Convert ellipsoid from cartesian to spherical equation

ArcanaNoir
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Homework Statement



In order to advance on a problem I'm working, I need to covert this ellipsoid from cartesian to spherical coordinates.
[tex]\frac{x^2}{a^2} +\frac{y^2}{b^2} +\frac{z^2}{c^2} = 1[/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex]x^2 +y^2+z^2= \rho ^2[/tex]
[tex]x=\rho sin \phi cos \theta[/tex]
[tex]y= \rho sin \phi sin \theta[/tex]
[tex]z= \rho cos \phi[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure how to use those formulas because they look like they would only work with a sphere. I don't know. It's been a semester since calc three and we didn't do spherical coordinates anyway. What do I do?
 
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using what I foud here: http://math.wikia.com/wiki/Ellipsoid

would I have
[tex]x=asin\phi cos \theta[/tex]
[tex]y=bsin \phi sin \theta[/tex]
[tex]z= ccos\phi[/tex]

Thus, [tex]\rho ^2= a^2 sin^2 \phi cos^2 \theta + b^2 sin^2 \phi sin ^2 \theta + c^2 cos ^2 \phi[/tex] ?
 
Looks like you've solved it! :)
 

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