B.1 Conic Sections - Cengage Learning - Education

Appendix B.1 ■ Conic Sections B1

B Conic Sections

B.1 Conic Sections

■ Recognize the four basic conics: circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.
■ Recognize, graph, and write equations of parabolas (vertex at origin).
■ Recognize, graph, and write equations of ellipses (center at origin).
■ Recognize, graph, and write equations of hyperbolas (center at origin).

Introduction to Conic Sections

Conic sections were discovered during the classical Greek period, which lasted from
600 to 300 B.C. By the beginning of the Alexandrian period, enough was known of
conics for Apollonius (262–190 B.C.) to produce an eight-volume work on the subject.

This early Greek study was largely concerned with the geometric properties of conics.
It was not until the early seventeenth century that the broad applicability of conics
became apparent.

A conic section (or simply conic) can be described as the intersection of a plane
and a double-napped cone. Notice from Figure B.1 that in the formation of the four
basic conics, the intersecting plane does not pass through the vertex of the cone. When
the plane does pass through the vertex, the resulting figure is a degenerate conic, as
shown in Figure B.2.

Conic Sections Degenerate Conics
FIGURE B.1 FIGURE B.2

There are several ways to approach the study of conics. You could begin by defining
conics in terms of the intersections of planes and cones, as the Greeks did, or you could
define them algebraically, in terms of the general second-degree equation

Ax2 ϩ Bxy ϩ Cy2 ϩ Dx ϩ Ey ϩ F ϭ 0.

However, you will study a third approach in which each of the conics is defined as a
locus, or collection, of points satisfying a certain geometric property. For example, in
Section 2.1 you saw how the definition of a circle as the collection of all points ͑x, y͒ that
are equidistant from a fixed point ͑h, k͒ led easily to the standard equation of a circle,

͑x Ϫ h͒2 ϩ ͑ y Ϫ k͒2 ϭ r2.

You will restrict your study of conics in Appendix B.1 to parabolas with vertices at
the origin, and ellipses and hyperbolas with centers at the origin. In Appendix B.2, you
will look at the general cases.

B2 Appendix B ■ Conic Sections

STUDY TIP Parabolas

Note that the term parabola In Section 3.1, you determined that the graph of the quadratic function given by
is a technical term used in f ͑x͒ ϭ ax2 ϩ bx ϩ c
mathematics and does not
simply refer to any U-shaped is a parabola that opens upward or downward. The definition of a parabola given below
curve. is more general in the sense that it is independent of the orientation of the parabola.

Definition of a Parabola y

A parabola is the set of all points Focus d2 (x, y) x
͑x, y͒ in a plane that are equidistant Vertex d1 d2
from a fixed line called the directrix
and a fixed point called the focus d1
(not on the line). The midpoint
between the focus and the directrix Directrix
is called the vertex, and the line
passing through the focus and the
vertex is called the axis of the parabola.

Axis

Using this definition, you can derive the following standard form of the equation
of a parabola.

Standard Equation of a Parabola (Vertex at Origin)

The standard form of the equation of a parabola with vertex at ͑0, 0͒ and
directrix y ϭ Ϫp is given by

x2 ϭ 4py, p 0. Vertical axis

For directrix x ϭ Ϫp, the equation is given by

y2 ϭ 4px, p 0. Horizontal axis

The focus is on the axis p units (directed distance) from the vertex. See Figure B.3.

y y
x 2 = 4py, p ≠ 0
x Vertex (x, y) x
Focus (0, p) Vertex (0, 0) (0, 0)
p Directrix: x = −p Focus (p, 0)
(x, y) p Axis

p p
y 2 = 4px, p ≠ 0
Directrix: y = − p
Axis

Parabola with Vertical Axis Parabola with Horizontal Axis
FIGURE B.3

Appendix B.1 ■ Conic Sections B3

Example 1 Finding the Focus of a Parabola

Find the focus of the parabola whose equation is y ϭ Ϫ2x2.

SOLUTION Because the squared term in the equation involves x, you know that the
axis is vertical, and the equation is of the form

y

( (Focus 1 x2 ϭ 4py. Standard form, vertical axis
8
0, −

x You can write the original equation in this form, as shown.

−1 1 Ϫ2 x2 ϭ y Write original equation.

y = −2x2

−1 x2 ϭ Ϫ1 y Divide each side by Ϫ2.
2

−2 ΂ ΃x2 ϭ 4 Ϫ81 y. Write in standard form.

FIGURE B.4 So, p ϭ Ϫis81͑.0B, epc͒aϭuse͑0p, is negative, the parabola opens downward and the focus of the
parabola B.4.
Ϫ18͒, as shown in Figure

Checkpoint 1 ■
Find the focus of the parabola whose equation is y2 ϭ 2x.

y

Example 2 Finding the Standard Equation of a Parabola

2

y2 = 8x Write the standard form of the equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin and
focus at ͑2, 0͒.
1
Focus SOLUTION The axis of the parabola is horizontal, passing through ͑0, 0͒ and ͑2, 0͒, as
shown in Figure B.5. So, the standard form is
Vertex (2, 0)

1 2 3 x
4
(0, 0)
−1 y2 ϭ 4px. Standard form, horizontal axis

Because the focus is p ϭ 2 units from the vertex, the equation is

−2 y2 ϭ 4͑2͒x

Standard form

FIGURE B.5 y2 ϭ 8x.

Checkpoint 2

Write the standard form of the equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin and

focus at ͑0, 2͒. ■

Parabolas occur in a wide variety of Light source
applications. For instance, a parabolic at focus
reflector can be formed by revolving a
parabola about its axis. The resulting Focus
surface has the property that all incoming
rays parallel to the axis are reflected through Axis
the focus of the parabola. This is the principle
behind the construction of the parabolic Parabolic reflector:
mirrors used in reflecting telescopes. Light is reflected
Conversely, the light rays emanating from in parallel rays.
the focus of the parabolic reflector used
in a flashlight are all reflected parallel to
one another, as shown in Figure B.6.

FIGURE B.6

B4 Appendix B ■ Conic Sections

Ellipses

Another basic type of conic is called an ellipse.

Definition of an Ellipse

An ellipse is the set of all points ͑x, y͒ in a plane the sum of whose distances from
two distinct fixed points, called foci, is constant.

d1 (x, y) Major axis Center
Focus d2 Vertex
Vertex
Focus Minor
axis

d 1 + d 2 is constant.

The line through the foci intersects the ellipse at two points, called the vertices.
The chord joining the vertices is called the major axis, and its midpoint is called the
center of the ellipse. The chord perpendicular to the major axis at the center is called
the minor axis of the ellipse. The endpoints of the minor axis of an ellipse are commonly
referred to as the co-vertices.

