Ellipse

Ellipse
1.

DEFINITION
An ellipse is the locus of a point which moves in such a way that its distance from a fixed point is in a
constant ratio (less than one) to its distance from a fixed line. The fixed point is called the focus and
fixed line is called the directrix and the constant ratio is called the eccentricity of the ellipse.

2.
2.1

EQUATION OFAN ELLIPSE

Standard Equation of Ellipse

Page 1 of 13

Let S be the focus and ZM the directrix of the ellipse. Draw SZ ZM. Divide SZ internally and
externally in the ratio e : 1(e < 1) and let A and A be these internal and external points of division.
Then SA = eAZ
... (1)

.in

and SA = eAZ
... (2)
Clearly A and A will lie on the ellipse. Let AA = 2a and take C the mid point of AA as origin.
... (3)
CA CA a

SA + SA e (AZ AZ)

AA e(CZ CA CA CZ) (from figure)

Directrix

yS

te

P(x, y)

Z
C
A S(-ae,0) S(ae,0) A
(a, 0)
(a, 0)
(0, -b) B

St

(0, b) B

ud

x = a/e

Directrix

ps

Let P(x, y) by any point on the ellipse referred to CA and CB as co-ordinate axes.
Then adding (1) and (2) we get

M
Z
x
Axis

x = a/e

AA e(2CZ) (Q CA CA )

2a = 2eCZ

CZ = a/e
The equation of the directrix MZ is x = CZ = a/e

Subtracting (1) from (2), we get

SA SA e (AZ AZ)
(CA CS) (CA CS) e (AA) 2CS e (AA)

2CS = e(2a)

CS = ae
The focus S is (CS, 0) i.e., (ae, 0)

Now draw PM MZ

SP
e
PM

a
(x ae)2 + (y 0)2 = e2 x
e

or

(Q CA CA)

(SP)2 = e2 (PM)2

(x ae)2 + y2 = (a ex)2

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Ellipse

x2 + a2e2 2aex + y2 = a2 2aex + e2x2

x2 (1 e2) + y2 = a2 (1 e2)

x2

x2

a2

y2
a 2 (1 e2 )

or

a2

y2
b2

1 , where b2 = a2 (1 e2)

This is the standard equation of an ellipse. AA and BB are called the major and minor axes of the
ellipse. Here b < a and A and A are the vertices of the ellipse.
2.1.1 Another definition of Ellipse
PS + PS = e (PM + PN)

.in

2a
2a
e
{Q PM PN }
e
e
= 2a
In other words an ellipse is locus of a point which moves in a plane so that the sum of its distances from
fixed points is constant.
Hence an ellipse can be also be defined as the locus of the point (P) which moves such that sum of its
distances from two fixed points (S and S ) is a constant (2a).

2.1.2 Various terms related with an Ellipse

ps

x2 y2
1, a b
a2 b2
Vertices of an ellipse : The points at which the ellipse cuts the x-axis (a, 0) & (a, 0) are
called the vertices of the ellipse.
Major & Minor axis : The line segment AA is called the major axis and BB is called the
minor axis. The major and minor axis taken together are called the principal axes and their
lengths will be given by 2a and 2b respectively.
Centre : The point which bisect each chord of the ellipse is called the centre ((0, 0)).
Directrix : ZM and ZM are two directrices and their equations are

(iii)
(iv)

yS

ud

(ii)

St

(i)

te

Let the equation of the ellipse be

(v)
(vi)

a
a
and x .
e
e

Focus: S(ae, 0) and S (ae, 0) are two foci of the ellipse.

Latus Rectum : The chord which passes through either focus and perpendicular to the major
axis is called a latus rectum.
Length of Latus Rectum :

2b 2
.
a
Relation between constant a , b and e
Length of Latus rectum is given by

(vii)

b2 = a2 (1 e2)

e2 =

a 2 b2
a2

e=

a 2 b2
a

Result :

Page 2 of 13

(i)

x 2 y2
Another form of standard equation of ellipse 2 2 1 when a < b
a
b
In this case major axis is BB = 2b which is along y-axis and minor axis is AA = 2a which is

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Ellipse

(ii)

along x-axis. Foci are S(0, be) and S (0, be) and directrices are y = b/e and y = b/e.
Focal distances : The focal distance of the point (x, y) on the ellipse

x 2 y2
1 are a + ex and a ex.
a 2 b2
Drill Exercise - 1
1.

If the equation of the ellipse is 9x2 + 16y2 = 144, find the lengths of the major and the minor axes, the
eccentricity, the coordinates of the foci, the vertices and the equations of the directrices.

