Pre-Calculus 2021 – 2022 (First Semester) Iloilo National High School – Senior High School

Hi! Grade 11 STEM learners, I am your PRECALCULUS Teacher. My name is JULIO J.

VILLALON but you can call me Sir Villalon or Sir July. For this school year, you are going to learn
Precalculus using module which is written primarily for Grade 11 learners enrolled in STEM Strand for
the First Semester of the Iloilo National High School.
In order for this module to be effective, you must follow and keep in mind the following
instructions:
➢ You will receive and accomplish one module and worksheet per week. Make a study schedule
at least one hour per day or 4 hours a week per subject, as the case may be (except PE, 1
hour/week). Exercise due diligence in your schedule.
➢ At the end of each module, you are going to request to take the summative test using my e-mail
address [email protected] and submit the solutions/answers of the Worksheets and
Summative Test on or before Sunday of each week through my e-mail address.
➢ Maximize learning by having online discussions with classmates or with family members who
can help. Visit websites related to the topic for the week.
➢ If you have any questions or clarifications, send it to my e-mail address.
➢ Compile your modules and worksheets and fasten it in a long white folder for submission at end
of the semester.

PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT

I commit fully to the accomplishment of the module with all honesty and dedication.
I promise to spend ________________________________________(no. of hours/specific
day(s) of the week) learning about Precalculus.

Further, I promise that no part of this module will be posted publicly, and I will not allow
anybody to have it photocopied without a written permit of my teacher.

STUDENT’S SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME /DATE

Enjoy and have FUN learning Precalculus!

Julio J. Villalon, PhD

 Lesson 1.1. Introduction to Conic Sections and Circles
Introduction to Conic Sections and Circles
Time Frame: 1 week
(Quarter 1-Week 1)

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(1) illustrate the different types of conic sections: parabola, ellipse, circle, hyperbola, and
degenerate cases;
(2) define a circle;
(3) determine the standard form of equation of a circle.
Introduction
The first lesson is about conic sections, a particular class of curves which sometimes appear in
nature and which have applications in other fields. In this lesson, we first illustrate how each of these
curves is obtained from the intersection of a plane and a cone, and then discuss the first of their kind,
CIRCLES. The other conic sections will be covered in the next lessons.

Lesson 1.1.1. An Overview of Conic Sections

If a plane is made to cut a right circular cone, the section obtained is called a CONIC SECTION,
or simply a CONIC. The shape of the conic will depend on the position of the cutting plane
Analytically, a conic section is defined as the path of a point which moves so that its distance
from a fixed point called the focus is in a constant ratio to its distance from a fixed line called the
directrix. The constant ratio is called the eccentricity.

Ellipse
- when the (tilted) plane intersects only one
cone to form a bounded curve
- eccentricity is less than 1 (𝑒 < 1)
- when 𝑒 → 0, the ellipse approaches a circle as
a limiting shape
- thus, a circle is a special type of an ellipse

Parabola
- when the plane intersects one cone to form an
unbounded curve
- eccentricity is equal to 1 (𝑒 = 1)

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 1
 Hyperbola
- when the plane (not necessarily vertical)
intersects both cones to form two unbounded
curves (each called a branch of the hyperbola )
- eccentricity is greater than 1 (𝑒 > 1)

Note: When 𝒆 = 𝟎, the definition fails.

There are other ways for a plane and the cones to intersect, to form what are referred to as
degenerate conics: a point, one line, and two lines.

Lesson 1.1.2. Definition and Equation of a Circle

Circles are everywhere. It is considered as a special kind of ellipse (for the special case when the
tilted plane is horizontal. As we get to know more about a circle, we will also be able to distinguish
more between these two conics.
Consider the figure below with point 𝐶(3,1) as shown. From the figure, the distance of 𝐴(−2,1)
from 𝐶 is 𝐴𝐶 = 5. By the distance formula, the distance of 𝐵(6,5) from 𝐶 is 𝐵𝐶 =
√(6 − 3)2 + (5 − 1)2 = 5. There are other points 𝑃 such that 𝑃𝐶 = 5. The collection of all such
points which are 5 units away from 𝐶, forms a circle.

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 2
 Thus, circle can be defined formally as:

Let 𝐶 be a given point. The set of all

points 𝑃 having the same distance from 𝐶 is
called a circle. The point 𝐶 is called the
center of the circle, and the common distance
its radius. Refer to the figure at the right.
𝑪(𝒉, 𝒌)
The term radius is both used to refer to a
segment from the center 𝐶 to a point 𝑃 on the
circle, and the length of this segment.

For a circle with center 𝐶(ℎ, 𝑘) and radius 𝑟 > 0, a point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) is on the circle if and only if
𝑃𝐶 = 𝑟. For any such point then, its coordinates should satisfy the following.
𝑃𝐶 = 𝑟

√(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟

(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 = 𝒓𝟐
This is the standard equation of the circle with center 𝐶(ℎ, 𝑘) and radius 𝑟. If the center is the
origin, then ℎ = 0 and 𝑘 = 0. The standard equation is then 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝒓𝟐 .

Standard Equation of a Circle with

Center at (ℎ, 𝑘): (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 = 𝒓𝟐
Center at the origin: 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝒓𝟐

Illustrative Examples
In each item, give the standard equation of the circle satisfying the given conditions.
(1) center at the origin, radius 4
Solution: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 16

(2) center (−4,3), radius √7

Solution: (𝑥 + 4)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = 7

(3)
Solution:
The center is (3,1) and the radius is 5, so
the equation is (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 − 1)2 = 25.

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 3
 (4) circle 𝐴 in the Figure at the right.

Solution:
By inspection, the center is (−2, −1) and the radius
is 4. The equation is (𝑥 + 2)2 + (𝑦 + 1)2 = 16.

(5) circle 𝐵 in the Figure at the right.

Solution:
Similarly by inspection, we have (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 − 2)2 = 9.

(6) center (5, −6), tangent to the y-axis.

A circle is
Solution:
tangent to the
The center is 5 units away from the y-axis, so y-axis if it
the radius is 𝑟 = 5. The equation is (𝑥 − touches the y-
5)2 + (𝑦 + 6)2 = 25. axis at exactly
one point.

(7) center (5, −6), tangent to the x-axis

Solution:
Similarly, since the center is 6 units away from the x-axis, the equation is (𝑥 − 5)2 +
(𝑦 + 6)2 = 36.

(8) has a diameter with endpoints 𝐴(−1,4) and 𝐵(4,2)

Solution:
𝑥1 +𝑥2 𝑦1 +𝑦2
The center 𝐶 is the midpoint of 𝐴 and 𝐵: (Use the midpoint formula, ( , )
2 2
−1+4 4+2 3
𝐶=( , ) = (2 , 3)
2 2

3 29 29
The radius is then 𝑟 = 𝐴𝐶 = √(−1 − 2)2 + (4 − 3)2 = √ 4 . Thus, 𝑟 2 = .
4

3 29
The circle has equation (𝑥 − 2)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = .
4

It’s Your Turn!

Find the standard equation of the circle being described in each item.

(1) With center at the origin, radius √11 Answer: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 11

(2) With center (−6,7), tangent to the y-axis Answer: (𝑥 + 6)2 + (𝑦 − 7)2 = 36

(3) Has a diameter with endpoints 𝐴(−3,2) and 𝐵(7,4)

Answer: (𝑥 − 2)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = 26

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 4
 Lesson 1.1.3. More Properties of Circles

3 29
After expanding, the standard equation (𝑥 − 2)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = can be rewritten as
4

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 4 = 0, an equation of the circle in We can

general form. determine the
Equation of a circle in GENERAL FORM is written as standard form
by completing
𝑨𝒙𝟐 + 𝑨𝒚𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 + 𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎, 𝑨 ≠ 𝟎 the square in
both variables.
or
𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 + 𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎
Completing the square in an expression like 𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 means determining the term to be added
that will produce a perfect polynomial square. Since the coefficient of 𝑥 2 is already 1, we take half the
coefficient of 𝑥 and square it, and we get 49. Indeed, 𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 49 = (𝑥 + 7)2 is a perfect square.
To complete the square in, say, 3𝑥 2 + 18𝑥, we factor the coefficient of 𝑥 2 from the expression:
3(𝑥 2 + 6𝑥), then add 9 inside. When completing a square in an equation, any extra term introduced on
one side should also be added to the other side.

Illustrative Examples

Identify the center and radius of the circle with the given equation in each item.
(1) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 = 7
Solution:
The first step is to rewrite the equation in standard form by completing the square in 𝑥 and in 𝑦.
From the standard equation, we can determine the center and radius.
𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 𝑦 2 = 7
𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9 + 𝑦 2 = 7 + 9 Center (3, 0), 𝑟 = 4
(𝑥 − 3)2 + 𝑦 2 = 16

(2) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 14𝑥 + 2𝑦 = −14

Solution:
𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 = −14
𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 49 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 + 1 = −14 + 49 + 1
(𝑥 − 7)2 + (𝑦 + 1)2 = 36
Center (7, −1), 𝑟 = 6

(3) 16𝑥 2 + 16𝑦 2 + 96𝑥 − 40𝑦 = 315

Solution:
16𝑥 2 + 16𝑦 2 + 96𝑥 − 40𝑦 = 315
5
16(𝑥 2 + 6𝑥) + 16 (𝑦 2 − 𝑦) = 315
2
5 25 25
16(𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 9) + 16 (𝑦 2 − 𝑦 + ) = 315 + 16(9) + 16( )
2 16 16

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 5
 5
16(𝑥 + 3)2 + 16(𝑦 − )2 = 484
4
5 484 121 11
(𝑥 + 3)2 + (𝑦 − )2 = = = ( )2
4 16 4 2

5
Center (−3, 4) , 𝑟 = 5.5

It’s Your turn!

Identify the center and radius of the circle with the given equation in each item.
5 15
(1) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 46 Answer: center (2 , −2), radius = 7.5
2
13
(2) 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 + 40𝑥 − 32𝑦 = 5 Answer: center (−5,4), radius = 6.5
2

Practice makes Better!

(1) In each item, give the standard equation of the circle satisfying the given conditions.

(a) center at the origin, contains (0,3)

(b) center (1,5), diameter 8
(c) circle 𝐴 in the Figure
(d) circle 𝐵 in the Figure
(e) circle 𝐶 in the Figure
(f) center (−2, −3), tangent to the y-axis.
(g) center (−2, −3), tangent to the x-axis.
(h) Contains the points (−2,0) and (8,0), radius 5

(2) Identify the center and radius of the circle with the given equation in each item.

(a) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 = 33
(b) 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 − 16𝑥 + 40𝑦 + 67 = 0
(c) 4𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 4𝑦 2 + 16𝑦 − 11 = 0

Solution:
(1)
(a) The radius is 3, so the equation is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 9.
8
(b) The radius is 2 = 4, so the equation is (𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 − 5)2 = 16.

(c) The center is (−2,2) and the radius is 2, so the equation is

(𝑥 + 2)2 + (𝑦 − 2)2 = 4

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 6
 (d) The center is (2,3) and the radius is 1, so the equation is

(𝑥 − 2)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = 1

(e) The center is (1, −1) and by the Pythagorean Theorem

(refer to the figure at the right), the radius is
√22 + 22 = √8, so the equation is
(𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 + 1)2 = 8

(f) The radius is 2, so the equation is (𝑥 + 2)2 + (𝑦 + 3)2 = 4.

