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ELLIPSE
for Pre Calculus
Senior High School (STEM)
Quarter 1 / Week 3

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 FOREWORD

This Self-Learning Kit (SLK) will serve as a guide in studying

the subject Area Pre-Calculus. Guided by the Most Essential
Learning Competencies (MELC), it will be used as an aid in
learning the concepts of conic sections and systems of
nonlinear equation.
Moreover, it gives focus on the knowledge,
understanding, skills , and attitudes that need to be
demonstrated in this lesson.
What happened? (Let’s Do It)
This section contains pre-activities like review of the prior
knowledge about properties of segments (including
definition, midpoint, and perpendicular segments) and
circles (including definition, radius and center).
What I Need to Know? (Discussion)
This section contains definition of an ellipse and its
characteristic, derivation of the standard form of equation
and examples of a real-life or situational problems wherein
students will apply their mathematical concepts learned.
What I have Learned? (Evaluation/Post-Test)
The exercises contained in this section enhanced student’s
comprehension and mathematical skills. These serve as a
diagnostic tool to identify student’s weaknesses and
strengths.
OBJECTIVES:
K. Define an ellipse and other terms related to it.
State the standard equation of an ellipse.
S. Describe an ellipse.
Determine the standard form of an ellipse.
A. Appreciate the application of the concept and standard form of
equation on ellipse to real-life problems.

I. What Happened

PRE-ACTIVITY:
Consider the unit circle (with the equation
𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1) as depicted on the right.
2 2

Suppose we apply a transformation on the

points of the unit circle by using the following rule:

multiply the 𝑥-values by 4 and the 𝑦-values by 2.

Complete the table below with the new points under this transformation.
The first one is done for you.

New points under the transformation

𝑥- and 𝑦-intercepts of the unit circle done by multiplying the 𝑥-values by 4
and the 𝑦-values by 2
(1,0) (4(1), 2(0)) = (𝟒, 𝟎)
(0,1)
(−1,0)
(0, −1)

Roughly sketch the graph of the “image” of the unit circle using the new
point.
Question: Is it a circle?
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II. What You Need to Know

The activity shows that the image of the unit circle using the transformation
is an ellipse. The procedure above shows that any ellipse in standard form can
be thought as a transformation image of the unit circle.
In this module, an ellipse will be formally defined and the standard form of
its equation will be discussed.

DEFINITION OF AN ELLIPSE

An ellipse is a locus of all points (x,y)

such that the sum of the distances from P to
two fixed points, F1 and F2, called the foci, is a
constant.

(Jerico, Richard, Glenn Rey, Flordeliza, Mark Anthony 2016, 36-37)

Consider the points F1(-3, 0) and F2(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 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.

Let F1 and F2 be two distinct points. The set of all points P, whose distances
from F1 and from F2 add up to a certain constant, is called an ellipse. The points
F1 and F2 are called the foci of the ellipse.
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 An ellipse is the set of all points (x,y) in a plane, the sum of whose distances
from two distinct fixed points, called foci, is constant.

Circle is in fact and ellipse, where both foci are at the same point (the
center). In other words, a circle is a “special case” of an ellipse. Ellipses Rule.

The line through the foci intersects the ellipse at two points called vertices.
The chord joining the vertices is the major axis, and its midpoint is the center of the
ellipse. The chord perpendicular to the major axis at the center is the minor axis of
the ellipse.

The Major Axis is the longest diameter. It goes from one side of the ellipse,
through the center, to the other side, at the widest part of the ellipse and the
Minor Axis is the shortest diameter (at the narrowest part of the ellipse).

The figure below illustrates of the complete concepts mentioned.

STANDARD EQUATION OF AN ELLIPSE

DISCUSSION

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 Given are two points on the x-axis, F1(c, 0) and F2(c, 0), the foci, both c
units away from their center (0, 0). See Figure. 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 P F1 + P F2 = 2a.

PF1 + PF2 = 2a
PF1 = 2a - PF2
√(x + c)2 +y2 = 2a - √(x+c)2 + y2

2 2 2
x2 + 2cx + c2 + y2 = 4a - 4a√(x - c) + y2 + (x - c) + y2

2 2
x2 + 2cx + c2 + y2 = 4a - 4a√(x - c) + y2 + x2 - 2cx + c2 + y2
2cx = 4a2 - 4a √(x - c)2 + y2 - 2cx
4a √(x - c)2 + y2 = 4a2 - 4cx
a2 (x2 + 2cx + c2 + y2 ) = a4 - 2a2 cx + c2 x2
2 2
a2 x2 + 2a2 cx + a2 c + a2 y = a4 - 2a2 cx + c2 x2
2 2
a2 x 2 - c 2 x 2 + a2 y = a4 - a2 c
2 2
(a2 - c2 )x2 + a2 y = a2 (a - c2 ) By letting b = √a2 - c2, so a > b
2 2 2
b x 2 + a 2 y = a2 b
x2 y2
+ =1
a b

We collect here the features of the graph of an ellipse with standard

x2 y2 2 2
equation + = 1, where a > b. From the equation b = a2 - c2, then c2 = a2 - b
a b
2
so, c = √a2 - b .

