Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr.

Francis Hung

Lecture Notes on Coordinate Geometry: Ellipse

Reference: Advance Level Pure Mathematics by S.L. Green p.72-87 2-5-2006

1. Definition
Given a fixed point S and a straight line DD’ (called the directrix). An ellipse is the locus of a
variable point P for which the ratio of distance SP to the distance from P to DD’ is always equal to
a constant e, where 0 < e < 1. (e is the eccentricity)
Let M and N be the feet of perpendiculars drawn from P and S onto the directrix respectively.
SP
Then by definition: = e < 1.
PM
In particular, when P moves to A between S and N, AS = eAN
Produce AS further to a point A’ such that A’S = eA’N; then A’ is on the curve.
Bisect AA’ at O(0, 0) (called the centre) and let AA’ = 2a, then A = (a, 0), A’ = (–a, 0).
Let DD’ be x = –d, then N(–d, 0).

D y E

B(0,b)
P'(-x,y) P(x,y)
M L M'

N A(-a,0) S(-c,0) O S'(c,0) A'(a,0) x

L'

B'(0,-b)

D' E'

SA SA'
=e=
AN A' N
SA = a – c, AN = d – a, SA’ = a + c, A’N = a + d
ac ac
= = e  (1)
d a d a
Cross multiplying: a2 – ac + ad – cd = ad – a2 + cd – ac
a2 = cd
a2
d=  (2)
c

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 1 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

ac
Sub. (2) into (1): =e
a2
a
c
ca  c 
=e
aa  c 
c = ae  (3)
a2 a2 a
Sub. (3) into (2): d =  
c ae e
a
d =  (4)
e

Let P = (x, y), then SP = x  c 2  y 2 , PM = x + d = x + a

e
SP x  c 2  y 2
 =e e
PM a
x
e
(x + ae) + y = (ex + a)2
2 2

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

(1 – e2)x2 + y2 = a2(1 – e2)
2
 x y2
   2 1
 a  a 1 e2

0 < e < 1, let b2 = a2(1 – e2)  a2 – b2 = a2e2 > 0
 a2 – b2 = c2  (5)
x2 y 2
The equation of an ellipse is   1  (6)
a 2 b2

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 2 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

2. Put x = 0 into (6): y = b, The points A(–a, 0), A’(a, 0), B(0, b), B’(0, –b) are the vertices of
the ellipse.
2
 x x2 y2 x
From (6):    2  2  1   1   1  –a  x  a
a a b a

2
 y x2 y 2 y
Also:    2  2  1   1   1  –b  y  b
b a b b

There is no point for x > a, x < –a, y > b and y < –b.

Replace x by –x in (6):
 x 2  y 2
x2 y 2
  1
1.
a2 b2 a 2 b2
There is no change.  The curve is symmetric about y-axis.
x 2  y 
2
x2 y 2
Replace y by –y in (6):   1   1.
a2 b2 a 2 b2
There is no change.  The curve is symmetric about x-axis.
For any point P(x, y) lies on the ellipse, P’(–x, y) is the image of P, also lies on the ellipse.
x2 y 2
(   1 is symmetric.)
a 2 b2
Let S’(c, 0) be the image of S reflected along y-axis. x = d is the image of the directrix x = –d.
S ' P'
Then = e (all dashes are images.)
P' M '
P is the image of P’, which lies on the curve.
S'P
 = e for any point P on the ellipse.
PM '
There are two foci S(–c, 0), S’(c, 0) and two directrices x = –d, x = d.
AA’ = 2a is the major axis, BB’ = 2b is the minor axis, a = semi-major axis, b = semi-minor axis.
They are the principal axes.

3. The latus rectum LL’ is a line segment through the focus S’(c, 0) perpendicular to the x-axis
cutting the ellipse at L and L’
c2 y 2 c2 a2  c2 b2
Put x = c into (6): 2
 2
 1  y = b 1  2
= b 2
= (by (5) a2 – c2 = b2)
a b a a a
b2 b2 b2
 L = (c, ), L’ = (c, – )  LL’ = 2  (7)
a a a

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 3 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

4. An ellipse as the orthogonal projection of a circle.

'

Let  and ’ be two planes inclined at an angle  and intersect at A’CNA.

