INTRODUCTION TO CONIC SECTION

A conic section is a curve formed by the intersection of a plane and a double cone.
History Behind Conic Sections
o Conic sections is one of the oldest math subject studied.
o The conics were discovered by Greek mathematician Menaechmus (c. 375-325 BC).

o Menaechmus’s intelligence was

highly regarded… he tutored
Alexander the Great.
o Menaechmus’ intelligence was highly regarded, he tutored Alexander the Great.
o Appollonius (c. 262-190 BC) wrote about conics in his series of books simply titled “Conic
Sections”.
o Appollonious’ nickname was “The Great Geometer”.
o He was the first to base the theory of all three conics on sections of one circular cone.
o He is also the one to give the name “ellipse”, “parabola”, and “hyperbola”.
Section of a Cone
o Let l be a fixed vertical line and m be another line intersecting it at a fixed point V and
inclined to it at an angle α.
o Suppose we rotate the line I in such a way the angle α remains constant.

Circles
o The set of all points that are the same distance from the center.

Standard equation: ( x−h )2+ ( y −k )2=r 2

(h,k)
Center: (h, k) .
r
Radius: r (square root)

Example 1

( x−2 )2 + ( y +8 )2=81

Center: (2,-8)
Radius: 9
Ellipses
o Salami is often cut obliquely to obtain elliptical slices, which are larger. 
o Basically, an ellipse is a squished circle.

( x−h )2 ( y−k )2 (h,k)

Standard equation: + =1 .
a2 b2 a b
2 2 2
c =a −b

Center: (h,k)

a: major radius, length from center to edge of circle

b: minor radius, length from center to top/bottom of circle

*must square root the denominator

History
o Early Greek astronomers thought that the planets moved in circular orbits about an
unmoving earth, since the circle is the simplest mathematical curve. 

o In the 17th century, Johannes Kepler eventually discovered that each planet travels around
the sun in an elliptical orbit with the sun at one of its foci.

Science
o On a far smaller scale, the electrons of an atom move in an approximately elliptical orbit
with the nucleus at one focus.
o Any cylinder sliced on an angle will reveal an ellipse in cross-section 

Properties of Ellipses
o The ellipse has an important property that is used in the reflection of light and sound waves. 
o Any light or signal that starts at one focus will be reflected to the other focus.

o The principle is also used in the construction of "whispering galleries" such as in St. Paul's
Cathedral in London. 
o If a person whispers near one focus, he can be heard at the other focus, although he cannot be
heard at many places in between. 
Example 2

( x+ 4 )2 ( y −5 )2
2
+ 2
=1
25 4
Center: (-4 , 5)
a:  5
b:  2

Parabolas
Standard equation:

( x−h )2=4 p ( y−k ) ( y−k )2=4 p ( x−h ) x = right − y = down

p>0 opens up opens right −x = left

p<0 opens down opens left y = up

o One of nature's best approximations to parabolas is the path of a projectile.

o This discovery by Galileo in the 17th century made it possible for cannoneers to work out the
kind of path a cannonball would travel if it were hurtled through the air at a specific angle.
o Parabolas exhibit unusual and useful reflective properties. 
o If a light is placed at the focus of a parabolic mirror, the light will be reflected in rays parallel
to its axis. 
o In this way a straight beam of light is formed. 
o It is for this reason that parabolic surfaces are used for headlamp reflectors. 
o The bulb is placed at the focus for the high beam and in front of the focus for the low beam. 
o The opposite principle is used in the giant mirrors in reflecting telescopes and in antennas
used to collect light and radio waves from outer space: 
o ...the beam comes toward the parabolic surface and is brought into focus at the focal point.
Example 3
−1
( x+ 2 )2=( y −5)
2
Vertex: (-2,5)
Opens: down
Example 4
2
5 x=125 ( y−2 )
Vertex: (0,2(
Opens: right

Hyperbola
o If a right circular cone is intersected by a plane perpendicular to its axis, part of a hyperbola
is formed. 
o Such an intersection can occur in physical situations as simple as sharpening a pencil that
has a polygonal cross section or in the patterns formed on a wall by a lamp shade.
o Looks like: two parabolas, back to back.

Standard equation:

( x−h )2 ( y−k )2 ( y−k )2 ( x −h )2

2
+ 2
=1 2
+ 2
=1
a b a b
Opens left and right Opens up and down

Hyperbolas – Transverse Axis

Hyperbolas – Application
A sonic boom shock wave has the shape of a cone, and it intersects the ground in part of a
hyperbola. It hits every point on this curve at the same time, so that people in different places
along the curve on the ground hear it at the same time. Because the airplane is moving forward,
the hyperbolic curve moves forward and eventually the boom can be heard by everyone in its
path.

