Find the equation of an ellipse

  • Thread starter kasse
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Ellipse
In summary, an ellipse is a closed loop curve defined by the distances between two fixed points called foci. The equation of an ellipse can be written in different forms, such as standard, general, and parametric form, and requires the coordinates of the foci, the length of the major and minor axes, and the center of the ellipse to be determined. This equation has practical uses in fields such as astronomy, engineering, and architecture for calculating orbits, designing curved structures, and creating precise shapes in machinery and equipment.
  • #1
kasse
384
1
How can one find the eq. of an ellipse given that the foci are (-2,0) and (2,0) and that the directrices are x=-8 and x=8?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What have you done with this problem? You need to show your work.
 
  • #3
the ratio of distance to its focus to the distance to the corresponding directrix is a constant. even in the case of two foci, as in the ellipse, applying this on a single focus-directrix combination is the whole conic section.
 

1. What is an ellipse?

An ellipse is a type of curve that forms a closed loop, resembling a flattened circle. It can be defined as the set of all points in a plane whose distances from two fixed points, called foci, add up to a constant value.

2. How do you find the equation of an ellipse?

The equation of an ellipse is represented as (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1, where (h,k) is the center of the ellipse and a and b represent the semi-major and semi-minor axes, respectively. These values can be determined by finding the coordinates of the foci and the length of the major and minor axes.

3. What information is needed to find the equation of an ellipse?

To find the equation of an ellipse, you will need the coordinates of the foci, the length of the major and minor axes, and the center of the ellipse. You can also use the distance between the foci and the sum of the distances from any point on the ellipse to the foci to find the equation.

4. Can the equation of an ellipse be written in different forms?

Yes, the equation of an ellipse can be written in standard form, general form, or parametric form. Standard form is (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1, general form is Ax^2 + By^2 + Cx + Dy + E = 0, and parametric form is x = h + a cos(t), y = k + b sin(t).

5. How is the equation of an ellipse used in real life?

The equation of an ellipse has many practical applications in fields such as astronomy, engineering, and architecture. For example, it can be used to calculate the orbits of planets, design curved structures, and create precise shapes in machinery and equipment.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
745
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
963
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
991
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
817
Back
Top