A circle is drawn on ’ with C as centre, CA = CA’ = radius passing through AQA = a.
If N is the foot of perpendicular drawn from Q onto AA’. P is the projection of Q onto the plane .
Using Pythagoras theorem on CNQ, CN2 + NQ2 = CQ2 = a2  (8)
NP = NQ cos , where  = angle of projection.
b b a
Let cos  = , NP = NQ  NQ = NP  (9)
a a b
a2
Sub. (9) into (8): CN2 + 2
NP2 = a2
b
CN 2 NP 2
  2  1 , which is the equation of an ellipse.
a2 b
An ellipse may be regarded as the projection of a circle with the angle of projection = .
If (x, y) = (a cos , a sin ) is the parametric equation of the circle on ’, then
 x  a cos 
 y  b sin   (10) is the parametric equation of the ellipse, where  = eccentric angle.

b b
(y = NP = NQ = a sin  = b sin )
a a

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 4 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

Example 1
x2 y2
Let E:  1
25 3
L: y = 25x + m
Suppose there are two points P, Q on E which are symmetric about L.
What can you say about m?

Let P = (5 cos , 3 sin ), Q = (5 cos , 3 sin )

L is the perpendicular of PQ. PQ  L and P, Q are equal distance to L.
cos   cos  sin   sin 
Let M = mid-point of PQ = (5 , 3 )
2 2
3 sin   sin  125cos   cos 
M lies on L:   m   (11)
2 2
3 sin   sin  
PQ  L:  25  1   (12)
5cos   cos  
  
5 3  2 cos sin 
 2 2 
From (2):  1
  
  2 sin sin 
 2 2  76
5 3

tan  5 3   (13) 
2 2

 5 3
sin   (14) 1
2 76
 1
cos   (15)
2 76
        
From (10): 3  sin cos   125 cos cos   m  (16)
 2 2   2 2 
Sub. (14) and (15) into (16)
15      125   
 cos   cos m
76  2  76  2 
110   
  cos m
76  2 
  38m
cos 
2 55
 
 1  cos 1
2
38m
1   1
55
55 55
m
38 38

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 5 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

5. Geometrical Property
If a chord PQ cuts a directrix at R, then RS bisects the exterior angle of PSQ.

P(x,y)
M
Q
N
R 

N  x
S(-c,0) O S'(c,0)

Suppose the chord PQ produced intersects the directrix at R. PS produced intersects the directrix at
T. Let M and N be the feet of perpendiculars drawn from P and Q respectively onto the directrix.
Let QRS = , QSR = , RST = 
SP SQ
By definition,  =e
PM QN
SP PM
 
SQ QN
PM PR
But  ( PMR ~ QNR)
QN QR
SP PR
 
SQ QR
SP SQ
  (17)
PR QR
SP sin 
By sine law on SPR,   (18)
PR sin 
SQ sin 
By sine law on SQR,   (19)
QR sin 
SP SQ sin  sin 
By (17),      =  (In the figure,  +  <180, it is impossible that  = 180–)
PR QR sin  sin 

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 6 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

6. Equation of chord using parameters

Let  and  be the eccentric angles of two distinct points P and Q.
Then P = (a cos , b sin ), Q = (a cos , b sin )

P(a cos α, b si n α)

Q(a cos β, b sin β)

x
A(-a,0) S(-c,0) O S'(c,0) A'(a,0)

y  b sin  b sin   b sin 

Equation of PQ: 
x  a cos  a cos   a cos 
  
sin 2 cos
y  b sin  b sin   sin  b 2 2
   
x  a cos  a cos   cos  a  2 sin     
sin
2 2

 
b cos
y  b sin  2

x  a cos    
a sin
2
       
–ay sin + ab sin  sin = bx cos – ab cos  cos
2 2 2 2
       
(b cos )x + (a sin )y = ab(cos  cos + sin  sin )
2 2 2 2
     
(b cos )x + (a sin )y = abcos( – )
2 2 2
x   y   
cos + sin = cos  (20)
a 2 b 2 2

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 7 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

7. Equation of tangent at 
As    = , the equation of chord becomes: b cos  x + a sin  y = ab
x y
cos   sin   1  (21)
a b
This is the equation of tangent with parameter .
x2 y2

If (x0, y0) lies on the ellipse (6): 1 , then x0 = a cos , y0 = b sin 
a 2 b2
x x y y
Equation of tangent: 02  02  1  (22)
a b
This is the equation of tangent passes through (x0, y0) on the ellipse.