You can visualize the definition of an ellipse by imagining two thumbtacks placed
at the foci, as shown in Figure B.7. If the ends of a fixed length of string are fastened
to the thumbtacks and the string is drawn taut with a pencil, the path traced by the pencil
will be an ellipse.

The standard form of the equation of an ellipse takes one of two forms, depending
on whether the major axis is horizontal or vertical.

Standard Equation of an Ellipse (Center at Origin)

FIGURE B.7 The standard form of the equation of an ellipse with the center at the origin and
major and minor axes of lengths 2a and 2b, respectively ͑where 0 < b < a͒, is

x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 or x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1.
a2 b2 b2 a2

x2 + y2 = 1 y x2 + y2 = 1 y
a2 b2 (0, b) b2 a2
(0, a) Vertex

(− a, 0) Vertex (0, c) x
Vertex (− c, 0) (− b, 0) (b, 0)
x
(c, 0) (a, 0) (0, − c)

(0, −b) Vertex (0, − a)

Major axis is horizontal. Major axis is vertical.
Minor axis is vertical. Minor axis is horizontal.

The vertices and foci lie on the major axis, a and c units, respectively, from the
center. Moreover, a, b, and c are related by the equation c2 ϭ a2 Ϫ b2.

Appendix B.1 ■ Conic Sections B5

Example 3 Finding the Standard Equation of an Ellipse

y Find the standard form of the equation of the ellipse that has a major axis of length 6
x2 + y2 = 1 and foci at ͑Ϫ2, 0͒ and ͑2, 0͒, as shown in Figure B.8.

3 a2 b2

SOLUTION Because the foci occur at ͑Ϫ2, 0͒ and ͑2, 0͒, the center of the ellipse is
͑0, 0͒, and the major axis is horizontal. So, the ellipse has an equation of the form

1 x2 y2
a2 b2
(− 2, 0) (2, 0) ϩ ϭ 1. Standard form, horizontal major axis
12
x

−2 −1 Because the length of the major axis is 6, you have 2a ϭ 6, which implies that a ϭ 3.
−1 Moreover, the distance from the center to either focus is c ϭ 2. Finally, you have

−3 b2 ϭ a2 Ϫ c2 ϭ 32 Ϫ 22 ϭ 9 Ϫ 4 ϭ 5.

FIGURE B.8 Substituting a2 ϭ 32 and b2 ϭ ͑Ί5͒2 yields the following equation in standard form.

x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 Standard form
32
͑Ί5͒2

This equation simplifies to

x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1.
95

Checkpoint 3

Find the standard form of the equation of the ellipse that has a major axis of length 8

and foci at ͑0, Ϫ3͒ and ͑0, 3͒. ■

Example 4 Sketching an Ellipse

Sketch the ellipse given by

4x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 36

and identify the vertices.

SOLUTION Begin by writing the equation in standard form.

4x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 36 Write original equation.

y 4x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 36 Divide each side by 36.
(0, 6) 36 36 36
x2 + y2 = 1
32 62 x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 Simplify.
9 36
4

2 x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 Write in standard form.
32 62
(− 3, 0) (3, 0)
246
x

−6 −4 −2 Because the denominator of the y2-term is greater than the denominator of the x2-term,
−2 you can conclude that the major axis is vertical. Also, because a2 ϭ 62, the endpoints
of the major axis lie six units up and down from the center ͑0, 0͒. So, the vertices of the
−4 ellipse are ͑0, 6͒ and ͑0, Ϫ6͒. Similarly, because the denominator of the x2-term is
b2 ϭ 32, the endpoints of the minor axis (or co-vertices) lie three units to the right and
(0, − 6) left of the center at ͑3, 0͒ and ͑Ϫ3, 0͒. The ellipse is shown in Figure B.9.
FIGURE B.9

Checkpoint 4 ■
Sketch the ellipse given by x2 ϩ 4y2 ϭ 64, and identify the vertices.

B6 Appendix B ■ Conic Sections

Hyperbolas

The definition of a hyperbola is similar to that of an ellipse. The distinction is that, for an
ellipse, the sum of the distances between the foci and a point on the ellipse is constant,
whereas for a hyperbola, the difference of the distances between the foci and a point on
the hyperbola is constant.

Definition of a Hyperbola

A hyperbola is the set of all points ͑x, y͒ in a plane the difference of whose
distances from two distinct fixed points, called foci, is constant.

(x, y) Branch Transverse axis Branch
d2
Vertex Center Vertex
d1

Focus Focus

d 2 − d 1 is constant. a
c

The graph of a hyperbola has two disconnected parts, called branches. The line
through the two foci intersects the hyperbola at two points, called vertices. The line
segment connecting the vertices is called the transverse axis, and the midpoint of the
transverse axis is called the center of the hyperbola.

Standard Equation of a Hyperbola (Center at Origin)

The standard form of the equation of a hyperbola with the center at the origin
(where a 0 and b 0) is

x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 1 or y2 Ϫ x2 ϭ 1.
a2 b2 a2 b2

x2 − y2 = 1 y Vertex: y
a2 b2 (0, a)
Focus:
Transverse (0, c)
axis
y2 x2
a2 − b2 =1

Vertex: Vertex: x x
(− a, 0) (a, 0) Transverse axis

Focus: Focus:
(− c, 0) (c, 0)

Focus:
Vertex: (0, − c)
(0, − a)

The vertices and foci are, respectively, a and c units from the center. Moreover, a,
b, and c are related by the equation

b2 ϭ c2 Ϫ a2.

Appendix B.1 ■ Conic Sections B7

Example 5 Finding the Standard Equation of a Hyperbola

y Find the standard form of the equation of the hyperbola with foci at ͑Ϫ3, 0͒ and ͑3, 0͒
and vertices at ͑Ϫ2, 0͒ and ͑2, 0͒, as shown in Figure B.10.
3
SOLUTION From the graph, c ϭ 3 because the foci are three units from the center.
2 Also, a ϭ 2 because the vertices are two units from the center. So,

1 (2, 0) (3, 0) b2 ϭ c2 Ϫ a2 ϭ 32 Ϫ 22 ϭ 9 Ϫ 4 ϭ 5.
(− 3, 0) (− 2, 0) x
Because the transverse axis is horizontal, the standard form of the equation is
−3 −1 13
−1
x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 1. Standard form, horizontal transverse axis
−2 a2 b2

−3 Finally, substituting a2 ϭ 22 and b2 ϭ ͑Ί5͒2, you have

FIGURE B.10 x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 1. Write in standard form.
22
͑Ί5͒2

