SOLUTION: Find the equation of the ellipse with vertices (5,1) and (-3,1) and foci (3,1) and (-1,1). Someone please help!!

Algebra ->  Quadratic-relations-and-conic-sections -> SOLUTION: Find the equation of the ellipse with vertices (5,1) and (-3,1) and foci (3,1) and (-1,1). Someone please help!!      Log On


   

Question 113833: Find the equation of the ellipse with vertices (5,1) and (-3,1) and foci (3,1) and (-1,1).
Someone please help!!
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the general equation for an ellipse is %28%28%28x-h%29%5E2%29%2Fa%5E2%29%2B%28%28%28y-k%29%5E2%29%2Fb%5E2%29=1

this is an ellipse with a semimajor axis a and semiminor axis b, centered at the point (h,k)

if c is the distance from the center to a focus, then b^2=a^2-c^2

the center is midway between the foci (1,1)
___ a is the distance from center to vertex 4
___ c=2, so b^2=(4^2-2^2) ___ b^2=12

%28%28%28x-1%29%5E2%29%2F16%29%2B%28%28%28y-1%29%5E2%29%2F12%29=1