What Curve Results from the Centers of Perpendicular Lines to an Ellipse?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the formula for a curve created by the centers of perpendicular lines to the x-axis and an ellipse defined by the equation x² + 2y² = 8. Participants explore the mathematical derivation and implications of this curve, including its relationship to the original ellipse.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the ellipse equation x² + 2y² = 8 and attempts to derive a new curve based on the centers of perpendicular lines to the x-axis.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "the centers of the perpendicular lines to the X axes and the ellipse," seeking clarification.
  • A clarification is provided that the curve consists of midpoints of vertical lines intersecting the ellipse.
  • Participants discuss the transformation of the ellipse equation into a standard form, noting that it can be expressed as (x²)/8 + (y²)/4 = 1.
  • One participant identifies an error in the original calculations regarding the division of terms and suggests a corrected approach leading to the equation (x²)/4 + y² = 1.
  • Another participant expresses gratitude for the assistance received in resolving the mathematical issue.
  • A later reply raises a question about the relevance of the discussion to "Tensor Analysis and Differential Geometry," indicating a potential disconnect from the original topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct formula for the curve, as there are differing interpretations and calculations presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact relationship between the derived curve and the original ellipse.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and transformations involved in the problem, particularly in the steps leading to the derived equations. There are also unresolved mathematical steps that contribute to the differing conclusions.

transgalactic
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i added a file with the curve the is being asked to find

an ellipse is given. its formula is x^2 + 2*y^2=8 .

find the formula of the curve that is being created by the

the centers of the perpendicular lines to the X axes and the ellipse.


i tried to solve this question
by putting the Y^2 on the one side and on the other the rest
and devidind it by 2 .


2y^2=8-x^2
y^2=8-x^2/2
y=V(8-x^2/2)
(v=root simbol)

the curve that in the center always smaller in height by 2
so i devided the formula by 2 to find our curve

y=1/2*V(8-x^2/2)
in my book it gives a different answer

(x^2)/8 +y^2=1

please help
 

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What do you mean by "the centers of the perpendicular lines to the X axes and the ellipse"?
 
like it shows at the pictue
a curve which composed from the middle points of this straight lines
parrallel to the Y axes
 
how can i solve this thing?
 
x^2+ 2y^2= 8 is the same as \frac{x^2}{8}+ \frac{y^2}{4}= 1.
That's an ellipse with major semi-axis, along the x-axis, of length \sqrt{8}= 2\sqrt{2} and minor semi-axis, along the y-axis, of length 2.

Dividing the y-coordinate of each point by 2 gives an ellipse with the same major semi-axis but minor semi-axis of length 1:
\frac{x^2}{8}+ y^2=1.
 
transgalactic said:
i added a file with the curve the is being asked to find

an ellipse is given. its formula is x^2 + 2*y^2=8 .

find the formula of the curve that is being created by the

the centers of the perpendicular lines to the X axes and the ellipse.


i tried to solve this question
by putting the Y^2 on the one side and on the other the rest
and devidind it by 2 .


2y^2=8-x^2
y^2=8-x^2/2

Here's your error! Don't know why I didn't see this sooner. Dividing both sides of 2y2= 8- x2 by 2 gives y2= 4- x2!

y=V(8-x^2/2)
(v=root simbol)

the curve that in the center always smaller in height by 2
so i devided the formula by 2 to find our curve

y=1/2*V(8-x^2/2)
y= 1/2 \sqrt{4- x^2}

in my book it gives a different answer

(x^2)/8 +y^2=1

please help

Square both sides of 2y= \sqrt{4- x^2} and you get
4y^2= 4- x^2 or x^2+ 4y^2= 4.

Divide through by 4:
\frac{x^2}{4}+ y^2= 1[/itex]
 
thank you very much
 
Now, my question is, "what does this have to do with 'Tensor Analysis and Differential Geometry'?"
 

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