The distance between the foci of an ellipse can be calculated using the formula:
c = sqrt(a^2 - b^2)
Where:
- c is the distance between the foci.
- a is the length of the major axis, so a = 68 feet.
- b is the length of the minor axis, so b = 32 feet.
Plugging in the values:
c = sqrt(68^2 - 32^2)
c = sqrt(4624 - 1024)
c = sqrt(3600)
c = 60 feet
So, the distance between the foci of the ellipse is 60 feet.
If a pebble is dropped into a pond in the shape of an ellipse at the location of one focus, the waves will converge at the location of the other focus. If the pond has a major axis of 68 feet and a minor axis of 32 feet, how far apart are the foci?
1 answer