Conic Sections

Cone is formed when a right angled triangle with an apex and angle θ is rotated about its altitude as the
axis. The length or height of the cone is equal to the altitude of the triangle and the radius of the base of the
cone is equal to the base of the triangle. The apex angle of the cone is 2θ.
When a cone is cut by a plane, the curve formed along the section is known as a conic. For this purpose, the
cone may be cut by different section planes and the conic sections obtained are shown in Fig..

Nomenclature of Cone

Ellipse (α > θ) Parabola (α = θ) Hyperbola (α < θ)

Section Plane through Generators Section Plane Parallel to end generator Section Plane Parallel to Axis

Circle
When the cutting plane AA is perpendicular to the axis and cuts all the generators i.e α= 90° with the axis,
the section obtained is a circle. The cutting plane AA cuts all the generators
Ellipse
When a cone is cut by a section plane B-B at an angle, α more than half of the apex angle i.e. θ and less than
90°, the curve of the section is an ellipse. The cutting plane BB cut all the generators on one side of the apex
Ellipse is the locus of a point, which moves in a plane so that the sum of its distance from two fixed points,
called focal points or foci, is a constant. The sum of distances is equal to the major axis of the ellipse.
Mathematically a ellipse can be described by an equation (x2/ a2) + (y2 / b2) =1
(Where a & b are semi-major and semi minor axis respectively)
Uses: - Shape of a man-hole, Shape of tank in a tanker, Flanges of pipes, glands and stuffing boxes,
Shape used in bridges and arches, Monuments, Path of earth around the sun, Shape of trays etc.
Parabola
If the angle α is equal to θ, when the section plane C-C is parallel to one of the generator, the curve of the
section is a parabola. This is not a closed figure like circle or ellipse.
The parabola is the locus of a point, which moves in a plane so that its distance from a fixed point (focus)
and a fixed straight line (directrix) are always equal. Ratio (known as eccentricity) of its distances from
focus to that of directrix is constant and equal to one (1).
Mathematically a parabola can be described by an equation y2 =4ax or x2 =4ay
Uses: - Motor car head lamp reflector, Sound reflector and detector, Bridges and arches construction
Shape of cooling towers, Path of particle thrown at any angle with earth, etc
Hyperbola
If the angle α is less than θ when section plane D-D is parallel to the axis, the curve of the section is
hyperbola. The cutting plane DD makes a smaller angle with the axis than that of the angle made by the
generators of the cone
Hyperbola is the locus of a point which moves in a plane so that the ratio of its distances from a fixed point
(focus) and a fixed straight line (directrix) is constant and greater than one
Mathematically hyperbola can be described by X2/a2 – y2/b2 =1.
Uses: Nature of graph of Boyle’s law, Shape of overhead water tanks, design of water channels, Shape of
. cooling towers, radars etc
Conic Sections as Loci of a Moving Point
The sections obtained by the intersection of a right circular cone by a cutting plane in different position
relative to the axis of the cone are called Conics or Conic sections
A conic section may be defined as the locus of a point moving in a plane such that the ratio of its
distance from a fixed point (Focus) and fixed straight line (Directrix) is always a constant. The ratio is called
eccentricity. The line passing through the focus and perpendicular to the directrix is the axis of the curve.
The point at which the conic section intersects the axis is called the vertex or apex of the curve. The
eccentricity value is less than 1 for ellipse, equal to I for parabola and greater than 1 for Hyperbola

COMMON DEFINATION OF ELLIPSE, PARABOLA & HYPERBOLA:

These are the loci of points moving in a plane such that the ratio of it’s distances from a fixed point
and a fixed line always remains constant. The Ratio is called ECCENTRICITY. (E)
For Ellipse E<1 For Parabola E=1 For Hyperbola E>1
Methods of construction
Ellipse Parabola Hyperbola

