Position of a point:

𝑥2 𝑦2
Let the equation of the ellipse is + 2 = 1 . Then the point P (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) lies
𝑎2 𝑏
𝑥1 2 𝑦1 2 Y
(i) within the ellipse if + <1 .P(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )
𝑎2 𝑏2 .
𝑥12 2
𝑦1 .
(ii) outside of ellipse if + >1 X
𝑎2 𝑏2
𝑥1 2 𝑦1 2
(iii) on the ellipse if + =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
Sum of focal distances of a point: Y
𝑥2 𝑦2
If P be any point on the ellipse + 2 =1 M’ P
𝑎2 𝑏 M
then, PS + PS’ = ePM + ePM’ . . X
S’ C S
= eMM’
2𝑎
=e∙
𝑒
= 2a = length of major axis.

So, ellipse is also defined as the locus of a point which moves so that the sum of its
distances from two fixed points is constant.
Auxiliary circle and Eccentric angle Y
Auxiliary circle :
The circle described on the major axes of Q
an ellipse as diameter is known as the
auxiliary circle of the ellipse. .P
𝑥2 𝑦2 ɸ X
If equation of the ellipse is 2 + = 1,
𝑎 𝑏2 A’ C N A
then its auxiliary circle is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2

Eccentric angle :
𝑥2 𝑦2
Let P be any point on the ellipse 2
𝑎
+ 𝑏2
= 1.
Draw PN perpendicular to CA and produce NP to meet the
auxiliary circle at Q. Then the angle ɸ made by CQ with x-axis is known as eccentric
angle of P.
∴ < QCN = ɸ is the eccentric angle of P.
Note that coordinates of P are ( a cosɸ , b sinɸ ).
Equation of the chord joining two points whose eccentric angles are
ɸ and ɸ’ : Y

Q (ɸ’)
P (ɸ)

X
C

If P (a cosɸ , b sinɸ ) and Q (a cosɸ’, b sinɸ’ ) be two points on the ellipse

𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
then, the equation of the chord PQ is
𝑥 ɸ +ɸ′ 𝑦 ɸ +ɸ′ ɸ − ɸ′
cos + sin = cos
𝑎 2 𝑏 2 2
See examples : 1 – 5