1. CONIC SECTIONS
THE ELLIPSE

2. ELLIPSE
- Set of all points such that the sum of the
distances from two fixed points, called the
foci, is constant.

3. PARTS
Center
Vertices
Foci – the two fixed points
Major Axis - longer chord passing through
either of the foci and parallel the major
axis
Minor Axis – shorter chord perpendicular to
the major axis passing through the
center

4. Latera Recta
- Plural form of latus rectum
- chords passing through the foci
perpendicular to the center
Directrix
- fixed lines outside the ellipse parallel to
the minor axis

5. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARTS
Center to Vertex – a
Center to Minor Axis – b
Center to Focus – c
Diagonal Distance of a
c2 = a2 - b2
Major Axis – 2a
Minor Axis – 2b

6. STANDARD FORM
Major Axes C(0,0) C(h,k) Graph
Horizontal Major Axis
Vertical Major
Axis

7. EXAMPLES
1.
2.