When we use standerd Equation of an ellipse

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In summary, the conversation discusses the standard equation of an ellipse and the two different formulas that can be used for it. The difference between the two formulas is that they have different variables for the major and minor axis. The conversation also mentions that an ellipse cannot have equal major and minor axes, otherwise it would be a circle. It also explains that a circle can be thought of as a special case of an ellipse. Finally, it is mentioned that not all ellipses are circles, but all circles are ellipses.
  • #1
r-soy
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1
Hi

when we use standerd Equation of an ellipse

here 2 formula 1 and 2 when we use 1 and when we use 2

hlep me
 

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  • #2
Errr... what's the difference, except that a is called b and b is called a in (2)?
 
  • #3
when we say a is called b and b is called a in the queation

i mean in queation how we nowthe solve will be by formula 1 or 2

help me >>
 
  • #4
The two formulas shown in the page you scanned are needlessly complicated. Only one equation is needed for an ellipse.
[tex]\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1[/tex]

If a > b, the major axis is along the x axis.
If a < b, the major axis is along the y axis.

Ex. 1
[tex]\frac{x^2}{25} + \frac{y^2}{16} = 1[/tex]
x-intercepts (vertices) at (5, 0) and (-5, 0).
y-intercepts at (0, 4), and (0, -4).
Foci at (3, 0) and (-3, 0).

Ex. 2
[tex]\frac{x^2}{16} + \frac{y^2}{25} = 1[/tex]
x-intercepts at (4, 0) and (-4, 0).
y-intercepts (vertices) at (0, 5), and (0, -5).
Foci at (0, 3) and (0, -3).
 
  • #5
The b2 and a2 (depending on position) tell you the major and minor axis and which way to ellipse will be (like vertical or horizontal)

keep in mind: a cannot equal b because then it will be a circle not an ellipse.
 
Last edited:
  • #6
iRaid said:
keep in mind: a cannot equal b because then it will be a circle not an eclipse.
A circle can be thought of as a special case of the ellipse, where the major and minor axes are equal.
 
  • #7
Mark44 said:
A circle can be thought of as a special case of the ellipse, where the major and minor axes are equal.

Well yes, but it's generally not.
 
  • #8
Ellipses are generally not circles, indeed.
But all circles are ellipses.

Just like not all rectangles are squares, but all squares are rectangles.
 

Related to When we use standerd Equation of an ellipse

1. What is the standard equation of an ellipse?

The standard equation of an ellipse is (x/a)^2 + (y/b)^2 = 1, where a and b are the lengths of the major and minor axes, respectively.

2. How do you determine the center of an ellipse using the standard equation?

The center of an ellipse can be found by setting both the x and y variables to 0 in the standard equation. The resulting coordinates (0,0) will be the center of the ellipse.

3. How do you find the foci of an ellipse using the standard equation?

The foci of an ellipse can be found by using the formula c^2 = a^2 - b^2, where c is the distance from the center to each focus. The foci will be located at (c,0) and (-c,0) on the x-axis.

4. What is the significance of the standard equation in the study of conic sections?

The standard equation of an ellipse is a fundamental tool in the study of conic sections, as it allows us to easily identify the key characteristics of an ellipse, such as its center, foci, and shape.

5. How is the standard equation of an ellipse derived?

The standard equation of an ellipse is derived by taking the general equation of a conic section, (Ax^2 + Bxy + Cy^2 + Dx + Ey + F = 0), and simplifying it using the properties of an ellipse (such as the fact that the sum of distances from any point on the ellipse to the two foci is constant).

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