(g) The radius is 3, so the equation is (𝑥 + 2)2 + (𝑦 + 3)2 = 9.
(h) The distance between (−2,0) and (8,0) is 10; since the radius is 5, these two points are
endpoints of a diameter. Then the circle has center at (3,0) and radius 5, so its equation
is (𝑥 − 3)2 + 𝑦 2 = 25.
(2)
(a) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 = 33
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 + 16 = 33 + 16
𝑥 2 + (𝑦 + 4)2 = 49
Center (0, −4), radius 7

(b) 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 − 16𝑥 + 40𝑦 + 67 = 0

67
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 𝑦 2 + 10𝑦 = −
4
67
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4 + 𝑦 2 + 10𝑦 + 25 = − + 4 + 25
4
49 7
(𝑥 − 2)2 + (𝑦 + 5)2 = = ( )2
4 2
Center (2, −5), radius 3.5

(c) 4𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 4𝑦 2 + 16𝑦 − 11 = 0

11
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 =
4
9 11 9
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 + 4 = + +4
4 4 4
3
(𝑥 + )2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 9
2
3
Center (− 2 , −2), radius 3

References:
Analytic Geometry by Quirino and Mijares, Royal Publishing House
Precalculus Learner’s Manual, First Edition 2016, DepEd
Precalculus Teacher’s Guide, First Edition 2016, DepEd

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 7
 Lesson 1.2. Parabolas

Time Frame: 1 week

(Quarter 1- Week 2)

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(4) define a parabola;
(5) determine the standard form of equation of parabola.

Introduction
A parabola is one of the conic sections. We have already seen parabolas which open upward or
downward, as graph of quadratic functions in Junior High School. Here, we will see parabolas opening
to the left or right.

Lesson 1.2.1. Definition and Equation of a Parabola

Consider the point 𝐹(0,2) and the line 𝑙

having equation 𝑦 = −2 as shown in the figure at
the right. What are the distances of 𝐴(4,2) from 𝐹
and from 𝑙? (The latter is taken as the distance of 𝐴
from 𝐴𝑙 , the point on 𝑙 closest to 𝐴). How about
the distance of 𝐵(−8,8) from 𝐹 and from 𝑙 (from
𝐵𝑙 ?

𝐴𝐹 = 4 and 𝐴𝐴𝑙 = 4

𝐵𝐹 = √(−8 − 0)2 + (8 − 2)2 = 10 and 𝐵𝐵𝑙 = 10

There are other points 𝑃 such that 𝑃𝐹 = 𝑃𝑃𝑙 (where 𝑃𝑙 is the closest point on line 𝑙). The
collection of all such points forms a shape called a parabola.

Refer to the figure at the right, Let 𝐹 be a

given point, and 𝑙 a given line not containing 𝐹. The
set of all points 𝑃 such that its distances from 𝐹 and
from 𝑙 are the same, is called a parabola. The point
𝐹 is its focus and the line 𝑙 its directrix.
In other words, parabola is a set of all points
which are equidistant from a fixed point and a fixed
line. The fixed point is called the focus while the
fixed line is called the directrix.
The distance from the vertex to the focus
must be in a constant ratio to its distance from the
vertex to the directrix. This constant ratio is called
the eccentricity. Thus, the eccentricity of the
parabola is 1 (𝑒 = 1).

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 8
 Consider a parabola with focus 𝐹(0, 𝑐) and directrix 𝑙 having equation 𝑦 = −𝑐. See Figure
above. The focus and the directrix are 𝑐 units above and below, respectively, the origin. Let 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) be a
point on the parabola so 𝑃𝐹 = 𝑃𝑃𝑙 , where 𝑃𝑙 is the point on 𝑙 closest to 𝑃. The point 𝑃 to be on the
same side of the directrix as the focus (if 𝑃 was below, it would be closer to 𝑙 than it is from 𝐹).
𝑃𝐹 = 𝑃𝑃𝑙

√𝑥 2 + (𝑦 − 𝑐)2 = 𝑦 − (−𝑐) = 𝑦 + 𝑐

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑐𝑦 + 𝑐 2 = 𝑦 2 + 2𝑐𝑦 + 𝑐 2
𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦
The vertex 𝑉 is the point midway between the focus and the directrix. This equation,
2
𝑥 = 4𝑐𝑦, is then the standard equation of a parabola opening upward with vertex 𝑉(0,0).
Suppose the focus is 𝐹(0, −𝑐) and the directrix is 𝑦 = 𝑐. In this case, a point 𝑃 on the resulting
parabola would be below the directrix (just like the focus). Instead of opening upward, it will open
downward. Consequently, 𝑃𝐹 = √𝑥 2 + (𝑦 + 𝑐)2 and 𝑃𝑃𝑙 = 𝑐 − 𝑦. Computation similar to the one
done above will lead to the equation 𝑥 2 = −4𝑐𝑦.
We collect here the features of the graph of a parabola with standard equation 𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦 or 𝑥 2 =
−4𝑐𝑦, where 𝑐 > 0.

(1) vertex: origin 𝑉(0,0)

• If the parabola opens upward, the vertex is the lowest point. If the parabola opens
downward, the vertex is the highest point.
(2) directrix: the line 𝑦 = −𝑐 or 𝑦 = 𝑐
• The directrix is 𝑐 units below or above the vertex.
(3) focus: 𝐹(0, 𝑐) or 𝐹(0, −𝑐)
• The focus is 𝑐 units above or below the vertex.
• Any point on the parabola has the same distance from the focus as it has from the
directrix.
(4) axis of symmetry: 𝑥 = 0 (the y-axis)
• This line divides the parabola into two parts which are mirror images of each other.

Standard Equation of a Parabola with vertex at the origin and opening

Upward: 𝒙𝟐 = 𝟒𝒄𝒚
Downward: 𝒙𝟐 = −𝟒𝒄𝒚

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 9
 Illustrative Examples

A. Determine the focus and directrix of the parabola with the given equation.

(1) 𝒙𝟐 = 𝟏𝟐𝒚

Solution:
The vertex is 𝑉(0,0) and the parabola opens upward. From 4𝑐 = 12, 𝑐 = 3. The
focus, 𝑐 = 3 units above the vertex, is 𝐹(0,3). The directrix, 3 units below the
vertex, is 𝑦 = −3. The axis of symmetry is 𝑥 = 0.

(2) 𝒙𝟐 = −𝟔𝒚

Solution:
3
The vertex is 𝑉(0,0) and the parabola opens downward. From 4𝑐 = 6, 𝑐 = 2.
3 3 3
The focus, 𝑐 = 2 units below the vertex, is 𝐹(0, − 2). The directrix, 2 units above
3
the vertex, is 𝑦 = 2. The axis of symmetry is 𝑥 = 0.

B. What is the standard equation of the parabola in the given figure below.

Solution:
From the figure, we deduce that 𝑐 = 2.
Solution: (𝑥 + 4)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = 7 The equation is thus 𝑥 2 = 8𝑦.

It’s Your Turn!

(1) Give the focus and directrix of the parabola with equation 𝑥 2 = 10𝑦.
5 5
Answer: focus(0, 2), directrix 𝑦 = − 2

(2) Find the standard equation of the parabola with focus 𝐹(0, −3.5) and directrix 𝑦 = 3.5.
Answer: 𝑥 2 = −14𝑦

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 10
 Lesson 1.2.2. More Properties of Parabola

The parabolas we considered so far are “vertical” and have their vertices at the origin. Some
parabolas open instead horizontally (to the left or right), and some have vertices not at the origin. Their
standard equations and properties are given in the box below.
In all four cases below, we assume that 𝑐 > 0. The vertex is 𝑉(ℎ, 𝑘), and it lies between the
focus 𝐹 and the directrix 𝑙 . The focus 𝐹 is 𝑐 units away from the vertex 𝑉, and the directrix is 𝑐 units
away from the vertex. Recall that, for any point on the parabola, its distance from the focus is the same
as its distance from the directrix.

directrix 𝑙: horizontal
axis of symmetry: 𝑥 = ℎ, vertical

directrix 𝑙: vertical
axis of symmetry: 𝑦 = 𝑘, horizontalal

Note the following observations:

• The equations are in terms of 𝑥 − ℎ and 𝑦 − 𝑘; the vertex coordinates are subtracted
from the corresponding variable. Thus, replacing both ℎ and 𝑘 with 0 would yield the
case where the vertex is the origin. For instance, this replacement applied to (𝑥 − ℎ)2 =
4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘) (parabola opening upward) would yield 𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦, the first standard
equation we encountered (parabola opening upward, vertex at the origin).

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 11
 • If the 𝑥-part is squared, the parabola is “vertical”; if the 𝑦-part is squared, the parabola is
“horizontal”. In a horizontal parabola, the focus is on the left or right of the vertex, and
the directrix is vertical.
• If the coefficient of the linear (non-squared) part is positive, the parabola opens upward
or to the right; if negative, downward or to the left.

Illustrative Examples

(1) The figure at the right shows the graph of

parabola, with only its focus and vertex
indicated. Find its standard equation. What is
its directrix and its axis of symmetry.

Solution: The vertex is 𝑉(5, −4) and the

focus is 𝐹(3, −4). From these, we deduce the
following: ℎ = 5, 𝑘 = −4, 𝑐 = 2 (the
distance of the focus from the vertex).

Since the parabola opens to the left, we use

the template (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = −4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ). Our
equation is

(𝑦 + 4)2 = −8(𝑥 − 5).

If the equation is given in the
Its directrix is 𝑐 = 2 units to the right of 𝑉, general form 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 +
which is 𝑥 = 7. Its axis is the horizontal line 𝐸 = 0 (𝐴 and 𝐶 are nonzero)
through 𝑉: 𝑦 = −4. or 𝐵𝑦 2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 + 𝐸 = 0
(𝐵 and 𝐶 are nonzero), we can
The standard equation (𝑦 + 4)2 = −8(𝑥 − 5) determine the standard form by
completing the square in both
can be rewritten as 𝑦 2 + 8𝑥 + 8𝑦 − 24 = 0,
an equation of the parabola in general form. variables.

(2) Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola with the
given equation.

(a) 𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 + 12𝑦 = −16

Solution: We complete the square on 𝑦, and move 𝑥 to the other side.
𝑦 2 + 12𝑦 = 5𝑥 − 16
𝑦 2 + 12𝑦 + 36 = 5𝑥 − 16 + 36 = 5𝑥 + 20
(𝑦 + 6)2 = 5(𝑥 + 4)
5
The parabola opens to the right. It has vertex 𝑉(−4, −6). From 4𝑐 = 5, we get 𝑐 = 4 =
1.25. The focus is 𝑐 = 1.25 units to the right of 𝑉: 𝐹(−2.75, −6). The vertical
(directrix) is 𝑐 = 1.25 units to the left of 𝑉: 𝑥 = −5.25. The (horizontal) axis is through
𝑉: 𝑦 = −6.

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 12
 (b) 5𝑥 2 + 30𝑥 + 24𝑦 = 51
Solution: We compute the square on 𝑥, and move 𝑦 to the other side.
5𝑥 2 + 30𝑥 = −24𝑦 + 51
5(𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 9) = −24𝑦 + 51 + 5(9)
5(𝑥 + 3)2 = −24𝑦 + 96 = −24(𝑦 − 4)
24
(𝑥 + 3)2 = − (𝑦 − 4)
5
In the last line, we divided by 5 for the squared part not to have any coefficient.
24
The parabola opens downward. It has vertex 𝑉(−3,4). From 4𝑐 = 5 , we get
6
𝑐 = 5 = 1.2. The focus is 𝑐 = 1.2 units below 𝑉: 𝐹(−3,2.8). The (horizontal)
directrix is 𝑐 = 1.2 units above 𝑉: 𝑦 = 5.2. The (vertical) axis is through
𝑉: 𝑥 = −3.

