SOLUTION: how do you solve an ellipse equation like this? when there a numbers in place of the a^2 and b^2? (x-h)^2 (y-k)^2 _______ + _____ a^2 b^2

Algebra ->  Quadratic-relations-and-conic-sections -> SOLUTION: how do you solve an ellipse equation like this? when there a numbers in place of the a^2 and b^2? (x-h)^2 (y-k)^2 _______ + _____ a^2 b^2      Log On


   

Question 135156: how do you solve an ellipse equation like this? when there a numbers in place of the a^2 and b^2?

(x-h)^2 (y-k)^2
_______ + _____
a^2 b^2
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(x-h)^2 (y-k)^2
_______ + _____ = 1
a^2 b^2
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If a^2 = 4 and b^2=9
the a = 2 and b =3
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Then the vertical axis of the ellipse has length 2*3=6
and the horizontal axis of the ellipse has length 2*2=4
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In this case the vertical axis is the major axis
the horizontal axis is the minor axis.
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If the numbers are switched the horizontal axis =6 is major
and the vertical axis =4 is minor.
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The center in both cases is (h,k)
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Cheers,
Stan H.