8. Given a line of slope m, find the condition for tangency.

x0 x y 0 y
y = mx + k is identical to (14):  2 1
a2 b
x0 y 1
The coefficients are in proportion:  02  .
ma 2
b k
ma 2 b2
 x0 = – , y0 =
k k
2 2 2 2
x  y   ma 2   b 2 
  0    0   1         1
a  b   ak   bk 

a 2m2 b2
 2 1
k2 k
k = a m + b2  (23)
2 2 2

k =  a2m2  b2

The equation of tangent given slope m is y = mx  a 2 m 2  b 2  (24)

Method 2
Let y = mx + k be the equation of a tangent.
Sub. into the ellipse: b2x2 + a2(mx + k)2 = a2b2
(a2m2 + b2)x2 + 2a2mkx + a2(k2 – b2) = 0
 = 4[(a2mk)2 – (a2m2 + b2)a2(k2 – b2)] = 0
a2m2k2 – (a2m2k2 + b2k2 – a2b2m2 – b4) = 0
b2k2 = a2b2m2 + b4
k2 = a2m2 + b2
k =  a 2m2  b2
 Given slope m, the equation of tangent is y  mx  a 2 m 2  b 2

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 8 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

9. The sum of distance of any point on the ellipse to the two foci is a constant (= 2a).

B(0,b)
P'(-x,y) P(x,y)
M M'
L

x
N A(-a,0) S(-c,0) O S'(c,0) A'(a,0)

L'

B'(0,-b)

x = -d x=d

SP + S’P = e(PM + PM’) = e MM’ = 2ed = 2a

 SP + S’P = 2a  (25)

On the other hand, SP = ePM, S’P = e PM’

P = (a cos , b sin )
a a
PM = a cos  + d = a cos  + , PM' = d – a cos  = – a cos 
e e
a a
SP + S’P = e PM + e PM’ = e(a cos  + + – a cos ) = 2a  (26)
e e

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 9 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

10. If a tangent at P (on the ellipse) cuts the directrix (x = –d) at R, then PSR = 90
y

P(x,y)

x
N S(-c,0) O S'(c,0)

x = -d x=d

a
Proof: S = (–c, 0) = (–ae, 0). The directrix x = –d = –
e
y0
Let m1 = slope of SP = , m2 = slope of SR
x0  ae

 x0 x y 0 y
 2  b2  1
R is giving by solving  a .
a
 x
 e
x0 y 0 y
  1
ae b 2
b 2  x0  b 2 ae  x0 
y= 1   
y0  ae  aey0
a b 2 ae  x0 
 R = (– , )
e aey0
b 2 ae  x0  b 2 ae  x0  ae  x0  ( By (5): a2 – b2 = c2 = a2e2)
m2 = = 2 =
 a  a y0 e  1
2
y0
aey0    ae 
 e 

m1m2 =
y0
[ 
ae  x0  ] = –1
x0  ae y0
 SP  SR
Similarly, if the tangent at P (on the ellipse) cuts the directrix (x = d) at T, then PS’T = 90

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 10 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

11. The locus of foot of perpendiculars from a focus to a tangent is the auxiliary circle.
(Centre = O(0, 0), radius = a)
y

P(x,y)

x
S(-c,0) O S'(c,0)

From section 8, equation of tangent with a given slope is: y – mx =  a 2 m 2  b 2  (24)

The equation of perpendicular line through S’(ae, 0) is: my + x = ae  (27)

(24)2 + (27)2: (1 + m2)(x2 + y2) = a2e2 + a2m2 + b2
= a2e2 + a2m2 + a2(1 – e2) (by (5))
= a2m2 + a2
= a2(1 + m2)
x2 + y2 = a2
Similarly, the equation of perpendicular line through S(–ae, 0) is: my + x = –ae  (28)
(24)2 + (28)2: (1 + m2)(x2 + y2) = a2e2 + a2m2 + b2
= a2e2 + a2m2 + a2(1 – e2) (by (5))
= a2m2 + a2
= a2(1 + m2)
x2 + y2 = a2

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 11 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

12. The locus of the intersection of the two perpendicular tangents is the director circle.

(Centre O(0, 0), radius = a 2  b 2 )

P(x,y)

B(0,b)

x
A(-a,0) S(-c,0) O S'(c,0) A'(a,0)

B'(0,-b)

From section 8, equation of tangent with a given slope is: y = mx  a 2 m 2  b 2  (24)

(y – mx)2 = m2a2 + b2
(a2 – x2)m2 + 2xym + b2 – y2 = 0
The 2 tangents are perpendicular,
 m1m2 = product of roots of the above quadratic equation in m = –1
b2  y 2
 1
a2  x2
x2 + y2 = a2 + b2  (29)
This is the equation of the director circle.