2.

Find the locus of the point whose distances from the point (0, 4) is

2
of its distances from the
3

line y = 9.
Find the locus of the point which satisfies ( x 3) 2 y 2 ( x 3) 2 y 2 6 .

4.

Find the equation of the ellipse whose axes are along the coordinate axes, vertices are (5, 0) and foci
at (4, 0).

5.

Find the eccentricity, foci and the length of the latus-rectum of the ellipse x2 + 4y2 + 8y 2x + 1 = 0.

2.2

General equation of the ellipse

The general equation of an ellipse, whose focus is (h, k) , the directrix is the line ax + by + c = 0 and the
eccentricity is e is given by

te

ps

.in

3.

(x h) + (y k) =

e 2 (ax by c) 2

yS

a 2 b2

2.3

St

ud

Note: Condition for a second degree equation ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 in x & y to represent an
ellipse is given by
h2 ab < 0 & = abc + 2 fgh af 2 bg2 ch2 0
Auxiliary Circle/Eccentric Angle :
A circle described on major axis as diameter is called the auxiliary circle. Let Q be a point on the
auxiliary circle x2 + y2 = a2 such that QP produced is perpendicular to the x-axis then P and Q are
called as the Corresponding Points on the ellipse and the auxiliary circle respectively ' ' called the
Eccentric Angle of the point P on the ellipse (0 2 ) .
Note that

( PN ) b Semi min or axis

. Hence
( QN ) a Semi major axis

If from each point of a circle perpendiculars are drawn upon a

fixed diameter then the locus of the points dividing these perpendiculars in a given ratio is an ellipse of which the given circle
is the auxiliary circle .
2.4 Parametric equation of an ellipse
Clearly x = a cos , y = b sin satisfy the equation

Page 3 of 13

x 2 y2
1 for all real values of . Moreover any point on the ellipse can be represented as
a 2 b2

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Ellipse

(a cos , b sin ), 0 2 . Hence the parametric equations of the ellipse

x 2 y2
1 are x = a
a 2 b2

cos y = bsin , where , is the parameter .

y
Q(acos, bsin)

A
x

y-coordinate of P is b sin

P ( a cos , b sin )

te

ps

.in

The point P (a cos , b sin ) is also called the point . The angle is called the eccentric angle of
the point P on the ellipse. Draw a circle with AA (the major axis) as a diameter. The circle is called
the auxiliary circle of the ellipse. The equation of the circle is x2 + y2 = a2. Draw QM as perpendicular
to AA cutting the ellipse at P. The x-co-ordinate of P = CM = a cos

yS

Equation of the chord of the ellipse whose eccentric angles are & ,

ud

x
y

cos
sin
cos

a
2 b
2
2

Page 4 of 13

St

Illustration 1:
Find the centre, the length of the axes, eccentricity and the foci of the ellipse.
12x2 + 4y2 + 24x 16y + 25 = 0
Solution :
The given equation can be written in the form
12(x + 1)2 + 4(y 2)2 = 3
or

( x 1) 2 ( y 2) 2

=1
1/ 4
3/ 4

...(1)

Co-ordinates of the centre of the ellipse are given by

x + 1 = 0 and y 2 = 0
Hence centre of the ellipse is (1, 2)
If a and b be the lengths of the semi major and semi minor axes, then a2 = 3/4, b2 = 1/4

Length of major axis = 2b = 3 ,

Length of minor axis = 2a = 1

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Ellipse

3
1
, a
2
2

since a2 = b2 (1e2)

1/4 = 3/4 (1e2) e =

be =

2/3

3
2 1

2
3
2

Co-ordinates of foci are given by x + 1 = 0, y 2 = be

Thus foci are 1, 2

Illustration 2 :
The foci of an ellipse are ( 2, 0) and its eccentricity is 1/2, find its equation.

ae = 2 a

e 2 a = 4

1
2
2

te

yS

We have b2 = a2 (1 e2)
1
b2 = 16 1 12
4

ud

x 2 y2

1, Then coordinates of foci are ( ae, 0).

a 2 b2

ps

Let the equation of the ellipse be

.in

Solution :

St

x 2 y2

1
Thus, the equation of the ellipse is
16 12

Drill Exercise - 2
1.

Page 5 of 13

Find the major axis, minor axis, centre and eccentricity of the ellipse,
4 (x 2y + 1)2 + 9 (2x + y + 2)2 = 180.