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
Example 1. Give the coordinates of the foci, vertices, and covertices of the
x2 y2
ellipse with equation 25 + =1
9

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Solution:
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With a2 = 25 and b2= 9, we have a = 5, b = 3, and c= √(a2 - b ) = √25 - 9 = √16 = 4.
foci: F1(4, 0), F2(4, 0); vertices: V1(5, 0), V2(5, 0); covertices: W1(0,3), W2(0, 3)

Example 1.2 Find the (standard) equation of the ellipse whose foci are F1(3, 0)
and F2(3, 0), such that for any point on it, the sum of its distances from the foci is
10. See figure.

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Solution. We have 2a = 10 and c = 3, so a = 5 and b = √(a2 - b )= 4. The equation
x2 y2
is 25 + =1
16

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 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.

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In all four cases above, a>b and c = √(a2 - b ). The foci F1 and F2 are c
units away from the center. The vertices V1 and V2 are a units away from the
center, the major axis has length 2a, the covertices W1 and W2 are b units away
from the center, and the minor axis has length 2b. Recall that, for any point on
the ellipse, the sum of its distances from the foci is 2a. In the standard equation,
if the x-part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is horizontal. If the y-part has
the bigger denominator, the ellipse is vertical.

Example 2.1. Give the coordinates of the center, foci, vertices, and covertices of
the ellipse with the given equation. Sketch the graph, and include these points.
( x + 3 )2 (y - 5)2
(1) + =1
24 49
(2) 9x2 + 16y2 -126x + 64y =71
Solution. (1) From a2 = 49 and b2 = 24, we have a = 7,
2
b = 2√6 ≈ 4.9, and c = √(a2 - b ) = 5. The ellipse is
vertical.

center: (3, 5)
foci: F1(3, 0), F2(3, 10)
vertices: V1(3,2), V2(3, 12)
covertices: W1(3-2√6, 5) ≈ (-7.9, 5)
W2(-3+2√6, 5) ≈(1.9, 5)

Solution. (2) We first change the given equation to standard form.

9(x2-14x) + 16(y2 + 4y) = 71

9(x2 - 14x + 49) + 16(y2 + 4y + 4) = 71 + 9(49) + 16(4)
9(x-7) 2 + 16(y + 2) 2 = 576
(x-7) 2/64 + (y+2) 2/36 =1
(x - 7)2 (y - 2)2
+ =1
64 36

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 2
We have a = 8 and b = 6. Thus, c = √(a2 - b ) = 2√7 ≈5.3. The ellipse is horizontal.

center: (7,2)
foci: F1(7-2√7,-2) ≈ (1.7,2)
F2(7 + 2√7,-2) ≈ (12.3,-2)
vertices: V1(-1,-2), V2(15,-2)
covertices: W1(7,-8), W2(7, 4)

Example 2.2. The foci of an ellipse are (-3,-6) and (-3,2). For any point 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,
(x - 3)2 (y - 2)2
2a = 14 so a = 7. Also, b = √(a2 - c2) = √33. The equation is + =1.
3 49

Example 2.3. An ellipse has vertices (2-√61,-5) and (2 + √61,-5), 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, which is
horizontal. Each vertex is a = √61 units away from the center. From the length of
( x - 2)2 (y - 5)2
the minor axis, 2b = 12 so b = 6. The standard equation is + =1. Each
61 36
2
focus is c = √(a2 - b ) =5 units away from (2,-5), so their coordinates are (-3,-5)
and (7,-5).

The standard equation of an ellipse with center at (h,k) and major minor
axes of lengths 2a and 2b, respectively, where a>b>0, is

(x - h)2 (y - k)2
1. + 2 =1, when the major axis is horizontal; and
a2 b
(x - h)2 (y - k)2
2. 2 + =1, when the major axis is vertical.
b a2

(x - h)2 (y - k)2
If the equation of an ellipse is of the form + 2 =1, then its center is
a2 b
(h,k) and its major axis is parallel to the x-axis. Its vertices are located at (h ±a, k)
and its foci are the points (h ±c, k). The endpoints of its minor axis are (h, k±b).

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 (x - h)2 (y - k)2
When the equation of an ellipse is of the form 2 + =1, then its center
b a2
is (h,k) and its major axis is parallel to the y-axis. Its vertices are located at (h, k±a)
and its foci are the points (h ,k±c). The endpoints of its minor axis are (h±b,k).

