Sketching Ellipses: Comparing 0 and 8

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In summary, the best way to sketch the equations 0 = x2 - 2x + 4y2 and 8 = x2 - 2x + 4y2 is to complete the square in x. This will allow you to rewrite the equations as (x - a)^2 - a^2 = 0 and (x - a)^2 - a^2 = 8, respectively, where a represents a constant. This shows that both equations are ellipses, and the general equation for an ellipse in Cartesian coordinates is (x - h)^2/a^2 + (y - k)^2/b^2 = 1, where (h,k) is the center and a and b are
  • #1
JC3187
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Hi guys,

What is the best way to sketch

0 = x2 - 2x + 4y2 And
8 = x2 - 2x + 4y2

?

How do I sketch these two and how do I know they're both ellipses?
Thank you.
 
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  • #2
JC3187 said:
Hi guys,

What is the best way to sketch

0 = x2 - 2x + 4y2 And
8 = x2 - 2x + 4y2

?

How do I sketch these two and how do I know they're both ellipses?
Thank you.

Complete the square in [itex]x[/itex]: [itex]x^2 - 2ax = (x - a)^2 - a^2[/itex].
 
  • #3
Then what do i do?
 
  • #4
JC3187 said:
Then what do i do?
What is the general equation for an ellipse in Cartesian coordinates? Can you see why completing the square helps?
 
  • #5
[tex](x- 1)^2+ y^2= x^2- 2x+ 1+ y^2[/tex]
Do you see how that is connected to [tex]x^2+ 2x+ y^2[/tex]?
 

1. What is the difference between sketching an ellipse with a 0 and an 8?

The main difference between sketching an ellipse with a 0 and an 8 is the orientation of the ellipse. When sketching an ellipse with a 0, the major axis (longest diameter) is horizontal, while with an 8, the major axis is vertical.

2. How do you determine the shape of an ellipse when comparing 0 and 8?

The shape of an ellipse is determined by the eccentricity, which is the ratio of the distance between the foci and the length of the major axis. When comparing 0 and 8, the eccentricity will be the same for both orientations, since it is a measure of the roundness of the ellipse rather than its orientation.

3. Can an ellipse with a 0 orientation be rotated to become an 8?

Yes, an ellipse with a 0 orientation can be rotated to become an 8. This is because the orientation of the ellipse is arbitrary and can be changed without altering its shape or eccentricity.

4. How does the area of an ellipse change when comparing 0 and 8?

The area of an ellipse remains the same regardless of its orientation. This is because the formula for calculating the area of an ellipse (A = π * a * b) takes into account both the length of the major axis (a) and the minor axis (b), which are the same for both 0 and 8 orientations.

5. Are there any practical applications for understanding the differences between 0 and 8 orientations in sketching ellipses?

Yes, understanding the differences between 0 and 8 orientations in sketching ellipses is important in fields such as astronomy, engineering, and design. Ellipses are commonly used to represent the orbits of planets, the shape of satellite paths, and the design of objects such as wheels and lenses. Being able to accurately sketch ellipses in different orientations is crucial for these applications.

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