Definition:Ellipse
Definition
Intersection with Cone
Let $C$ be a double napped right circular cone whose base is $B$.
Let $\theta$ be half the opening angle of $C$.
That is, let $\theta$ be the angle between the axis of $C$ and a generatrix of $C$.
Let a plane $D$ intersect $C$.
Let $\phi$ be the inclination of $D$ to the axis of $C$.
Let $K$ be the set of points which forms the intersection of $C$ with $D$.
Then $K$ is a conic section, whose nature depends on $\phi$.
Let $\theta < \phi < \dfrac \pi 2$.
That is, the angle between $D$ and the axis of $C$ is between that for which $K$ is a circle and that which $K$ is a parabola.
Then $K$ is an ellipse.
Focus-Directrix Property
Let $D$ be a straight line.
Let $F$ be a point.
Let $e \in \R: 0 < e < 1$.
Let $K$ be the locus of points $b$ such that the distance $p$ from $P$ to $D$ and the distance $q$ from $P$ to $F$ are related by the condition:
- $e p = q$
Then $K$ is an ellipse.
Equidistance Property
Let $F_1$ and $F_2$ be two points in the plane.
Let $d$ be a length greater than the distance between $F_1$ and $F_2$.
Let $K$ be the locus of points $P$ which are subject to the condition:
- $d_1 + d_2 = d$
where:
Then $K$ is an ellipse.
This property is known as the equidistance property.
Parts of Ellipse
Consider an ellipse $K$ whose foci are $F_1$ and $F_2$.
Center
The center of $K$ is the point midway between the foci.
By definition of the major axis and minor axis, this is the point where the major axis and minor axis of $K$ cross.
Major Axis
The major axis of $K$ is the line segment passing through both $F_1$ and $F_2$ whose endpoints are where it intersects $K$.
Minor Axis
The minor axis of $K$ is the line segment through the center of $K$ perpendicular to the major axis of $K$ such that its endpoints are the points of intersection with $K$.
Vertex
A vertex of $K$ is either one of the endpoints of the major axis of $K$.
Covertex
A covertex of $K$ is either one of the endpoints of the minor axis of $K$.
Reduced Form
Let $K$ be an ellipse embedded in a cartesian plane.
$K$ is in reduced form if and only if:
- $(1)$ its major axis is aligned with the $x$-axis
- $(2)$ its minor axis is aligned with the $y$-axis.
Also see
- Results about ellipses can be found here.
Historical Note
The word ellipse was provided by Apollonius of Perga, who did considerable work on establishing its properties.
Linguistic Note
The word ellipse is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable: el-lipse.
Sources
- 1937: Eric Temple Bell: Men of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text{II}$: Modern Minds in Ancient Bodies