The center, the foci, and the vertices are all on the major axis.

a is the distance from the center to each vertex. c is the distance from the
center to each focus. b is the distance from the center to an end of the minor axis

a > b and c2= a2 - b2

Standard Equation of an Ellipse

a > b >0 and c2= a2 – b2
Endpoints of
Equation Center Vertices Foci Major Axis
Minor Axis
(x - h )2 (y - k)2
+ =1 (h,k) (h ±a, k) (h±c,k) (h, k±b) horizontal
a2 b
2

(x - h )2 (y - k)2
2
+ =1 (h,k) (h, k±a) (h,k±c) (h±b,k) vertical
b a2

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III. What Have I Learned
POST TEST:

I. FACT or BLUFF!
Write “FACT” if the statement is true, and “BLUFF”if the statement is false.

1. An ellipse is a plane curve sorrounding one focal point.

2. A circle is an ellipse.

3. The difference of the of each point in an ellipse from its fixed points, the
foci, are constant.
4. Each focus is c units away from the vertex.

5. The vertices are points on the ellipse, collinear with the center and foci.
6. The center is the origin (0,0).

7. The chord joining the vertices is called minor axis.

8. The minor axis W1W2 is 2b units long. Since a>b, the minor axis is longer than
the major axis.

9. The segment through the center, perpendicular to the major axis, is the
minor axis.

10. Every ellipse has two axes of symmetry.

II. DIRECTION: Find the standard equation of the ellipse which satisfies the
given conditions.

1. foci (-7, 6) and (-1, 6), the sum of the distances of any point from the foci is 14
2. center (5, 3), horizontal major axis of length 20, minor axis of length 16
3. major axis of length 22, foci 9 units above and below the center (2, 4)

4. covertices (-4, 8) and (10, 8), a focus at (3, 12)

5. focus (-6,-2), covertex (-1, 5), horizontal major axis

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 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF NEGROS ORIENTAL

SENEN PRISCILLO P. PAULIN, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

JOELYZA M. ARCILLA, EdD

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

MARCELO K. PALISPIS, EdD

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

NILITA L. RAGAY, EdD

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
CID Chief

ROSELA R. ABIERA
Education Program Supervisor – (LRMS)

ELISA L. BAGUIO, EdD

Division Education Program Supervisor – MATHEMATICS

MARICEL S. RASID
Librarian II (LRMDS)

ELMAR L. CABRERA
PDO II (LRMDS)

HAZEL MENDOZA
Writer

LITTIE BETH S. BERNADEZ

Lay-out Artist
_________________________________

ALPHA QA TEAM
LITTIE BETH S. BERNADEZ
RONALD TOLENTINO
DIDITH T. YAP

BETA QA TEAM
ELIZABETH A. ALAP-AP
EPIFANIA Q. CUEVAS
NIDA BARBARA S. SUASIN
VRENDIE P. SYGACO
MELBA S. TUMARONG
HANNAHLY I. UMALI

ENHANCEMENT TEAM
RADHIYA A. ABABON
LITTIE BETH S. BERNADEZ
GIL S. DAEL

DISCLAIMER

The information, activities and assessments used in this material are designed to provide accessible learning modality to the teachers
and learners of the Division of Negros Oriental. The contents of this module are carefully researched, chosen, and evaluated to comply with the
set learning competencies. The writers and evaluator were clearly instructed to give credits to information and illustrations used to substantiate this
material. All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without expressed written consent from th e division.
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 SYNOPSIS AND ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This Self Learning Kit (SLK) provides students the necessary

information or concept about an ellipse, its definition and
characteristics.
Students are expected to apply the concepts of ellipse to solve
real-life or situational problems.
Let’s explore, enjoy, and discover the beauty of Mathematics
while being to understand and apply the concepts of parabola.

REFERENCES

Lim, Y., Nocon, R., Nocon, E., and Ruivivar L. 2016. Math for Engaged Learning,
Pre-Calculus. Sibs,2016.
Bacani, J., Eden, R., Estrada, G., Francisco, F., and Vidallo, M. 2016. Teaching
Guide for Senior High School Pre-Calculus Core Subjects, DepEd-
Commission on Higher Education.
Nocon, R., et. al. 2016. Math for Engaged Learning, PreCalculus. SIBS.

The Author: HAZEL MENDOZA, graduated Master of Arts in

Curriculum Design, Development and Supervision major in
Mathematics at St. Paul University-Manila, 2017. Also a
Bachelor Degree of Secondary Education major in
Mathematics at La Consolacion College-Bais, 2014.
Currently teaching at Manjuyod Science High School,
Manjuyod, Negros Oriental.

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 ANSWER KEY

Pre-test

Post Test

I. 1. BLUFF 6. FACT
2. FACT 7. BLUFF
3. BLUFF 8. BLUFF
4. BLUFF 9. FACT
5. FACT 10. FACT

II.
(x + 4 ) 2 (y + 6)2
1. + =1
49 40
(x - 5)2 (y - 3)2
2. + =1
100 64
(x - 2)2 (y - 4)2
3. + =1
40 121
(x - 3)2 (y - 8)2
4. + =1
49 65
(x + 1 ) 2 (y + 2)2
5. + =1
74 49

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