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 12 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

13. The product of two perpendiculars from the two foci to the tangent is a constant (= b2)
y

Y'

P(x,y)

x
S(-ae,0) O S'(ae,0)

Let the equation of the tangent be y = mx  a 2 m 2  b 2  (24). Let Y and Y’ be the feet of

perpendicular drawn form the two foci S and S’ onto the tangent respectively.

mae   m 2 a 2  b 2 m ae   m 2 a 2  b 2
Then by distance formula, SY  S’Y’ = 
1 m2 1 m2

m2a 2  b 2  a 2e2m2
=
1 m2
m 2b 2  b 2
= ( by (5), a2 – a2e2 = b2)
1 m 2

2
=b

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 13 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

14. The tangent makes equal angles with the focal distance to the point of contact.

P(x,y)
 


x
T S(-ae,0) O S'(ae,0)

In the figure, the tangent (RPT) at P on the ellipse cuts the x-axis at T. SPT = , S’PR = . To
prove that  = . (If the tangent at P does not cut x-axis, then P = B(0, b) or B’(0, –b), clearly  = )
Produce S’P to C. Then CPT =  (vert. opp. s)
P = (a cos , b sin )

SP = a cos   ae 2  b sin 2 = a 2 cos 2   2a 2 e cos   a 2 e 2  b 2 sin 2 

 
= a 2 cos 2   2a 2 e cos   a 2 e 2  a 2  c 2 sin 2  , (by (5), b2 = a2 – c2)

= a 2  2ac cos   c 2  c 2 sin 2  , ( ae = c)

= a 2  2ac cos   c 2 cos 2 

= a  c cos 2 = a + c cos  = a + ae cos  (see equation (26))

S’P = a cos   ae2  b sin 2 = a 2 cos 2   2a 2 e cos   a 2 e 2  b 2 sin 2 

 
= a 2 cos 2   2a 2 e cos   a 2 e 2  a 2  c 2 sin 2  , (by (5), b2 = a2 – c2)

= a 2  2ac cos   c 2  c 2 sin 2  , ( ae = c)

= a 2  2ac cos   c 2 cos 2 

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 14 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

= a  c cos 2 = a – c cos  = a – ae cos  (see equation (26))

SS’ = 2c = 2ae
x y
Equation of PT: cos   sin   1  (21)
a b
To find T: let y = 0, x = a sec 
ST = –ae – a sec , S’T = ae – a sec 
SP ST a  ae cos   ae  a sec 
Apply sine formula on PST:     (30)
sin  sin  sin  sin 
S'P S 'T a  ae cos  ae  a sec 
Apply sine formula on PS’T:     (31)

sin  sin 180  

 sin  sin 
(30)(31):
a  ae cos   ae  a sec  sin 
 
a  ae cos  ae  a sec  sin 
a
ae 
a  ae cos  cos   sin 

a  ae cos   ae  a sin 
cos 
a  ae cos  ae cos   a sin 
 
a  ae cos   ae cos   a sin 
sin  = sin 
 =  or  = 180 – 
But  +  < 180 (in the figure),  rejected
 = 
PT is the exterior bisector of PSS’.
Equivalently, the angle bisector of SPS’ is the normal at P.

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 15 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

15. Find the locus of mid points of parallel chords.

mid-poi nt
y = mx +k

l ocus of mid poi nt = di ameter

Given the slope = m, the equation of chord is y = mx + k.

 x2 y2

The points of intersection is given by  a 2  b 2  1
 y  mx  k

x 2 mx  k   1 m 2  2 2kmx k 2
2
Substitute:   1   2  2 x  2  2 1  0
a2 b2 a b 
 b b

x1  x2 km a 2b 2 a 2 km
If (p, q) is the mid point of chord, then p = = 2  2 = 
2 b b  a 2m2 b2  a2m2
a 2 km 2  a 2 km 2  b 2 k  a 2 km 2 b2k
q = mp + k =   k = =
b2  a 2m2 b2  a 2m2 b2  a 2m2
q b2k a 2 km b2k b2  a 2m2 b2
= (  2 )=– 2  =– 2
p b2  a 2m2 b  a2m2 b  a 2m2 a 2 km a m
y b2 b2
The equation of locus is =– 2  y = – 2 x  (32)
x a m a m
This locus is called the diameter.