Example 5

( x−4 )2 ( y−5 )2
− =1
25 4
Center: (-4,5)
Opens: left and right
Try
2 2
x + y =25 Circle (0,0)
2 2
x − y =1 Hyperbola (0,0)
1 2
x−1= ( y +2 ) Parabola (1,-2)
2
1 2
y +3= ( x+ 2 ) Parabola (-2,-3)
8

( x−2 )2 + y 2=4 Circle (2,0)

2 2
x y
+ =1 Ellipse (0,0)
25 9
( x−1 )2 ( y +2 )2
− =1 Hyperbola (1,-2)
4 16
( x +2 )2+ ( y+1 )2 =49 Circle (-2,-1)

( x +5 )2−( y−7 )2=1 Hyperbola (-5,7)

2
y =6 x Parabola (0,0)

( y−1 )2 2
−x =1 Hyperbola (0,1)
4

( y−4 )2 ( x +5 )2
+ =1 Ellipse (-5,4)
17 5

INTRODUCTION TO CONIC SECTION (video lesson)

The fixed line is called the axis of the cone.
The vertex is the point shared by both cones.
The lines that pass through the vertex and form the cones are the generators. The generators lie
in the cone.
The cones consists of two parts called the nappes.
A circle is generated when the plane is perpendicular to the axis of
the cone.
An ellipse is generated when the plane is tilted so it intersects each
generator, but only intersects one nappe.
A parabola is generated when the plane is tilted so it is parallel to
one generator only intersects one nappe.
A hyperbola is generated when the plane intersects both nappes.

EQUATIONS OF CONIC SECTION / DEGENERATE CONICS

Conic Sections and Algebra
The general equation of conic sections is quadratic equation in x and y given by

A x 2+ B y 2 +Cx+ Dy+ E=0

Where A, B, C, D, and E are real numbers not all equal to zero.
1. If A and B are exactly the same , the equation may be of a circle.
Example 1
a. 4 x2 + 4 y 2 +8 x+ 20 y +1=0
 b. 3 x 2+3 y 2 +12 x−6 y−11=0

2. If A and B are different but have the same sign, the equation may be of an ellipse.
Example 2
a. 4 x2 +5 y 2 +8 x−20 y−15=0
b. x 2+ 2 y 2−x +20 y +12=0

3. If A and B have opposite signs, the equation may be of a hyperbola.

Example 3
a. 5 x 2−6 y 2 +8 x+2 y−44=0
b. −4 x 2+ y 2 + x +15 y−21=0

4. If A = 0 or B = 0 but not both at the same time, the equation may be of a parabola.
Example 4
a. 13 x 2+ 8 x−11 y +15=0; here B = 0
b. −2 y 2−8 x+ 5 y+19=0; here A = 0
Degenerate Conics:
1. 2 x2 +5 y 2 +12 x−20 y +38=0 ; is not an ellipse but a point.
2. 2 x2 −3 y 2−20 x−18 y+ 23=0 ; is not a hyperbola but a pair of intersecting lines.
3. x 2+ y 2+2 x−6 y +15=0; will not form a circle because its graph is imaginary.
To prevent such errors, we perform algebraic manipulations to the general equation and
transform it into standard form – a form that is unique for each type of conic section.
The standard form of each conic section is given as follows:

Circle: ( x−h )2+ ( y −k )2=r 2

( x−h )2 ( y−k )2 ( y−k )2 ( x −h )2

Ellipse: 2
+ 2
=1 or 2
+ 2
=1
a b a b

Parabola: 4 a ( x−h ) =( y−k )2 or 4 a ( y−k )=( x−h )2

( x−h )2 ( y−k )2 ( y−k )2 ( x −h )2

Hyperbola: + =1or + =1
a2 b2 a2 b2
Degenerate conics are formed from these standard forms if a special situation is present.
5. Point - the constant side of the standard form of a circle or ellipse is zero
6. Pair of intersecting lines –the constant side of the standard form of a hyperbola is zero 
7. Line -  either side of the standard form of a parabola is zero
8. Imaginary graph – the constant side of the standard form of a circle or ellipse is a negative
number.

Transform 6 x 2+ 6 y 2+ 12 x−24 y+12=0 into its standard form then identify what type of conic
section it is.
Solution:
Divide both sides of the equation by 6, which is the GCF, to reduce the terms.
1
¿
6
2 2
x + y +2 x−4 y +2=0
Group the terms with similar variables together then transpose the constant to the right.

( x 2 +2 x ) + ( y2 −4 y ) =−2
Apply “completing the square” to each group.
Add the constants to the right of the equation.

( x 2 +2 x +1 ) +( y 2 −4 y + 4 ) =−2+1+4
( x 2 +2 x +1 ) + ( y 2 −4 y + 4 ) =3
Reduce each group by factoring.

( x +1 )2+ ( y−2 )2=3

The resulting standard equation is that of a circle.

Transform 2 x2 + y 2−4 x−2 y−1=0 into its standard form then identify what type of conic
section it is.
Solution:
2 2
2 x + y −4 x−2 y=1
( 2 x 2−4 x ) + ( y 2−2 y )=1
2 ( x −2 x ) + ( y −2 y ) =1
2 2

2 ( x −2 x +1 ) + ( y −2 y +1 ) =1+2 (1 ) +1
2 2

2
2 ( x−1 ) + ( y −1 ) =1+2+1
2 2
 2
2 ( x−1 )2+ ( y 2−1 ) =4
2 2
2 ( x 2−1 ) ( y 2−1 ) 4
+ =
4 4 4
2 2
( x 2−1 ) ( y 2−1 )
+ =1
2 2
Standard form of an ellipse.

