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Name: Date:
Year & Section: Score:

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY

Week 3:
Define a parabola
Determine the standard form of equation of a parabola
Solve problems involving Vertex at the Origin and (h, k)
K to 12 CG Code: STEM_PC11AGIa-5 and STEM_PC11AGIb-1
Week 4:
Define an ellipse
Determine the standard form of equation of an ellipse
Solve problems involving Ellipses centered at the Origin and (h, k)
K to 12 CG Code: STEM_PC11AGIc-1 and STEM_PC11AGIc-2

WEEK 3 | LESSON 3.1: PARABOLAS WITH VERTEX AT THE ORIGIN

INTRODUCTION

PARABOLA
The second conic section we shall talk about is the parabola. As you have seen in
the image, some natural phenomena such as the motion of a freely falling object
involve this curve. A parabola is the locus of all points in the plane whose
distances from a fixed point and a fixed line are the same.

A parabola is one of the conic sections. We have already seen parabolas which
open upward or downward, as graphs of quadratic functions. Here, we will see
parabolas opening to the left or right. Applications of parabolas are presented at
the end.

HISTORICAL GEM: PARABOLAS AND PROJECTILES

One of the important applications of the parabola is in projectile motion. In
physics, an object is said to be in projectile motion if the only force that acts its
motion is gravity (no air resistance; no other force whatsoever). It is now known
that the path followed by an object in projectile motion is either a straight line (if
the motion is purely vertical, such a in dropping a ball to the ground) or a
parabola. Among the scientists who discovered this experimentally was Galileo
Galilei.
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DISCUSSION No. 1.1

Parabolas with Vertex at the Origin

You already know that the graph of a parabola has the parent graph 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 , with a vertex of (0,0) and an axis of
symmetry of 𝑥 = 0. A parabola can also be defined in a different way. It has a property such that any point on it is
equidistant from another point, called the focus, and a line called the directrix. The focus is on the axis of symmetry and
the vertex is halfway between it and the directrix. The directrix is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.

Until now, we have been used to seeing the equation of a parabola like 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 . In this concept, we will rewrite the
equation to look like 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 where 𝑝 is used to find the focus and directrix. We will also draw the parabola with a
horizontal orientation, such that the equation will be 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 .

Notice, that when the parabola opens to the left or right, the 𝑦 is squared. In this concept, the vertex will be (0,0). Let's
analyze the equation 𝑦 2 = −12𝑥. We'll find the focus, directrix, and determine if the function opens up, down, to the
left or right. Then, we'll graph the parabola.
To find the focus and directrix, we need to find p. We can set −12 = 4𝑝 and solve for 𝑝.
−12 = 4𝑝
−3 = 𝑝
Because 𝑦 is squared, we know that the parabola opens to the left or right. Because 𝑝 is negative, we know it is going
to open to the left, towards the negative side of the 𝑥-axis. Using the pictures above, this parabola is like the second
one under 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥. Therefore, the focus is (−3,0) and the directrix is 𝑥 = 3. To graph the parabola, plot the vertex,
focus, directrix, and sketch the curve. Find at least one or two points on the curve to make sure your sketch is accurate.
For example, because (−3,6) is on the parabola, then (−3,−6) is also on the parabola because it is symmetrical.

Notice that the points (−3,6) and (−3,−6) are equidistant from the focus and the directrix. They are both 6 units from
each.

The focus of a parabola is (0,12). Let's find the equation of the parabola. Because the p value is the y-value and
positive, this parabola is going to open up. So, the general equation is 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦. Plugging in 12 for 𝑝, we have 𝑥 2 = 4 ∙
12𝑦 or 𝑥 2 = 2𝑦. Now, let's find the equation of the parabola below.
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The equation of the directrix is 𝑦 = 5, which means that 𝑝 = −5 and the general equation will be 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦. Plugging
in −5 for 𝑝, we have 𝑥 2 = −20𝑦.

Now, let us proceed to the following terms, descriptions, and its graph.
TERM DESCRIPTION PARTS OF PARABOLA: GRAPH
DIRECTIX fixed line
FOCUS fixed point
VERTEX point on the parabola midway
between the latus rectum and the
directrix
LATUS RECTUM (LR) chord that passes through the focus
and perpendicular to the AOS
AXIS OF SYMMETRY (AOS) Line perpendicular to the directrix and
passing through the focus

The table below will help you form a parabola with vertex at the origin. The following aspects points should be
considered.

***Note: 𝑬𝑶𝑳𝑹 in the table stands for End of Latus Rectum, 𝑳𝑹 stands for Latus Rectum, and 𝒑 is used to find the
focus and directrix.

SAMPLE PROBLEMS | Parabolas with Vertex at the Origin

Let's put everything we've learned into practice using the following examples!
Clue: Look at the earlier table and its graph to help you complete the table below.
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WEEK 3 | LESSON 3.2: THE PARABOLAS WITH VERTEX AT (𝒉, 𝒌)

DISCUSSION No. 1.2

Parabolas with Vertex at the (𝒉, 𝒌)

You have already learned that parabolas don’t always have their vertex at (0,0). In this concept, we will address
parabolas where the vertex is (ℎ, 𝑘), learn how to find the focus, directrix and graph.