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 16 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

16. Two diameters are in conjugate if each diameter bisects chords parallel to the other.
Find the condition for two conjugate diameters.

x
conj ugate di ame ters

All diameters has the form y = mx.

Let the two diameters be y = mx, y = m’x respectively.
b2
From (32), if y = m’x is the diameter which bisects all chords parallel to y = mx, then m’ = –
a 2m
b2
Hence mm’ = –  (33)
a2
Suppose PQ, RS are two conjugate diameters. Let the parameters of P and R be  and  respectively.
Then  PQ and RS pass through the origin O. ( diameters are in the form y = mx)
b b
 PQ: y = ( tan ) x, RS: y =( tan ) x
a a
b2
 Product of slope = – (by (33))
a2
b2 b2
– = tan  tan 
a2 a2
tan  tan  = –1
 =  + 90  (34)

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 17 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

17. The sum of square of two conjugate diameters is a constant (= 4a2 + 4b2)
Let PQ and RT be 2 conjugate diameters. The parameters of P and R are  and  + 90 respectively.
PQ2 + RT2 = (2OP)2 + (2OR)2
= 4[(a cos )2 + (b sin )2] + 4[(a cos( + 90)]2 + 4[(a sin( + 90)]2
= 4a2 + 4b2  (35)

18. Find the locus of intersection of tangents of 2 conjugate diameters.

i ntersecti on of tangen ts
Locus

x
S(-c,0) O S'(c,0)

conj ugate di ame ters

Q

Let PQ, RT be 2 conjugate diameters. The parameters of P and R are  and  + 90 respectively.
 x y  x y
 cos   sin   1  cos   sin   1
Equations of tangents:  a b  a b
x
 y
 x
y
 cos   90  sin   90  1  sin   cos   1
 

a b  a b

x y x y x2 y2
Solving these: cos  : sin  : 1 = – – : – :– 2 – 2
a b a b a b
x y x y x2 y2
cos2  + sin2  = 1  (– – )2 + ( – )2 = (– 2 – 2 )2
a b a b a b
x2 y2 x2 y2 2
2( + ) = ( + )
a2 b2 a2 b2
x2 y2 x2 y2
 +  0,  + = 2  (36)
a2 b2 a2 b2
The locus is another concentric ellipse.

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 18 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

19. Let PQ be any diameter, R is a point on the ellipse. Then the diameters parallel to PR
and QR are in conjugate to each other.
y

x
O

Let the parameters of P, Q and R be ,  + 180 and  respectively.

b sin   b sin  b sin 180      b sin   b sin   b sin 
Slope of PR = , slope of QR = 
a cos   a cos  a cos180     a cos   a cos   a cos 


b sin   b sin  b sin   b sin 

Product of slopes = 
a cos   a cos  a cos   a cos 
b 2 sin   sin  sin   sin 
= 2
a cos   cos  cos   cos 
       
 2 cos
2 sin  2 sin cos 
b  2 2  2 2 
= 2
a        
  2 sin sin  2 cos cos 
 2 2  2 2 
b2
=
a2
 By (33), the diameters parallel to PR and QR are conjugate to each other.

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 19 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

20. P is a fixed point. Find the locus of mid-point of chords through P.

Let the mid point of chord through P = (x, y). y

b2
Slope of OM  slope of MP =  2
a
y yk b 2 Q

  2 QM=MR

x xh a Locus P(h,k)

a2y2 – a2ky + b2x2 – b2hx = 0 M(x,y)

k h a 2k 2  b2h2 x
a2(y – )2 + b2(x – )2 = (37) O

2 2 4 R

It is an ellipse whose centre is the mid-point

of OP.
Method 2 Let the equation of the straight line
be y – k = m(x – h)  y = mx + k – mh(38)
It intersects the ellipse at Q(x1, y1), R(x2, y2).
Sub. (38) into E: b2x2 + a2(mx + k – mh)2 = a2b2
(a2m2 + b2)x2 + 2a2m(k – mh)x + a2[(k – mh)2 – b2] = 0, roots x1, x2
x1  x2 2a 2 mk  mh  a 2 mmh  k 
= = 2 2
2 
2 a 2m2  b2  a m  b2
y1  y2 1 a 2 mmh  k  k  mh a 2 m 2  b 2  b 2 mh  k 
 = m x1  x2   k  mh = m  2 2  = 
2 2 a m  b2 a 2m 2  b 2  a 2m2  b2
Let the mid-point be M(x, y).
a 2 mmh  k 
x= 2 2  (39)
a m  b2
b 2 mh  k 
y = 2 2  (40)
a m  b2
x a 2m b2 x
(39)(40)   2  m =  2  (41)
y b a y

