Graph each ellipse and locate the foci. x² = 1 – 4y²
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Rewrite the given equation \(x^2 = 1 - 4y^2\) to the standard form of an ellipse equation. Start by moving all terms to one side: \(x^2 + 4y^2 = 1\).
Divide both sides of the equation by 1 to express it in the form \(\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1\). Here, it becomes \(\frac{x^2}{1} + \frac{y^2}{\frac{1}{4}} = 1\).
Identify the values of \(a^2\) and \(b^2\). From the equation, \(a^2 = 1\) and \(b^2 = \frac{1}{4}\). Since \(a^2 > b^2\), the major axis is along the x-axis.
Calculate the focal distance \(c\) using the relationship \(c^2 = a^2 - b^2\). Substitute the values to get \(c^2 = 1 - \frac{1}{4}\).
Locate the foci at points \((\pm c, 0)\) on the x-axis. These points represent the foci of the ellipse. Finally, sketch the ellipse using the intercepts and foci.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Standard Form of an Ellipse
An ellipse is typically expressed in the form \( \frac{(x-h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y-k)^2}{b^2} = 1 \), where \((h,k)\) is the center, and \(a\) and \(b\) are the lengths of the semi-major and semi-minor axes. Understanding how to rewrite the given equation into this form is essential for graphing the ellipse.
The ellipse can be oriented horizontally or vertically depending on whether the \(x^2\) or \(y^2\) term is associated with the larger denominator. Recognizing the orientation helps in correctly plotting the ellipse and locating its axes.
The foci are two fixed points inside the ellipse, located along the major axis, found using \( c^2 = |a^2 - b^2| \). Knowing how to calculate \(c\) and place the foci relative to the center is crucial for completing the graph accurately.