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Ch. 7 - Conic Sections
Chapter 8, Problem 3

In Exercises 1–18, graph each ellipse and locate the foci. x^2/9 +y^2/36= 1

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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 graphing and identifying the properties of the ellipse.
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Graphing Ellipses

To graph an ellipse, one must identify its center, vertices, and foci. The center is found at (h, k), while the vertices are located a distance 'a' from the center along the major axis and 'b' along the minor axis. For the given equation, the graph will be vertically oriented due to the larger denominator under y², indicating the major axis is vertical.
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Foci of an Ellipse

The foci of an ellipse are located along the major axis, at a distance 'c' from the center, where c is calculated using the formula c = √(b² - a²). In the context of the given ellipse, identifying the foci is essential for understanding its geometric properties and how they relate to the shape of the ellipse.
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