Question 540637
Write an equation for each ellipse. 
"foci at (-3,-3), (7,-3); the point (2,-7) on ellipse
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Given data shows equation is that of an ellipse with horizontal major axis of the standard form
(x-h)^2/a^2+(y-k)^2/b^2=1, a>b, (h,k) being the (x,y) coordinates of the center. (x-coordinates of foci changes while y-coordinates do not).
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For given equation:
x-coordinate of center=(7+(-3))/2=4/2=2
y-coordinate of center=-3
center:(2,-3)
c=distance from center to focus on major axis=5
c^2=25
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solving for a and b in standard form of equation for ellipse:
Sum of the distance from point (2,-7) on ellipse to each of the two focal points=2a
Using distance formula:√[(x1-x2)^2+(y1-y^2)^2]+√[(x1-x2)^2+(y1-y^2)^2]=2a
√[(2+3)^2+(-7+3)^2]+√[(2-7)^2+(-7+3)^2]=2a
√[(5)^2+(-4)^2]+√[(-5)^2+(-4)^2]=2a
√[25+16]+√[25+16]=2a
√[41]+√[41]=2√41=2a
a=√41
a^2=41
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c^2=a^2-b^2
b^2=a^2-c^2=41-25=16
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Equation of given ellipse:
(x-2)^2/41+(y+3)^2/16=1