Recall that the equation of a parabola is 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 or 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 and the vertex is on the origin. Also, recall that the vertex
form of a parabola is 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + 𝑘. Combining the two, we can find the vertex form for conics.

If the parabola is horizontal, then the equation will be (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ). Notice, that even though the orientation
is changed, the h and k values remain with the x and y values, respectively.

Notice that the way we find the focus and directrix does not change whether 𝑝 is positive or negative. Let's analyze
the equation (𝑦 − 1)2 = 8(𝑥 + 3). We'll find the vertex, axis of symmetry, focus, and directrix. Then, we'll determine if
the function opens up, down, left, or right.

First, because 𝑦 is squared, we know that the parabola will open to the left or right. We can conclude that the parabola
will open to the right because 8 is positive, meaning that 𝑝 is positive. Next, find the vertex. Using the general equation,
2
(𝑦 − 𝑘) = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ), the vertex is (−3,1) and the axis of symmetry is 𝑦 = 1. Setting 4𝑝 = 8, we have that 𝑝 = 2.
Adding 𝑝 to the 𝑥-value of the vertex, we get the focus, (−1, 1). Subtracting p from the x-value of the vertex, we get the
directrix, 𝑥 = −5.

The table below will help you form a parabola with vertex at (ℎ, 𝑘). The following aspects points should be considered.
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SAMPLE PROBLEMS | Parabolas with Vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌)

Let's put everything we've learned into practice using the following examples!
Clue: Look at the earlier table and its graph to help you complete the table below.

***Note: 𝑬𝑶𝑳𝑹 in the table stands for End of Latus Rectum, 𝑳𝑹 stands for Latus Rectum, 𝒑 is used to find the focus and
directrix, 𝑬𝑶𝑫 stands for Equation of Directrix, and 𝑨𝑶𝑺 stands for Axis of Symmetry.

Another example below:

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WEEK 4 | LESSON 4.1: THE ELLIPSES CENTERED AT THE ORIGIN

INTRODUCTION

ELLIPSES
The next conic section is an ellipse. Just like the parabolas, ellipses occur in nature.
The orbits of the planet around the sun for instance are elliptical in shape. An ellipse
is the locus of all points in the plane the sum of whose distances from two fixed points
is constant. Each of the two fixed points is called a focus of the ellipse; together, we
refer to them as foci.
An ellipse is one of the conic sections that most students have not encountered
formally before, unlike circles and parabolas. Its shape is a bounded curve which looks
like a flattened circle. The orbits of the planets in our solar system around the sun
happens to be elliptical in shape. Also, just like parabolas, ellipses have reflective
properties that have been used in the construction of certain structures. We will see
some properties and applications of ellipses in this section.

HISTORICAL GEM: ELLIPSES & PLANETARY ORBITS

An important application of the ellipse is in planetary motion. Precisely, Johannes
Kepler discovered that the planets revolve around the Sun in paths shaped as ellipses,
having one of the foci at the Sun itself. Before Kepler uncovered this fact, people
believed that planets traveled along circular paths, circle being the “most symmetric”
among all conic sections, symmetry being an ancient criterion for the “perfect”, and
the universe being believed to be utterly perfect in those times (due to the Greeks).
They also thought the other planets, and the Sun, revolved around the Earth.

DISCUSSION No. 1.1

Ellipses Centered at the Origin

The third conic section is an ellipse. Recall that a circle is when a plane sliced through a cone
and that plane is parallel to the base of the cone. An ellipse is formed when that plane is not
parallel to the base. Therefore, a circle is actually a more specific version of an ellipse.

By definition, an ellipse is the set of all points such that the sum of the distances from two fixed points, called foci (the
plural of focus), is constant.

Drawing an Ellipse
We will use the definition of an ellipse to draw an ellipse.
Step 1: On a piece of graph paper, draw a set of axes and plot (−2, 0) and (2, 0). These
will be the foci.
Step 2: From the definition, we can conclude a point (𝑥, 𝑦) is on an ellipse if the sum of
the distances is always constant. In the picture, 𝑑1 + 𝑑2 = 𝑟 and 𝑔1 + 𝑔2 = 𝑟.
Step 3: Determine how far apart the foci are. Then, find 𝑑1 and 𝑑2
Step 4: Determine if the point (−2, 3) is on the ellipse.
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In this concept, the center of an ellipse will be (0, 0). An ellipse can have either a vertical or horizontal orientation (see
below). There are always two foci and they are on the major axis. The major axis is the longer of the two axes that pass
through the center of an ellipse. Also on the major axis are the vertices, which its endpoints and are the furthest two
points away from each other on an ellipse. The shorter axis that passes through the center is called the minor axis, with
endpoints called co-vertices. The midpoint of both axes is the center.

