"Published in Newark, California, USA"
Find the center, foci, and semi-axes for the ellipse and sketch the graph
Solution:
From the given equation above, the curve is ellipse because both x2 and y2 are positive but their coefficients are different. The general equation of an ellipse must be simplified in standard form in order to get its center, foci, and semi-axes as follows
Group the equation according to their variables and transpose the coefficient to the right side of the equation
Complete the square of each group
Divide both sides of the equation by 6
The above equation is now simplified in standard form. Since the denominator at x group is greater than the denominator at y group, then the major axis is parallel to x-axis.
To solve for the coordinates of the center:
Equate x + 2 = 0 Equate y + 1 = 0
x = -2 y = -1
Therefore, the coordinates of the center is C(-2, -1).
Next, solve for the value of semi-major axis
Therefore, the coordinates of the ends of major axis are V1(-4.4495, -1) and V2(0.4495, -1).
Next, solve for the value of semi-minor axis
Therefore, the coordinates of the ends of minor axis are V3(-2, 0.4142) and V4(-2, -2.4142).
Next, solve for the distance of a focus to the center
Therefore, the coordinates of the foci are F1(-4, -1) and F2(0, -1).
Next, solve for the length of a semi-latus rectum
Add and subtract this value to the y values of foci in order to get the coordinates of the ends of latera recta. Therefore, the coordinates of the ends of latera recta are L1(-4, 0.1835), L2(-4, -1.8165), L3(0, 0.1835), and L4(0, -1.8165).
Since we know the coordinates of the center, ends of major axis, ends of minor axis, foci, and ends of latera recta, then we can sketch the graph of an ellipse as follows
 |
| Photo by Math Principles in Everyday Life |