Checkpoint 5

Find the standard form of the equation of the hyperbola with foci at ͑0, Ϫ4͒ and ͑0, 4͒

and vertices at ͑0, Ϫ3͒ and ͑0, 3͒. ■

An important aid in sketching the graph of a hyperbola is the determination of its

asymptotes, as shown in Figure B.11. Each hyperbola has two asymptotes that intersect

at the center of the hyperbola. Furthermore, the asymptotes pass through the corners of
a rectangle of dimensions 2a by 2b. The line segment of length 2b, joining ͑0, b͒ and
͑0, Ϫb͒ ͓or ͑Ϫb, 0͒ and ͑b, 0͔͒, is referred to as the conjugate axis of the hyperbola.

y y2 x2
a2 b2
x2 y2 Asymptote: − =1 y
a2 b2
− =1 y = b x
a

(0, b) (0, a) Asymptote:
(a, 0) (− b, 0)
(− a, 0) x y= a x
(0, − a) b

(b, 0) x

(0, − b) Asymptote:

Asymptote: y=− a x
b

y = − b x
a

Transverse axis is horizontal. Transverse axis is vertical.
FIGURE B.11

Asymptotes of a Hyperbola (Center at Origin)

y ϭ b x and y ϭ Ϫ b x Transverse axis is horizontal.
a a

y ϭ a x and y ϭ Ϫ a x Transverse axis is vertical.
b b

B8 Appendix B ■ Conic Sections

Example 6 Sketching a Hyperbola

Sketch the hyperbola whose equation is 4x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 16.

SOLUTION

4x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 16 Write original equation.
4x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 16 Divide each side by 16.
16 16 16

x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 1 Write in standard form.
22 42

Because the x2-term is positive, you can conclude that the transverse axis is horizontal
and the vertices occur at ͑Ϫ2, 0͒ and ͑2, 0͒. Moreover, the endpoints of the conjugate
axis occur at ͑0, Ϫ4͒ and ͑0, 4͒, and you can sketch the rectangle shown in Figure B.12.
Finally, by drawing the asymptotes through the corners of this rectangle, you can

complete the sketch shown in Figure B.13.

y y
6
6
(0, 4) −6 −4

(−2, 0) (2, 0) x x2 − y2 = 1
−6 −4 46 22 42

x
46

(0, − 4) −6
−6
FIGURE B.13
FIGURE B.12

Checkpoint 6 ■
Sketch the hyperbola whose equation is 9y2 Ϫ x2 ϭ 9.

y Example 7 Finding the Standard Equation of a Hyperbola
4
Find the standard form of the equation of the hyperbola that has vertices at ͑0, Ϫ3͒ and
͑0, 3͒ and asymptotes y ϭ Ϫ2x and y ϭ 2x, as shown in Figure B.14.

y = −2x 2 (0, 3) SOLUTION Because the transverse axis is vertical, the asymptotes are of the form

x y ϭ a and y ϭ Ϫ a x. Transverse axis is vertical.
x b
−4 −2 24
(0, − 3) b

y = 2x −2 Using the fact that y ϭ 2x and y ϭ Ϫ2x, you can determine that a͞b ϭ 2. Because
a ϭ 3, you can determine that b ϭ 23. Finally, you can conclude that the hyperbola has
−4 the equation

FIGURE B.14 y2 Ϫ x2 ϭ 1. Write in standard form.
32 ͑3͞2͒2

Checkpoint 7

Find the standard form of the equation of the hyperbola that has vertices at ͑Ϫ5, 0͒

and ͑5, 0͒ and asymptotes y ϭ Ϫx and y ϭ x. ■

Appendix B.1 ■ Conic Sections B9

SKILLS WARM UP B.1 The following warm-up exercises involve skills that were covered in earlier sections. You will use
these skills in the exercise set for this section. For additional help, review Sections 0.7, 1.3, and 2.1.

In Exercises 1– 4, rewrite the equation so that it has no fractions.

1. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 2. x2 ϩ 4y2 ϭ 32
16 9 32 32 32

3. x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 1 4. 3x2 ϩ 4y2 ϭ 1
1͞4 4 1͞9 9

In Exercises 5–8, solve for c. (Assume c > 0.) 6. c2 ϭ 22 ϩ 32
5. c2 ϭ 32 Ϫ 12 8. c2 Ϫ 12 ϭ 22
7. c2 ϩ 22 ϭ 42

In Exercises 9 and 10, find the distance between the point and the origin.

9. ͑0, Ϫ4͒ 10. ͑Ϫ2, 0͒

Exercises B.1

Matching In Exercises 1–8, match the equation with 1. x2 ϭ 4y 2. x2 ϭ Ϫ4y
its graph. [The graphs are labeled (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), 4. y2 ϭ Ϫ4x
(g), and (h).] 3. y2 ϭ 4x

(a) y (b) y 5. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1
14
6 4
4 6. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1
2 41

−4 −2 x −4 −2 x 7. x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 1
−2 24 14

24 y2 x2
4 1
−4 8. Ϫ ϭ 1

(c) y (d) y

2 4 Finding the Vertex and Focus of a Parabola In
Exercises 9–16, find the vertex and focus of the parabola
−4 x 2 and sketch its graph. See Example 1.
−2 4
−4 x 9. y ϭ 4x2
−6 −2 246 10. y ϭ 21x2
−2 11. y2 ϭ Ϫ6x
12. y2 ϭ 3x
−4 13. x2 ϩ 8y ϭ 0
14. x2 ϩ 12y ϭ 0
(e) y (f) y 15. x ϩ y2 ϭ 0
16. y2 Ϫ 8x ϭ 0
4 2

2 −1 1

x x
24
−4 −2

−4 −2 y Finding the Standard Equation of a Parabola In

(g) y (h)

Exercises 17–26, find the standard form of the equation

1 4 of the parabola with the given characteristic(s) and vertex
−2
x x at the origin. See Example 2.
2
− 12 −8 −4 17. Focus: ͑0, Ϫ23͒ 18. Focus: ͑0, Ϫ2͒
−4

B10 Appendix B ■ Conic Sections

19. Focus: ͑Ϫ2, 0͒ 20. Focus: ͑52, 0͒ 53. 2x2 Ϫ 3y2 ϭ 6 54. 3y2 Ϫ 5x2 ϭ 15
21. Directrix: y ϭ Ϫ1
22. Directrix: y ϭ 2 Finding the Standard Equation of a Hyperbola In
Exercises 55– 60, find the standard form of the equation
23. Directrix: x ϭ 3 24. Directrix: x ϭ Ϫ2 of the hyperbola with the given characteristics and
center at the origin. See Example 7.
25. Passes through the point ͑4, 6͒; horizontal axis