Sub. into (40): y = 


b 2  ab 2 xy  h  k
2
 =  b  b hxy  a ky  = ya ky  b hx
2 2 2 2 2 2

a 2  ab 4 xy 2  b 2 b 4 x 2  a 2b 2 y 2 b2 x2  a2 y 2
4 2

b2x2 + a2y2 = a2ky + b2hx

2 2 2 2
 h  k h k
b2  x    a 2  y    b2    a 2  
 2  2 2 2

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 20 Last updated: 09/12/2011

 y

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

Q
21. Find the chord with given mid-point (h, k). PQ=PR
2
k b h
Slope of OP =  slope of chord =  2  P(h,k)
h a k
yk
x
b2h O
Equation of chord:  2 R
xh a k
2 2 2 2 2 2
a ky – a k + b hx – b h = 0
hx ky h 2 k 2
    (42)
a2 b2 a2 b2
h2 k 2 hx ky
If (h, k) lies on the ellipse ( 2
 2  1 ), then the chord will become a tangent 2  2  1
a b a b
Method 2
Let the equation of the straight line be y – k = m(x – h)  y = mx + k – mh  (38)
It intersects the ellipse at Q(x1, y1), R(x2, y2).
Sub. (38) into E: b2x2 + a2(mx + k – mh)2 = a2b2
(a2m2 + b2)x2 + 2a2m(k – mh)x + a2[(k – mh)2 – b2] = 0, roots x1, x2
x1  x2 2a 2 mk  mh  a 2 mmh  k 
= = 2 2 = h  (39)
2 
2 a 2m2  b2  a m  b2
y1  y2 1 a 2 mmh  k  k  mh a 2 m 2  b 2  b 2 mh  k 
= m x1  x2   k  mh = m  2 2  =  = k (40)
2 2 a m  b2 a 2m 2  b 2  a 2m2  b2
h a2m b2h
(39)(40)   2  m =  2  (41)
k b a k
2
b h
Sub. into (38): y – k =  2 (x – h)
a k
k
2
 y  k    h2 x  h 
b a
hx ky h 2 k 2
    (42)
a2 b2 a2 b2

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 21 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

22. Find the locus of mid-point of chords which touches the circle x2 + y2 = r2, where r < b <a

P(h,k)

x
O

Let P(h, k) be the mid-point.

hx ky h 2 k 2
Equation of chord:     (42)
a2 b2 a2 b2
It touches the circle,  distance from origin to the chord = r

h2 k 2

a2 b2 r
2 2
 h   k 
 2   2 
a  b 

2
 x2 y2   x2 y2 
 Locus of mid-point is  2  2   r 2  4  4   (43)
a b  a b 

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 22 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

23. Suppose PQ and RS are two conjugate diameters, foci = F, F’. Show that FP F’P = OR2.
y

R
P
M M'

x
F O F'

Q
S
B'(0,-b)

x = -d x=d

Let the parameters of P and R be  and  + 90.

Let M, M’ be the feet of perpendiculars from P onto both directrices.
a a
PM = a cos  + , PM’ = – a cos 
e e
FP = e PM = a(e cos  + 1), F’P = e PM’ = a(1 – e cos )
FP  F’P = a2(1 – e2 cos2 )
= a2 – (a2 – b2) cos2 
= (a sin )2 + (b cos )2  (44)
OR2 = (a sin )2 + (b cos )2
 FP  F’P = OR2  (45)
24. Find the equations of conjugate diameters of equal length.
If the diameters are equal in length, then
a2 cos2  + b2 sin2  = a2 sin2  + b2 cos2 
a2 cos 2 = b2 cos 2
(a2 – b2) cos 2 = 0
a  b,  cos 2 = 0
2 = 90, 270, 450, 630
 = 45, 135, 225, 315
 b x y
 y  a tan 45 x  a  b  1


Equations of diameters:    (46)

b x y
 y  tan 135 x    1


 a a b

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 23 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

