Think about the path of a satellite orbiting the Earth, the shape of a telescope mirror, or the design of a bridge arch, all these real-world structures are examples of conic sections in action. In mathematics, conic sections are curves formed when a plane intersects a cone, and they include shapes like circle conic section, parabola conic section, ellipse, and hyperbola. For Class 11 students, understanding conic sections formulas, the general equation of conic section, and examples of conic sections is essential for solving problems accurately. Mastering Class 11 conic section solutions, key formulas, and practical applications helps in both board exams and competitive tests. In this article, we will cover all types of conic sections, their definitions, formulas, and real-life applications in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
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Conic Sections are the curves obtained by the intersection of circular cones by a plane. The intersection of the plane with the cone can take place either at the vertex of the cone or at any other part of the plane either below or above the vertex. There are 4 conic sections depending on where and how the plane intersects the cone. The conic sections include
The general equation of a conic section is $A x^2+B x y+C y^2+D x+E y+F=0$ , where $A, B, C, D, E$, and $F$ are real numbers and $A, B$, and $C$ are nonzero. The values of $A, B, C, D, E$, and $F$ are used to determine the type of the conic section.
A conic section is the locus of a point that moves in a plane so that its distance from a fixed point is in a constant ratio to its perpendicular distance from a fixed line.
Focus: The fixed point in the conic that defines the curve is called the focus. The parabola has one focus while the ellipse and hyperbola has two each. The circle as derived from an ellipse has both the focus at the same place(centre) and every point of the circle is equidistant from the centre.
Directrix: The fixed line in the conic is called the directrix. It is used to determine the shape of the curve in a constant ratio. A circle does not have any directrix. The parabola has one directrix while the ellipse and the hyperbola have two each.
Eccentricity: The constant ratio between the focus and the directrix is called the eccentricity. It is denoted by 'e'. The value of eccentricity determines how stretched or shaped the curve is.
A circle is the locus of a moving point such that its distance from a fixed point is constant.
The fixed point is called the centre $( O )$ of the circle and the constant distance is called its radius $(r)$.
The equation of a circle with centre at $C(h, k)$ and radius $r$ is $(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=r^2$
Let $\mathrm{P}(\mathrm{x}, \mathrm{y})$ be any point on the circle. Then, by definition, $|C P|=r$.
Using the distance formula, we have
$
\sqrt{(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2}=r
$
i.e.
$
(\mathrm{x}-\mathrm{h})^2+(\mathrm{y}-\mathrm{k})^2=\mathrm{r}^2
$
If the centre of the circle is the origin or $(0,0)$ then the equation of the circle becomes
$
\begin{aligned}
& (x-0)^2+(y-0)^2=r^2 \\
& \text { i.e. } x^2+y^2=r^2
\end{aligned}
$
The equation of a circle with centre at $(\mathrm{h}, \mathrm{k})$ and radius r is
$
\begin{aligned}
& \Rightarrow(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=r^2 \\
& \Rightarrow x^2+y^2-2 h x-2 k y+h^2+k^2-r^2=0
\end{aligned}
$
Which is of the form :
$
x^2+y^2+2 g x+2 f y+c=0
$
This is known as the general equation of the circle.
To get the radius and centre if only the equation of the circle (ii) is given:
Compare eq (i) and eq (ii)
$
\mathrm{h}=-\mathrm{g}, \mathrm{k}=-\mathrm{h} \text { and } \mathrm{c}=\mathrm{h}^2+\mathrm{k}^2-\mathrm{r}^2
$
Coordinates of the centre $(-\mathrm{g},-\mathrm{f})$
$
\text { Radius }=\sqrt{g^2+f^2-c}
$
For the standard equation of a circle $\mathrm{x}^2+\mathrm{y}^2+2 \mathrm{~g} x+2 \mathrm{fy}+\mathrm{c}=0$ whose radius is given as $\sqrt{g^2+f^2-c}$
Now the following cases arise
1. If $\mathrm{g}^2+\mathrm{f}^2-\mathrm{c}>0$, then the radius of the circle will be real. Hence, the circle is a real circle.