Equation of an Ellipse, Centered at the Origin

TAKE NOTE . . .
✓ 𝑎 is ALWAYS greater than 𝑏. If they are equal, we have a circle.
✓ The foci, vertices, and co-vertices relate through a version of the Pythagorean Theorem: 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏2 .

SAMPLE PROBLEMS | Ellipses Centered at the Origin

Let's put everything we've learned into practice using the following examples!
Clue: Look at the earlier discussion with its graph to help you complete the table below.
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TABLE GRAPH

𝟒𝟗𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒚𝟐 = 𝟒𝟒𝟏

𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
+ =𝟏
𝟗 𝟒𝟗

Other Examples
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WEEK 4 | LESSON 4.2: THE ELLIPSES CENTERED AT (𝒉, 𝒌)

DISCUSSION No. 1.1

Ellipses Centered at (h, k)

An ellipse does not always have to be placed with its center at the origin. If the center is (𝒉, 𝒌) the entire ellipse will be
(𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2
shifted h units to the left or right and k units up or down. The equation becomes + . We will address how
𝑎2 𝑏2
the vertices, co-vertices, and foci change in the following problem.

(𝑥−3)2 (𝑦+1)2
Let's graph + . Then, we'll find the vertices, co-vertices, and foci.
16 4

First, we know this is a horizontal ellipse because 16 > 4. Therefore, the center is (3, −1) and 𝑎 = 4 and 𝑏 = 2. Use this
information to graph the ellipse.

To graph, plot the center and then go out 4 units to the right and left and then up and down two units. This is also how
you can find the vertices and co-vertices. The vertices are (3 ± 4, −1) or (7, −1) and (−1, −1). The co-vertices
are (3, −1 ± 2) or (3,1) and (3, −3).

To find the foci, we need to find c using 𝑐 2 = 𝒂𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐

𝑐 2 = 16 − 4 = 12
𝑐 = 2√3
Therefore, the foci are (𝟑 ± 𝟐√3 − 𝟏).

From this problem, we can create formulas for finding the vertices, co-vertices, and foci of an ellipse with center (𝒉, 𝒌).
Also, when graphing an ellipse, not centered at the origin, make sure to plot the center.
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TAKE NOTE . . .
✓ 𝑎 is ALWAYS greater than 𝑏. If they are equal, we have a circle.
✓ The foci, vertices, and co-vertices relate through a version of the Pythagorean Theorem: 𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏2 .

SAMPLE PROBLEMS | Ellipses Centered at (h, k)

Let's put everything we've learned into practice using the following examples!
Clue: Look at the earlier discussion to help you complete the table below.

TABLE GRAPH

𝟐𝟓(𝒙 − 𝟑)𝟐 + 𝟒(𝒚 − 𝟏)𝟐 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎

(𝒙−𝟑)𝟐 (𝒚−𝟏)𝟐
+ =𝟏
𝟒 𝟐𝟓
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ACTIVITY FOR WEEK 3 | LESSON 3: PARABOLA

I. PROBLEM SOLVING- PARABOLA. Complete the table below. Show your complete solutions at the back
of this module. (20 POINTS)

EQUATION OPENING VERTEX LR P FOCUS EOD AOS EOLR

𝒙𝟐 = 𝟓𝒚 (𝟎, 𝟎) 𝟓 𝒙=𝟎
𝟒
𝒚𝟐 = −𝟏𝟎𝒙 LEFT 𝟓
(− 𝟐 , 𝟎) 𝟓
(− , ±𝟓)
𝟐
(𝒚 + 𝟐)𝟐 = 𝟏𝟓(𝒙 − 𝟔) RIGHT 𝟏𝟓 𝒚 = −𝟐

(𝒙 − 𝟒)𝟐 = −𝟐𝟎(𝒚 + 𝟖) (𝟒, −𝟖) −𝟓 𝒚 = −𝟑

ACTIVITY FOR WEEK 4 | LESSON 4: ELLIPSES

I. PROBLEM SOLVING- ELLIPSE. Sketch the following ellipses with the given equations. Clearly indicate
the principal axis, center, vertices, co-vertices, foci, major axis, and minor axis. Show your complete
solutions at the back of this module (20 POINTS)

𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝟐
Graph + =𝟏
𝟒 𝟗

Principal Axis

Center

Vertices

Co-vertices

Foci

Major Axis

Minor Axis
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(𝒙+𝟐)𝟐 (𝒚+𝟒)𝟐
Graph + =𝟏
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟐𝟓

Principal Axis

Center

Vertices

Co-vertices

Foci

Major Axis

Minor Axis

REFLECTION

From this lesson, I realized that…

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_______________________________________________________________.

Congratulations!
You have successfully completed the first and second lessons about the PARABOLA with vertex at the Origin and (h, k)
and Ellipses with centered at the Origin and (h, k)! Keep it up!

Reference:
Pelias, John Gabriel P. (2016). Pre-Calculus. Quezon City: Rex Book Store, Inc.

Prepared by:
Mrs. Davy F. Padilla