|  | 
| 
 
 
| Question 406971:  My problem says: find the coordinates of the center and foci and the lengths of the major and minor axes for the ellipse with the given equation. Then graph the ellipse.
 (x-8) squared over 144 + (y-2) squared over 81 =1
 I understand the center is (8,2) but I do not understand how to find the foci and the endpoints of the major and minor axes. Thank you so much, I appreciate it.
 Answer by lwsshak3(11628)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! My problem says: find the coordinates of the center and foci and the lengths of the major and minor axes for the ellipse with the given equation. Then graph the ellipse.(x-8) squared over 144 + (y-2) squared over 81 =1 I understand the center is (8,2) but I do not understand how to find the foci and the endpoints of the major and minor axes. Thank you so much, I appreciate it. ..
 Standard forms of an ellipse:
 (x-h)^2/a^2+(y-k)^2/b^2=1 (major axis horizontal)
 (y-k)^2/a^2+(x-h)^2/b^2=1 (major axis vertical)
 ..
 Given equation is of the first form:
 (x-8)^2/144+(y-2)^2/81=1
 This is an ellipse with a horizontal major axis with center(8,2)
 a^2=144
 a=12
 b^2=81
 b=9
 c=sqrt(a^2-b^2)=sqrt(144-81)=sqrt(83)=9.11
 Length of major axis=2a=24
 Length of minor axis=2b=18
 Measuring from the center(8,2), the endpoints
 vertices =(8+-a,2)=(8+-12,2)=(20,2),(-4,2)
 foci=(8+-c,2)=(8+-9.11,2)=(17.11,2),(-1.11,2)
 minor axis=(8,2+-b)=(8,2+-9)=(8,11),(8,-7)
 With data from above, your graph should look like the graph below:
 ..
 2+(81-(81(x-8)^2)/144)^.5
 
   
 
 
 
 
 | 
  
 | 
 |  |  |