Standard Form of an Ellipse Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 20 views

An ellipse is a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly in geometry and algebra. It is a closed curve on a plane surrounding two focal points such that the sum of the distances to the two focal points is constant. In this article, we will focus on finding the equation of an ellipse in standard form, given its x-intercepts and y-intercepts.

What is an Ellipse?

An ellipse is a two-dimensional shape that resembles a stretched circle. It has two axes: a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis is the longest diameter of the ellipse, while the minor axis is the shortest diameter. The center of the ellipse is the midpoint of both axes.

Standard Form of an Ellipse Equation

The standard form of an ellipse equation is given by:

$\frac{(x-h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y-k)^2}{b^2} = 1$

where (h, k) is the center of the ellipse, and a and b are the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes, respectively.

Finding the Equation of an Ellipse

Given the x-intercepts (±8, 0) and y-intercepts (0, ±7), we can find the equation of the ellipse. The x-intercepts are the points where the ellipse intersects the x-axis, and the y-intercepts are the points where the ellipse intersects the y-axis.

Step 1: Identify the Center of the Ellipse

Since the x-intercepts are (±8, 0) and the y-intercepts are (0, ±7), the center of the ellipse is at the origin (0, 0).

Step 2: Determine the Lengths of the Semi-Major and Semi-Minor Axes

The length of the semi-major axis (a) is half the distance between the x-intercepts, which is 8. The length of the semi-minor axis (b) is half the distance between the y-intercepts, which is 7.

Step 3: Write the Equation of the Ellipse

Now that we have the center of the ellipse and the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes, we can write the equation of the ellipse in standard form:

$\frac{x^2}{64} + \frac{y^2}{49} = 1$

Simplifying the Equation

The equation of the ellipse can be simplified by multiplying both sides by 64 and 49, respectively:

$64x^2 + 49y^2 = 64 \cdot 49$

$64x^2 + 49y^2 = 3136$

Conclusion

In this article, we have found the equation of an ellipse in standard form, given its x-intercepts and y-intercepts. We have identified the center of the ellipse, determined the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes, and written the equation of the ellipse in standard form. The equation of the ellipse is:

$\frac{x^2}{64} + \frac{y^2}{49} = 1$

This equation represents an ellipse centered at the origin with x-intercepts (±8, 0) and y-intercepts (0, ±7).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the standard form of an ellipse equation? A: The standard form of an ellipse equation is given by: $\frac{(x-h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y-k)^2}{b^2} = 1$
Q: How do I find the equation of an ellipse given its x-intercepts and y-intercepts? A: To find the equation of an ellipse, identify the center of the ellipse, determine the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes, and write the equation of the ellipse in standard form.
Q: What is the equation of an ellipse centered at the origin with x-intercepts (±8, 0) and y-intercepts (0, ±7)? A: The equation of the ellipse is: $\frac{x^2}{64} + \frac{y^2}{49} = 1$
Ellipses Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions =====================================================

In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about ellipses. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or simply someone interested in mathematics, this article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of ellipses and their equations.

Q: What is an Ellipse?

A: An ellipse is a two-dimensional shape that resembles a stretched circle. It has two axes: a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis is the longest diameter of the ellipse, while the minor axis is the shortest diameter. The center of the ellipse is the midpoint of both axes.

Q: What is the Standard Form of an Ellipse Equation?

A: The standard form of an ellipse equation is given by:

$\frac{(x-h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y-k)^2}{b^2} = 1$

where (h, k) is the center of the ellipse, and a and b are the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes, respectively.

Q: How Do I Find the Equation of an Ellipse Given Its X-Intercepts and Y-Intercepts?

A: To find the equation of an ellipse, follow these steps:

Identify the center of the ellipse.
Determine the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes.
Write the equation of the ellipse in standard form.

Q: What is the Equation of an Ellipse Centered at the Origin with X-Intercepts (±8, 0) and Y-Intercepts (0, ±7)?

A: The equation of the ellipse is:

$\frac{x^2}{64} + \frac{y^2}{49} = 1$

Q: What is the Difference Between an Ellipse and a Circle?

A: A circle is a special type of ellipse where the major and minor axes are equal in length. In other words, a circle is an ellipse with a = b.

Q: Can an Ellipse Have a Negative Value for Its Semi-Major or Semi-Minor Axis?

A: No, an ellipse cannot have a negative value for its semi-major or semi-minor axis. The lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes must be positive.

Q: How Do I Graph an Ellipse?

A: To graph an ellipse, follow these steps:

Identify the center of the ellipse.
Determine the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes.
Plot the points on the graph that satisfy the equation of the ellipse.

Q: What is the Importance of Ellipses in Real-World Applications?

A: Ellipses have many real-world applications, including:

Astronomy: Ellipses are used to describe the orbits of planets and other celestial bodies.
Engineering: Ellipses are used to design curves and shapes for buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Physics: Ellipses are used to describe the motion of objects in two-dimensional space.

Q: Can I Use Ellipses to Model Real-World Phenomena?

A: Yes, ellipses can be used to model real-world phenomena, including:

The motion of a pendulum
The orbit of a satellite
The shape of a leaf or a flower

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about ellipses. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or simply someone interested in mathematics, this article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of ellipses and their equations.