Definition of an Ellipse
An ellipse the of all
points P, in
plane the of whose distances from two fixed F and Fz is constant These
is set ,
a sum points , ,
,
.
two fixed points called the foci (plural of focus ) The midpoint of the the foci is the center of the ellipse
are .
segment connecting .
p p
• ••
•
F2
••F,
Horizontal and Vertical Elongation of an Ellipse
An ellipse be
elongated in direction The limit
through the foci intersects the ellipse at two points , called ver tices ( singular : vertex )
can
any . .
line is the The midpoint of of The
The
segment that joins the ver tices major axis . the
major axis is the center the ellipse . line
segment
whose endpoints are on the ellipse and that is perpendicular to the
major axis at the center is called the minor axis of the ellipse .