SOLUTION: Find the equation of an ellipse with its center at (1,2), focus at (6, 2) and containing the point (4,6). I have so far (x-1)^2 + (y-2)^2 = 1, but I cannot figure out what my

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Question 145137: Find the equation of an ellipse with its center at (1,2), focus at (6, 2) and containing the point (4,6).
I have so far (x-1)^2 + (y-2)^2 = 1, but I cannot figure out what my a^2 and b^2 should be for my denominators. Please help.

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20060)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find the equation of an ellipse with its center at (1,2), focus at (6, 2) and containing the point (4,6).

Since the center and focus have the same y-value, 
we know this is an ellipse whose major axis is 
horizontal, so its equation is in the form:



The center is (,)

The left focus is (,) and the 
right focus is (,), where 

---------------------------------------------

We substitute the center (h,k) = (1,2)



We substitute the given point (x,y) = (4,6)







The focus given (,) must be a right focus
since (,) is right of the center (,), so

(,) = (,) 
  
So  and of course and since 

   

     

Now using the fact that  substituting :





So we have this system of equations:





Can you solve that for  and  by substitution? 
If not post again asking how.

You get  and 

Substituting in 





Edwin

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