26. Passes through the point ͑Ϫ2, Ϫ2͒; vertical axis

55. Vertices: ͑± 1, 0͒; asymptotes: y ϭ ± 3x

Finding the Standard Equation of an Ellipse In 56. Vertices: ͑0, ± 3͒; asymptotes: y ϭ ± 3x
Exercises 27– 34, find the standard form of the equation
of the ellipse with the given characteristics and center at 57. Foci: ͑0, ± 4͒; asymptotes: y ϭ ± 12x
the origin. See Example 3.
58. Foci: ͑±10, 0͒; asymptotes: y ϭ ± 3 x
27. Vertices: ͑0, ±2͒; minor axis of length 2 4
28. Vertices: ͑±2, 0͒; minor axis of length 3
29. Vertices: ͑±5, 0͒; foci: ͑±2, 0͒ 59. Vertices: ͑0, ±3͒; passes through the point ͑Ϫ2, 5͒
30. Vertices: ͑0, ±10͒; foci: ͑0, ±4͒
31. Foci: ͑±5, 0͒; major axis of length 12 60. Vertices: ͑±2, 0͒; passes through the point ͑3, Ί3͒
32. Foci: ͑±2, 0͒; major axis of length 8
33. Vertices: ͑0, ±5͒; passes through the point ͑4, 2͒ 61. Satellite Antenna The receiver in a parabolic
34. Major axis vertical; passes through the points ͑0, 4͒ and television dish antenna is 3 feet from the vertex and is
located at the focus (see figure). Write an equation for a
͑2, 0͒ cross section of the reflector. (Assume that the dish is
directed upward and the vertex is at the origin.)

y

Sketching an Ellipse In Exercises 35–42, find the Receiver
center and vertices of the ellipse and sketch its graph.
See Example 4. 3 ft

x

35. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 36. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 62. Suspension Bridge Each cable of the Golden Gate
25 16 144 169 Bridge is suspended (in the shape of a parabola) between
two towers that are 1280 meters apart. The top of each
37. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 38. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 tower is 152 meters above the roadway (see figure). The
4 cables touch the roadway at the midpoint between
25 16 1 the towers. Write an equation for the parabolic shape of
4 each cable.
99
y
39. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 40. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1
9 5 28 64

41. 5x2 ϩ 3y2 ϭ 15 42. x2 ϩ 4y2 ϭ 4

Finding the Standard Equation of a Hyperbola In (− 640, 152) (640, 152)
Exercises 43–46, find the standard form of the equation Cable
of the hyperbola with the given characteristics and center
at the origin. See Example 5. x

43. Vertices: ͑0, ±2͒; foci: ͑0, ±4͒ Roadway
44. Vertices: ͑0, ±5͒; foci: ͑0, ±8͒
45. Vertices: ͑±6, 0͒; foci: ͑±9, 0͒ 63. Architecture A fireplace arch is to be constructed in
46. Vertices: ͑±3, 0͒; foci: ͑±5, 0͒ the shape of a semiellipse. The opening is to have a
height of 2 feet at the center and a width of 5 feet along
Sketching a Hyperbola In Exercises 47–54, find the the base (see figure). The contractor draws the outline
center and vertices of the hyperbola and sketch its of the ellipse by the method shown in Figure B.7.
graph. See Example 6. Where should the tacks be placed and what should be
the length of the piece of string?
47. x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 1 48. x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 1
9 16 y

49. y2 Ϫ x2 ϭ 1 50. y2 Ϫ x2 ϭ 1 3
14 91

51. y2 Ϫ x2 ϭ 1 52. x2 Ϫ y2 ϭ 1 1 x
25 144 36 4 −3 −2 −1 123

Appendix B.1 ■ Conic Sections B11

64. Mountain Tunnel A semielliptical arch over a tunnel Using Latera Recta In Exercises 67–70, sketch the
for a road through a mountain has a major axis of 100 feet, ellipse using the latera recta (see Exercise 66).
and its height at the center is 30 feet (see figure).
Determine the height of the arch 5 feet from the edge of 67. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 68. x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1
the tunnel. 41 9 16

y 69. 9x2 ϩ 4y2 ϭ 36

30 ft 70. 5x2 ϩ 3y2 ϭ 15
x
71. Think About It Consider the ellipse
45 ft
100 ft x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1.
328 327
65. Sketching an Ellipse Sketch a graph of the ellipse
that consists of all points ͑x, y͒ such that the sum of the Is this ellipse better described as elongated or nearly
distances between ͑x, y͒ and two fixed points is 15 units circular? Explain your reasoning.
and the foci are located at the centers of the two sets of
concentric circles, as shown in the figure. 72. Navigation Long-range navigation for aircraft and
ships is accomplished by synchronized pulses transmitted
by widely separated transmitting stations. These pulses
travel at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second).
The difference in the times of arrival of these pulses at
an aircraft or ship is constant on a hyperbola having the
transmitting stations as foci. Assume that two stations
300 miles apart are positioned on a rectangular coordinate
system at points with coordinates ͑Ϫ150, 0͒ and ͑150, 0͒
and that a ship is traveling on a path with coordinates
͑x, 75͒ (see figure). Find the x-coordinate of the position
of the ship if the time difference between the pulses
from the transmitting stations is 1000 microseconds
(0.001 second).

y

150

66. Think About It A line segment through a focus of an − 150 x
ellipse with endpoints on the ellipse and perpendicular 75 150
to its major axis is called a latus rectum of the ellipse.
An ellipse has two latera recta. Knowing the length of 73. Hyperbolic Mirror A hyperbolic mirror (used in some
the latera recta is helpful in sketching an ellipse because telescopes) has the property that a light ray directed at
this information yields other points on the curve (see one focus will be reflected to the other focus (see figure).
figure). Show that the length of each latus rectum is The focus of the hyperbolic mirror has coordinates
͑12, 0͒. Find the vertex of the mirror if its mount at the
2b2 top edge of the mirror has coordinates ͑12, 12͒.
.
y
a
(12, 12)
y

Latera recta

x

F1 F2

x

(−12, 0) (12, 0)

74. Writing Explain how the central rectangle of a
hyperbola can be used to sketch its asymptotes.

B12 Appendix B ■ Conic Sections

B.2 Conic Sections and Translations

■ Recognize equations of conics that have been shifted vertically or horizontally
in the plane.

■ Write and graph equations of conics that have been shifted vertically or
horizontally in the plane.

Vertical and Horizontal Shifts of Conics

In Appendix B.1, you studied conic sections whose graphs were in standard position.
In this section, you will study the equations of conic sections that have been shifted
vertically or horizontally in the plane. The following summary lists the standard forms
of the equations of the four basic conics.

Standard Forms of Equations of Conics

y (x − h) 2 + (y − k) 2 = r 2 Circle: Center ϭ ͑h, k͒; Radius ϭ r; See Figure B.15.

