Definition:Ellipse/Focus-Directrix

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Definition

EllipseFocusDirectrix.png


Let $D$ be a straight line.

Let $F$ be a point.

Let $e \in \R: 0 < e < 1$.


Let $K$ be the locus of points $P$ such that the distance $p$ from $P$ to $D$ and the distance $q$ from $P$ to $F$ are related by the condition:

$e p = q$


Then $K$ is an ellipse.


Directrix

Let $K$ be the ellipse specified as the locus of points $P$ to a straight line $D$ and a point $F$ such that $PD$ and $PF$ are related by the condition:

$\size {PF} = e \size {PD}$

where $0 < e < 1$.


The line $D$ is known as the directrix of the ellipse.


Focus

The point $F$ is known as the focus of the ellipse.


Eccentricity

Let $K$ be the ellipse specified as the locus of points $P$ to a straight line $D$ and a point $F$ such that $PD$ and $PF$ are related by the condition:

$\size {PF} = e \size {PD}$

where $0 < e < 1$.


The constant $e$ is known as the eccentricity of the ellipse.


Also see


Historical Note

The focus-directrix definition of a conic section was first documented by Pappus of Alexandria.

It appears in his Collection.

As he was scrupulous in documenting his sources, and he gives none for this construction, it can be supposed that it originated with him.


Sources