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 can be expressed as (x-h)²/a² + (y-k)²/b² = 1, where (h, k) is the center, and a and b are the distances from the center to the vertices along the x and y axes, respectively.
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Conic Sections
Conic sections are the curves obtained by intersecting a plane with a double-napped cone. The four types of conic sections are circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas. Understanding the general equations of these conics helps in identifying their shapes and properties, including how to graph them and locate their foci.
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Foci of an Ellipse
The foci of an ellipse are two fixed points located along the major axis, and they play a crucial role in defining the shape of the ellipse. The distance from the center to each focus is denoted as c, where c² = a² - b². Knowing the foci is essential for graphing the ellipse accurately and understanding its geometric properties.
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