Parabola: Vertex ϭ ͑h, k͒; Directed distance from vertex to focus ϭ p

y y
(x − h) 2 = 4 p (y − k) p>0

(h, k) r

(y − k ) 2 = 4 p (x − h)

x p>0 Vertex: Focus:
(h, k) (h + p, k)

FIGURE B.15 Vertex: Focus:
(h, k) (h, k + p)

x x

Ellipse: Center ϭ ͑h, k͒; Major axis length ϭ 2a; Minor axis length ϭ 2b

y y (x − h) 2 (y − k ) 2
(x − h) 2 (y − k ) 2 b2 + a2 = 1
a2 + b2 = 1

(h, k) 2b (h, k)

2a

2a
x

2b x

Hyperbola: Center ϭ ͑h, k͒; Transverse axis length ϭ 2a;
Conjugate axis length ϭ 2b

(x − h) 2 − (y − k)2 = 1 (y − k)2 − (x − h)2 = 1
a2 b2 a2 b2
y y

(h, k) (h, k)

2b 2a

2a x 2b x

Appendix B.2 ■ Conic Sections and Translations B13

Example 1 Equations of Conic Sections

Describe the translation of the graph of each conic.

a. ͑x Ϫ 1͒2 ϩ ͑ y ϩ 2͒2 ϭ 32 b. ͑x Ϫ 2͒2 ϭ 4͑Ϫ1͒͑ y Ϫ 3͒

c. ͑x Ϫ 3͒2 Ϫ ͑y Ϫ 2͒2 ϭ 1 d. ͑x Ϫ 2͒2 ϩ ͑y Ϫ 1͒2 ϭ 1
12 32 32 22

y SOLUTION

2 (x − 1) 2 + (y + 2) 2 = 3 2 a. The graph of ͑x Ϫ 1͒2 ϩ ͑ y ϩ 2͒2 ϭ 32 is a circle whose center is the point ͑1, Ϫ2͒
and whose radius is 3, as shown in Figure B.16. The graph of the circle has been
1 shifted one unit to the right and two units downward from standard position.

x

−3 −2 −1 12345
3
b. The graph of ͑x Ϫ 2͒2 ϭ 4͑Ϫ1͒͑y Ϫ 3͒ is a parabola whose vertex is the point
−2 ͑2, 3͒. The axis of the parabola is vertical. Moreover, because p ϭ Ϫ1, it follows
−3 (1, − 2) that the focus lies below the vertex, as shown in Figure B.17. The graph of the
parabola has been reflected in the x-axis, and shifted two units to the right and three
−4 units upward from standard position.

−5

−6

c. The graph of

FIGURE B.16 ͑x Ϫ 3͒2 ͑y Ϫ 2͒2
12 32
Ϫ ϭ 1

y (x − 2) 2 = 4(−1)(y − 3) is a hyperbola whose center is the point ͑3, 2͒. The transverse axis is horizontal with
a length of 2͑1͒ ϭ 2. The conjugate axis is vertical with a length of 2͑3͒ ϭ 6, as
4 (2, 3) p = −1 shown in Figure B.18. The graph of the hyperbola has been shifted three units to the
3 (2, 2)
2 right and two units upward from standard position.
1
d. The graph of
−1
−1 x ͑x Ϫ 2͒2 ϩ ͑y Ϫ 1͒2 ϭ 1
−2 1 345 32 22

FIGURE B.17 is an ellipse whose center is the point ͑2, 1). The major axis of the ellipse is horizontal
with a length of 2͑3͒ ϭ 6. The minor axis of the ellipse is vertical with a length of
2͑2͒ ϭ 4, as shown in Figure B.19. The graph of the ellipse has been shifted two

units to the right and one unit upward from standard position.

y (x − 3) 2 − (y − 2)2 = 1 y − 2)2 − 1)2
12 32 32 22
4 (x + (y = 1
3
8

61

43 2
(2, 1)
(3, 2)
2 x
5
x −1 1 3
6 8 10 −1

−2

FIGURE B.18 FIGURE B.19

Checkpoint 1 ■

Describe the translation of the graph of
͑x ϩ 4͒2 ϩ ͑ y Ϫ 3͒2 ϭ 52.

B14 Appendix B ■ Conic Sections
Writing Equations of Conics in Standard Form

Example 2 Finding the Standard Form of a Parabola

Find the vertex and focus of the parabola given by x2 Ϫ 2x ϩ 4y Ϫ 3 ϭ 0.

SOLUTION Complete the square to write the equation in standard form.

y

x2 Ϫ 2x ϩ 4y Ϫ 3 ϭ 0 Write original equation.

2 x2 Ϫ 2x ϭ Ϫ4y ϩ 3 Group terms.
(1, 1)

1

−2 x x2 Ϫ 2x ϩ 1 ϭ Ϫ4y ϩ 3 ϩ 1 Complete the square.
−1 1234 ͑x Ϫ 1͒2 ϭ Ϫ4y ϩ 4
͑x Ϫ 1͒2 ϭ 4͑Ϫ1͒͑ y Ϫ 1͒ Write in completed
(1, 0) square form.

−2 Standard form,
−3 (x − 1) 2 = 4(−1)(y − 1) ͑x Ϫ h͒2 ϭ 4p͑ y Ϫ k͒

−4 From this standard form, it follows that h ϭ 1, k ϭ 1, and p ϭ Ϫ1. Because the axis is
vertical and p is negative, the parabola opens downward. The vertex is ͑h, k͒ ϭ ͑1, 1͒
FIGURE B.20 and the focus is ͑h, k ϩ p͒ ϭ ͑1, 0͒. (See Figure B.20.)

Checkpoint 2 ■
Find the vertex and focus of the parabola given by x2 ϩ 2x Ϫ 4y ϩ 5 ϭ 0.

In Examples 1(b) and 2, p is the directed distance from the vertex to the focus.
Because the axis of the parabola is vertical and p ϭ Ϫ1, the focus is one unit below the
vertex, and the parabola opens downward.

Example 3 Sketching an Ellipse

Sketch the ellipse given by x2 ϩ 4y2 ϩ 6x Ϫ 8y ϩ 9 ϭ 0.

SOLUTION Complete the square to write the equation in standard form.

x2 ϩ 4y2 ϩ 6x Ϫ 8y ϩ 9 ϭ 0 Write original equation.
Group terms.
͑x2 ϩ 6x ϩ ᭿͒ ϩ ͑4y2 Ϫ 8y ϩ ᭿͒ ϭ Ϫ9 Factor 4 out of y-terms.
͑x2 ϩ 6x ϩ ᭿͒ ϩ 4͑ y2 Ϫ 2y ϩ ᭿͒ ϭ Ϫ9

y ͑x2 ϩ 6x ϩ 9͒ ϩ 4͑ y2 Ϫ 2y ϩ 1͒ ϭ Ϫ9 ϩ 9 ϩ 4͑1͒ Complete the squares.

