertex (thus the focal radii distance, 2a, is the same as the distance between the two vertices).
Can you see this in the drawing? (lay the two distances down flat)

Note that the two parts of a hyperbola aren’t parabolas, and are called the branches of
the hyperbola.

The equation of a horizontal hyperbola (as shown below) that is centered on the
origin (0,0) is x2a2−y2b2=1. The equation of a transformed horizontal hyperbola with
center (h,k) is (x−h)2a2−(y−k)2b2=1. For vertical hyperbolas, see the table below.

The length of the axis in which the hyperbola lies (called the transverse axis) is 2a,
and this is along the x-axis for a horizontal hyperbola. Again, the distance from the
center of the hyperbola to a vertex is a,so the vertices are at (±a,0).

The length of the conjugate axis is 2b, and note that a does not have to be bigger
than b, like it does for an ellipse. (The distance from the center of the hyperbola to a co-vertex is b). Also note where the b is not on the
hyperbola; it is on what we call the central rectangle (or fundamental rectangle) of the hyperbola (whose diagonals are
asymptotes for the hyperbola). Thus, the conjugate axis is along the y-axis for a horizontal hyperbola, and the co-vertices are at
(0,±b).

The asymptotes for a horizontal hyperbola centered at (h,k) are y−k=±ba(x−h). For a more generic equation, the asymptotes for a
hyperbola centered at (h,k) are y−k=±number under the y−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√number under the x−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√(x−h)
(note that ±number under the y−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√number under the x−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√ are the slopes of the diagonals of
the central rectangle of the hyperbola) – this works for both horizontal and vertical hyperbolas!

The focuses or foci always lie inside the curves on the major axis, and the distance from the center to a focus is c. Thus, the foci are at
(±c,0) for a horizontal hyperbola (like an ellipse!), and it turns out that a2+b2=c2. (I like to remember that you always use the different
sign for this equation: since ellipses have a plus sign in the equation x2a2+y2b2=1, they have a minus sign in a2−b2=c2 ; since
hyperbolas have a minus sign in the equation x2a2−y2b2=1, they have a plus sign in a2+b2=c2.)

Sometimes you will be asked to get the eccentricity of a hyperbola ca, which is a measure of how “straight” or “stretched” the hyperbola
is.

Note also that, like for an ellipse, the focal width (focal chord, or focal rectum) of an ellipse is 2b2a; this the distance perpendicular
to the major axis that goes through the focus.

Here are the two different “directions” of hyperbolas and the generalized equations for each:

Horizontal Hyperbola Vertical Hyperbola

(x2 comes first) (y2 comes first)

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 Horizontal Hyperbola Vertical Hyperbola
(x2 comes first) (y2 comes first)

At (0,0):x2a2−y2b2=1 At (0,0):y2a2−x2b2=1:

General: (x−h)2a2−(y−k)2b2=1 General: (y−k)2a2−(x−h)2b2=1

a2+b2=c2 a2+b2=c2

Center: (h,k) Foci: (h±c,k) Center: (h,k) Foci: (h,k±c)

Vertices: (h±a,k) Co-Vertices: (h,k±b) Vertices: (h,k±a) Co-Vertices: (h±b,k)

Length of Transverse Axis: 2a Length of Transverse Axis: 2a

Length of Conjugate Axis: 2b Length of Conjugate Axis: 2b

Asymptotes: y−k=±ba(x−h) Asymptotes: y−k=±ab(x−h)

You also may have to complete the square to be able to graph an hyperbola, like we did here for a circle. (And since you always have to
have a “1” after the equal sign, you may have to divide all terms by the constant on the right, if it isn’t “1”). Remember, for the conic to be a
hyperbola, the coefficients of the x2 and y2 must have different signs.

Let’s put it all together and graph some hyperbolas:

Problem:

Identify the center, vertices, foci, and equations of the asymptotes for the following hyperbolas; then graph: (a)
9x2−16y2−144=0 (b) (y+3)24−(x−2)236=1.

Solution:

It’s typically easier to graph the hyperbola first, and then answer the questions.

Hyperbola Math/Notes

(a) 9x2−16y2−144=0, which is x216−y29=1
We first need to get our equation into the form of hyperbola by adding 144 to both
sides, and then dividing all terms by 144: 9x2144−16y2144=144144, or x216−y29=1.
We will use the equation (x−h)2a2−(y−k)2b2=1, since the x comes first (horizontal).
This would make a2=16, so a=4. Since the hyperbola’s center is (0,0), the vertices are
(−4,0) and (4,0). b2=9, so b=3. Thus, the co-vertices are (0,−3) and (0,3). Now we can
construct our central rectangle; we use a and bto create it.