1. Eccentricity method/ 1. Eccentricity method/ 1. Eccentricity method/

General Method General Method General Method
2. Rectangle/Oblong Method 2 Method of Tangents 2. Pair of Hyperbola
3. Parallelogram Method (Triangle Method) (foci & vertices distance)
4. Arcs of Circle Method 3. Rectangle Method 3 Rectangular hyperbola
5. Focii Method (coordinates given)
6. Concentric Circle Method
Ellipse
Eccentricity method/ General Method
1) Draw an Ellipse with the distance of the focus from the directrix at 50mm and eccentricity equal
to2/3.Also draw a normal and a tangent at a point 40mm from the Directrix
Solution.
1. As the eccentricity is less than 1, the curve is an ellipse.
2. Draw one directrix, DD and the axis, AA' perpendicular to DD and mark the focus, F such that
FA = 50 mm.
3. As the eccentricity is 2/3, divide FA into 2 + 3 = 5 equal parts. By definition VF/AV=2/3 and hence locate
the vertex, V. Draw VE perpendicular to the axis such that VE = VF. Join AE and extend it as shown in
Fig. .4. Mark any point 1 on the axis and draw a perpendicular through it to intersect AE produced at 1'.
With centre F and radius equal to 1-1' draw arcs to intersect the perpendicular through 1 at P1 both above
and below the axis of the conic.
5. Similarly, mark points 2, 3, 4, etc., as described above.
6. Through the points 1, 2, 3, etc., draw lines perpendicular to the axis and to meet the line AE extended at
1',2',3' etc
6. Draw a smooth curve passing through the points V, P1 ,P2 …etc. and P1' P2' etc., which is the required
ellipse.
7. Tangent at any point P on the ellipse can be drawn, by joining P F and by drawing FT perpendicular to
PP. Join TP and extend. Draw NP perpendicular to TP. Now, TPT and NPN are the required tangent and
normal at P respectively.

Parabola
Eccentricity method/ General Method
Problem 2. Draw a parabola with the distance of the focus from the directrix at 50mm.Also draw a
normal and a tangent at a point 40mm from the Directrix
Solution.
1. Draw the axis AB and the directrix CD at right angles to it:
2. Mark the focus F on the axis at 50mm.
3. Locate the vertex V on AB such that AV = VF
4. Draw a line VE perpendicular to AB such that VE = VF
5. Join A, E and extend. Now, , VE/VA= VF/VA = 1, the eccentricity.
6. Locate number of points 1, 2, 3, etc., to the right of V on the axis, which need not be equidistant.
7. Through the points 1, 2, 3, etc., draw lines perpendicular to the axis and to meet the line AE extended at
1',2',3' etc.
8. With centre F and radius 1-1, draw arcs intersecting the line through I at P’ I and P’I.
9. Similarly, locate the points P’1, P’2, P’3, P’4, etc., on either side of the axis. Join the points by smooth
curve, forming the required parabola.

Fig.2 Fig.3
Hyperbola
Eccentricity method/ General Method
Problem 3. Draw a Hyperbola with the distance of the focus from the directrix at 50mm and
eccentricity equal to3/2.Also draw a normal and a tangent at a point 40mm from the Directrix
Solution:
The construction of hyperbola is similar to the above problems except that the eccentricity ratio VF / AV = 3/2

1. Draw the axis AB and the directrix CD at right angles to it:

2. Mark the focus F on the axis at 50mm.
3. Locate the vertex V on AB such that AV/ VF= 2/3
4. Draw a line VE perpendicular to AB such that VE = VF
5. Join A, E and extend. Now, , VE/VA= VF/VA = 3/2, the eccentricity.
6. Locate number of points 1, 2, 3, etc., to the right of V on the axis, which need not be equidistant.
7. Through the points 1, 2, 3, etc., draw lines perpendicular to the axis and to meet the line AE extended at
1',2',3' etc.
8. With centre F and radius 1-1, draw arcs intersecting the line through I at P’ I and P’I.
9. Similarly, locate the points P’1, P’2, P’3, P’4, etc., on either side of the axis. Join the points by smooth
curve, forming the required Hyperbola.