25. Equation of normal

x0 x y 0 y
Suppose the equation of tangent at (x0, y0) on the ellipse is (22):  2 1
a2 b
x0 b 2 b 2 x0
The slope of tangent =   = 
a 2 y0 a 2 y0
a 2 y0
 Slope of normal =
b 2 x0
Equation of normal
y  y0 a 2 y0

x  x0 b 2 x0
(b2x0)y – b2x0y0 = (a2y0)x – a2 x0y0
a2 x b2 y
  a 2  b 2  (47)
x0 y0
ax by
In parametric form:   a 2  b 2  (48)
cos  sin 
Exercise 1 The normal at P meets the major and minor axes at G and G’ respectively. N and N’ are
the feet of perpendiculars from P to the major and minor axes. Prove that OG : ON = e2 : 1, and that
OG’ : ON’ = c2 : b2

P
N'

G
x
O N

normal

G'

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 24 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

26. Concyclic points.

y

x
O

Suppose a circle intersects an ellipse at P, Q, R and S. Let the parameters be , ,  and 

respectively. To find the condition for which , ,  and  to be concyclic.
The equation of chords joining , , and ,  are given by (20):
x   y   
cos + sin = cos ; and
a 2 b 2 2
x  y  
cos + sin = cos respectively.
a 2 b 2 2
x   y   
Let U = cos + sin – cos ;
a 2 b 2 2
x  y  
V= cos + sin – cos
a 2 b 2 2
2 2
 x  y
Consider the equation:       1 + kUV = 0, where k is a constant.
a b

This is a second degree equation which contains , ,  and .

It is a circle if and only if coefficient of xy = 0 and coefficient of x2 = coefficient of y2
1       
 sin cos  cos sin = 0  (49)
ab  2 2 2 2 
1    1    
and 2 
1  k cos cos   2 1  k sin sin   (50)
a  2 2  b  2 2 
 
(49)  sin =0
2
  +  +  +  = 360m, where m is an integer. (Multiples of 360)
This is the required condition.
(50) determines the value of k.

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 25 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

Method 2 Put (a cos , b sin ) into the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0

a2 cos2  + b2 sin2  + 2ag cos  + 2bf sin  + c = 0
1 t2 2t
Use the circular function of t: cos  = , sin  =
1 t 2
1 t2
2 2
1 t2  2  2t  1 t2 2t
2

a  
2 
b  2
 2ag  2
 2bf  c  0
1 t  1 t  1 t 1 t2

a2(1 – 2t2 + t4) + 4b2t2 + 2ag(1 – t4) + 4bft(1 + t2) + c(1 + 2t2 + t4) = 0
(a2 – 2ag + c)t4 + 4bft3 + (–2a2 + 4b2 + 2c)t2 + 4bft + (a2 + 2ag + c) = 0
This is a polynomial equation in t of degree 4, which have 4 roots t1, t2, t3, t4.
   
t1 = tan , t2 = tan , t3 = , t4 =
2 2 2 2
Using the relation between the roots and coefficients:

4bf  2a 2  4b 2  2c 4bf a 2  2ag  c

 ti   2
a  2ag  c
,  ti t j 
a 2  2ag  c
,  ti t j t k   2
a  2ag  c
, t1t2t3t4  2
a  2ag  c
i j i j k

4bf  4bf 
    2 
tan
 
=  
ti  ti t j t k
=
a  2ag  c  a  2ag  c 
2
=0
2 
1  ti t j  t1t2t3t 4 
1  ti t j  t1t2t3t 4
 
= 180m
2
 +  +  +  = 360m, where m is an integer. (Multiples of 360)

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 26 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

27. Condition for Conormal points

Normals can be drawn through a point (h, k) and that if the parameters of the feet of normals are ,
,  and , then  +  +  +  = 180(2m + 1), where m is an integer.
y

(h, k)

x
O



ax by
Equation of normal is (48):   a2  b2
cos  sin 
ah bk
 they meet at (h, k),    a 2  b2
cos  sin 
2t 1 t 2
Using the formula sin  = , cos  =
1 t 2 1 t 2

Sub. into (48):

 
ah 1  t 2 bk 1  t 2


 a 2  b2

1 t 2
2t
ah(1 + t )2t – bk(1 – t ) = (a – b2)2t(1 – t2)
2 4 2

bkt4 + 2aht3 + 2aht – bk = 2(a2 – b2)t – 2(a2 – b2)t3

bkt4 + 2(ah + a2 – b2)t3 + 2(ah – a2 + b2)t – bk = 0  (51)
Since it is an equation in t of degree 4, there are 4 roots t1, t2, t3, t4 (real or complex).
   