2. If $\mathrm{g}^2+\mathrm{f}^2-\mathrm{c}=0$, then the radius of the circle will be real $(=0)$. Hence, the circle is a Point circle because the radius is 0 .
3. If $\mathrm{g}^2+\mathrm{f}^2-\mathrm{c}<0$, then the radius of the circle will be imaginary. Hence, the circle is an imaginary circle.
To represent any point on a curve in terms of a single variable (parameter), we use parametric form of that curve.
$P(x, y)$ is a point on the circle $x^2+y^2=r^2$ with centre $O(0,0)$. And $O P$ makes an angle $\theta$ with the positive direction of the $X$-axis, then $x=r \cdot \cos \theta$, $y=r \cdot \sin \theta$ called the parametric equation of the circle.
Here as $\theta$ varies, the point on the circle also changes, and thus $\theta$ is called the parameter. Here $0 \leq \theta<2 \pi$.
So any arbitrary point on this circle can be assumed as $(r \cdot \cos \theta, r \cdot \sin \theta)$
Centre of the circle here is $(\mathrm{h}, \mathrm{k})$.
Parametric point on it is $(h+r \cdot \cos \theta, k+r \cdot \sin \theta)$.
A parabola is the locus of a point moving in a plane such that its distance from a fixed point (focus) is equal to its distance from a fixed line (directrix).
$\begin{equation}
\text { Hence it is a conic section with eccentricity e }=1 \text {. }
\end{equation}$
$\begin{aligned} & \frac{P S}{P M}=e=1 \\ & \Rightarrow P S=P M\end{aligned}$
If the directrix is parallel to the y-axis in the standard equation of a parabola is given as
$
y^2=4 a x
$
If the directrix is parallel to the $x$-axis, the standard equation of a parabola is given as
$
x^2=4 a y
$
From the equation of the parabola, we can write $\frac{y}{2 a}=\frac{2 x}{y}=t$ here, t is a parameter
Then, $x=a t^2$ and $y=2 a t$ are called the parametric equations and the point $\left(a t^2, 2 a t\right)$ lies on the parabola.
Point $\mathrm{P}(\mathrm{t})$ lying on the parabola means the coordinates of P are (at $\left.{ }^2, 2 a t\right)$
Let $S(h, k)$ be the focus and $\mathrm{l} x+m y+n=0$ be the equation of the directrix, and $\mathrm{P}(\mathrm{x}, \mathrm{y})$ be any point on the parabola.
Then, from the definition PS $=\mathrm{PM}$
$
\Rightarrow \quad \sqrt{(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2}=\left|\frac{l x+m y+n}{\sqrt{\left(l^2+m^2\right)}}\right|
$
Squaring both sides, we get
$
\Rightarrow \quad(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=\frac{(l x+m y+n)^2}{\left(l^2+m^2\right)}
$
This is the general equation of a parabola.
Axis: The line that passes through the focus and is perpendicular to the Directrix of the parabola. For parabola $y^2=4 \mathrm{ax}_{\text {, }}$ the x -axis is the Axis.
Vertex: The point of intersection of the parabola and axis. For parabola $y^2=4 \mathbf{a x}$, $A(0,0)$ i.e. origin is the Vertex.
Double Ordinate: Suppose a line perpendicular to the axis of the parabola meets the curve at Q and $\mathrm{Q}^{\prime}$. Then, QQ ' is called the double ordinate of the parabola.
Latus Rectum: The double ordinate LL' passing through the focus is called the latus rectum of the parabola.
Focal Chord: A chord of a parabola which is passing through the focus. In the figure PP' and LL' are the focal chord.
Focal Distance: The distance from the focus to any point on the parabola.