(3) A parabola has focus 𝐹(7,9) and directrix 𝑦 = 3. Find its standard equation.
Solution: The directrix is horizontal, and the focus is above it. The parabola then opens
upward and its standard equation has the form (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘). Since
the distance from the focus to the directrix is 2𝑐 = 9 − 3 = 6, then 𝑐 = 3.
Thus, the vertex is 𝑉(7,6), the point 3 units below 𝐹. The standard equation is
then (𝑥 − 7)2 = 129𝑦 − 6).

It’s Your turn!

(1) Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola with equation
𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 5𝑦 = −34.

Answer: vertex (3, −5), focus 3, −6.25), directrix 𝑦 = −3.75, axis 𝑥 = 3

(2) A parabola has focus 𝐹(−2, −5) and directrix 𝑥 = 6. Find the standard equation of the
parabola.

Answer: (𝑦 + 5)2 = −16(𝑥 − 2)

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 13
 Practice makes Better!

For problems 1 and 2, determine the focus and directrix of the parabola with the given equation.

(1) 𝑦 2 = 20𝑥

Solution:

Vertex: 𝑉(0,0), opens to the right

4𝑐 = 20, 𝑐=5
Focus: 𝐹(5,0) , Directrix: 𝑥 = −5

(2) 3𝑥 2 = −12𝑦

Solution:

3𝑥 2 = −12𝑦 ⇔ 𝑥 2 = −4𝑦
Vertex: 𝑉(0,0), opens downward
4𝑐 = 4, 𝑐=1
Focus: 𝐹(0, −1) , Directrix: 𝑦 = 1

(3) Determine the standard equation of the parabola in the figure below given only its
vertex and focus. Then determine its directrix and axis of symmetry.

Solution:
3
𝑉 (− , 4) , 𝐹(−4,4)
2
5
𝑐= , 4𝑐 = 10
2
Parabola opens to the left
3
Equation: (𝑦 − 4)2 = −10(𝑥 + 2)

Directrix: 𝑥 = 1, Axis: 𝑦 = 4

(4) Determine the standard equation of the parabola in the figure below given only its
vertex and directrix. Then determine its focus and axis of symmetry.
13 15
Solution: 𝑉 (5, 2 ), directrix: 𝑦 = 2

𝑐 = 1 , 4𝑐 = 4 Parabola opens downward

13
Equation: (𝑥 − 5)2 = −4(𝑦 − )
2
11
Focus: (5, 2 ), Axis: 𝑥 = 5

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 14
For problems 5 and 6, determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola with
the given equation.

(5) 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 9 = 0

Solution:
𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 = 2𝑦 − 9
𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9 = 2𝑦
(𝑥 − 3)2 = 2𝑦

Vertex: (3,0), parabola opens upward

1
4𝑐 = 2, 𝑐=
2
1
Focus: 𝐹(3, 2)
1
directrix: 𝑦 = − , axis: 𝑥 = 3
2

(6) 3𝑦 2 + 8𝑥 + 24𝑦 + 40 = 0

Solution:
3𝑦 2 + 24𝑦 = −8𝑥 − 40
3(𝑦 2 + 8𝑦) = −8𝑥 − 40
3(𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 + 16) = −8𝑥 − 40 + 48
3(𝑦 + 4)2 = −8𝑥 + 8
8
(𝑦 + 4)2 = − (𝑥 − 1)
3

Vertex: (1, −4), parabola opens to the left

8 2
4𝑐 = , 𝑐=
3 3
1
Focus: 𝐹(3 , −4)
5
directrix: 𝑥 = 3, axis: 𝑦 = −4

References:
Precalculus Learner’s Manual, First Edition 2016, DepEd
Precalculus Teacher’s Guide, First Edition 2016, DepEd

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 15
 Lesson 1.3. Ellipses

Time Frame: 1 week

(Quarter 1- Week 3)

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(6) define an ellipse;
(7) determine the standard form of equation of an ellipse.

Introduction
Unlike circle and parabola, an ellipse is one of the conic sections that most students have not
encountered formally before. Its shape is a bounded curve which looks like a flatted circle. The orbits
of the planets in our solar system around the sun happen to be elliptical in shape.

Lesson 1.3.1. Definition and Equation of an Ellipse

Consider the points 𝐹1 (−3,0) and 𝐹2 (3,0), as shown in the figure below. What is the sum of the
distances of 𝐴(4, 2.4) from 𝐹1 and from 𝐹2 ? How about the sum of the distances of 𝐵 and 𝐶(0, −4)
from 𝐹1 and from 𝐹2 ?

𝐴𝐹1 + 𝐴𝐹2 = 7.4 + 2.6 = 10

𝐵𝐹1 + 𝐵𝐹2 = 3.8 + 6.2 = 10

𝐶𝐹1 + 𝐶𝐹2 = 5 + 5 = 10

There are other points 𝑃 such that 𝑃𝐹1 + 𝑃𝐹2 = 10. The collection of all such points forms a
shape called an ellipse.

Let 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 be two distinct points.

The set of all points 𝑃, whose distances from
𝐹1 and from 𝐹2 add up to a certain constant,
is called an ellipse. The points 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 are
called the foci of the ellipse.

foci (fow-sai/fow-kai)
– plural of focus

Given are two points on the 𝑥-axis, 𝐹1 (−𝑐, 0) and 𝐹2 (𝑐, 0), the foci, both 𝑐 units away from the
center (0, 0). Refer to the Figure above. Let 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) be a point on the ellipse. Let the common sum of

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 16
the distances be 2𝑎 (the coefficient 2 will make computations simpler). Thus, we have 𝑃𝐹1 + 𝑃𝐹2 =
2𝑎.

We have the first standard equation of an ellipse:

𝑥 2 𝑦2
+ = 1, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎 > 𝑏. 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 .
𝑎2 𝑏 2

Refer to an ellipse below and note the following:

(1) center: origin (0, 0)

(2) foci: 𝐹1 (−𝑐, 0) and 𝐹2 (𝑐, 0)
• Each focus is 𝑐 units away from the center.
• For any point on the ellipse, the sum of its distances from the foci is 2𝑎.
(3) vertices: 𝑉1 (−𝑎, 0) and 𝑉2 (𝑎, 0)
• The vertices are points on the ellipse, collinear with the center and foci.
• If 𝑦 = 0, then 𝑥 = ±𝑎. Each vertex is 𝑎 units away from the center.
• The segment 𝑉1 𝑉2 is called the major axis. Its length is 2𝑎. It divides the ellipse
into two congruent parts.
(4) covertices: 𝑊1 (0, −𝑏) and 𝑊2 (0, 𝑏)

• The segment through the center, perpendicular to the major axis, is the minor
axis. It meets the ellipse at the covertices. It divides the ellipse into two
congruent parts.
• If 𝑥 = 0, then 𝑦 = ±𝑏. Each covertex is 𝑏 units away from the center.
• The minor axis 𝑊1 𝑊2 is 2𝑏 units long. Since 𝑎 > 𝑏, the major axis is longer
than the minor axis.
inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 17
 Illustrative Examples

A. Give the coordinates of the foci, vertices, and covertices of the ellipse with equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1
25 9

Solution:

With 𝑎2 = 25 and 𝑏 2 = 9, we have 𝑎 = 5, 𝑏 = 3, and 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 4.

foci: 𝐹1 (−4, 0), 𝐹2 (4, 0)
vertices: 𝑉1 (−5, 0), 𝑉2 (5, 0)
covertices: 𝑊1 (0, −3), 𝑊2 (0, 3)
(3) 𝒙𝟐 = −𝟔𝒚

B. Find the (standard) equation of the ellipse whose foci are 𝐹1 (−3, 0) and 𝐹2 (3, 0), such that
for any point on it, the sum of its distances from the foci is 10. Refer to the figure below.

Solution:
We have 2𝑎 = 10 and 𝑐 = 3, so 𝑎 = 5 and
𝑏 = √𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 = 4.
The equation is
𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1
25 16

It’s Your Turn!

(3) Give the coordinates of the foci, vertices, and covertices of the ellipse with equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1
169 25

Answer: foci: 𝐹1 (−12, 0), and 𝐹2 (12, 0)

vertices: 𝑉1 (−13, 0) and 𝑉2 (13, 0)
covertices: 𝑊1 (0, −5) and 𝑊2 (0, 5)

(4) Find the equation in standard form of the ellipse whose foci are 𝐹1 (−8, 0) and 𝐹2 (8, 0), such that
for any point on it, the sum of its distances from the foci is 20.
𝑥2 𝑦2
Answer: + =1
100 36

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 18
 Lesson 1.3.2. More Properties of Ellipses

Some ellipses have their foci aligned vertically, and some have centers not at the origin. Their
standard equations and properties are given below.

Center Corresponding Graphs

(𝟎, 𝟎)

𝒙 𝟐 𝒚𝟐 𝒙 𝟐 𝒚𝟐
+ = 𝟏, 𝒂>𝒃 + = 𝟏, 𝒂>𝒃
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐

(𝒉, 𝒌)

(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐

+ = 𝟏, 𝒂>𝒃 + = 𝟏, 𝒂 > 𝒃
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐
major axis: horizontal major axis: vertical

minor axis: vertical minor axis: horizontal

In the standard equation, if the 𝑥 −part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is horizontal. If
the 𝑦 −part has the bigger denominator, the ellipse is vertical.

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 19
 Illustrative Examples

Give the coordinates of the center, foci, vertices, and covertices of the ellipse with
the given equation.

(𝑥 + 3)2 (𝑦 − 5)2
(1) + =1
24 49

Solution:
From 𝑎2 = 49 and 𝑏 2 = 24, we have 𝑎 = 7, 𝑏 = 2√6 ≈ 4.9, and
𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 5.
The ellipse is vertical.

center: (−3, 5)

foci: 𝐹1 (−3, 0), 𝐹2 (−3, 10)

vertices: 𝑉1 (−3, −2), 𝑉2 (−3, 12)

Covertices:
𝑊1 (−3 − 2√6, 5) ≈ (−7.9, 5)
𝑊2 (−3 + 2√6, 5) ≈ (1.9, 5)

(2) 9𝑥 2 + 16𝑦 2 − 126𝑥 + 64𝑦 = 71

Solution:
We first change the given equation to standard form.
9(𝑥 2 − 14𝑥) + 16(𝑦 2 + 4𝑦) = 71
9(𝑥 − 14𝑥 + 49) + 16(𝑦 2 + 4𝑦 + 4) = 71 + 9(49) + 16(4)
2

9(𝑥 − 7)2 + 16(𝑦 + 2)2 = 576

(𝑥 − 7)2 (𝑦 + 2)2
+ =1
64 36

We have 𝑎 = 8 and 𝑏 = 6. Thus, 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 2√7 ≈ 5.3.

