Equation of an ellipse and tangents

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical definition of an ellipse given its focus at (f,g), a directrix represented by the equation Ax+By+C=0, and an eccentricity e. The equation of the ellipse is established as (x-f)²+(y-g)² = e²(Ax+By+C)² / (A²+B²). It is clarified that the variables x and y in the context of the directrix and the ellipse do not refer to the same points, as the directrix represents a series of parallel lines in the plane. Additionally, the participants explore the method for finding points of intersection of tangents from an external point to the ellipse, although the response indicates some confusion regarding this concept.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ellipse geometry and properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of eccentricity in conic sections
  • Knowledge of coordinate geometry, specifically lines and intersections
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the ellipse equation from its geometric definition
  • Learn about the properties of conic sections, focusing on eccentricity and directrices
  • Explore methods for finding tangent lines to conic sections from external points
  • Investigate the implications of varying the constant in the directrix equation Ax+By+C=0
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying conic sections, and educators teaching geometry will benefit from this discussion, especially those focusing on the properties and equations of ellipses.

Kartik.
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1) If we have the focus as (f,g) and the directrix as Ax+By+C =0 and the eccentricity as e we define the equation of the ellipse to be

(x-f)2+(y-g)2 = e2(Ax+By+C)2 / A2+B2

Does this imply that the variables x and y in the locus of the directrix and the ellipse refer to the same thing?(we do take them as similar or say like variables)

2) How can we find the points of intersection of the tangents(from a point outside the curve) on an elliptical curve?
 
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Hi Kartik! :smile:
Kartik. said:
1) If we have the focus as (f,g) and the directrix as Ax+By+C =0 and the eccentricity as e we define the equation of the ellipse to be

(x-f)2+(y-g)2 = e2(Ax+By+C)2 / A2+B2

Does this imply that the variables x and y in the locus of the directrix and the ellipse refer to the same thing?(we do take them as similar or say like variables)

No!

Ax+By+C = constant is a series of parallel lines that fill out the plane.

If the constant is zero, the line is the directrix, and (x,y,z) lies on the directrix.

If the constant isn't zero, that tells you how far away from the directrix the line (and (x,y,z) itself) is :wink:
2) How can we find the points of intersection of the tangents(from a point outside the curve) on an elliptical curve?

uhh? :redface:

isn't that just the original point? :confused:
 

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