Question

Write an equation for the ellipse with end points of the major axis at (7,1) and (-7,1) and end points of the minor axis at (0,5) and (0,-3).

I do not know how to start this. There are no examples in my book that I can study.

Could you show me how to set this up?

Thanks.

Answer 1

The major axis is along y = 1 and the minor axis is along x = 0.

The center is at x=0 and y=1

The major axis is a = [7 - (-7)]/2 = 7 and the minor axis is b = [5 -(-3)]/2 = 4

Can you complete the answer?
(x/a)^2 + [(y-1)/b]^2 = 1