SOLUTION: Find the length of the minor axis for the ellipse: (x+6)^2/1+ (y+9)^2/16=1.

Algebra ->  Quadratic-relations-and-conic-sections -> SOLUTION: Find the length of the minor axis for the ellipse: (x+6)^2/1+ (y+9)^2/16=1.      Log On


   

Question 390942: Find the length of the minor axis for the ellipse: (x+6)^2/1+ (y+9)^2/16=1.
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20059) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find the length of the minor axis for the ellipse: 

%28x%2B6%29%5E2%2F1%2B+%28y%2B9%29%5E2%2F16=1.

This is of the form

%28x-h%29%5E2%2Fb%5E2+%2B+%28y-k%29%5E2%2Fa%5E2=1

The larger denominator is under the term that contains y so the major 
axis is vertical and the minor axis is horizontal.

The center is (h,k) = (-6,-9)
aČ = 16 so a = 4
bČ = 1  so b = 1

a is one-half of the major axis and b is one-half or the minor axis.

To draw the graph, we start at the center, (-6,-9), draw half the
major axis upward from it and half of the major axis below it.
Also, starting at the center, (-6,-9), draw half the
minor axis leftward from it and half of the minor axis right of it.

   
 
Sketch in the ellipse:

 

Since one-half of the minor axis is b = 1, the entire minor axis is 2.

Edwin