# CHECK! Conics question on general form of conic equation

1. Mar 28, 2005

### aisha

$$6x^2 + 2y^2 - 9x +14y -68=0$$

a) which conic is represented by the equation why?

I think the ellipse is represented by the equation because a does not = b and ab >0

b)What value of "a" would transform the conic into a circle?

I think when a=b and ab>0 then the conic will be transformed into a circle therefore the value of "a" will be 2 in order for the conic to transform into a circle.

c)What value of "b" would transform the original conic into a circle?

I think when b=a and ab>0 then the conic will be transformed into a circle. Therefore the value of "b" to transform the original conic into a circle would be 6.

d) What change would take place if the value of "a" and "b" were interchanged?

I think if the values of "a" and "b" were interchanged then the ellipse would change from being a horizontal ellipse to a vertical ellipse.

Can some1 plz help me out and tell me if any of my answers are wrong?

2. Mar 28, 2005

### Data

What are you calling $a$ and what are you calling $b$?

3. Mar 28, 2005

### aisha

Well when in general form a conic's equation is in the form

$$ax^2 + by^2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0$$ general form

so I am using the first two terms in the given equation as a and b

4. Mar 28, 2005

### Data

All of your answers are okay, except for the last one. I don't know what you mean by a horizontal or vertical ellipse. As given, the semi-major axis of the ellipse is vertical, so $a \leftrightarrow b$ makes the semi-major axis horizontal.

5. Mar 28, 2005

### aisha

horizontal ellipse means that the major axis is horizontal and

vertical ellipse means that the major axis is verticle.

I dont understand or know the semi-terms yet is my answer correct?

6. Mar 28, 2005

### Data

in that case it's vertical to start and horizontal when you switch them.

7. Mar 28, 2005

### aek

8. Mar 28, 2005

### aisha

In one of my other posts someone wrote

If the denominator attached to the x is less than that of the y then it will be vertical, (as there is less of a distance between the x intercepts that the y).

The semi-major axis will be the root of the largests denominator
The semi-minor axis will be the root of the smallest denominator
The coordinates of the center will be (h,k) for and elispse in the form (just a simple translation)

but this was if the equation was in standard form.

Can you explain to me how you know if the ellipse is vertical or horizontal looking at the general form of the equation?

9. Mar 29, 2005

### Data

Assume $ab>0$. Then

$$a>b$$

implies that it's vertical.

Remember when you complete the squares you'll get something in the form

$$a(x-\gamma)^2 + b(y-\alpha)^2 = \lambda$$

so dividing out $ab$ gives

$$\frac{(x-\gamma)^2}{b} + \frac{(y-\alpha)^2}{a} = \frac{\lambda}{ab}$$

and thus using the rule you posted above, the ellipse is vertical if $a>b$ and horizontal if $b>a$ (and a circle if $a=b$).