High School Math : Graphing Ellipses

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Ellipses

What is the shape of the graph indicated by the equation?

\(\displaystyle \frac{x^{2}}{16}+\frac{y^2}{4}=1\)

Possible Answers:

Ellipse

Circle

Parabola

Hyperbola

Correct answer:

Ellipse

Explanation:

An ellipse has an equation that can be written in the format\(\displaystyle \frac{(x-h)^2}{b^2}+\frac{(y-k)^2}{a^2}=1\). The center is indicated by \(\displaystyle (h,k)\), or in this case \(\displaystyle (0,0)\).

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