Math Problem Statement

x^2/9+y^2/36=1

Solution

The given equation is the standard form of an ellipse:

x29+y236=1\frac{x^2}{9} + \frac{y^2}{36} = 1

Analyzing the Equation:

This is an equation of an ellipse centered at the origin (0,0)(0, 0), with the following properties:

  1. Center: (0,0)(0, 0)
  2. Semi-major axis:
    • The larger denominator, 36, is under y2y^2, so the semi-major axis is along the yy-axis.
    • The length of the semi-major axis is 36=6\sqrt{36} = 6.
  3. Semi-minor axis:
    • The smaller denominator, 9, is under x2x^2, so the semi-minor axis is along the xx-axis.
    • The length of the semi-minor axis is 9=3\sqrt{9} = 3.
  4. Vertices:
    • Along the yy-axis: (0,6)(0, 6) and (0,6)(0, -6)
    • Along the xx-axis: (3,0)(3, 0) and (3,0)(-3, 0)

General form of an ellipse equation:

x2a2+y2b2=1\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 Where:

  • aa is the length of the semi-minor axis (3),
  • bb is the length of the semi-major axis (6).

Would you like a more detailed explanation or visualization?


Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. What is the distance between the foci of the ellipse?
  2. How do you calculate the eccentricity of the ellipse?
  3. Can you write the equation of a horizontal ellipse?
  4. How does this equation change if the ellipse is shifted from the origin?
  5. How would the equation look if the ellipse were a circle?

Tip: The semi-major axis is always associated with the larger denominator in the ellipse equation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Ellipses
Conic Sections
Geometry

Formulas

Equation of an ellipse: (x^2/a^2) + (y^2/b^2) = 1
Semi-major axis: b = sqrt(larger denominator)
Semi-minor axis: a = sqrt(smaller denominator)

Theorems

Ellipse Properties Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12