The ellipse is horizontal.

center: (7, −2)

foci: 𝐹1 (7 − 2√7, −2) ≈ (1.7, −2), 𝐹2 (7 + 2√7, −2) ≈ (12.3, −2)

vertices: 𝑉1 (−1, −2), 𝑉2 (15, −2)

covertices: 𝑊1 (7, −8), 𝑊2 (7, 4)

(3) The foci of an ellipse are (−3, −6) and (−3, 2). For any point on the ellipse, the
sum of its distances from the foci is 14. Find the standard equation of the
ellipse.

Solution:
The midpoint (−3, −2) of the foci is the center of the ellipse. The ellipse is
vertical (because the foci are vertically aligned) and 𝑐 = 4. From the given sum,
2𝑎 = 14, so 𝑎 = 7. Also, 𝑏 = √𝑎2 − 𝑐 2 = √33. The equation is

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 20
 (𝑥 + 3)2 (𝑦 + 2)2
+ =1
33 49

(4) An ellipse has vertices (2 − √61, −5) and (2 + √61, −5), and its minor axis is 12
units long. Find its standard equation and its foci.

Solution:
The midpoint (2, −5) of the vertices is the center of the ellipse, which is
horizontal. Each vertex is 𝑎 = √61 units away from the center. From the length
of the minor axis, 2𝑏 = 12 so 𝑏 = 6. The standard is

(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 + 5)2
+ =1
61 36

Each focus is 𝑐 = √𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = 5 units away from (2, −5), so their coordinates are
(−3, −5) and (7, −5).

It’s Your turn!

(1) Give the coordinates of the center, foci, vertices, and covertices of the ellipse with
equation 41𝑥 2 + 16𝑦 2 + 246𝑥 − 192𝑦 + 289 = 0.

Answer:
center 𝐶(−3,6);
foci 𝐹1 (−3, 1) and 𝐹2 (−3, 11);
vertices: 𝑉1 (−3, 6 − √41) and
𝑉2 (−3, 6 + √41)
covertices: 𝑊1 (−7, 6), and 𝑊2 (1, 6)

(2) An ellipse has vertices (−10, −4) and (6, −4), and covertices (−2, −9) and (−2, 1).
Find its standard equation and its foci.

Answer:
(𝑥 + 2)2 (𝑦 + 4)2
Equation: + =1
64 25
foci: (−2 − √39, −4) and (−2 + √39, −4)

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 21
 Practice makes Better!

(1) Give the coordinates of the foci, vertices, and covertices of the ellipse with equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
+ = 1.
169 144

Solution:
The ellipse is horizontal.
𝑎2 = 169 ⇒ 𝑎 = 13, 𝑏 2 = 144 ⇒ 𝑏 = 12
𝑐 = √169 − 144 = 5

Foci: 𝐹1 (−5, 0), 𝐹2 (5, 0)

Vertices: 𝑉1 (−13, 0), 𝑉2 (13, 0)
Covertices: 𝑊1 (0, −12), 𝑊2 (0, 12)

(2) Find the standard equation of the ellipse whose foci are 𝐹1 (0, −8) and 𝐹2 (0, 8), such
that for any point on it, the sum of its distances from the foci is 34.

Solution:
The ellipse is vertical and has center at (0, 0).
2𝑎 = 34 ⇒ 𝑎 = 17
𝑐=8
𝑏 = √172 − 82 = 15
𝑥2 𝑦2
The equation is + = 1.
225 289

For problems 3 and 4, give the coordinates of the center, foci, vertices, and covertices of
the ellipse with the given equation.

(3) (𝑥 − 7)2 (𝑦 + 2)2

+ =1
64 25

Solution:

The ellipse is horizontal.

𝑎2 = 64 ⇒ 𝑎 = 8, 𝑏 2 = 25 ⇒ 𝑏 = 5

𝑐 = √64 − 25 = √39 ≈ 6.24

center: (7, −2)

foci: 𝐹1 (7 − √39, −2) ≈ (0.76, −2)

𝐹2 (7 + √39, −2) ≈ (13.24, −2)

vertices: 𝑉1 (−1, −2), 𝑉2 (15, −2)

covertices: 𝑊1 (7, −7), 𝑊2 (7, 3)

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 22
(4) 16𝑥 2 + 96𝑥 + 7𝑦 2 + 14𝑦 + 39 = 0
Solution:
16𝑥 2 + 96𝑥 + 7𝑦 2 + 14𝑦 = −39
16(𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 9) + 7(𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 + 1)
= −39 + 151
16(𝑥 + 3) + 7(𝑦 + 1)2 = 112
2

(𝑥 + 3)2 (𝑦 + 1)2
+ =1
7 16
The ellipse is vertical.
𝑎2 = 16 ⇒ 𝑎 = 4, 𝑏 2 = 7 ⇒ 𝑏 = √7 ≈ 2.65
𝑐 = √16 − 7 = 3
center: (−3, −1)
foci: 𝐹1 (−3, −4), 𝐹2 (−3, 2)
vertices: 𝑉1 (−3, −5), 𝑉2 (−3, 3)
covertices: 𝑊1 (−3 − √7, −1) ≈ (−5.65, −1)
𝑊2 (−3 + √7, −1) ≈ (0.35, −1)
(5) The covertices of an ellipse are (5, 6) and (5, 8). For any point on the ellipse,
the sum of its distances from the foci is 12. Find the standard equation of the
ellipse.

Solution:
The ellipse is horizontal with center at the midpoint (5, 7) of the covertices.
Also, 2𝑎 = 12 so 𝑎 = 6 while 𝑏 = 1. The equation is
(𝑥 − 5)2 (𝑦 − 7)2
+ = 1.
36 1
(6) An ellipse has foci (−4 − √15, 3) and (−4 + √15, 3), and its major axis is 10
units long. Find its standard equation and its vertices.

Solution:
The ellipse is horizontal with center at the midpoint −4, 3) of the foci; also
𝑐 = √15. Since the length of the major axis is 10, 2𝑎 = 10 and 𝑎 = 5.
Thus 𝑏 = √52 − 15 = √10. Therefore, the equation of the ellipse is
(𝑥 + 4)2 (𝑦 − 3)2
+ =1
25 10
and its vertices are (−9, 3) and (1, 3).

References:
Precalculus Learner’s Manual, First Edition 2016, DepEd
Precalculus Teacher’s Guide, First Edition 2016, DepEd

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 23
 Lesson 1.4. Hyperbolas

Time Frame: 1 week

(Quarter 1- Week 4)

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(8) define a hyperbola;
(9) determine the standard form of equation of a hyperbola.
Introduction
Just like ellipse, a hyperbola is one of the conic sections that most students have not encountered
formally before. Its graph consists of two unbounded branches which extends in opposite directions. It
is a misconception that each branch is a parabola. This is not true, as parabolas and hyperbolas have
very different features.

Lesson 1.4.1. Definition and Equation of a Hyperbola

Consider the points 𝐹1 (−5,0) and 𝐹2 (5,0), as shown in the figure below. What is the absolute
value of the difference of the distances of 𝐴(3.75, −3) from 𝐹1 and from 𝐹2 ? How about the absolute
16
value of the difference of the distances of 𝐵(−5, 3 ) from 𝐹1 and from 𝐹2 ?

|𝐴𝐹1 − 𝐴𝐹2 | = |9.25 − 3.25| = 6

16 34
|𝐵𝐹1 − 𝐵𝐹2 | = | − |=6
3 3

There are other points 𝑃 such that |𝑃𝐹1 − 𝑃𝐹2 | = 6. The collection of all such points forms a
shape called a hyperbola, which consists of two disjoint branches, For points 𝑃 on the left branch,
𝑃𝐹2 − 𝑃𝐹1 = 6; for those on the right branch, 𝑃𝐹1 − 𝑃𝐹2 = 6

Let 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 be two distinct points.

The set of all points 𝑃, whose distances from
𝐹1 and from 𝐹2 differ by a certain constant, is
called a hyperbola. The points 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 are
called the foci of the hyperbola.

Given are two points on the 𝑥-axis, 𝐹1 (−𝑐, 0) and 𝐹2 (𝑐, 0), the foci, both 𝑐 units away from
their midpoint (0, 0). The midpoint is the center of the hyperbola. Refer to the Figure above. Let

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 24
𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) be a point on the hyperbola and let the absolute value of the difference of the distances of 𝑃
from 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 be 2𝑎 (the coefficient 2 will make computations simpler). Thus, |𝑃𝐹1 − 𝑃𝐹2| = 2𝑎, and
so

We have the first standard equation of the hyperbola:

𝑥 2 𝑦2
2
− 2 = 1, 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 .
𝑎 𝑏

Refer to the hyperbolas below and note the following features of the graph:

(1) center: origin (0, 0)

(2) foci: 𝐹1 (−𝑐, 0) and 𝐹2 (𝑐, 0)

• Each focus is 𝑐 units away from the center.

• For any point on the hyperbola, the absolute value of the differences of its
distances from the foci is 2𝑎.
(3) vertices: 𝑉1 (−𝑎, 0) and 𝑉2 (𝑎, 0)
• The vertices are points on the hyperbola, collinear with the center and foci.
• If 𝑦 = 0, then 𝑥 = ±𝑎. Each vertex is 𝑎 units away from the center.
• The segment 𝑉1 𝑉2 is called the transverse axis. Its length is 2𝑎
𝑏 𝑏
(4) asymptotes: 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − 𝑎 𝑥, the dotted lines in the figure above are
the asymptotes
• The asymptotes of the hyperbola are two lines passing through the center which
serve as a guide in graphing the hyperbola: each branch of the hyperbola gets

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 25
 closer and closer to the asymptotes, in the direction towards which the branch
extends.
• An aid in determining the equations of the asymptotes: in the standard equation,
𝑥2 𝑦2
replace 1 by 0, and in the resulting equation 𝑎2 − 𝑏2 = 0, solve for 𝑦.
• To help us sketch the asymptotes, we point out that the asymptotes 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 are
extended diagonals of the auxiliary rectangle drawn as in the Figure above. This
rectangle has sides 2𝑎 and 2𝑏 with its diagonals intersecting at the center 𝐶. Two
sides are congruent and parallel to the transverse axis 𝑉1 𝑉2 . The other two sides
are congruent and parallel to the conjugate axis, the segment shown which is
perpendicular to the transverse axis at the center, and has length 2𝑏.

Illustrative Examples

A. Determine the foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola with equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
9 7

Solution:

With 𝑎2 = 9 and 𝑏 2 = 7 we have 𝑎 = 3, 𝑏 = √7, and 𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 4.

foci: 𝐹1 (−4, 0), 𝐹2 (4, 0)
vertices: 𝑉1 (−3, 0), 𝑉2 (3, 0)
√7 √7
asymptotes: 𝑦 = 3 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − 𝑥
3
(4) 𝒙𝟐 = −𝟔𝒚

B. Find the (standard) equation of the hyperbola whose foci are 𝐹1 (−5, 0) and 𝐹2 (5, 0), such
that for any point on it, the absolute value of the difference of its distances from the foci is 6.

Solution:
We have 2𝑎 = 6 and 𝑐 = 5, so 𝑎 = 3 and

𝑏 = √𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 = 4.
The hyperbola then has equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
9 16

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 26
 It’s Your Turn!

(5) Determine foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola with equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
16 20

Answer: foci: 𝐹1 (−6, 0), and 𝐹2 (6, 0)

vertices: 𝑉1 (−4, 0) and 𝑉2 (4, 0)
√5 √5
asymptotes: 𝑦 = 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − 𝑥
2 2

(6) Find the equation in standard form of the hyperbola whose foci are 𝐹1 (−4√2, 0) and 𝐹2 (4√2, 0),
such that for any point on it, the absolute value of the difference of its distances from the foci is 8.