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Ellipse

2.

x 2 y2
Find the eccentric angles of the extremities of latus rectum of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1.
a
b

3.

If the chord joining two points whose eccentric angles are and , cut the major axis of an ellipse at
a distance c from the centre, show that, tan

4.

ca
tan =
.
2
2 ca

If any two chords be drawn through two points on the major axis of the ellipse

x 2 y2
2 1 equidistance from the centre, prove that, tan tan tan tan = 1
2
2
2
2
2
a
b
where are the eccentric angles of the extremities of the chords.

5.

If S and S are the foci of an ellipse whose eccentricity is e and P is a point on it, then prove that

3.

ps

.in

PSS'
PS' S 1 e
tan
=
tan
2
2 1 e

POINTAND ELLIPSE

x 2 y2
1 be the equation of an ellipse.
a 2 b2
The point lies outside, on or inside the ellipse according as

yS

te

Let P (x1 y1) be any point and let

ud

x12 y12
S1 = 2 2 1 0 , = 0, < 0
a
b

St

Illustration 3 :
Find the position of the point (4, 3) relative to the ellipse 5x2 + 7y2 = 140.
Solution :
5 (4)2 + 7 (3)2 140 = 80 + 63 140 = 3 > 0, the point (4, 3) lies outside the ellipse

5x2 + 7y2 = 140.

4.

Page 6 of 13

ELLIPSE AND LINE

x 2 y2

1 and the given line be y = mx + c.

a 2 b2
Solving the line and ellipse, we get
Let the equation of an ellipse be

x 2 (mx c) 2

=1
a2
b2
i.e.,
(a2m2 + b2)x2 + 2 mca2 x + a2 (c2 b2) = 0
above equation being a quadratic in x its discriminant = 4m2 c2a4 4a2 (a2 m2 + b2) (c2 b2)
=
b2 {c2 (a2 m2 + b2)}
= b2 {(a2m2 + b2) c2}
Hence the line intersects the ellipse in 2 distinct points if a 2m2 + b2 > c2, in one point if
c2 = a2m2 + b2 and does not intersect if a2m2 + b2 < c2.

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Ellipse

y = mx (a 2 m 2 b 2 ) touches the ellipse and condition for tangency is

c2 = a2m2 + b2

Moreover the line y = mx

(a 2 m 2 b 2 )

a 2m
x 2 y2

1
at
,
touches the ellipse 2
2 2
2
a
b2
a
m

Note: (i)
(ii)

a 2m b2
x cos + y sin = p is a tangent if p2 = a2 cos2 + b2 sin2 .
lx + my + n = 0 is a tangent to the ellipse if n2 = a2 l2 + b2m2.
b2

Drill Exercise - 3

x 2 y2

1.
16 9

Find the equations of the lines with equal intercepts on the axes & which touch the ellipse

2.

Find the equation of the tangents to the ellipse 4x2 + 3y2 = 5, which are parallel to the line y = 3x + 7.
Also, find the point of contact.

ps

x 2 y2
4
1 having slope intersects the axis of x & y in points A & B
A tangent to the ellipse
3
18 32
respectively. If O is the origin, find the area of triangle OAB.

te

3.

.in

1.

5.

For what value of does the line y = x + touches the ellipse 9x2 + 16y2 = 144.

4.1

Equation of the Tangent

St

ud

yS

4.

x2
y2
Find the condition for the line x cos + y sin = p to be a tangent to the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1.
a
b

(i)

xx
yy
x2 y2
The equation of the tangent at any point (x1, y1) on the ellipse 2 2 1 is 21 21 1
a
b
a
b

(ii)

The equation of tangent at any point is

(iii)

Point of intersection of tangents to ellipse at points , is

x
y
cos sin 1
a
b

a cos
b sin

2 ,
2

cos

cos
2
2

4.2

Page 7 of 13

Equation of the Normal

(i)
The equation of the normal at any point (x1, y1) on the ellipse

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Ellipse

x 2 y2
a 2x b2 y 2

1
is

a b2
a 2 b2
x1
y1
(ii)

The equation of the normal at any point is ax sec by cosec = a2 b2

Illustration 4:

x 2 y2
Find the condition that the line lx + my = n may be a normal to the ellipse 2 2 1 .
a
b
Solution :
ax
by

a 2 b2
... (1)
cos sin
If the line lx + my = n is a normal to the ellipse, then there must be a value of for which line (1)

Equation of normal to the given ellipse at (a cos , bsin ) is

and line lx + my = n are identical. For that value of , we have

sin

ps

and

an
l (a b 2 )
2

bn
m (a 2 b 2 )

te

cos

yS

.in

l
m
n

2 2
a
b (a b )

cos
sin

... (2)

... (3)

Squaring and adding (3) and (4) we get

St

ud

a 2 b2
n2
1 = 2 2 2 2 2
(a b ) l m
which is the required condition.

