1. Ellipse Notes

2. 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.

3. h and k give the x and y values of the center.
Take the opposite of x-h and y-k so the center is (h, k)
A and B can switch places. A goes under the MAJOR axis. B goes under the MINOR axis.
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.

4. Center (2, 3) Major Axis X, horizontal Minor Axis Y, vertical a 6 b 2
Foci (plural of focus)
Center
(2, 3)
Major Axis
X, horizontal
Minor Axis
Y, vertical a 6 b 2

5. Center
(2, 3)
Major Axis
Y, vertical
Minor Axis
X, horizontal a 7 b 4

6. The Focus Equation:
The focus, c, is used as a tool for finding the vertex or co-vertex. *
You will use the focus, c, when you are writing equations

7. Center
(3, -1)
Major Axis
Y, vertical
X, horizontal
Minor Axis a 5 b 4

9. Center
(-1, 2)
Major Axis
X, horizontal
Minor Axis
Y, vertical a 7 b 2

11. Center
(-5, 3)
Major Axis
Y, vertical
Minor Axis
X, horizontal a 5 b 2

12. Center
(3, -1)
Major Axis
X, horizontal
Y, vertical
Minor Axis a 4 b 3