(x + 3) 2 (y − 1 ) 2 4 ͑x ϩ 3͒2 ϩ 4͑ y Ϫ 1͒2 ϭ 4 Write in completed
22 + 12 = 1 square form.
͑x ϩ 3͒2 ϩ ͑ y Ϫ 1͒2 ϭ 1
(− 5, 1) 3 41 Divide each
(− 3, 2) (− 1, 1) 2 side by 4.

͑x ϩ 3͒2 ϩ ͑y Ϫ 1͒2 ϭ 1 ͑x Ϫ h͒2 ϩ ͑y Ϫ k͒2 ϭ 1
22 12 a2 b2
(−3, 1) 1
(− 3, 0)
x From this standard form, it follows that the center is ͑h, k͒ ϭ ͑Ϫ3, 1͒. Because the
denominator of the x-term is a2 ϭ 22, the endpoints of the major axis lie two units to
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 the right and left of the center. Similarly, because the denominator of the y-term is
−1 b2 ϭ 12, the endpoints of the minor axis lie one unit up and down from the center. The
ellipse is shown in Figure B.21.
FIGURE B.21

Checkpoint 3 ■
Sketch the ellipse given by x2 ϩ 9y2 Ϫ 4x ϩ 18y ϩ 4 ϭ 0.

Appendix B.2 ■ Conic Sections and Translations B15

Example 4 Sketching a Hyperbola

Sketch the hyperbola given by

y2 Ϫ 4x2 ϩ 4y ϩ 24x Ϫ 41 ϭ 0.

SOLUTION Complete the square to write the equation in standard form.

y2 Ϫ 4x2 ϩ 4y ϩ 24x Ϫ 41 ϭ 0 Write original equation.

͑ y2 ϩ 4y ϩ ᭿͒ Ϫ ͑4x2 Ϫ 24x ϩ ᭿͒ ϭ 41 Group terms.
͑y2 ϩ 4y ϩ ᭿͒ Ϫ 4͑x2 Ϫ 6x ϩ ᭿͒ ϭ 41
Factor 4 out of x-terms.
͑ y2 ϩ 4y ϩ 4͒ Ϫ 4͑x2 Ϫ 6x ϩ 9͒ ϭ 41 ϩ 4 Ϫ 4͑9͒
Complete the squares.
͑ y ϩ 2͒2 Ϫ 4͑x Ϫ 3͒2 ϭ 9 Write in completed
square form.
͑ y ϩ 2͒2 Ϫ 4͑x Ϫ 3͒2 ϭ 1
99 Divide each side by 9.

(y + 2 ) 2 (x − 3 ) 2 ͑y ϩ 2͒2 Ϫ ͑x Ϫ 3͒2 ϭ 1 Change 4 to 11͞4.
32 (3/2) 2 = 1 9 9͞4
−

y

͑y ϩ 2͒2 Ϫ ͑x Ϫ 3͒2 ϭ 1 ͑y Ϫ k͒2 Ϫ ͑x Ϫ h͒2 ϭ 1
32 ͑3͞2͒2 a2 b2
2 (3, 1)

x From the standard form, it follows that the transverse axis is vertical and the center lies

−2 246 at ͑h, k͒ ϭ ͑3, Ϫ2͒. Because the denominator of the y-term is a2 ϭ 32, you know that
−2
the vertices lie three units above and below the center.

(3, − 2) Vertices: ͑3, 1͒ and ͑3, Ϫ5͒

−4 To sketch the hyperbola, draw a rectangle whose top and bottom pass through the vertices.
(3, − 5) x-term is b2 ϭ ͑23͒2,
Because the denominator of the locate the sides of the rectangle
−6 3 right and left of the center, as shown in Figure B.22. Finally, sketch the
2 units to the
FIGURE B.22
asymptotes by drawing lines through the opposite corners of the rectangle. Using these

asymptotes, you can complete the graph of the hyperbola, as shown in Figure B.22.

Checkpoint 4

Sketch the hyperbola given by ■
4x2 Ϫ y2 ϩ 16x Ϫ 2y Ϫ 1 ϭ 0.

To find the foci in Example 4, first find c. Recall from Appendix B.1 that
b2 ϭ c2 Ϫ a2. So,

c2 ϭ a2 ϩ b2

c2 ϭ 9 ϩ 9
4

c2 ϭ 45
4

c ϭ 3Ί5.
2

Because the transverse axis is vertical, the foci lie c units above and below the center.

΂ ΃ ΂ ΃Foci: 3, Ϫ2 ϩ 3Ί5 and 3, Ϫ2 Ϫ 3Ί5
2 2

B16 Appendix B ■ Conic Sections

Example 5 Writing the Equation of an Ellipse

y Write the standard form of the equation of the ellipse whose vertices are ͑2, Ϫ2͒ and
͑2, 4͒. The length of the minor axis of the ellipse is 4, as shown in Figure B.23.
4
(2, 4) SOLUTION The center of the ellipse lies at the midpoint of its vertices. So, the
center is
3
2 ϩ 2 4 ϩ ͑Ϫ2͒
2 ΂ ΃͑h, k͒ ϭ ,
4 22

1

x ϭ ͑2, 1͒. Center

−1 12345 Because the vertices lie on a vertical line and are six units apart, it follows that the major
−1
(2, − 2) axis is vertical and has a length of 2a ϭ 6. So, a ϭ 3. Moreover, because the minor axis
−2 has a length of 4, it follows that 2b ϭ 4, which implies that b ϭ 2. So, you can conclude

that the standard form of the equation of the ellipse is

FIGURE B.23 ͑x Ϫ h͒2 ͑y Ϫ k͒2
b2 a2
ϩ ϭ 1 Major axis is vertical.

͑x Ϫ 2͒2 ϩ ͑y Ϫ 1͒2 ϭ 1. Write in standard form.
22 32

Checkpoint 5

Write the standard form of the equation of the ellipse whose vertices are ͑Ϫ1, 4͒ and

͑4, 4͒. The length of the minor axis of the ellipse is 3. ■

Hyperbolic orbit An interesting application of conic sections involves the orbits of comets in our
solar system. Of the 610 comets identified prior to 1970, 245 have elliptical orbits, 295
Vertex Elliptical orbit have parabolic orbits, and 70 have hyperbolic orbits. For example, Halley’s comet has
p Sun (Focus) an elliptical orbit, and reappearance of this comet can be predicted every 76 years. The
center of the sun is a focus of each of these orbits, and each orbit has a vertex at the
point where the comet is closest to the sun, as shown in Figure B.24.

If p is the distance between the vertex and the focus (in meters), and v is the speed
of the comet at the vertex (in meters per second), then the type of orbit is determined
as follows.