2 2
( x−3 ) ( y+ 4 )
Convert − =1 into general form.
9 4
Solution:
Multiply all terms by the LCM of the denominators, 36.
2 2
4 ( x−3 ) −9 ( y + 4 ) −36
Expand each group by performing square of a binomial.

4 ( x −6 x+ 9 ) −9 ( y + 8 y+ 16 )=36
2 2

Distribute the coefficients then simplify.

2 2
4 x −24 x+ 36−9 y −72 y −144=36
2 2
4 x −9 y −24 x−72 y−144=0
Standard form of a hyperbola.

DEGENERATE CONICS
Degenerated Conic Sections:

When the plane passes through the vertex of double napped cone, again three different cases may
arise.

i) When α < β ≤ 90° , then the section is a point

 ii) When α = β, the section is a straight line and it is the generator of the cone. It is the
degenerated case of a parabola.

iii) When 0 ≤ β < α, the section is a pair of intersecting lines. It is the degenerated case of
a hyperbola.

RECOGNIZING TYPES OF CONICS AND DEGENERATE CASES

CIRCLES

A CIRCLE is a closed curved defined as the locus of points of all points with a constant distance
called radius (r) from a fixed point known as the center (C).

A circle may also be considered a special kind of ellipse (for the special case when the tilted
plane is horizontal). For our purposes, we will distinguish between these two conics.

THE CIRCLE

THE PARABOLA
The parabola is an open curve defined as the locus of points, each of which is equidistant from a
fixed point known as the focus, and a fixed line known as the directrix.
Point Focus = Point Directrix
PF = PD
The parabola has one axis of symmetry, which intersects the parabola at its vertex.
The distance from the vertex to the focus is | p |.
The distance from the directrix to the vertex is also | p |.

o The vertex V of the parabola is the turning point of the curve, and collinear with it is the
focus F. The line that connects the vertex and the focus is the axis of symmetry of the
parabola.
o The line segment through the focus that intersects the parabola is called latus rectum. It is
always perpendicular to axis of symmetry and parallel to the directrix.
o The constant 4p is the total length of the latus rectum. The focus and the vertex are p units
apart. Coincidentally, the vertex and the directrix are also p units apart.

The Standard Form of the Equation with Vertex (h, k)

For a parabola with the axis of symmetry parallel to the y-axis and vertex at (h, k), the standard
2
form is: ( x−h ) =4 p( y−k )

o The equation of the axis of symmetry is x=h .

o The coordinates of the focus are (h , k + p).
o The equation of the directrix is y=k− p .
o When p is positive, the parabola opens upward.
o When p is negative, the parabola opens downward.

For a parabola with an axis of symmetry parallel to the x-axis and a vertex at (h, k), the standard
form is: ( y−k )2=4 p ( x−h)

o The equation of the axis of symmetry is y=k .

o The coordinates of the focus are (h+ p , k ).
o The equation of the directrix is x=h− p.
o When p is positive, the parabola opens to the right.
o When p is negative, the parabola opens to the left.
Finding the Equations of Parabolas

Write the equation of the parabola with a focus at (3 , 5) and the directrix at x=9 , in standard
form and general form.

The distance from the focus to the directrix is 6 units, therefore, 2 p=−6 , p=−3. Thus, the
vertex is (6 , 5).

The axis of symmetry is parallel to the x-axis:

( y−k )2=4 p ( x−h) h = 6 and k = 5

( y−5 )2=4 (−3)( x−6)

( y−5 )2=−12( x−6) Standard form

Find the equation of the parabola that has a minimum at (−2 , 6)and passes through the point
(2 , 8). 

The axis of symmetry is parallel to the y-axis.

The vertex is (−2 , 6), therefore, h=−2 and k =6 .

Substitute into the standard form of the equation and solve for p:

( x−h )2=4 p( y−k ) x=2∧ y=8

( 2−(−2 ) )2=4 p (8−6)

16=8 p
2= p

(x−h)2=4 p( y−k )
(x−(−2)) 2=4(2)( y−6)
(x +2)2=8( y−6) Standard form

Analyzing a Parabola
Find the coordinates of the vertex and focus, the equation of the directrix, the axis of
symmetry, and the direction of opening of 2 x 2+4 x−2 y+ 6=0 .
2 x 2+4 x−2 y+ 6=0
2¿

2( x +1)2=2( y−2)
(x +1) 2=( y−2)

4 p=1
p=¼

The parabola opens to upward.

The vertex is (-1, 2).
The focus is ( -1, 2 ¼ ).
The Equation of directrix is y = 1¾  .
The axis of symmetry is  x = -1 .

Graphing a Parabola

y 2−10 x+ 4 y −16=0
y 2+ 4 y +¿ 10 x +16 +¿ ¿
( y +2)2=10 x +20
( y +2)2=10( x +2)
Horizontally oriented (right)

Vertex @ (-2, -2)

Line of Symmetry  y = -2

P = 2.5

focus @ ( 0.5, -3)

Directrix   X = - 4.5