Other Methods of Construction of Ellipse

Oblong Method
Problem 4: Draw an ellipse with major and minor axes equal to 120 mm and 80 mm respectively
Construction steps :( Fig. 4)
1. Draw the major and minor axes AB and CD and locate the centre O.
2. Draw the rectangle KLMN passing through A,D,B,C.
3. Divide AO and AN into same number of equal parts, say 4.
4. Join C with the points 1',2',3' .
5. Join D with the points 1,2,3 and extend till they meet the lines C1’, C2’, C3’ respectively at P1, P2, and P3
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 to obtain the points in the remaining three quadrants.
7. Join the points by a smooth curve forming the required ellipse
Parallelogram Method
Construction steps: (Fig. 5)
1. Locate the given points A,B and C
2. Join A and B and locate its centre. This becomes the major axis of the ellipse.
3. Draw CO and extend it to D such that CO = OD and CD is the minor axis of the ellipse.
4. Draw the parallelogram KLMN, Passing through A,D,B and C.
5. Divide AO and AN into same number of equal parts, say 4.
4. Join C with the points 1',2',3' .
5. Join D with the points 1,2,3 and extend till they meet the lines C1’, C2’, C3’ respectively at P1, P2, and P3
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 to obtain the points in the remaining three quadrants
7. Join the points by a smooth curve, forming the required ellipse.
 Fig. 4 Fig. 5
Concentric Circles Method
Construction steps:( Fig.6)
1. Draw the major and minor axes AB and CD and locate the centre O.
2. With centre 0 and major axis and minor axes as diameters, draw two concentric circles.
3. Divide both the circles into equal number of parts, say 12 and draw the radial lines.
4. Considering the radial line 0-1' -1, draw a horizontal line from I' to meet the vertical line from 1 at Pl'
5. Repeat the steps 4 and obtain other points P2 , P3 , etc.
6. Join the points by a smooth curve forming the required ellipse
 Fig.6 Fig.7
Arc of circle/Focii Method
Construction steps: (Fig.7)
1. Draw the major (AB) and minor (CD) axes and locate the centre O.
2. Locate the foci F I and F z by taking a radius equal to 60 mm (1/2 of AB) and cutting AB at F I P I and F z with C as the
centre.
3. Mark a number of points 1,2,3 etc., between F I and 0, which need not be equi-distance.
4. With centers FI and F2 and radii Al and Bl respectively, draw arcs intersecting at the points PI and P; .
5. Again with centers FI and F2 and radii Bl and A1 respectively, draw arcs intersecting at the points QI and Q; .
6. Repeat the steps 4 and 5 with the remaining points 2,3,4 etc., and obtain additional points on the curve.
7. Join the points by a smooth curve, forming the required ellipse.

Other Methods of Constructing Parabola

Problem 5. Draw a parabola with 70 mm as base and 30 mm as the length of the axis
1. Tangent Method(Fig.8)
1. Draw the base AB and locate its mid-point C.
2. Through C, draw CD perpendicular to AB forming the axis

3. Produce CD to E such that DE = CD

4. Join E-A and E-B. These are the tangents to the parabola at A and B.
5. Divide AE and BE into the same number of equal parts and number the points as shown.
6. Join 1-1’, 2- 2’, 3- 3’, etc., forming the tangents to the required parabola.
7. A smooth curve passing through A, D and B and tangential to the above lines is the required parabola.
2. Rectangle Method(Fig.9)
1. Draw the base AB and axis CD such that CD is perpendicular bisector to AB.
2. Construct a rectangle ABEF, passing through C.
3. Divide AC and AF into the same number of equal parts and number the points 'as shown.
4. Join 1, 2 and 3 to D.
5. Through 1', 2’ and 3', draw lines parallel to the axis, intersecting the lines ID, 2D and 3D at P I , P2 and P3
respectively
6. Obtain the points P’I , P’2 and P’3 which are symmetrically placed to PI , P2 and P3 with respect to the axis CD.
7. Join the points by a smooth curve forming the required parabola.

Fig.8 Fig.9
Problem 6: A fountain jet is discharged from the ground level at an inclination of 45°. The jet travels a horizontal
distance of 10m from the point of discharge and falls on the ground. 'Trace the path of the jet.
Construction Steps: (Fig.10)
1. Draw the base AB of 10m long and locate its mid-point C.
2. Through C draw a line perpendicular to AB forming the axis.
3. Through A and B, draw lines at 45°, to the base intersecting the axis at D.
4. Divide AD and BD into the same number of equal parts and number the points as shown.
5. Join 1-1’, 2- 2’, 3- 3' etc., forming the tangents to the required path of jet.
6. A smooth curve passing through A and B and tangential to the above lines is the required path of the jet which is
parabolic in shape.
 Fig.10 Fig.11
Problem 7: A stone is thrown from a building of 7 m high and at its highest flight it just crosses a palm tree 14 m
high. Trace the path of the stone, if the distance between the building and the tree measured along the ground is
3.5 m
Construction Steps: (Fig.11)
1. Draw lines AB and OT, representing the building and palm tree respectively, 3.5 m apart and above the ground level.
2. Locate C and D on the horizontal line through B such that CD=BC=3.5 and complete the rectangle BDEF.
3. Inscribe the parabola in the rectangle BDEF, by rectangular method.
4. Draw the path of the stone till it reaches the ground (H) extending the principle of rectangle method.

