SOLUTION: What type of major axis does the ellipse given by the equation (x-3)^2/4 + y^2/9 = 1 have?

Algebra ->  Quadratic-relations-and-conic-sections -> SOLUTION: What type of major axis does the ellipse given by the equation (x-3)^2/4 + y^2/9 = 1 have?      Log On


   

Question 964252: What type of major axis does the ellipse given by the equation (x-3)^2/4 + y^2/9 = 1 have?
Answer by MathLover1(20850) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

%28x-3%29%5E2%2F4+%2B+y%5E2%2F9+=+1
the length of the horizontal axis is what is underneath the x+%5E2 term and it is equal to a
a%5E2=+4
a+=+2


the vertical axis is what is underneath the y+%5E2 term and it is equal to b
b%5E2=+9
b+=+3

since the vertical axis is the longer of the two, it is the major axis
the axis parallel to the y axis in this case is the longer of the two and is the major axis