Form | $y^2=4 a x$ | $y^2=-4 a x$ | $x^2=4 a y$ | $x^2=-4 a y$ |
Vertex | $(0,0)$ | $(0,0)$ | $(0,0)$ | $(0,0)$ |
Focus | $(a, 0)$ | $(-a, 0)$ | $(0, a)$ | $(0,-a)$ |
Equation of the directrix | $x=-a$ | $x=a$ | $y=-a$ | $y=a$ |
Equation of the axis | $y=0$ | $y=0$ | $x=0$ | $x=0$ |
Length of the latus rectum | $4a$ | $4a$ | $4a$ | $4a$ |
A Hyperbola is the set of all points ( $x, y$ ) in a plane such that the difference of their distances from two fixed points is a constant. Each fixed point is called a focus (plural: foci).
Or,
The locus of a point moves in a plane such that the ratio of the distance from a fixed point (focus) to the distance from a fixed line (directrix) is constant. The constant is known as eccentricity e and for hyperbola $\mathrm{e}>1$.
The standard form of the equation of a hyperbola with centre $(0,0)$ and foci lying on the $x$-axis is $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1 \quad$
where, $b^2=a^2\left(e^2-1\right)$
The equations $x=a \sec \theta, y=b \tan \theta$ are called the parametric equation of the hyperbola
The circle with centre $O(0,0)$ and $O A$ as the radius is called the auxiliary circle of the hyperbola.
Centre: All chord passing through point $O$ is bisected at point $O$. Here $O$ is the origin, i.e. $(0,0)$.
Foci: Point $S$ and $S^{\prime}$ are foci of the hyperbola where, $S$ is $(\mathrm{ae}, 0)$ and $S^{\prime}$ is $(-\mathrm{ae}, 0)$.
Directrices: The straight line ZM and Z'M' are two directrices of the hyperbola and their equations are $x=$ ae and $x=-a e$.
Double Ordinate: If a line perpendicular to the transverse axis of the hyperbola meets the curve at Q and Q', then QQ' is called double ordinate.
Latus rectum: Double ordinate passing through focus is called latus rectum. Here $L L^{\prime}$ and $L_1 L_1{ }^{\prime}$ are two latus rectum of a hyperbola.
Vertices: The points where the hyperbola intersects the axis are called the vertices. The vertices of the hyperbola are $(a, 0),(-a, 0)$.
Transverse Axis: The line passing through the two foci and the centre of the hyperbola is called the transverse axis of the hyperbola.
Conjugate Axis: The line passing through the centre of the hyperbola and perpendicular to the transverse axis is called the conjugate axis of the hyperbola.
Eccentricity of Hyperbola: $(\mathrm{e}>1)$ The eccentricity is the ratio of the distance of the focus from the centre of the hyperbola, and the distance of the vertex from the centre of the hyperbola.
An ellipse is the set of all points $(x, y)$ in a plane such that the sum of their distances from two fixed points is a constant. Each fixed point is called a focus (plural: foci).
OR
The locus of a point moves in a plane such that the ratio of the distance from a fixed point (focus) to the distance from a fixed line (directrix) is constant. The constant is known as eccentricity e and for ellipse $0 < e < 1$.
In geometry, an ellipse is a two-dimensional shape, that is defined along its axes. An ellipse is formed when a cone is intersected by a plane at an angle with respect to its base.
It has two focal points. The sum of the two distances to the focal point, for all the points in the curve, is always constant.
A circle is also an ellipse, where the foci are at the same point, which is the centre of the circle.
The standard form of the equation of an ellipse with centre $(0,0)$ and major axis on the x-axis is $\frac{\mathrm{x}^2}{\mathbf{a}^2}+\frac{\mathbf{y}^2}{\mathbf{b}^2}=1 \quad$ where $\mathrm{b}^2=\mathrm{a}^2\left(1-\mathrm{e}^2\right)$
1. $a>b$
2. the length of the major axis is $2 a$
3. the length of the minor axis is $2 b$
4. the coordinates of the vertices are $( \pm a, 0)$
Centre: All chord passing through point $C$ is bisected at point $C$. Here $C$ is the origin, i.e. $(0, 0)$.
Foci: Point $S$ and $S’$ are foci of the ellipse where, $S$ is $(ae, 0)$ and $S’$ is $(-ae, 0)$.