Parabolic orbit Ί1. Ellipse: v < 2GM
p

Ί2. Parabola: v ϭ 2GM
p

FIGURE B.24 Ί3. Hyperbola: v > 2GM
p

In these expressions, M ϭ 1.989 ϫ 1030 kilograms (the mass of the sun) and G Ϸ 6.67 ϫ 10Ϫ11
cubic meter per kilogram-second squared (the universal gravitational constant).

Appendix B.2 ■ Conic Sections and Translations B17

SKILLS WARM UP B.2 The following warm-up exercises involve skills that were covered in earlier sections. You will use
these skills in the exercise set for this section. For additional help, review Section B.1.

In Exercises 1–10, identify the conic represented by the equation.

x2 y2 x2 y2
1. Ϫ ϭ 1 2. ϩ ϭ 1

44 91

3. 2x ϩ y2 ϭ 0 x2 y2
4. 4 ϩ 16 ϭ 1

5. 4x2 ϩ 4y2 ϭ 25 6. y2 Ϫ x2 ϭ 1
42

7. x2 Ϫ 6y ϭ 0 8. 3x Ϫ y2 ϭ 0

9. 9x2 ϩ y2 ϭ 1 10. 3y2 Ϫ 3x2 ϭ 48
16 4

Exercises B.2

Equations of Conic Sections In Exercises 1– 6, Finding the Standard Form of a Parabola In
describe the translation of the graph of the conic from Exercises 7–16, find the vertex, focus, and directrix of the
the standard position. See Example 1. parabola. Then sketch its graph. See Example 2.

1. y 2. y 7. ͑x Ϫ 1͒2 ϩ 8͑ y ϩ 2͒ ϭ 0

5 8 8. ͑x ϩ 3͒ ϩ ͑ y Ϫ 2͒2 ϭ 0
4
3 9. ͑y ϩ ͒1 2 ϭ 2͑x Ϫ 5͒
2
1 2

x −4 x 10. ͑x ϩ ͒1 2 ϭ 4͑ y Ϫ 3͒
− 4 −1 1 −4 4 8 12
2
−8
11. y ϭ 1 ͑x2 Ϫ 2x ϩ 5͒
4

12. y ϭ Ϫ 1 ͑x2 ϩ 4x Ϫ 2͒
6

(x + 2) 2 + (y − 1) 2 = 4 (y − 1) 2 = 4 (2)(x + 2) 13. 4x Ϫ y2 Ϫ 2y Ϫ 33 ϭ 0

14. y2 ϩ x ϩ y ϭ 0

3. y 4. y 15. y2 ϩ 6y ϩ 8x ϩ 25 ϭ 0

4 16. x2 Ϫ 2x ϩ 8y ϩ 9 ϭ 0
3
− 2− 2 x 2 Finding the Standard Form of a Parabola In
−4 246 1 Exercises 17–24, find the standard form of the equation
−6 of the parabola with the given characteristics.
1234 x
6 17. Vertex: ͑3, 2͒; focus: ͑1, 2͒

(y + 3) 2 − (x − 1) 2 = 1 −3 18. Vertex: ͑Ϫ1, 2͒; focus: ͑Ϫ1, 0͒
4 −4
19. Vertex: ͑0, 4͒;
(x − 2 ) 2 (y + 1 ) 2 directrix: y ϭ 2
+ =1
20. Vertex: ͑Ϫ2, 1͒;
94 directrix: x ϭ 1

5. y 6. y 21. Focus: ͑2, 2͒;
directrix: x ϭ Ϫ2
2 2
x 22. Focus: ͑0, 0͒;
−1 1 2 3 x directrix: y ϭ 4
−2 5 − 6 −2−2 2
−3 −4 23. Vertex: ͑0, 4͒;
−6 passes through ͑Ϫ2, 0͒ and ͑2, 0͒
−6 −8
(x − 1 ) 2 (y + 2 ) 2 24. Vertex: ͑2, 4͒;
(x + 2 ) 2 (y + 3 ) 2 passes through ͑0, 0͒ and ͑4, 0͒
+ =1 − =1
9 16
49

B18 Appendix B ■ Conic Sections

Sketching an Ellipse In Exercises 25–32, find the Finding the Standard Equation of a Hyperbola In
center, foci, and vertices of the ellipse. Then sketch its Exercises 53–60, find the standard form of the equation
graph. See Example 3. of the hyperbola with the given characteristics.

25. ͑x Ϫ 1͒2 ϩ ͑ y Ϫ 5͒2 ϭ 1 53. Vertices: ͑2, 0͒, ͑6, 0͒; foci: ͑0, 0͒, ͑8, 0͒
9 25
54. Vertices: ͑2, 3͒, ͑2, Ϫ3͒; foci: ͑2, 5͒, ͑2, Ϫ5͒
26. ͑x ϩ 2͒2 ϩ ͑ y ϩ 4͒2 ϭ 1
1͞4 55. Vertices: ͑4, 1͒, ͑4, 9͒; foci: ͑4, 0͒, ͑4, 10͒

27. 9x2 ϩ 4y2 ϩ 36x Ϫ 24y ϩ 36 ϭ 0 56. Vertices: ͑Ϫ2, 1͒, ͑2, 1͒; foci: ͑Ϫ3, 1͒, ͑3, 1͒

28. 9x2 ϩ 4y2 Ϫ 36x ϩ 8y ϩ 31 ϭ 0 57. Vertices: ͑2, 3͒, ͑2, Ϫ3͒;
passes through ͑0, 5͒
29. 16x2 ϩ 25y2 Ϫ 32x ϩ 50y ϩ 16 ϭ 0
58. Vertices: ͑Ϫ2, 1͒, ͑2, 1͒;
30. 9x2 ϩ 25y2 Ϫ 36x Ϫ 50y ϩ 61 ϭ 0 passes through ͑4, 3͒

31. 12x2 ϩ 20y2 Ϫ 12x ϩ 40y Ϫ 37 ϭ 0 59. Vertices: ͑0, 2͒, ͑6, 2͒;
asymptotes: y ϭ 23x, y ϭ 4 Ϫ 32x
32. 36x2 ϩ 9y2 ϩ 48x Ϫ 36y ϩ 43 ϭ 0
60. Vertices: ͑3, 0͒, ͑3, 4͒;
Sketching a Hyperbola In Exercises 33–42, find the asymptotes: y ϭ 23x, y ϭ 4 Ϫ 32x
center, vertices, and foci of the hyperbola. Then sketch
its graph, using asymptotes as sketching aids. See Identifying Conics In Exercises 61– 68, identify the
Example 4. conic by writing the equation in standard form. Then
sketch its graph.
33. ͑x Ϫ 1͒2 Ϫ ͑ y ϩ 2͒2 ϭ 1 61. x2 ϩ y2 Ϫ 6x ϩ 4y ϩ 9 ϭ 0
41 62. x2 ϩ 4y2 Ϫ 6x ϩ 16y ϩ 21 ϭ 0
63. 4x2 Ϫ y2 Ϫ 4x Ϫ 3 ϭ 0
34. ͑x ϩ 1͒2 Ϫ ͑ y Ϫ 4͒2 ϭ1 64. y2 Ϫ 4y Ϫ 4x ϭ 0
144 25 65. 4x2 ϩ 3y2 ϩ 8x Ϫ 24y ϩ 51 ϭ 0
66. 4y2 Ϫ 2x2 Ϫ 4y ϩ 8x Ϫ 15 ϭ 0
35. ͑ y ϩ 6͒2 Ϫ ͑x Ϫ 2͒2 ϭ 1 67. 25x2 Ϫ 10x Ϫ 200y Ϫ 119 ϭ 0
68. 4x2 ϩ 4y2 Ϫ 16y ϩ 15 ϭ 0
36. ͑ y Ϫ 1͒2 Ϫ ͑x ϩ 3͒2 ϭ1
1͞4 1͞9