Answer: The parabola then has equation

𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
16 16

Lesson 1.4.2. More Properties of Hyperbolas

The hyperbolas we considered so far are “horizontal” and have the origin as their centers. Some
hyperbolas have their foci aligned vertically, and some have centers not at the origin. Their standard
equations are given in the table below.

Center Corresponding Graphs

(𝟎, 𝟎)

𝒙 𝟐 𝒚𝟐 𝒚𝟐 𝒙 𝟐
− =𝟏 − =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 27
 (𝒉, 𝒌)

(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐

− =𝟏 − =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐
transverse axis: horizontal transverse axis: vertical

conjugate axis: vertical conjugate axis: horizontal

In all four cases, we let 𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 . The foci 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 are 𝑐 units away from the center 𝐶.
The vertices 𝑉1 and 𝑉2 are 𝑎 units away from the center. The transverse axis 𝑉1 𝑉2 has length 2𝑎. The
conjugate axis has length 2𝑏 and is perpendicular to the transverse axis. The transverse and conjugate
axes bisect each other at their intersection point 𝐶. Each branch of a hyperbola gets closer and closer to
the asymptotes in the direction towards which the branch extends.
In the standard equation, aside from being positive, there are no other restrictions on 𝑎 and 𝑏. In
fact, 𝑎 and 𝑏 can even be equal. The orientation of the hyperbola is determined by the variable
appearing in the first term (the positive term): the corresponding axis is where the two branches will
open. For example, if the variable in the first term is 𝑥, the hyperbola is “horizontal”: the transverse
axis is horizontal, and the branches open to the left and right in the direction of the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.

Illustrative Examples

Give the coordinates of the center, foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola with the given
equation

(𝑦 + 2)2 (𝑥 − 7)2
(1) − =1
25 9
Solution: center: 𝐶(7, −2)
From 𝑎2 = 25 and 𝑏 2 = 9, we
have 𝑎 = 5, 𝑏 = 3, and foci: 𝐹1 (7, −2 − √34) ≈ (7, −7.8),
𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = √34 ≈ 5.8. 𝐹2 (7, −2 + √34) ≈ (7, 3.8)
The hyperbola is vertical. To
determine the asymptotes, we write vertices: 𝑉1 (7, −7), 𝑉2 (7, 3)
(𝑦 + 2)2 (𝑥 − 7)2
− =0
25 9 asymptotes:
which is equivalent to 5 41
5 𝑦= 𝑥−
𝑦 + 2 = ± (𝑥 − 7) 3 3
3 5 29
then solve for 𝑦. 𝑦=− 𝑥+
3 3

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 28
(2) 4𝑥 2 − 5𝑦 2 + 32𝑥 + 30𝑦 = 1

Solution:
We first change the given equation to standard equation form.
4(𝑥 2 + 8𝑥) − 5(𝑦 2 − 6𝑦) = 1
4(𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 16) − 5(𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 + 9) = 1 + 4(16) − 5(9)
4(𝑥 + 4)2 − 5(𝑦 − 3)2 = 20
(𝑥 + 4)2 (𝑦 − 3)2
− =1
5 4
We have 𝑎 = √5 ≈ 2.2 and 𝑏 = 2. Thus, 𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 3. The
hyperbola is horizontal. To determine the asymptotes, we write
(𝑥 + 4)2 (𝑦 − 3)2
− =0
5 4
2
which is equivalent to 𝑦 − 3 = ± (𝑥 + 4), and solve for 𝑦.
√5

center: 𝐶(−4, 3)

foci: 𝐹1 (−7, 3) and 𝐹2 (−1, 3)

vertices:
𝑉1 (−4 − √5, 3) ≈ (−6.2, 3)

𝑉2 (−4 + √5, 3) ≈ (−1.8, 3)

asymptotes:
2 8
𝑦= 𝑥+ +3
√5 √5
2 8
𝑦=− 𝑥− +3
√5 √5

(3) The foci of a hyperbola are (−5, −3) and (9, −3). For any point on the hyperbola,
the absolute value of the difference of its distances from the foci is 10. Find the
standard equation of the hyperbola.

Solution:
The midpoint (2, −3) of the foci is the center of the hyperbola. Each focus is
𝑐 = 7 units away from the center. From the given difference, 2𝑎 = 10,
so 𝑎 = 5. Also, 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 = 24. The equation is
(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 + 3)2
− =1
25 24

(4) A hyperbola has vertices (−4, −5) and (−4, 9), and one of its foci is (−4, 2 − √65).
Find its standard equation.

Solution:
The midpoint (−4, 2) of the vertices is the center of the hyperbola, which is
vertical (because the vertices are vertically aligned). Each vertex is 𝑎 = 7 units
away from the center. From the given focus is 𝑐 = √65 units away from the
center. Thus, 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 = 16, and the standard equation is

(𝑦 − 2)2 (𝑥 + 4)2
− =1
49 16
inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 29
 It’s Your turn!

(1) Give the coordinates of the center, foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola
with equation 9𝑥 2 − 4𝑦 2 − 90𝑥 − 32𝑦 = −305.

Answer:
center 𝐶(5, −4), foci 𝐹1 (5, −4 − 2√13) and 𝐹2 (5, −4 + 2√13);
vertices: 𝑉1 (5, −10) and 𝑉2 (5, 2)
3 7 3 23
asymptotes: 𝑦 = − 2 𝑥 + 2 and 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 − 2

(2) A hyperbola has vertices (1, 9) and (13, 9), and one of its foci is (−2, 9).
Find its standard equation.

Answer:
(𝑥 − 7)2 (𝑦 − 9)2
− =1
36 45

Practice makes Better!

(1) Determine the foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola with equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
− = 1.
16 33

Solution:
The hyperbola is horizontal.
𝑎2 = 16 ⇒ 𝑎 = 4, 𝑏 2 = 33 ⇒ 𝑏 = √33
𝑐 = √16 + 33 = √49 = 7

center: (0, 0)
foci: 𝐹1 (−7, 0), 𝐹2 (7, 0)
vertices: 𝑉1 (−4, 0), 𝑉2 (4, 0)
√33 √33
asymptotes: 𝑦 = 𝑥, 𝑦=− 𝑥
4 4

(2) Find the standard equation of the hyperbola whose foci are 𝐹1 (0, −10) and 𝐹2 (0, 10),
such that for any point on it, the absolute value of the difference of its distances from
the foci is 12.

Solution:
The hyperbola is vertical and has center at (0, 0). We have 2𝑎 = 12 ⇒ 𝑎 = 6;
also, 𝑐 = 8. Then 𝑏 = √102 − 62 = √64 = 8. The equation is
𝑦2 𝑥2
− = 1.
36 64

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 30
For problems 3 and 4, give the coordinates of the center, foci, vertices, and asymptotes of
the hyperbola with the given equation.

(3) (𝑦 + 6)2 (𝑥 − 4)2

− =1
25 39

Solution:

The hyperbola is vertical.

𝑎2 = 25 ⇒ 𝑎 = 5, 𝑏 2 = 39 ⇒ 𝑏 = √39, 𝑐 2 = √25 + 39 = 8

center: (4, −6)

foci: 𝐹1 (4, −14), 𝐹2 (4, 2)

vertices: 𝑉1 (4, −11), 𝑉2 (4, −1)

(𝑦+6)2 (𝑥−4)2 5
asymptotes: − =0 ⇔ 𝑦+6=± (𝑥 − 4)
25 39 √39

(4) 9𝑥 2 + 126𝑥 − 16𝑦 2 − 96𝑦 + 153 = 0

Solution:
9𝑥 2 + 126𝑥 − 16𝑦 2 − 96𝑦 = −153
9(𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 49) − 16(𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 + 9) = −153 + 9(49) − 16(9)
9(𝑥 + 7)2 − 16(𝑦 + 3)2 = 144
(𝑥 + 7)2 (𝑦 + 3)2
− =1
16 9

The hyperbola is horizontal.

𝑎2 = 16 ⇒ 𝑎 = 4, 𝑏 2 = 9 ⇒ 𝑏 = 3, 𝑐 = √16 + 9 = 5
center: (−7, −3)
foci: 𝐹1 (−12, −3), 𝐹2 (−2, −3)
vertices: 𝑉1 (−11, −3), 𝑉2 (−3, −3)
(𝑥+7)2 (𝑦+3)2 3
asymptotes: − = 0 ⇔ 𝑦 + 3 = ± 4 (𝑥 + 7)
16 9

(5) The foci of a hyperbola are (−17, −3) and (3, −3). For any point on the
hyperbola, the absolute value of the difference of its distances from the foci is
14. Find the standard equation of the hyperbola.

Solution:
The hyperbola is horizontal with center at the midpoint (−7, −3) of the
foci. Also, 2𝑎 = 14 so 𝑎 = 7 while 𝑐 = 10. Then 𝑏 2 = 102 − 72 = 51.
The equation is
(𝑥 + 7)2 (𝑦 + 3)2
− = 1.
49 51

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 31
(6) The auxiliary rectangle of a hyperbola has vertices (−24, −15), (−24, 9),
(10, 9) and (10, −15). Find the equation of the hyperbola if its conjugate axis
is horizontal.

Solution:
The hyperbola is vertical. Using the auxiliary rectangle’s dimensions, we
see that the length of the transverse axis is 2𝑎 = 24 while the length of the
conjugate axis is 2𝑏 = 34. Thus, 𝑎 = 12 and 𝑏 = 17. The hyperbola’s
vertices are the midpoints (−7, −15) and (−7, 9) of the bottom and top
sides, respectively, of the auxiliary rectangle. Then the hyperbola’s center is
(−7, −3), which is the midpoint of the vertices. The equation is

(𝑦 + 3)2 (𝑥 + 7)2
− =1
144 289

References:
Precalculus Learner’s Manual, First Edition 2016, DepEd
Precalculus Teacher’s Guide, First Edition 2016, DepEd

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 32
 Lesson 1.5. More Problems on Conic Sections

Time Frame: 1 week

(Quarter 1- Weeks 5 & 6)

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(10) recognize the equation and important characteristics of the different types of conic
sections;
(11) solve situational problems involving conic sections.
Introduction
In this lesson, we will identify the conic sections from a given equation. We will analyze the
properties of the identified conic sections. We will also solve situational problems involving circles,
parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola.

Lesson 1.5.1. Identifying the Conic Section by Inspection

The equation of a circle in general form is written as 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐴𝑦 2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 + 𝐸 = 0, that is, the

coefficients of 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 2 are the same. However, it does not follow that if the coefficients of 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 2
are the same, the graph is a circle.
Take a look at these examples:

General Equation Standard equation Graph

1 3
(A) 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 5 = 0 (𝑥 − )2 + (𝑦 + )2 = 0 point
2 2
(B) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 − 8𝑦 + 50 = 0 (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 − 4)2 = −25 empty set

For a circle with standard equation (𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2 , we have 𝑟 2 > 0. This is not the
case for the standard equations of (A) and (B).

In (A), because the sum of two squares can only by 0 if and only if each square is 0, it follows
1 3 1 3
that 𝑥 − 2 = 0 and 𝑦 + 2 = 0. Thus, the graph is just the single point (2 , − 2).

