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
Ellipses: Standard Form
9:10 minutes
Problem 1a
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionIn Exercises 1–18, graph each ellipse and locate the foci. x^2/16 +y^2/4 = 1
Verified Solution
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
9mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Ellipse Definition
An ellipse is a set of points in a plane where the sum of the distances from two fixed points, called foci, is constant. The standard form of an ellipse's equation is (x-h)²/a² + (y-k)²/b² = 1, where (h, k) is the center, a is the semi-major axis, and b is the semi-minor axis. Understanding this definition is crucial for identifying the properties of the ellipse in the given equation.
Recommended video:
5:30
Foci and Vertices of an Ellipse
Graphing Ellipses
To graph an ellipse, one must identify its center, vertices, and foci. The center is found at (h, k), while the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes are determined by a and b in the standard form. For the equation x²/16 + y²/4 = 1, the semi-major axis is 4 (along the x-axis) and the semi-minor axis is 2 (along the y-axis), which guides the graphing process.
Recommended video:
4:50
Graph Ellipses NOT at Origin
Foci of an Ellipse
The foci of an ellipse are located along the major axis, and their distance from the center is calculated using the formula c = √(a² - b²), where c is the distance to each focus. For the given ellipse, with a² = 16 and b² = 4, we find c = √(16 - 4) = √12 = 2√3. This calculation is essential for accurately locating the foci in the graph.
Recommended video:
5:30
Foci and Vertices of an Ellipse
Watch next
Master Graph Ellipses at Origin with a bite sized video explanation from Nick Kaneko
Start learning