37. 9x2 Ϫ y2 Ϫ 36x Ϫ 6y ϩ 18 ϭ 0

38. x2 Ϫ 9y2 ϩ 36y Ϫ 72 ϭ 0

39. 9y2 Ϫ x2 ϩ 2x ϩ 54y ϩ 62 ϭ 0

40. 16y2 Ϫ x2 ϩ 2x ϩ 64y ϩ 63 ϭ 0 69. Satellite Orbit A satellite in a 100-mile-high circular
orbit around Earth has a velocity of approximately
41. x2 Ϫ 9y2 ϩ 2x Ϫ 54y Ϫ 107 ϭ 0 17,500 miles per hour. When this velocity is multiplied
by Ί2, the satellite has the minimum velocity necessary
42. 9x2 Ϫ y2 ϩ 54x ϩ 10y ϩ 55 ϭ 0 to escape Earth’s gravity, and it follows a parabolic path
with the center of Earth as the focus (see figure).
Finding the Standard Equation of an Ellipse In
Exercises 43–52, find the standard form of the equation of Circular y Parabolic
the ellipse with the given characteristics. See Example 5. orbit 4100 path

43. Vertices: ͑0, 2͒, ͑4, 2͒; minor axis of length 2

44. Vertices: ͑3, 1͒, ͑3, 9͒; minor axis of length 6

45. Foci: ͑0, 0͒, ͑4, 0͒; major axis of length 8

46. Foci: ͑0, 0͒, ͑0, 8͒; major axis of length 16

47. Center: ͑2, Ϫ1͒; vertex: ͑2, 1 ͒; x
2

minor axis of length 2

48. Center: ͑4, 0͒; vertex: ͑4, Ϫ4͒; minor axis of length 6

49. Center: ͑3, 2͒; a ϭ 3c; foci: ͑1, 2͒, ͑5, 2͒

50. Center: ͑0, 4͒; a ϭ 2c; vertices ͑Ϫ4, 4͒, ͑4, 4͒ Not drawn to scale

51. Vertices: ͑5, 0͒, ͑5, 12͒; endpoints of minor axis: (a) Find the escape velocity of the satellite.
͑0, 6͒, ͑10, 6͒ (b) Find an equation of its path (assume the radius of

52. Vertices: ͑Ϫ12, 0͒, ͑0, 0͒; endpoints of minor axis: Earth is 4000 miles).
͑Ϫ6, 3͒, ͑Ϫ6, Ϫ3͒

Appendix B.2 ■ Conic Sections and Translations B19

70. Fluid Flow Water is flowing from a horizontal pipe 74. Planetary Motion The dwarf planet Pluto moves in an
48 feet above the ground. The falling stream of water elliptical orbit with the sun at one of the foci (see figure).
has the shape of a parabola whose vertex ͑0, 48͒ is at the The length of half of the major axis is 3.670 ϫ 109
end of the pipe (see figure). The stream of water strikes miles and the eccentricity is 0.249. Find the shortest
distance and the greatest distance between Pluto and the
the ground at the point ͑10Ί3, 0͒. Find the equation of sun.

the path taken by the water. 75. Planetary Motion Saturn moves in an elliptical
orbit with the sun at one of the foci (see figure). The
y shortest distance and the greatest distance between
Saturn and the sun are 1.3495 ϫ 109 kilometers
40 and 1.5040 ϫ 109 kilometers, respectively. Find the
30 eccentricity of the orbit.
20 48 ft
10 76. Satellite Orbit The first artificial satellite to orbit
Earth was Sputnik I (launched by the former Soviet
x Union in 1957). Its highest point above Earth’s surface
10 20 30 40 was 588 miles, and its lowest point was 142 miles (see
figure). Assume that the center of Earth is one of the
Eccentricity of an Ellipse In Exercises 71–78, the foci of the elliptical orbit and that the radius of Earth is
flatness of an ellipse is measured by its eccentricity e, 4000 miles. Find the eccentricity of the orbit.
defined by

e ϭ ca, where 0 < e < 1.

When an ellipse is nearly circular, e is close to 0. When an
ellipse is elongated, e is close to 1 (see figures).

yy

Focus

c c

c x c x
a a
e= : close to 0 e= : close to 1

a 142 miles Not drawn to scale 588 miles

a 77. Alternate Form of Equation of an Ellipse Show
that the equation of an ellipse can be written as
71. Find an equation of the ellipse with vertices ͑±5, 0͒ and
eccentricity e ϭ 53. ͑x Ϫ h͒2 ϩ ͑ y Ϫ k͒2 ϭ 1.
a2 a2͑1 Ϫ e2͒
72. Find an equation of the ellipse with vertices ͑0, ±8͒ and
eccentricity e ϭ 21. 78. Comet Orbit Halley’s comet has an elliptical orbit
with the sun at one focus. The eccentricity of the orbit
73. Planetary Motion Earth moves in an elliptical orbit is approximately 0.97. The length of the major axis of
with the sun at one of the foci (see figure). The length the orbit is approximately 35.88 astronomical units. (An
of half of the major axis is a ϭ 9.2956 ϫ 107 miles astronomical unit is about 93 million miles.) Find the
and the eccentricity is 0.017. Find the shortest distance standard form of the equation of the orbit. Place the
(perihelion) and the greatest distance (aphelion) between center of the orbit at the origin and place the major axis
Earth and the sun. on the x-axis.

y 79. Australian Football In Australia, football by
Australian Rules (or rugby) is played on elliptical fields.
Sun x The fields can be a maximum of 170 yards wide and a
Figure for 73–75 a maximum of 200 yards long. Let the center of a field of
maximum size be represented by the point ͑0, 85͒. Find
Not drawn to scale the standard form of the equation of the ellipse that
represents this field. (Source: Australian Football
League)