In (B), no real values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 can make the nonnegative left side equal to the negative right
side. The graph is then the empty set.

Let us recall the general form of the equations of the other conic sections. We may write the
equations of conic sections we discussed in the general form
𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑦 2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 + 𝐸 = 0

Some terms may vanish, depending on the kind of conic section.

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 33
 (1) Circle: both 𝒙𝟐 and 𝒚𝟐 appear, and their coefficients are the same

𝑨𝒙𝟐 + 𝑨𝒚𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 + 𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎

Example: 18𝑥 2 + 18𝑦 2 − 24𝑥 + 48𝑦 − 5 = 0

Degenerate cases: a point, and the empty set

(2) Parabola: exactly one 𝒙𝟐 or 𝒚𝟐 appears

𝑨𝒙𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 + 𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎 (𝑫 ≠ 𝟎, 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒖𝒑𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅)

𝑩𝒚𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 + 𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎 (𝑪 ≠ 𝟎, 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕)

Examples: 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 26 = 0 (𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑)

−2𝑦 2 + 3𝑥 + 12𝑦 − 15 = 0 (𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡)

(3) Ellipse: both 𝒙𝟐 and 𝒚𝟐 appear, and their coefficients 𝑨 and 𝑩

have the same sign and are unequal

𝑨𝒙𝟐 + 𝑩𝒚𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 + 𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎, 𝑨≠𝑩

Examples: 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑦 2 + 8𝑥 − 10𝑦 − 7 = 0 (ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠)

4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 16𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 21 = 0 (𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠)

If 𝐴 = 𝐵, we will classify the conic as a circle, instead of an ellipse.

Degenerate cases: a point, and the empty set

(4) Hyperbola: both 𝒙𝟐 and 𝒚𝟐 appear, and their coefficients 𝑨 and

𝑩 have different signs

𝑨𝒙𝟐 − 𝑩𝒚𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 + 𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎
−𝑨𝒙𝟐 + 𝑩𝒚𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 + 𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎

Examples: 5𝑥 2 − 3𝑦 2 − 20𝑥 − 18𝑦 − 22 = 0 (ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠)

−4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 24𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 36 = 0 (𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠)
Degenerate case: two intersecting lines

The following examples will show the possible degenerate conic (a point, two intersecting lines,
or the empty set) as the graph of an equation following a similar pattern as the non-degenerate cases.

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 34
(1) 4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 16𝑥 + 18𝑦 + 25 = 0
Change the equation to standard form:
4𝑥 2 − 16𝑥 + 9𝑦 2 + 18𝑦 = −25
4(𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 4) + 9(𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 + 1) = −25 + 4(4) + 9(1)
2

4(𝑥 − 2)2 + 9(𝑦 + 1) = 0 (divide both sides by 36)

(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 + 1)2
+ =0
9 4

(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 + 1)2
+ =0 Degenerate conic/Graph: a point: (2, −1)
32 22

(2) 4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 16𝑥 + 18𝑦 + 61 = 0

(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 + 1)2
+ = −1 Degenerate conic/Graph: empty set
32 22

(3) 4𝑥 2 − 9𝑦 2 − 16𝑥 − 18𝑦 + 7 = 0

(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 + 1)2 Degenerate conic/Graph: two lines

− =0 2
32 22 𝑦 + 1 = ± (𝑥 − 2)
3

A Note on Identifying a Conic Section by Its General Equation

It is only after transforming a given general equation to standard form
that we can identify its graph either as one of the degenerate conic
sections (a point, two intersecting lines, or the empty set) or as one of the
non-degenerate conic sections (circle, parabola, ellipse, or hyperbola).

Illustrative Examples

A. The graphs of the following equations are conic sections. Identify the type of conic
section by inspection.

(1) 9𝑥 2 + 25𝑦 2 − 54𝑥 − 50𝑦 − 119 = 0

Answer: Ellipse
(coefficients of 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 2 have the same sign and are unequal)

(2) 𝑥 2 − 4𝑦 2 + 10𝑥 − 16𝑦 + 5 = 0

Answer: Hyperbola
(coefficients of 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 2 have different signs)

(3) 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 24 = 0

Answer: Parabola
(only 𝑥 2 appears)

(4) 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 + 12𝑥 − 6𝑦 − 11 = 0

Answer: Circle
(coefficients of 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 2 are the same and the same sign)

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 35
B. Transform the following equations into its standard form then identify what type of
conic section it is. What are the specific graphs?

(5) 2𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 1 = 0

Solution:
2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑦 = 1
2(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1) + (𝑦 2 − 2𝑦 + 1) = 1 + 2(1) + 1
2(𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 − 1)2 = 4 (divide both sides by 2)
(𝑥 − 1)2 (𝑦 − 1)2
+ =1
2 4

It is an equation of an Ellipse.

(6) 4𝑥 2 − 3𝑦 2 − 8𝑥 + 24𝑦 − 80 = 0

Solution:
4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 − 3𝑦 2 + 24𝑦 = 80
4(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1) − 3(𝑦 2 − 8𝑦 + 16) = 80 + 4(1) − 3(16)
4(𝑥 − 1)2 − 3(𝑦 − 4)2 = 36 (divide both sides by 36)
(𝑥 − 1)2 (𝑦 − 4)2
− =1
9 12

It is an equation of a hyperbola.

(7) 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 − 6𝑦 − 15 = 0

Solution:
𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 15
𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 + 9 = 6𝑥 + 15 + 9
(𝑦 − 3)2 = 6𝑥 + 24
(𝑦 − 3)2 = 6(𝑥 + 4)

It is an equation of a parabola

(8) 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 10 = 0

Solution:
2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 2𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 = −10 (divide both sides by 2)
5 25 9 25 9
(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + ) + (𝑦 2 + 3𝑦 + ) = −5 + ( ) +
2 16 4 16 4
5 2 3 2 19
(𝑥 − ) + (𝑦 + ) = −
4 2 16

The resulting equation follows the form of the equation of a circle.

19
However, the value of 𝑟 2 = − 16 is a negative real number. Thus, the
equation represents no graph. It is a degenerate conic.

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 36
 (9) 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑦 2 + 12𝑥 − 20𝑦 + 38 = 0

Solution:
2𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 5𝑦 2 − 20𝑦 = −38
2(𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 9) + 5(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4) = −38 + 2(9) + 5(4)
2(𝑥 + 3)2 + 5(𝑦 − 2)2 = 0 (divide both sides by 10)
(𝑥 + 3)2 (𝑦 − 2)2
+ =0
5 2

This is a degenerate conic whose graph is a point.

(10) 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑦 2 − 20𝑥 − 18𝑦 + 23 = 0

Solution:
2𝑥 2 − 20𝑥 − 3𝑦 2 − 18𝑦 = −23
2(𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 + 25) − 3(𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 + 9) = −23 + 2(25) − 3(9)
2(𝑥 + 5)2 − 3(𝑦 + 3)2 = 0 divide both sides by 6
(𝑥 + 5)2 (𝑦 + 3)2
− =0
3 2

This is a degenerate conic whose graph is an intersecting lines.

It’s Your Turn!

A. The graphs of the following equations are conic sections. Identify the type of conic
section by inspection.

(1) 5𝑥 2 − 3𝑦 2 + 10𝑥 − 12𝑦 = 22 Answer: hyperbola

(2) 2𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 − 12𝑦 = 17 Answer: parabola
(3) 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 + 42𝑥 − 12𝑦 = −154 Answer: circle
(4) 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 18 Answer: parabola
(5) 7𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 − 14𝑥 + 12𝑦 = −14 Answer: ellipse
(6) −4𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 + 24𝑥 − 12𝑦 = 36 Answer: hyperbola

B. Transform the following equations into its standard form. What are the specific graphs?

(7) 5𝑥 2 + 7𝑦 2 − 40𝑥 − 28𝑦 + 73 = 0 Answer: ellipse

(8) 𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 24𝑦 = −52 Answer: point : (2, -4)
(9) 5𝑦 2 + 2𝑥 − 30𝑦 = −49 Answer: parabola
(10) 9𝑥 2 − 4𝑦 2 + 18𝑥 − 16𝑦 − 7 = 0 Answer: intersecting lines
3
𝑦 + 2 = ± 2 (𝑥 + 1)

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 37
 Lesson 1.5.2. Situational Problems Involving Circles and Parabolas

Let us now take a look at some situational problems involving circles and parabola.

Illustrative Examples

Example 1. A street with two lanes, each 10 ft. wide, goes through a semicircular tunnel with
radius 12 ft. How high is the tunnel at the edge of each lane? Round off to 2 decimal places.
Solution:
We draw a coordinate system with
origin at the middle of the highway, as
shown at the right. Because of the given
radius, the tunnel’s boundary is on the
circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 122 . Point P is the point
on the arc just above the edge of a lane, so
its 𝑥 −coordinate is 10. We need its
𝑦 −coordinate. We then solve
102 + 𝑦 2 = 122 , 𝑦>0

𝑦 2 = 122 − 102 = 44

𝑦 = 2√11 ≈ 6.63 𝑓𝑡

Example 2. A satellite dish has a shape called a paraboloid, where each cross-section is a
parabola. Since radio signals (parallel to the axis) will bounce off the surface of the dish to the focus,
the receiver should be placed at the focus. How far should the receiver be from the vertex, if the dish is
12 𝑓𝑡 across, and 4.5 𝑓𝑡 deep at the vertex?

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 38
 Solution:
The second figure above a cross-section of the satellite dish drawn on a rectangular
coordinate system, with the vertex at the origin. From the problem, we deduce that (6, 4.5) is
a point on the parabola. We need the distance of the focus from the vertex, i.e., the value of 𝑐
in 𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦.

𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦
62 = 4𝑐(4.5)
62
𝑐= =2
4 ∙ 4.5

Thus, the receiver should be 2 𝑓𝑡 away from the vertex.

Example 3. The cable of a suspension bridge hangs in the shape of a parabola. The towers
supporting the cable are 400 𝑓𝑡 apart and 150 𝑓𝑡 high. If the cable, at its lowest, is 30 𝑓𝑡 above the
bridge at its midpoint, how high is the cable 50 𝑓𝑡 away (horizontally) from either tower?
Solution:

Refer to the figure above, where the parabolic cable is drawn with its vertex on the
𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 30 𝑓𝑡 above the origin. We may write its equation as (𝑥 − 0)2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 30)
Since the towers are 150 𝑓𝑡 high and 400 𝑓𝑡 apart, we deduce from the figure that (200, 150)
is a point on the parabola.
𝑥 2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 30)
2002 = 𝑎(150 − 30)
2002 1000
4𝑐 = =
120 3
1000
The parabola has equation 𝑥 2 = 3 (𝑦 − 30). For the two points on the parabola
50 𝑓𝑡 away from the towers, 𝑥 = 150 or 𝑥 = −150, then
1000
1502 = (𝑦 − 30)
3
67500 = 1000(𝑦 − 30)
67500 = 1000𝑦 − 30000
1000𝑦 = 97500
𝑦 = 97.5

Thus, the cable is 97.5 𝑓𝑡 high which is 50 𝑓𝑡 away from either tower.

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 39
 It’s Your turn!

(1) A single-lane street 10 𝑓𝑡 wide goes through a semicircular tunnel with radius 9 𝑓𝑡.
How high is the tunnel at the edge of each lane? Round off to 2 decimal places.