Directrices: The straight-line $ ZM$ and $Z’M’$ are two directrices of the ellipse and their equations are $x = a/e$ and $x = -a/e$.
Axis: In Figure $AA’$ is called the major axis and $BB’$ is called the minor axis. $2a$ is called the length of the major axis and $2b$ is called the length of the minor axis.
Double Ordinate: If a line perpendicular to the major axis meets the curve at $P$ and $P’$, then $PP’$ is called double ordinate.
Latus rectum: Double ordinate passing through focus is called latus rectum. Here $LL’$ is a latus rectum. There is another latus rectum that passes through the other focus $S'$. So an ellipse has $2$ latus rectum
The equations $x=a \cos \theta, y=b \sin \theta$ are called the parametric equation of the ellipse.
The parametric equation of the ellipse is given by $x=a \cos \theta, y=b \sin \theta$ and the parametric coordinates of the points lying on it is ( $a \cos \theta, b \sin \theta)$.
Conic section formulas class 11 include formulas on circle conic section, parabola conic section, hyperbola conic section and Ellipse conic section formulas.
Equation of the Tangent in Point Form
The equation of the tangent to a circle $x^2+y^2+2 g x+2 f y+c=0$ at the point $P\left(x_1, y_1\right)$ is $x_1+y_1+g\left(x+x_1\right)+f\left(y+y_1\right)+c=0$
The equation of the tangent at the point $(a \cos \theta, \mathrm{a} \sin \theta)$ to a circle $\mathrm{x}^2+\mathrm{y}^2=\mathrm{a}^2$ is $\mathrm{x} \cos \theta+\mathrm{y} \sin \theta=\mathbf{a}$
The equation of the tangent to a circle $\mathrm{x}^2+\mathrm{y}^2=\mathrm{a}^2$ having slope m is $\mathrm{y}=\mathrm{mx} \pm \mathrm{a} \sqrt{\left(\mathbf{1 + \mathbf { m } ^ { 2 } )}\right.}$, and point of tangency is $\left( \pm \frac{a m}{\sqrt{\left(1+m^2\right)}}, \mp \frac{a}{\sqrt{\left(1+m^2\right)}}\right)$.
Corollary: It also follows that $y=m x+c$ is tangent to $x^2+y^2=a^2$ if $c^2=a^2\left(1+m^2\right)$ which is the condition of tangency.
Solving $x^2+y^2=a^2$ and $y=m x \pm a \sqrt{1+m^2}$, simultaneously we get,
$\begin{aligned}
& x= \pm \frac{a m}{\sqrt{\left(1+m^2\right)}} \\
& y=\mp \frac{a}{\sqrt{\left(1+m^2\right)}}
\end{aligned}$
Thus, the coordinates of the points of contact are
$\left( \pm \frac{a m}{\sqrt{\left(1+m^2\right)}}, \mp \frac{a}{\sqrt{\left(1+m^2\right)}}\right)$
NOTE: Equation of tangent of the circle $(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=a^2$ in terms of slope is $(y-k)=m(x-h) \pm a \sqrt{\left(1+m^2\right)}$
If a point lies outside of a circle (here point is P), then two tangents can be drawn from P to the circle. Here, PQ and PR are two tangents.
If a point lies on the circle, then one tangent can be drawn from the point to the circle. If C is the point, then ACB is the tangent
If a point lies inside the circle, then no tangent can be drawn from the point to the circle.
To get equation of the tangents from an external point
Circle is $: x^2+y^2=a^2$ and let the tangent to it be : $y=m x+a \sqrt{\left(1+m^2\right)}$
As the tangent passes through point $P\left(x_1, y_1\right)$ lying out side the circle then, $\mathrm{y}_1=\mathrm{mx}_1+\mathrm{a} \sqrt{\left(1+\mathrm{m}^2\right)}$
$\left(y_1-m x_1\right)^2=a^2\left(1+m^2\right)$
or, $\left(x_1^2-a^2\right) m^2-2 m x_1 y_1+y_1^2-a^2=0$
Which is quadratic equation in m which gives two value of m .
The tangents are real, imaginary or coincidence that is depends on the value of the discriminant.