Now let’s find the foci: c2=a2+b2=9+16=25. Thus, c=5 and the foci are (±5,0).

The equation of the asymptotes (which go through the corners of the central rectangle)
are y−k=±b (rise)a (run)(x−h), or y=±34x.(Remember to use the square root of what’s
under the y for the numerator of the slope, and the square of what’s under the x for the
denominator.)

Domain: (−∞,−4]∪[4,∞) Range: (−∞,∞)

Notice that the vertices and foci lie are along

the horizontal line y=0, and the length of the
transverse axis is 2a=8. The length of the
conjugate axis is 2b=6.

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 Hyperbola Math/Notes

(b) (y+3)24−(x−2)236=1 We will use equation: (y−k)2a2−(x−h)2b2=1, since the y comes first (vertical). We see
that the center of the hyperbola is at (2,–3), so we can first plot that point.
a2=4, so a=2. Since the center is (2,–3), the vertices are (2,–3–2) and (2,–3+2), or
(2,−5) and (2,−1). b2=36, so b=6. Thus, the co-vertices are (2−6,−3) and (2+6,−3) or
(−4,−3) and (8,−3).

Now let’s find the foci: c2=a2+b2=4+36=40. Thus, c=40−−√ (or 210−−√), and the foci
are (2,−3±40−−√).

The equation of the asymptotes (which go through the corners of the central
rectangle) are y−k=±a (rise)b (run)(x−h), or y+3=±26(x−2) or y+3=±13(x−2).
(Remember to use the square root of what’s under the y for the numerator of the slope,
and the square of what’s under the x for the denominator.)

Domain: (−∞,∞) Range: (−∞,−5]∪[−1,∞)

Notice that the vertices and foci are along the

vertical line x=2, and the length of the
transverse axis is 2a=4. The length of the
conjugate axis is 2b=12.

Here’s one where you have to Complete the Square to be able to graph the hyperbola:

Problem:

Identify the center, vertices, foci, and equations of the asymptotes for the following hyperbola; then graph:
49y2−25x2+98y−100x+1174=0.

Solution:

Hyperbola

49y2−25x2+98y−100x+1174=0

49y2+98y−25x2−100x=−117449(y2+2y)−25(x2+4x)=−117449(y2+2y+–––)−25(x2+4x+–––)=−1174+–––49(y2+2y+(1)2––––)−25(x2+4x+(2)2–

(x+2)249−(y+1)225=1

Domain: (−∞,−9]∪[5,∞) Range: (−∞,∞)

Writing Equations of Hyperbolas

You may be asked to write an equation from either a graph or a description of a hyperbola:

Hyperbola Math/Notes

17/21
 Hyperbola Math/Notes

Write the equation of the We can see that the center of the hyperbola is (2,−5), the transverse axis length (2a) is 6, and
hyperbola: the conjugate axis length (2b) is also 6. Thus, a=3, and b=3.
Since the hyperbola is horizontal, we’ll use the equation (x−h)2a2−(y−k)2b2=1. Plug in our
values, and we get (x−2)29−(y+5)29=1.

Problem:

Find the equation of the hyperbola where the difference of the focal radii is 6, and the endpoints of the conjugate axis are
(−2,8) and (−2,−2).

Solution:

We probably don’t even need to graph this hyperbola, since we’re basically given what a and bare. Remember that the difference of the
focal radii is 2a, so a=3.

Since the endpoints of the conjugate axis are along a vertical line, we know that the hyperbola is horizontal, and the co-vertices are
(−2,8) and (−2,−2). From this information, we can get the center (midpoint between the co-vertices), which is (−2,3) and the length of the
minor axis (2b), which is 10. So b=5. (Draw the points first if it’s difficult to see).
The equation of the ellipse then is (x+2)29−(y−3)225=1.

Problem:

Find the equation of the hyperbola where one of the vertices is at (−3,2), and the asymptotes are y−2=±23(x−3).

Solution:

Let’s try to graph this one, since it’s hard to tell what we know about it!

Hyperbola Math/Notes

We can see from the equation of the asymptotes that the center of the hyperbola is (3,2). Graph this center and
also graph the vertex that is given to see that the hyperbola is horizontal.
We can see that a (difference between center and vertex) is 6. So far then we have:

(x−3)262−(y−2)2b2=1

We also see from the asymptotes equation that their slope is ±23. We actually don’t even need to draw them, since
we know in our case, since it’s a horizontal hyperbola, we’ll have y−2=±b (rise)6 (run)(x−3) (rise is the square root
of what’s under the y; run is the square root of what’s under the x) from the equation of the hyperbola above.