Illustration 5:
An ellipse slides between two straight lines at right angles to each other. Show that the locus of its
centre is a circle.
Solution :
Suppose the ellipse is sliding between coordinate axis. Let P be the centre of the sliding ellipse. Now
origin is always on the director circle of the sliding ellipse, hence OP, O being the origin is a constant.
Therefore locus of P is a circle with centre at O.
Illustration 6:
Find the equations of the tangents to the ellipse 3x2 + 4y2 = 12 which are perpendicular to the line y +

Page 8 of 13

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Ellipse

2x = 4.
Solution :
Let m be the slope of the tangent, since the tangent is perpendicular to the line y + 2x = 4,

m=

1
2

x 2 y2

1
Equation of the given ellipse is 3x + 4y = 12 or
4 3
2

Comparing this with

x 2 y2
1 , we get a2 = 4 and b2 = 3
a 2 b2

1
1
So the equation of the tangents are y = x 4 3
2
4
y=

1
x 2 or x 2y 4 = 0
2

.in

ps

Drill Exercise - 4

Prove that the line joining two points on an ellipse, the difference of whose eccentric angle is constant,
touches an other ellipse.

2.

Any ordinate MP of an ellipse meet the auxiliary circle in Q. Prove that the locus of the point of
intersection of the normals at P and Q is the circle x2 + y2 = (a + b)2.

3.

A tangent to the ellipse

yS

ud

x 2 y2

= 1 at the point P, in the first quadrant, meets the coordinate axis in A

a 2 b2
& B respectively. If P divides AB in the ratio 3 : 1, find the equation of the tangent.
Prove that the tangents at the extremities of latusrectum of an ellipse intersect on the corresponding
directrix.

St

4.

te

1.

5.

Show that for all real values of p (1, 1) the line 2px + y 1 p 2 1 touches a fixed ellipse. Find the
eccentricity of the ellipse.

5.

EQUATION OF CHORD WITH MID POINT (x1, y1)

The equation of the chord of the ellipse
where T

6.

Page 9 of 13

x 2 y2
1 , whose mid point is (x1, y1) is given by T = S1,
a 2 b2

xx1
yy1
x12
y12

1
S

1.
and
1
a2
b2
a2
b2

CHORD OF CONTACT

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Ellipse

If PA and PB be the tangents through point P(x1, y1) to the ellipse

then the equation of the chord of contact AB is

x 2 y2
1,
a 2 b2

xx1
yy
21 1 or T = 0 at (x1, y1)
2
a
b

Y
A

P (x1, y)
1

O
B

Y
PAIR OF TANGENTS

.in

7.

te

ps

x 2 y2
Let P (x1, y1) be any point outside the ellipse 2 2 1, and let a pair of tangents PA, PB be drawn
a
b
to it from P.
then the equation of pair of tangents of PA and PB is
x2
y2

1,
SS1 = T , where S 2
a
b2

ud

x 2 y2
1 and
a 2 b2

P(x,
1 y)
1

xx1 yy1
2 1
a2
b

St

S1

yS

x 2 y2
1 which are
a 2 b2
perpendicular to each other is called the director circle and its equation is given by
x2 + y2 = a2 + b2.
Note: The locus of the point of intersection of the tangents to an ellipse

8.

Page 10 of 13

DIRECTOR CIRCLE :
Locus of the point of intersection of the tangents which meet at right angles is called the Director
Circle. The equation to this locus is x2 + y2 = a2 + b2 i.e. a circle whose centre is the centre of the
ellipse and whose radius is the length of the line joining the ends of the major and minor axis.
Drill Exercise - 5

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Ellipse

x 2 y2

1 at points where it is intersected by the line

a 2 b2
lx + my + n = 0. Find the point of intersection of tangents at these points.

1.

Tangents are drawn to the ellipse

2.

x 2 y2
Prove that the chord of contact of tangents drawn from the point (h, k) to the ellipse 2 2 1 will
a
b
subtend a right angle at the centre, if

4.

x 2 y2
A line intersects the ellipse 2 2 1 at P and Q and the parabola y2 = 4d (x + a) at R and S. The
a
b
line segment PQ subtends a right angle at the centre of the ellipse. Find the locus of the point of
intersection of tangents to the parabola at R and S.
x 2 y2
Show that the equation of the tangents to the ellipse 2 2 1 at the points of intersection with the
a
b

.in

3.