Answer: 7.48 𝑓𝑡

(2) A satellite dish in the shape of a paraboloid is 10 𝑓𝑡 across, and 4 𝑓𝑡 deep at its
vertex. How far is the receiver from the vertex, if it is placed at the focus? Round
off your answer to 2 decimal places.

Answer: 1.56 𝑓𝑡

Practice makes Better!

I. Identify the graph of each of the following equations.

1. 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 − 49𝑦 2 + 196𝑦 − 388 = 0

Solution:

Since the coefficients of 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 2 have opposite signs, the graph is a

hyperbola or a pair of intersecting lines. Completing the square, we get
4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 − 49𝑦 2 + 196𝑦 − 388 = 0

4(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥) − 49(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦) = 388

4(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1) − 49(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4) = 388 + 4(1) − 49(4)

4(𝑥 − 1)2 − 49(𝑦 − 2)2 = 196

4(𝑥 − 1)2 49(𝑦 − 2)2 196

− =
196 196 196

(𝑥 − 1)2 (𝑦 − 2)2
− =1
49 4

Thus, the graph is a hyperbola.

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 40
2. 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 𝑦 2 − 𝑦 + 7 = 0

Solution:
Since 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 2 have equal coefficients, the graph is a circle, a point or the
empty set. Completing the square, we get
𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 𝑦 2 − 𝑦 + 7 = 0

25 1 25 1
𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + + 𝑦 2 − 𝑦 + = −7 + +
4 4 4 4

5 1 1
(𝑥 + )2 + (𝑦 − )2 = −
2 2 2

Since the right-hand side is negative, the graph is the empty set.

3. 𝑦 2 − 48𝑥 + 6𝑦 = −729

Solution: By inspection, the graph is a parabola.

4. 49𝑥 2 + 196𝑥 + 100𝑦 2 + 1400𝑦 + 196 = 0

Solution:
Since the coefficients of 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 2 are not equal but have the same sign, the
graph is an ellipse, a point, or the empty set. Completing the squares, we get
49𝑥 2 + 196𝑥 + 100𝑦 2 + 1400𝑦 + 196 = 0

49(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥) + 100(𝑦 2 + 14𝑦) = −196

49(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4) + 100(𝑦 2 + 14𝑦 + 49) = −196 + 49(4) + 100(49)

49(𝑥 + 2)2 + 100(𝑦 + 7)2 = 4900

49(𝑥 + 2)2 100(𝑦 + 7)2 4900

+ =
4900 4900 4900

(𝑥 + 2)2 (𝑦 + 7)2
+ =1
100 49

Thus, the graph is an ellipse.

5. 36𝑥 2 + 360𝑥 + 64𝑦 2 − 512𝑦 + 1924 = 0

Solution:
Since the coefficients of 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 2 are not equal but have the same sign, the
graph is an ellipse, a point, or the empty set. Completing the squares, we get
36𝑥 2 + 360𝑥 + 64𝑦 2 − 512𝑦 + 1924 = 0

36(𝑥 2 + 10𝑥) + 64(𝑦 2 − 8𝑦) = −1924

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 41
 36(𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 25) + 64(𝑦 2 − 8𝑦 + 16) = −1924 + 36(25) + 64(16)

(𝑥 + 5)2 (𝑦 − 4)2
+ =0
64 36

Since the right-hand side is 0, the graph is a single point (the point is
(−5, 4)).
II. Solve the following problems.

6. A flashlight is shaped like a paraboloid and the light source is placed at the focus so that the
light bounces off parallel to the axis of symmetry; this is done to maximize illumination. A particular
flashlight has its light source located 1 cm from the base and is 6 cm deep. What is the width of the
flashlight’s opening?

Solution:

Let the base (the vertex) of the flashlight

be the point 𝑉(0,0). Then the light source
(the focus) is at 𝐹(0, 1); so 𝑐 = 1. Hence, the
parabola’s equation is 𝑥 2 = 4𝑦.

To get the width of the opening, we need

the x coordinates of the points on the parabola
with y coordinate 6.

𝑥 2 = 4(6)
𝑥 = ±2√6

Therefore, the width of the opening is

2 × 2√6 = 4√6 ≈ 𝟗. 𝟖 𝒄𝒎

Lesson 1.5.3. Situational Problems Involving Ellipse and Hyperbola

Parabolas

Let us now take a look at some situational problems involving ellipse and hyperbola.

Illustrative Examples

Example 1. A tunnel has the shape of a semiellipse that is 15 ft high at the center, and 36 ft
across at the base. At most how high should a passing truck be, if it is 12 ft wide, for it to be able to fit
through the tunnel? Round off your answer to two decimal places.
Solution:
Refer to the figure at the right. If we
draw the semiellipse on a rectangular
coordinate system, with its center at the origin,
an equation of the ellipse which contains it, is

𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1
182 152
62 𝑛2
To maximize its height, the corners of + =1
182 152
the truck would have to just touch the ellipse.

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 42
 Since the truck is 12 ft wide, let the point (6, 𝑛) 𝑛2 36
be the corner of the truck in the first quadrant, =1−
225 324
where 𝑛 > 0, is the (maximum) height of the
truck. Since this point is on the ellipse, it 36
should fit the equation. Thus , we have 𝑛2 = 225(1 − )
324

𝑛 = 10√2 ≈ 14.14 𝑓𝑡

Example 2. An explosion was heard by two stations 1200 m apart, located at 𝐹1 (−600, 0) and
𝐹2 (600, 0). If the explosion was heard in 𝐹1 two seconds before it was heard in 𝐹2 , identify the possible
locations of the explosion. Use 340 𝑚/𝑠 as the speed of sound.

Solution:
Using the speed of sound, we can deduce that the sound traveled 340(2) = 680 𝑚
farther in reaching 𝐹2 than in reaching 𝐹1 . This is then the difference of the distances of the
explosion from the two stations. Thus, the explosion is on a hyperbola with foci are 𝐹1 and
𝐹2 on the branch closer to 𝐹1 .

We have 𝑐 = 600 and 2𝑎 = 680, so 𝑎 = 340 and 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2

𝑏 2 = 6002 − 3402

𝑏 2 = 244400

The explosion could therefore be anywhere on the left branch of the hyperbola

𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
115600 244400

It’s Your turn!

(1) The orbit of a planet has the shape of an ellipse, and on one of the foci is the star around
which it revolves. The planet is closest to the star when it is at one vertex. It is farthest from the star
when it is at the other vertex. Suppose the closest and farthest distances of the planet from this star, are
420 million kilometers and 580 million kilometers, respectively. Find the equation of the ellipse, in
standard form, with center at the origin and the star at the 𝑥 −axis. Assume all units are in millions of
kilometers.

𝑥2 𝑦2
Answer: + =1
250000 243600
inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 43
 (2) Two stations, located at 𝑀(−1.5, 0) and 𝑁(1.5, 0) units are in km, simultaneously send
sound signals to a ship, with the signal traveling at the speed of 0.33 𝑘𝑚/𝑠. If the signal from 𝑁 was
received by the ship four seconds before the signal it received from 𝑀, find the equation of the curve
containing the possible location of the ship.

𝑥2 𝑦2
Answer: − = 1 (right branch)
0.4356 1.8144

Practice makes Better!

I. Solve the following problems.

1. A whispering gallery is an enclosure or room where whispers can be clearly heard in some
parts of the gallery. Such gallery can be constructed by making its ceiling in the shape of a semi-ellipse;
in this case, a whisper from one focus can be clearly heard at the other focus. If an elliptical whispering
gallery is 90 feet long and the foci are 50 feet apart, how high is the gallery at its center?

Solution:

Assuming that the center of

the semiellipse is at the origin.
The point on the ceiling right
above the center is a covertex of
the ellipse.

Since 2𝑎 = 90 and 2𝑐 = 50;

then 𝑏 2 = 452 − 252 = 1400.

The height is given by 𝑏 =

√1400 ≈ 37.4 𝑓𝑡.

2. Two control towers are located at points 𝑄(−500, 0) and 𝑅(500, 0), on a straight shore
where the x-axis runs through (all distances are in meters). At the same moment, both towers sent a
radio signal to a ship out at sea, each traveling at 300 𝑚/𝜇𝑠. The ship received the signal from 𝑄 3 𝜇𝑠
(microseconds) before the message from 𝑅.

(a) Find the equation of the curve containing the possible location of the ship.
(b) Find the coordinates (rounded off to two decimal places) of the ship if it is 200 𝑚
from the shore (𝑦 = 200).

Solution:
(a) Since the time delay between the two signals is 3 𝜇𝑠, then the difference
between the distances traveled by two signals is 300 ∙ 3 = 900 𝑚.

The ship is then on a hyperbola, consisting of points whose distances from 𝑄

and 𝑅 (the foci) differ by 2𝑎 = 900.

With 𝑎 = 450 and 𝑐 = 500 (the distance of each focus from the center, the
origin), we have

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 44
 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2
𝑏 = 5002 − 4502
2

𝑏 2 = 47500
Since 𝑎2 = 202500, the hyperbola then has equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
202500 47500

(b) Since the signal from 𝑄 was received first, the ship is closer to 𝑄 than
𝑅, so the ship is on the left branch of this hyperbola. Using 𝑦 = 200, we then
solve
𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
202500 47500

for 𝑥 < 0 (left branch), and we get 𝑥 ≈ −610.76.

References:

Next Century Mathematics: Precalculus by Fernando B. Orines, Phoenix

Publishing House
Precalculus for Senior High School by Danilo De Guzman, C & E Publishing, Inc
Precalculus Learner’s Manual, First Edition 2016, DepEd
Precalculus Teacher’s Guide, First Edition 2016, DepEd

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 45
 Lesson 1.6 Sequences, Series, and Sigma Notation

Time Frame: 2 weeks

(Quarter 1- Week 7-8)

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(12) illustrate a series; and
(13) differentiate a series from a sequence
(14) use sigma notation to represent a series
(15) calculating sums using the properties of sigma notation
Introduction
In this lesson, you are going to review the sequences and series. Sigma notation is also discussed
as a shorthand for writing sums. You will see the power of the sigma notation in computing sums of
numbers as well as algebraic expressions.

Lesson 1.6.1. Sequences and Series

Sequence and series are important concepts in many branches of Mathematics. Its applications
are numerous in the different fields, this include biology, physics, investments, accountancy, and arts.
Many of the mathematical problems can be related to sequence and series. In this lesson, we will
illustrate what is a series and can differentiate a series from a sequence.

Recall the following definitions:

A sequence is a function whose domain is the set of positive integers

or the set {1, 2, 3, ..., n}

A series represents the sum of the terms of a sequence. If a sequence is

finite, we will refer to the sum of the terms of the sequence as the series
associated with the sequence. If the sequence has infinitely many terms, the
sum is defined more precisely in calculus

A sequence is a list of numbers (separated by commas), while a series is a sum of numbers

1 1 1 1 1 1 7
(separated by “+” or “−” sign). As an illustration, 1, − 2 , 3 , − 4 is a sequence, and 1 − 2 + 3 − 4 = 12 is
its associated series.

The sequence with nth term is usually denoted by {𝑎𝑛 }, and the associated series is given by 𝑆 =
𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 + . . . +𝑎𝑛 .

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 46
 Illustrative Examples

Determine the first five terms of each defined sequence, and give their associated series.