Now we can set up a proportion for the asymptote slopes: b6=23; by cross multiplying, we get b=4.

The equation of the hyperbola is: (x−3)262−(y−2)242=1, or (x−3)236−(y−2)216=1.

Applications of Hyperbolas
Like ellipses, the foci of hyperbolas are very useful in science for their reflective properties, and hyperbolic properties are often used
in telescopes. They are also used to model paths of moving objects, such as alpha particles passing the nuclei of atoms, or a spacecraft
moving past the moon to the planet Venus.

Problem:

A comet’s path (as it approaches the sun) can be modeled by one branch of the hyperbola y21096−x241334=1, where the sun is at the
focus of that part of the hyperbola. Each unit of the coordinate system is 1 million miles. (a) Find the coordinates of the sun (assuming it is
at the focus with non-negative coordinates). Round to the nearest hundredth. (b) How close does the comet come to the sun?

Solution:

Again, it’s typically easier to graph the hyperbola first, and then answer the questions.

Hyperbola Math/Notes

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 Hyperbola Math/Notes

We’ll put the center of the hyperbola at (0,0), and only work with the positive branch. The hyperbola is
vertical since the y2 comes before the x2. a2=1096 and b2=41334.
(a) Since the sun is at a focus, we can use the equation c2=a2+b2 and take the positive value of c, which
is 1096+41334−−−−−−−−−−−√≈205.99. The coordinates of the sun is (0,205.99), where each unit is in
millions of miles.

(b) The closest the comet gets the sun as when the comet is at the vertex, which is (0,a), or (0,33.11). The
closest the comet gets to the sun is about 206−33=173 million miles.

Problem:

Two buildings in a shopping complex are shaped like a branches of the hyperbola 729x2−1024y2−746496=0, where x and y are in feet.
How far apart are the buildings at their closest part?

Solution:

Try this one without drawing it, since we know that the closest points of a hyperbola are where the vertices are, and the buildings would be
2a feet apart.

By doing a little algebra (adding 746496 to both sides and then dividing all terms by 746496) we see that the equation in hyperbolic
form is x21024−y2729=1. So a=1024−−−−√=32. The building are 32 x 2 = 64 feet apart at their closest part.

Problem:

Two radar sites are tracking an airplane that is flying on a hyperbolic path. The first radar site is located at (0,0), and shows the airplane to
be 200 meters away at a certain time. The second radar site, located 160 miles east of the first, shows the airplane to be 100 meters away
at this same time. Find the coordinates of all possible points where the airplane could be located. (Find the equation of the hyperbola
where the plane could be located).

Solution:

Draw a picture first and remember that the constant difference for a hyperbola is always 2a. The plane’s path is actually on one branch
of the hyperbola; let’s create a horizontal hyperbola, so we’ll use the equation (x−h)2a2−(y−k)2b2=1:

Hyperbola Math/Notes

We know that the distance from the “leftmost” focus to the plane (hyperbola) is 200 meters, and the
distance from the “rightmost” focus to the plane (hyperbola) is 100 meters.
This is actually the “constant difference” of the hyperbola, which is 2a. 200−100=2a, or a=50. Thus,
a2=2500. We also know that 2c (distance between foci) =160, so c=80.

Since c2=a2+b2, we can obtain b2:b2=c2−a2=802−502=3900.

In the model, the center of the hyperbola is at (80,0), so the path of the airplane follows the
hyperbola(x−80)22500−y23900=1 .

Problem:

Alpha particles are deflected along hyperbolic paths when they are directed towards the nuclei of gold atoms. If an alpha particle gets as
close as 10 units to the nucleus along a hyperbolic path with asymptote y=25x, what is the equation of its path?

Solution:

Draw a picture first and make the nucleus the center of the hyperbola at (0,0).

Hyperbola Math/Notes

We can put the nucleus at (0,0), and the asymptotes at y=±25x.

From the drawing, we see that the closest the hyperbolic alpha particle gets to the nucleus is at (0,a); thus a=10.

Now we have to figure out what b is; we need to use the equation of the asymptote to do this. We do know that
ba=25 (formula of asymptotes for horizontal hyperbola), and that a=10. By cross multiplying with b10=25, we get b=4.

Therefore the path of the alpha particle follows the hyperbola .x2100−y216=1

Problem:

When flying faster than the speed of light, an airplane that flies parallel to the ground forms sound waves in the shape of a cone behind it.
The waves intersect the ground in the shape of a hyperbola, with the airplane directly above the center of this hyperbola.

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If you hear a sonic boom along the hyperbola x2100−y24=1, what is the shortest horizontal distance you could be to the airplane?

