What do you need to know to write the equation of an ellipse for conic sections

This video tutorial covers the essential information needed to write the equation of an ellipse. It begins with understanding the definition of an ellipse and identifying its key components such as foci, vertices, and axes. The tutorial explains how to use this information to determine whether the major axis is horizontal or vertical and how to plug in the data to write the correct equation. By grasping these concepts, students will be well-prepared for the course.

What is the definition of an ellipse?

• A set of points equidistant from a single point

• A set of points equidistant from two points called foci

• A set of points equidistant from a line

• A set of points equidistant from a circle

Which of the following is NOT a component of an ellipse?

• Diameter

• Co-vertices

• Vertices

• Foci

What is the distance from the center to the foci called?

• D

• C

• B

• A

How do you determine if the major axis of an ellipse is horizontal?

• By checking if the vertices lie on the x-axis

• By checking if the co-vertices lie on the y-axis

• By checking if the foci lie on the x-axis

• By checking if the center is at the origin

What should you do after determining the orientation of the major axis?

• Determine the coordinates of the center

• Find the length of the minor axis

• Calculate the area of the ellipse

• Plug the information into the correct equation