1. {2 − 𝑛}

Solution:
𝑎1 = 2 − 1 = 1 First five terms: 𝟏, 𝟎, −𝟏, −𝟐, −𝟑
𝑎2 = 2 − 2 = 0 Associated series: 𝑆 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 + 𝑎4 + 𝑎5
𝑎3 = 2 − 3 = −1 𝑆 = 1 + 0 − 1 − 2 − 3 = −𝟓
𝑎4 = 2 − 4 = −2
𝑎5 = 2 − 5 = −3

2. {1 + 2𝑛 + 3𝑛2 }

Solution:
𝑎1 = 1 + 2 ∙ 1 + 3 ∙ 12 = 6 First five terms: 𝟔, 𝟏𝟕, 𝟑𝟒, 𝟓𝟕, 𝟖𝟔
𝑎2 = 1 + 2 ∙ 2 + 3 ∙ 22 = 17 Associated series:
𝑆 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 + 𝑎4 + 𝑎5
𝑎3 = 1 + 2 ∙ 3 + 3 ∙ 32 = 34 𝑆 = 6 + 17 + 34 + 57 + 86 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎
𝑎4 = 1 + 2 ∙ 4 + 3 ∙ 42 = 57
𝑎5 = 1 + 2 ∙ 5 + 3 ∙ 52 = 86

3. {(−1)𝑛 }

Solution:
𝑎1 = (−1)1 = −1 First five terms: −𝟏, 𝟏, −𝟏, 𝟏, −𝟏
𝑎2 = (−1)2 = 1 Associated series: 𝑆 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 + 𝑎4 + 𝑎5
𝑎3 = (−1)3 = −1 𝑆 = −1 + 1 − 1 + 1 − 1 = −𝟏
𝑎4 = (−1)4 = 1
𝑎5 = (−1)5 = −1

4. {1 + 2 + 3+ . . . +𝑛}

Solution:
𝑎1 = 1 First five terms: 𝟏, 𝟑, 𝟔, 𝟏𝟎, 𝟏𝟓
𝑎2 = 1 + 2 = 3 Associated series:
𝑆 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 + 𝑎4 + 𝑎5
𝑎3 = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 𝑆 = 1 + 3 + 6 + 10 + 15 = 𝟑𝟓
𝑎4 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 10
𝑎5 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15

It’s Your Turn!

Determine the first five terms of each defined sequence, and give their associated series.

1. {1 + 𝑛 − 𝑛2 } Answer: 1, −1, −5, −11, −19 ; 𝑆 = −35

2. {1 − (−1)𝑛+1 } Answer: 0, 2, 0, 2, 0 ; 𝑆=4

3. 𝑎1 = 3 and 𝑎𝑛 = 2𝑎𝑛−1 + 3 for 𝑛 ≥ 2 Answer: 3, 9, 21, 45, 93 ; 𝑆 = 171

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 47
 4. {1 ∙ 2 ∙ 3 ∙ ∙ ∙ 𝑛} Answer: 1, 2. 6, 24, 120 ; 𝑆 = 153

Lesson 1.6.2. Sigma Notation

Mathematicians use the sigma notation to denote a sum. The upper Greek letter 𝛴 (sigma) is
used to indicate a “sum”. The notation consists of several components or parts.

The value of 𝒊 starts at 𝒎, increases by 𝟏, and ends at 𝒏.

Illustrative Examples

Expand each summation, and simplify if possible.

4
1.
∑(2𝑖 + 3)
𝑖=2

Solution:
4

∑(2𝑖 + 3) = [2(2) + 3] + [2(3) + 3] + [2(4) + 3] = 7 + 9 + 11 = 𝟐𝟕

𝑖=2

2. 5

∑ 2𝑖
𝑖=0

Solution:
5

∑ 2𝑖 = 20 + 21 + 22 + 23 + 24 + 25 = 𝟔𝟑
𝑖=0

𝑛
3.
∑ 𝑎𝑖
𝑖=1

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 48
 Solution:
𝑛

∑ 𝑎𝑖 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 + . . . +𝑎𝑛
𝑖=1

6
4. √𝑛
∑
𝑛+1
𝑛=1

Solution:
6
√𝑛 1 √2 √3 2 √5 √6
∑ = + + + + +
𝑛+1 2 3 4 5 6 7
𝑛=1

Write each expression in sigma notation.

5. 1 1 1 1
1 + + + +. . . +
2 3 4 100
Solution:
𝟏𝟎𝟎
1 1 1 1 𝟏
1 + + + +. . . + =∑
2 3 4 100 𝒏
𝒏=𝟏

6. −1 + 2 − 3 + 4 − 5 + 6 − 7 + 8 − 9+. . . −25

Solution:
−1 + 2 − 3 + 4 − 5 + 6 − 7 + 8 − 9+. . . −25
= (−1)1 ∙ 1 + (−1)2 ∙ 2 + (−1)3 ∙ 3 + (−1)4 ∙ 4 + (−1)5 ∙ 5+ . . . +(−1)25 ∙ 25
𝟐𝟓

= ∑(−𝟏)𝒊 ∙ 𝒊
𝒊=𝟏

6. 𝑎2 + 𝑎4 + 𝑎6 + 𝑎8 +. . . +𝑎20

Solution:
𝑎2 + 𝑎4 + 𝑎6 + 𝑎8 +. . . +𝑎20
= 𝑎2(1) + 𝑎2(2) + 𝑎2(3) + 𝑎2(4) +. . . +𝑎2(10)
𝟏𝟎

= ∑ 𝒂𝟐𝒊
𝒊=𝟏

7. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1+ + + + + + +
2 4 8 16 32 64 128
Solution:
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1+ + + + + + +
2 4 8 16 32 64 128
𝟕
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 𝟏
0
+ 1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ 6+ 7=∑ 𝒊
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 𝟐
𝒊=𝟎

The sigma notation of a sum expression is not necessarily unique. For example, in number 7, it
can be expressed in sigma notation as follows:

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 49
 𝟖
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 𝟏
1+ + + + + + + = ∑ 𝒊−𝟏
2 4 8 16 32 64 128 𝟐
𝒊=𝟏

Take note that 𝑖 starts at 1 and ends at 8.

It’s Your turn!

1. Expand each summation, and simplify if possible.

5

(a) ∑ (2 − 3𝑘) Answer: −28

𝑖=−1
𝑛

(b) ∑ 𝑥𝑗 Answer: 𝑥 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 3 +. . . +𝑥 𝑛
𝑗=𝑖
6

(c) ∑(𝑗 2 − 𝑗) Answer: 68

𝑗=3
4

(d) ∑(−1)𝑘+1 𝑘 Answer: −2

𝑘=1
3

(e) ∑(𝑎𝑛+1 − 𝑎𝑛 ) Answer: 𝑎4 − 𝑎1

𝑛=1

2. Write each expression in sigma notation.

(a) 𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 5 Answer: ∑ 𝑖𝑥 𝑖
𝑖=1
10
𝑖+1
(b) 1 − 2 + 3 − 4 + 5 − 6+ . . . −10 Answer: ∑(−1) 𝑖
𝑖=1
50

(c) 1 + 3 + 5 + 7+ . . . +101 Answer: ∑(2𝑖 + 1)

𝑖=0
4

(d) 𝑎4 + 𝑎8 + 𝑎12 + 𝑎16 Answer: ∑ 𝑎4𝑖

𝑖=1
4
1 1 1 1 (−1)𝑖
(e) 1− + − + Answer: ∑ 2𝑖 + 1
3 5 7 9 𝑖=0

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 50
Lesson 1.6.3. Properties of Sigma Notation

Here are some important properties of sums expressed in summation notation.

𝑛
𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
1. ∑ 𝑖 = 1 + 2 + 3+ . . . +𝑛 =
2
𝑖=1
𝑛
𝑛(𝑛 + 1)(2𝑛 + 1)
2. ∑ 𝑖 2 = 12 + 22 + 32 +. . . +𝑛2 =
6
𝑖=1
𝑛
3 3 3 3
𝑛2 (𝑛 + 1)2
3
3. ∑ 𝑖 = 1 + 2 + 3 +. . . +𝑛 =
4
𝑖=1
𝑛 𝑛

4. ∑ 𝑐𝑓(𝑖) = 𝑐 ∑ 𝑓(𝑖) 𝑐 is any real number

𝑖=𝑚 𝑖=𝑚
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛

5. ∑[𝑓(𝑖) ± 𝑔(𝑖)] = ∑ 𝑓(𝑖) ± ∑ 𝑔(𝑖)

𝑖=𝑚 𝑖=𝑚 𝑖=𝑚
𝑛
6.
∑ 𝑐 = 𝑐(𝑛 − 𝑚 + 1)
𝑖=𝑚
𝑛
7.
∑ 𝑐 = 𝑐𝑛
𝑖=1

Illustrative Examples

1. Evaluate: 30

∑(4𝑖 − 5)
𝑖=1

Solution:
30 30 30

∑(4𝑖 − 5) = ∑ 4𝑖 − ∑ 5
𝑖=1 𝑖=1 𝑖=1

30 30 30

∑(4𝑖 − 5) = 4 ∑ 𝑖 − ∑ 5
𝑖=1 𝑖=1 𝑖=1

30
(30)(31)
∑(4𝑖 − 5) = 4 ∙ − 5(30) = 𝟏𝟕𝟏𝟎
2
𝑖=1

2. Evaluate: 200

∑(𝑖 − 3)2
𝑖=1
Solution:
200 200

∑(𝑖 − 3) = ∑(𝑖 2 − 6𝑖 + 9)
2

𝑖=1 𝑖=1

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 51
 200 200 200 200
2 2
∑(𝑖 − 6𝑖 + 9) = ∑ 𝑖 − ∑ 6𝑖 + ∑ 9
𝑖=1 𝑖=1 𝑖=1 𝑖=1
200 200 200

= ∑ 𝑖2 − 6 ∑ 𝑖 + ∑ 9
𝑖=1 𝑖=1 𝑖=1
200(200 + 1)(400 + 1) 200(200 + 1)
= − 6[ ] + 9(200)
6 2
= 2686700 − 120600 + 1800
= 𝟐𝟓𝟔𝟕𝟗𝟎𝟎

It’s Your turn!

Evaluate the following sums:

20

(a) ∑(2𝑘 + 1) Answer: 440

𝑘=1
100

(b) ∑(3 − 2𝑖)2 Answer: 1293700

𝑖=1
3

(c) ∑ (5 + √4𝑖 ) Answer: 35

𝑖=0

Practice makes Better!

1. Expand the following sums and simplify if possible:

5
2
(a) ∑(𝑖 − 𝑖 + 1)
𝑖=1

Solution:

6
𝑖+1 2
(b) ∑ 𝑖 2 ( )
2
𝑖=3
Solution:

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 52
 5

(c) ∑ 𝑥 3𝑖 𝑦 15−3𝑖
𝑖=0
Solution:

20

2. Evaluate: ∑[2(𝑖 − 1) + 2]
𝑖=1
Solution:

50

3. Evaluate: ∑(2 − 3𝑘)

𝑘=1
Solution:
50 50 50

∑(2 − 3𝑘) = ∑ 2 − 3 ∑ 𝑘
𝑘=1 𝑘=1 𝑘=1

50(51)
= 2(50) − 3 ∙ 2
= 100 − 3825 = −𝟑𝟕𝟐𝟓

References:

Precalculus Learner’s Manual, First Edition 2016, DepEd

Precalculus Teacher’s Guide, First Edition 2016, DepEd

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 53