Solution:

Draw a picture first and make the plane directly over the point (0,0).

Hyperbola Math/Notes

x2a2−y2b2=1:x2100−y24=1 The x-y axis can be the surface of the ground, with the plane at (0,0). The waves of the sonic boom
make rings that create a hyperbola intersecting the ground behind the plane.
An observer who hears the sonic boom must be standing on the hyperbola; the closest distance to the
plane would be a vertex of the hyperbola; this would be 10 feet away (“a” miles).

Identifying the Conic

Sometimes you are given an equation or a description of a conic, and asked to identify the conic. Remember these rules:

x2 with other y’s (and maybe x’s), or y2 with other x’s (and maybe y’s): parabola

x2 and y2 with same coefficients and + sign (right-hand side positive): circle

x2 and y2 with same coefficients and – sign (right-hand side positive): hyperbola

x2 and y2 with different coefficients and + sign (right-hand side positive): ellipse

x2 and y2 with different coefficients and – sign (right-hand side positive): hyperbola

Here are some examples; I always find it’s easier to work/graph these on graph paper to see what’s going on:

Identify the Solution

Conic

Identify these (a) Get all variables on one side: 4x2+16y2=64. Since the coefficients of x2 and y2 are different, but we have a +
conics: sign, it’s an ellipse. (We would end up with x216+y24=1.)
(a) 16y2=−4x2+64 (b) The coefficients of x2 and y2 are the same, but we have a − sign between them, it’s a hyperbola. (We would
end up with x29−y29=1.)
(b) 6x2−6y2=54
(c) Since the coefficients of x2 and y2 are the same, we have a circle. We’d have to complete the square to get it
(c) in (x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2 form.
x2+y2=−4x−y+4
(d) Since we have x2 with other y2’s and x2’s, we have a parabola. We’d have to complete the square to get it
(d) x2−2y=x+3 into y=a(x−h)2+k (horizontal) form.

(e) (e) Get all variables on one side: y2+4y+16x2=−20. Since the coefficients of x2 and y2 are different, but we have
y2+4y+16x2+20=0 a + sign, it appears to be an ellipse. But after completing the square and dividing by 16, we see we’ll have a
−1 on the right-hand side. Thus, it’s none of the conics we’ve studied. (We would end up with x2+(y+2)216=−1.)

For the following, write the equation of the conic, using the given information:

Conic Solution

Ellipse with foci The focal constant is the same as the constant sum, and is defined as 2a for an ellipse (so
(0,−213−−√),(0,213−−√), and focal a=13). Since the foci are “up and down”, we know it’s a vertical ellipse, so we have
constant 26 x2b2+y2132=1.
To get b, we can use c2=a2−b2, and we know that c2=(213−−√)2=52. b2=a2−c2=132−52=117.

The equation of the ellipse is x2117+y2132=1, or x2117+y2169=1.

The equations of the asymptotes are
y=±3(x+6)−2, and the length of the
horizontal conjugate axis is 10
The length of the horizontal conjugate axis is 2b for a hyperbola, and for this problem,
2b=10, so b=5. Since the conjugate axis is horizontal, we know we have a vertical hyperbola.
We know the center of the hyperbola is (−6,−2) from the asymptotes. Thus, we have
(y+2)2a2−(x+6)252=1. To get a, we can use the equation of the asymptotes: we know that
ab(what’s under the y over what’s under the x) =3. a5=31, or a=15.

The equation of the hyperbola is (y+2)2152−(x+6)252=1.

The set of points that are equidistant
from a fixed point (–3,5) as they are
from a fixed line x=8.
By definition, we know this is a parabola, and the focus is at (−3,5). Since the vertex is
halfway between the focus and the directrix (x=8), we know the vertex is
at (−3+82,5), or (2.5,5), and the parabola is horizontal and opens up to the left (draw it!).
We also know that p (distance from vertex to focus) is 8−2.5=5.5, so the equation is
x=−14p(y−k)2+h, or x=−122(y−5)2+2.5.

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 Conic Solution

Foci at (−2,4±5–√) and endpoints of
an axis are at (−2±3–√,4)
It’s best to graph this one! We see that it must be a vertical ellipse, since we’re talking about
foci and endpoints, and the foci are vertical. We can see that b=3–√ since that’s what’s added
and subtracted horizontally to the center of the ellipse (−2,4) (draw it!).
We have (x+2)23+(y−4)2a2=1. To get a, we can use c2=a2−b2, and we know that c2 is
(5–√)2=5. So, a2=c2+b2=5+3=8.

The equation of the ellipse is (x+2)23+(y−4)28=1.

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