Ellipse Notes
What is an ellipse? The set of all points, P, in a plane such that the sum of the distances between P and the foci is constant.
h and k give the x and y values of the center. Take the opposite of h and k so the center is (-h, -k) The square root of the number under x tells you how far to move horizontally. The square root of the number under y tells you how far to move vertically. A and B can switch places. A goes under the MAJOR axis. B goes under the MINOR axis.
Center Major Axis Minor Axis a b (2, 3) X, horizontal Y, vertical 6 2 Foci (plural of focus)
Center Major Axis Minor Axis a b (2, 3) X, horizontal Y, vertical 7 4
The Focus Equation: The focus, c, is used as a tool for finding the vertex or co-vertex. * You will not be graphing the focus. You will only use the focus, c, if you are writing equations
Center Major Axis Minor Axis a b (3, -1) X, horizontal Y, vertical 5 4
Center Major Axis Minor Axis a b (-1, 2) X, horizontal Y, vertical 7 2
Center Major Axis Minor Axis a b (-5, 3) X, horizontal Y, vertical 5 2
Center Major Axis Minor Axis a b (3, -1) X, horizontal Y, vertical 4 3