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
11:06 minutes
Problem 15a
Textbook Question
In Exercises 1–18, graph each ellipse and locate the foci.4x²+16y² = 64
Verified step by step guidance
1
<Step 1: Start by rewriting the given equation in standard form. The equation of an ellipse is given as \( \frac{(x-h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y-k)^2}{b^2} = 1 \). First, divide the entire equation by 64 to simplify it.>
<Step 2: Simplify the equation \( \frac{4x^2}{64} + \frac{16y^2}{64} = 1 \) to \( \frac{x^2}{16} + \frac{y^2}{4} = 1 \). This is now in the standard form of an ellipse centered at the origin (0,0).>
<Step 3: Identify the values of \(a^2\) and \(b^2\) from the equation \( \frac{x^2}{16} + \frac{y^2}{4} = 1 \). Here, \(a^2 = 16\) and \(b^2 = 4\), so \(a = 4\) and \(b = 2\).>
<Step 4: Determine the orientation of the ellipse. Since \(a > b\), the major axis is along the x-axis. The vertices are at \((\pm a, 0)\) or \((\pm 4, 0)\) and the co-vertices are at \((0, \pm b)\) or \((0, \pm 2)\).>
<Step 5: Calculate the foci using the formula \(c^2 = a^2 - b^2\). Here, \(c^2 = 16 - 4 = 12\), so \(c = \sqrt{12} = 2\sqrt{3}\). The foci are located at \((\pm c, 0)\) or \((\pm 2\sqrt{3}, 0)\).>
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
Verified Solution
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
11mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
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 graphing the ellipse and identifying its key features, such as the foci and vertices.
Recommended video:
5:12
Graph Ellipses at Origin
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 represents the distance to the foci, and a and b are the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes, respectively.
Recommended video:
5:30
Foci and Vertices of an Ellipse
Graphing Techniques
Graphing an ellipse involves plotting its center, vertices, and foci, and then sketching the curve that connects these points. It is important to determine the orientation of the ellipse (horizontal or vertical) based on the values of a and b, as this affects the overall shape and position of the graph in the coordinate plane.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:16
Graphs and Coordinates - Example
Watch next
Master Graph Ellipses at Origin with a bite sized video explanation from Nick Kaneko
Start learning