Other Methods of Constructing Hyperbola

Method of constructing a hyperbola, given the foci and the distance between the vertices
Problem 8: Construct a hyperbola with its foci 70 mm apart and the major axis (distance between the vertices)as
40 mm. Draw a tangent to the curve at a point 20 mm from the focus
Construction Steps:(Fig.12)
1. Draw the transverse and conjugate axes AB and CD of the hyperbola and locate F 1 and F2 the foci and VI and V2 the
vertices.
2. Mark number of points 1, 2, 3 etc., on the transverse axis, which need not be equi-distant.
3. With centre FI and radius V11, draw arcs on either side of the transverse axis.
4. With centre F2 and radius V21, draw arcs intersecting the above arcs at PI and P1’
5. With centre F2 and radius V11, draw arcs on either side of the transverse axis.
6. With centre FI and radius V2 1, draw arcs intersecting the above arcs at Q1. Q2’
7. Repeat the steps 3 to 6 and obtain other points P 2' P2' etc. and Q2., Q2’ etc.
8. Join the pointsPI, P2, P3, P1’, P2’, P3’ andQI, Q2, Q3, QI ‘, Q2’, Q3’ forming the two branches of hyperbola.
 Fig.12 Fig. 13
To draw the asymptotes to the given hyperbola
Lines passing through the centre and tangential to the curve at infinity are known as asymptotes.
Construction Steps (Fig.13)
1. Through the vertices VI and V2 draw perpendiculars to the transverse axis.
2. With centre O and radius OFI = (OF2) draw a circle meeting the above lines at P, Q and R,S.
3. Join the points P,O,R and S,O,Q and extend, forming the asymptotes to the hyperbola.
Note: The circle drawn with as centre and VI V2 as diameters is known as auxiliary circle.
Asymptotes intersect the auxiliary circle on the directrix. Thus. Dl, DI and D2, D2 are the two directrices for
the two branches of hyperbola.

Rectangular Hyperbola

Problem 9: Construct a rectangular hyperbola when a point P on it is at a distance 000 mm and 40

mm respectively from the two asymptotes.
Construction Steps: (Fig.14)
1. For a rectangular hyperbola, angle between the asymptotes is 90°. So, draw OR 1 and OR2 such that the
angle is 90°.
2. Mark A and B along O and ORı respectively such that OA=40 mm and OB=: 30 mm. From A draw AX
parallel to ORı and from B draw BY parallel to OR2. Both intersect at P.
3. Along BP mark 1, 2, and 3 at approximately equal intervals. Join 01, 02, and 03, and extend them to meet
AX at 1’, 2’ and 3’ respectively.
4. From 1’draw a line parallel to OR2 and from 1 draw a line parallel to OR1. From 2 and 3 draw lines
parallel to OR1. They intersect at P2 and P3 respectively.
5. Then along PA mark points 4’ and 5’ at approximately equal intervals. Join O4’ and O5’ and Extend them
to meet BY at 4 and 5 respectively.
6. From 4’ and 5’ draw lines parallel to OR2 and from 4 and 5 draw lines parallel to OR 1 to intersect at P4
and P5 respectively
7. Join P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 by smooth rectangular hyperbola
 Fig.14

TANGENT & NORMAL TO THE CURVE:

TO DRAW TANGENT & NORMAL TO THE CURVE FROM A GIVEN POINT (Q)
• JOIN POINT Q TO F1 & F2
• BISECT ANGLE F1Q F2 THE ANGLE BISECTOR IS NORMAL
• A PERPENDICULAR LINE DRAWN TO IT IS TANGENT TO THE CURVE .