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Ch. 7 - Conic Sections
Chapter 8, Problem 15

In Exercises 1–18, graph each ellipse and locate the foci.4x²+16y² = 64

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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 graphing the ellipse and identifying its key features, such as the foci and vertices.
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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 represents the distance to the foci, and a and b are the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes, respectively.
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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.
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