If we have real values of m, then we can find the equations of 2 tangents using these slopes and the point P.
The length of the tangent from a point $\mathrm{P}\left(x_1, y_1\right)$ to the circle
$x^2+y^2+2 g x+2 f y+c=0 \text { is } \sqrt{x_1^2+y_1^2+2 g x_1+2 f y_1+c}$
For a circle, the normal always passes through the centre of the circle.
Point Form: The equation of the Normal at the point $\mathrm{P}\left(\mathrm{x}_1, \mathrm{y}_1\right)$ to a circle $\mathrm{S}=\mathrm{x}^2+\mathrm{y}^2+2 \mathrm{gx}+2 \mathrm{fy}+\mathrm{c}=0$ is $\frac{x-x_1}{g+x_1}=\frac{y-y_1}{f+y_1}$
The distance from the focus to any point on the parabola. i.e. PS
$
\begin{aligned}
& \mathrm{SP}=\mathrm{PM}=\text { Distance of } \mathrm{P} \text { from the directrix } \\
& \mathrm{P}=(x, y) \\
& \mathrm{SP}=\mathrm{PM}=\mathrm{x}+\mathrm{a}
\end{aligned}
$
The length of the latus rectum of the parabola $y^2=4 ax$ is 4$a$.
A line that touches the parabola exactly at one point is called the Tangent to Parabola
Tangents of Parabola in Point Form
Equation of tangent to the parabola $y^2=4 a x$ at the point $P\left(x_1, y_1\right)$ is $\mathrm{yy}_1=2 \mathrm{a}\left(\mathrm{x}+\mathrm{x}_1\right)$
Tangents of Parabola in Parametric Form
The equation of tangent to the parabola $y^2=4 \mathrm{ax}$ at the point $\left(\mathrm{at}^2, 2 \mathrm{at}\right)$ is $t y=x+a t^2$
Tangents of Parabola in Slope Form
Equation of the tangent to the parabola $\mathrm{y}^2=4 \mathrm{ax}$ at the point $\mathrm{P}\left(\mathrm{x}_1, \mathrm{y}_1\right)$ is $\mathrm{yy}_1=2 \mathrm{a}\left(\mathrm{x}+\mathrm{x}_1\right)$
The line perpendicular to the tangent of the parabola at the point of contact is the normal of a parabola.
Point Form
The equation of the Normal at the point $P(x1,y1)$ to a Parabola $y2 = 4ax$ i $y-y_1=-\frac{y_1}{2 a}\left(x-x_1\right)$
Normal in Parametric Form of Parabola
The equation of normal to the parabola $y^2=4{ax}$ at the point $\left({at}^2, 2{at}\right)$ is $y+t x=2 a t+a t^3$
Normal in Slope Form of Parabola
The equation of the Normal at the point $P(x1,y1)$ to a Parabola $y2=4ax$ is $y-y_1=-\frac{y_1}{2 a}\left(x-x_1\right)$
Equation of the hyperbola is $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ we have,
$
\begin{aligned}
& \mathrm{b}^2=\mathrm{a}^2\left(\mathrm{e}^2-1\right) \\
& \mathrm{e}^2=\frac{\mathrm{b}^2+\mathrm{a}^2}{\mathrm{a}^2} \\
& \mathrm{e}=\sqrt{1+\left(\frac{\mathrm{b}^2}{\mathrm{a}^2}\right)} \\
& \mathrm{e}=\sqrt{1+\left(\frac{2 \mathrm{~b}}{2 \mathrm{a}}\right)^2} \\
& \mathrm{e}=\sqrt{1+\left(\frac{\text { conjugate axis }}{\text { transverse axis }}\right)^2}
\end{aligned}
$
The difference between the focal distance at any point of the hyperbola is constant and is equal to the length of the transverse axis of the hyperbola.
If $\mathrm{P}\left(\mathrm{x}_1, \mathrm{y}_1\right)$ is any point on the hyperbola.
