Conic Sections: Overview of Ellipse   ( Click Ellipse )

( Click on the Blue Underlined Words for expanded explanations! )

 

 

Definition:       A  elipse  is a set of points whose sum of distances from two points (foci) is contant. *

 

Equation:         x2 /a2  +  y2 /b2 = 1       Center= (0,0)               (x-h)2/a2  +  (y-k)2/b2 = 1    Center = (h,k)

 

Important Concepts for Elipses:         Center,           Foci,                Axis,                Intercept(s)

 

Eccentricity (e=c/a & 0<e<1) Latus Rectum:  LR = 2b2/a               Foci Formula:   a2 – c2 = b2

 

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Tom Love                   Malone College                Fall 2007