Do It Yourself

Conic section

1. The hyperbola H has cartesian equation 5x2 − 4y2 = 20. Write down its
eccentricity, the co-ordinates of its foci S and S_, the equationof the
directrices and the equation of the asymptotes.

Sketch the curve, indicating all important features.

2. Show that the circle on diameter the join of (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) has equation

(x − x1)(x − x2) + (y − y1)(y − y2) = 0.

3. Find the equation of the ellipse whose centre is the origin and which has
foci at the points (2, 0) and (−2, 0) given that it passes the point (2, 5/3 ).

4. Find an equation in standard form of a parabola with vertex (3, 5) and

directrix y = 7. Since the directrix is a horizontal line above the vertex, the

parabola opens down. (x – h)2 = 4p(y – k) where p = 2, the distance from

the

directrix to the vertex. So, the equation is (x – 3)2 = 8(y – 5).

5. Identify and sketch the graph of the conic section given by