$
\begin{aligned}
& \mathrm{SP}=\mathrm{ePM}=e\left(x_1-\frac{a}{e}\right)=e x_1-a \\
& \mathrm{~S}^{\prime} \mathrm{P}=\mathrm{eP} \mathrm{M}=e\left(x_1+\frac{a}{e}\right)=e x_1+a \\
& \left|\mathrm{~S}^{\prime} \mathrm{P}-\mathrm{SP}\right|=\left|\mathrm{ex}_1+\mathrm{a}-\mathrm{ex}_1+\mathrm{a}\right|=2 \mathrm{a}
\end{aligned}
$
The equation of the asymptotes of the hyperbola $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ are $y= \pm \frac{b}{a} x$ or $\frac{x}{a} \pm \frac{y}{b}=0$
The angle between the asymptotes of the hyperbola $\frac{y^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ is $2 \tan ^{-1}\left(\frac{b}{a}\right)$
If the angle between the asymptotes of the hyperbola $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ is $2 \theta$ then $e=\sec \theta$
The equation of tangent to the hyperbola, $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ at point $\left(x_1, y_1\right)$ is $\frac{\mathrm{xx}_1}{\mathrm{a}^2}-\frac{\mathrm{yy}_1}{\mathrm{~b}^2}=1$
The equation of tangent to the hyperbola, $\frac{\mathrm{x}^2}{\mathrm{a}^2}-\frac{\mathrm{y}^2}{\mathrm{~b}^2}=1$ at $(\mathrm{a} \sec \theta, \mathrm{b} \tan \theta)$ is $\frac{\mathrm{x}}{\mathrm{a}} \sec \theta-\frac{\mathrm{y}}{\mathrm{b}} \tan \theta=1
The equation of normal to the hyperbola at $\left(x_1, y_1\right)$, $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ is $\frac{a^2 x}{x_1}+\frac{b^2 y}{y_1}=a^2+b^2$
The equation of normal at $(a \sec \theta, b \tan \theta)$ to the hyperbola, $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ is $a x \cos \theta+b y \cot \theta=a^2+b^2$
The equation of normal of slope m to the hyperbola, $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ are $y=m x \mp \frac{m\left(a^2+b^2\right)}{\sqrt{a^2-m^2 b^2}}$ and coordinate of point of contact is $\left( \pm \frac{a^2}{\sqrt{a^2-m^2 b^2}}, \mp \frac{m b^2}{\sqrt{a^2-m^2 b^2}}\right)$
The equation of normal at $(a \sec \theta, b \tan \theta)$ to the hyperbola, $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ is $a x \cos \theta+b y \cot \theta=a^2+b^2$
The ratio of distances from the centre of the ellipse from either focus to the semi-major axis of the ellipse is defined as the eccentricity of the ellipse. Theeccentricity of ellipse is $e=\sqrt{1-\frac{b^2}{a^2}}$.
For any point $\left(x_1, y_1\right)$ on the ellipse, the equation of the tangent to ellipse at that point is given by:
$
\frac{x_1 x}{a^2}+\frac{y_1 y}{b^2}=1
$
Normal at a point of the ellipse is a line perpendicular to the tangent and passing through the point of contact. The equation of normal at $\left(x_1, y_1\right)$ to the ellipse $\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ is
$
\frac{a^2 x}{x_1}-\frac{b^2 y}{y_1}=a^2-b^2
$
This section lists the important formulae for conic sections, including circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola, in a clear and concise way.
