Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
8. Conic Sections
Introduction to Conic Sections
Problem 54
Textbook Question
Identify each equation without completing the square.
9x2+4y2−36x+8y+31=0
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1
Recognize the given equation: \(9x^2 + 4y^2 - 36x + 8y + 31 = 0\). This is a quadratic equation in two variables, which suggests it might represent a conic section.
Identify the coefficients of \(x^2\) and \(y^2\). Here, the coefficients are 9 and 4, respectively. Since both coefficients are positive and different, this indicates the equation represents an ellipse.
To confirm it's an ellipse, check if the equation can be rewritten in the standard form of an ellipse: \(\frac{(x-h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y-k)^2}{b^2} = 1\). This involves completing the square for both \(x\) and \(y\) terms.
For the \(x\) terms, factor out the coefficient of \(x^2\), which is 9, from the terms \(9x^2 - 36x\). This gives \(9(x^2 - 4x)\).
For the \(y\) terms, factor out the coefficient of \(y^2\), which is 4, from the terms \(4y^2 + 8y\). This gives \(4(y^2 + 2y)\).
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