The equation ( x^ 2 9 + y^ 2 25 =1 ) represents an ellipse in the Cartesian plane

MATHEMATICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Mathematics · Conic Sections · Conic Sections

Problem

The equation x29+y225=1\dfrac{x^{2}}{9}+\dfrac{y^{2}}{25}=1 represents an ellipse in the Cartesian plane. Answer the following. (i) State whether the major axis of this ellipse is horizontal or vertical. Give reasons for your answer. (ii) Determine the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes and hence write the coordinates of the centre, the vertices, the co-vertices and the foci. (iii) Draw a reasonably accurate, labelled diagram of the ellipse to scale on squared paper.

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