Conic | Standard Equation | Key Elements | Eccentricity ($e$) |
---|---|---|---|
Circle (center $(h,k)$, radius $r$) | $(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=r^2$ | Center $(h,k)$, Radius $r$ | $e=0$ |
Parabola (vertex at origin) | $y^2=4ax$ (right), $y^2=-4ax$ (left), $x^2=4ay$ (up), $x^2=-4ay$ (down) | Focus $(a,0)$ or $(0,a)$, Directrix $x=-a$ or $y=-a$, Axis = symmetry axis | $e=1$ |
Ellipse (center origin, major axis along x-axis) | $\dfrac{x^2}{a^2}+\dfrac{y^2}{b^2}=1,\ a>b$ | Vertices $(\pm a,0)$, Co-vertices $(0,\pm b)$, Foci $(\pm ae,0)$ | $e=\dfrac{\sqrt{a^2-b^2}}{a}$ |
Ellipse (major axis along y-axis) | $\dfrac{x^2}{b^2}+\dfrac{y^2}{a^2}=1,\ a>b$ | Vertices $(0,\pm a)$, Co-vertices $(\pm b,0)$, Foci $(0,\pm ae)$ | $e=\dfrac{\sqrt{a^2-b^2}}{a}$ |
Hyperbola (transverse axis along x-axis) | $\dfrac{x^2}{a^2}-\dfrac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ | Vertices $(\pm a,0)$, Foci $(\pm ae,0)$, Asymptotes $y=\pm \dfrac{b}{a}x$ | $e=\dfrac{\sqrt{a^2+b^2}}{a}$ |
Hyperbola (transverse axis along y-axis) | $\dfrac{y^2}{a^2}-\dfrac{x^2}{b^2}=1$ | Vertices $(0,\pm a)$, Foci $(0,\pm ae)$, Asymptotes $y=\pm \dfrac{a}{b}x$ | $e=\dfrac{\sqrt{a^2+b^2}}{a}$ |
This section lists all the important topics in conic sections, including parabola, ellipse, hyperbola, and circle, as prescribed in NCERT and JEE Main syllabus.
Here you will find the best books and study resources that explain conic section formulas, standard equations, and solved examples in detail.
Book Title | Author / Publisher | Description |
---|---|---|
NCERT Mathematics Class 11 | NCERT | Official textbook covering all conic sections concepts in detail. |
Mathematics for Class 11 | R.D. Sharma | Detailed theory and solved problems on conic sections. |
Objective Mathematics | R.S. Aggarwal | Ample MCQs and practice questions on conic sections topics. |
Arihant All-In-One Mathematics | Arihant | Comprehensive topic-wise coverage including conic sections. |
Plane Coordinate Geometry | S.L. Loney | Classic text with exhaustive problems and theory on conics. |
This section highlights the essential NCERT chapters that introduce conic sections and build a strong base for Class 11, Class 12, and competitive exams.
NCERT Maths Notes for Class 11th Chapter 11 - Conic Sections
NCERT Maths Solutions for Class 11th Chapter 11 - Conic Sections
NCERT Maths Exemplar Solutions for Class 11th Chapter 11 - Conic Sections
This section provides access to NCERT exemplar solutions, notes, and detailed step-by-step solutions to strengthen your preparation.
Subject | NCERT Notes Link | NCERT Solutions Link | NCERT Exemplar Link |
---|---|---|---|
Mathematics | NCERT notes Class 11 Maths | NCERT solutions for Class 11 Mathematics | NCERT exemplar Class 11 Maths |
Physics | NCERT notes Class 11 Physics | NCERT solutions for Class 11 Physics | NCERT exemplar Class 11 Physics |
Chemistry | NCERT notes Class 11 Chemistry | NCERT solutions for Class 11 Chemistry | NCERT exemplar Class 11 Chemistry |
Here you will find practice problems of varying difficulty levels to master conic section concepts and enhance your problem-solving accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conic sections are curves obtained when a plane intersects a double-napped cone. The main conic sections are circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola.
For a circle with center $(h, k)$ and radius $r$, the equation is
$(x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2$.
The standard equations are:
$y^2 = 4ax$ (opens right)
$y^2 = -4ax$ (opens left)
$x^2 = 4ay$ (opens upward)
$x^2 = -4ay$ (opens downward)
Eccentricity ($e$) determines the shape:
Circle: $e = 0$
Ellipse: $0 < e < 1$
Parabola: $e = 1$
Hyperbola: $e > 1$
Every conic section has a fixed point called the focus and a fixed line called the directrix. The ratio of distance from a point on the curve to the focus and directrix is constant (eccentricity).
The four conic sections are circle, parabola, hyperbola and ellipse.