t1 = tan , t2 = tan , t3 = tan , t4 = tan .
2 2 2 2
coefficent of t 2 coefficent of t 0
t1t2 + t1t3 + t1t4 + t2t3 + t2t4 + t3t4 = = 0, t 1 t2 t 3t 4 = = –1
coefficient of t 4 coefficient of t 4


 ti  i ti t j t k
j  k
tan =
2 1   t i t j  t1t 2 t 3t 4
i j

Since the denominator vanish,   +  +  +  = 180(2m + 1), where m is an integer.

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 27 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

28. Suppose , ,  are the parameters of the feet of 3 concurrent normals of an ellipse
2 2
 x  y
      1 , prove that sin( + ) + sin( + ) + sin( + ) = 0
a b

ax by
Equation of normal is:   a 2  b 2  (48)
cos  sin 
(a sin )x – (b cos )y = (a2 – b2) sin  cos 
Suppose they meet at (h, k), then
(a sin )h – (b cos )k = (a2 – b2) sin  cos   (52)
a2h2 sin2  = cos2 [bk + (a2 – b2) sin ]2
a2h2 sin2  = (1 – sin2 )[b2k2 + (a2 – b2)2 sin2  + 2bk(a2 – b2) sin ]
(a2 – b2)2 sin4  + 2bk(a2 – b2) sin3  +  = 0
This is an equation in sin  with degree = 4, there are four roots to the equation.
Let the four roots be sin , sin , sin  and sin .
coefficient of sin 3  2bk
 sin  + sin  + sin  + sin  =  = 2  (53)
coefficient of sin 
4
a  b2
On the other hand, by (52): bk cos  = [ah – (a2 – b2) cos ] sin 
b2k2 cos2  = (1 – cos2 )[a2h2 – 2ah(a2 – b2) cos  + (a2 – b2)2 cos2 ]
(a2 – b2)2 cos4  – 2ah(a2 – b2) cos3  +  = 0
This is an equation in cos  with degree = 4, the four roots are cos , cos , cos  and cos .
2ah
 cos  + cos  + cos  + cos  =  (54)
a  b2
2

2bk
(53): sin  + sin  + sin  =  – sin   (55)
a  b2
2

2ah
(54): cos  + cos  + cos  = – cos   (56)
a  b2
2

Multiply together: sin( + ) + sin( + ) + sin( + ) + sin  cos  + sin  cos + sin  cos 
4abhk 2bk 2ah
= + 2 cos  – 2 sin  + sin  cos   (57)

a2  b2
2

a b 2
a  b2
ah sin   bk cos 
Recall in (52), sin  cos  = ,  can be replaced by , ,  and .
a2  b2
Sub. these into (57):
ah sin   bk cos  ah sin   bk cos  ah sin   bk cos 
sin(+)+sin(+)+sin(+)+ + +
a2  b2 a2  b2 a2  b2
4abhk 2bk 2ah ah sin   bk cos 
= + 2 cos  – 2 sin  +

a b
2 2 2 a b 2
 a b 2
a 2  b2

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 28 Last updated: 09/12/2011

Lecture Notes on Ellipse Edited by Mr. Francis Hung

ahsin   sin   sin   bk cos   cos   cos 

sin(+)+sin(+)+sin(+)+
a2  b2
4abhk 2bk 2ah ah sin   bk cos 
= + 2 cos  – 2 sin  +

a b
2 2 2 a b 2
 a b 2
a 2  b2
 2bk   2ah 
ah  2  sin    bk  2  cos  
a b 2
 a b
2
By (55) and (56), sin(+)+sin(+)+sin(+)+   
a b
2 2

4abhk 2bk 2ah ah sin   bk cos 

= + 2 cos  – 2 sin  +
a2  b2
2

a b 2
 a b 2
a 2  b2
2abhk 2abhk ah sin  bk cos 
sin(+) + sin(+) + sin(+)    
a 2
b  a
2 2 2
b 
2 2 a2  b2 a2  b2
4abhk bk ah
= + cos  – 2 sin 
a 2
b 
2 2 a b
2 2
a  b2
sin( + ) + sin( + )+ sin( + ) = 0

http://www.hkedcity.net/ihouse/fh7878/ Page 29 Last updated: 09/12/2011