1
1
h2 k2
4 + 4 = 2 + 2 . Also find the locus of (h, k).
a
b
a
b

Prove that the tangents drawn to the ellipse

x 2 y2

= a + b at the points where it is cut by any tangent

a
b

yS

5.

te

ps

x 2 y2
line ax + by 1 = 0 is 2 2 1 (a2 a2 + b2 b2 1) = (ax + by + 1)2
b
a

9.

Page 11 of 13

St

ud

x 2 y2
to the ellipse 2 2 1 intersect at right angles.
a
b

SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

(i)
The product of the lengths of the
perpendicular segments from the foci
on any tangent to the ellipse (at p) is
b2 and the feet of these perpendiculars
Y, Y lie on the auxiliary circle.
(ii)

If the normal at any point P on the

ellipse with centre C meet the major
& minor axes in G & g respectively,
& if CF be perpendicular upon this
normal, then
(a)
PF. PG = b2
(b)

PF.Pg = a2

(c)

PG. Pg = SP . S P

y
x = a/e
Y
t Y
1

Y
C

G
F N S

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Ellipse

(d)

CG . CT = CS2

(e)

locus of the mid point of Gg is another ellipse having the same eccentricity as that
of the original ellipse.
[S and S are the focii of the ellipse and T is the point where tangent at P meet the
major axis].

(iii)

The tangent & normal at a point P on the ellipse bisect the external & internal angles between
the focal distances of P. This refers to the well known reflection property of the ellipse which
states that rays from one focus are reflected through other focus & vice-versa.

(iv)

The portion of the tangent to an ellipse between the point of contact & the directrix subtends a
right angle at the corresponding focus.

(v)

The circle on any focal distance as diameter touches the auxiliary circle.

(vi)

If the tangent at the point P of a standard ellipse meets the axes in T and t and CY1 is the
perpendicular on it from the centre then,
(a)
Tt. PY1 = a2 b2
(b)
least value of Tt is a + b.

Prove that the product of the perpendiculars from the foci upon any tangent to the ellipse

ps

1.

.in

Drill Exercise - 6

x 2 y2
If the normal at any point P on the ellipse 2 2 = 1 (a > b), meets the axes in G and g respectively,,
a
b
2
2
then prove that PG : Pg = b : a .

yS

2.

te

x 2 y2
1 (a b) is b2.
a 2 b2

4.

If the tangent at (h, k) to the ellipse

St

ud

3.

x 2 y2
x 2 y2
Find the locus of mid-points of chords of the ellipse 2 2 1 touching the ellipse 2 2 1 .
a
b
c
d
x 2 y2

1 cuts the auxiliary circle in points whose ordinates are

a 2 b2

1
1
2
y1 and y2, show that y + y = .
k
1
2

5.

Page 12 of 13

Prove that the portion of the tangent to an ellipse intercepted between the curve and the directrix
subtends a right angle at the corresponding focus.

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Ellipse

Answer Key
Drill Exercise - 1
7
, (
4

16
7

7 , 0), ( 4, 0), x =

1.

8, 6,

3.

line segment joining the points (3, 0) and (3, 0)

5.

e=

2.

9x2 + 5y2 = 180

4.

x 2 y2

1
25 9

3
; foci = (1 3 , 1) ; length of latusrectum = 1
2

Drill Exercise - 2
1.

length of major axis = 6, length of minor axis = 4, equation of major axis = 2x + y + 2 = 0, equation of
minor axis = x 2y + 1 = 0; centre of the ellipse (1, 0); e =

.in

b
= tan 1
ae

ps

2.

5
3

Drill Exercise - 3

3.

24 sq. units

5.

= 5

2.

y = 3x

ud

4.

155 3 465 , 2 465

;
93
12 62
p2 = a2 cos2 + b2 sin2

te

x + y 5 = 0, x + y + 5 = 0

yS

1.

3.

bx + a 3 y = 2ab

St

Drill Exercise - 4
5.

e=

3
2

Drill Exercise - 5

1.

a2
b2m

n , n

x 2 y2 1
1
4 2 2
2.
4
a
b
a
b

1
1
3. y2 + 4d2 = 4d2 (x + 2a)2 2 2
b
a

Drill Exercise - 6
2

3.

Page 13 of 13

x 2 y2
c2
d2
2 2 4 x 2 4 y2
a
b
a
b

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