Graph ((x-1)^2)/16+((y+2)^2)/9=1
Problem
Solution
Identify the shape by comparing the equation to the standard form of a conic section. Since both variables are squared, have positive coefficients, and are set equal to 1, this is a horizontal ellipse of the form
((x−h)2)/(a2)+((y−k)2)/(b2)=1 Determine the center
(h,k) by looking at the terms(x−1) and(y+2) The center is(1,−2) Calculate the semi-axes lengths by taking the square roots of the denominators. The horizontal semi-major axis is
a=√(,16)=4 and the vertical semi-minor axis isb=√(,9)=3 Find the vertices by moving
a units left and right from the center. The vertices are(1±4,−2) which results in(−3,−2) and(5,−2) Find the co-vertices by moving
b units up and down from the center. The co-vertices are(1,−2±3) which results in(1,−5) and(1,1) Locate the foci using the relationship
c2=a2−b2 Sincec2=16−9=7 the distance to the foci isc=√(,7)≈2.65 The foci are located at(1±√(,7),−2) Sketch the graph by plotting the center, vertices, and co-vertices, then drawing a smooth curve to connect the four outer points.
Final Answer
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