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
4:32 minutes
Problem 49
Textbook Question
In Exercises 37–50, graph each ellipse and give the location of its foci. 9(x − 1)²+4(y+3)² = 36
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Start by rewriting the given equation of the ellipse in standard form. The given equation is \(9(x - 1)^2 + 4(y + 3)^2 = 36\). Divide every term by 36 to simplify the equation.
Step 2: Simplify the equation to get \(\frac{(x - 1)^2}{4} + \frac{(y + 3)^2}{9} = 1\). This is the standard form of an ellipse equation \(\frac{(x - h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y - k)^2}{b^2} = 1\), where \((h, k)\) is the center.
Step 3: Identify the center of the ellipse from the equation. Here, \(h = 1\) and \(k = -3\), so the center is \((1, -3)\).
Step 4: Determine the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes. Since \(a^2 = 4\) and \(b^2 = 9\), \(a = 2\) and \(b = 3\). The semi-major axis is along the y-axis because \(b > a\).
Step 5: Calculate the distance to the foci using \(c^2 = b^2 - a^2\). Here, \(c^2 = 9 - 4 = 5\), so \(c = \sqrt{5}\). The foci are located at \((1, -3 \pm \sqrt{5})\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Ellipse Standard Form
An ellipse is defined by its standard form equation, which is typically written as (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 form is crucial for identifying the characteristics of the ellipse, including its orientation and dimensions.
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Foci of an Ellipse
The foci of an ellipse are two fixed points located along the major axis, which are essential for defining the shape of the ellipse. The distance from the center to each focus is calculated using the formula c = √(a² - b²), where c is the distance to each focus, a is the semi-major axis, and b is the semi-minor axis. Knowing the foci helps in understanding the ellipse's geometric properties.
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Graphing Ellipses
Graphing an ellipse involves plotting its center, determining the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes, and marking the foci. The orientation of the ellipse (horizontal or vertical) is determined by the values of a and b in the standard form equation. A clear graph provides visual insight into the ellipse's shape and position in the coordinate plane.
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