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Graph the ellipse and give the location of its foci. \[ \frac{(x-2)^{2}}{49}+\frac{(y-8)^{2}}{9}=1 \]

Ask by Murray Harper. in the United States
Mar 10,2025

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Answer

The foci of the ellipse are at \( (2 + 2\sqrt{10},\,8) \) and \( (2 - 2\sqrt{10},\,8) \).

Solution

We start with the ellipse equation \[ \frac{(x-2)^2}{49} + \frac{(y-8)^2}{9} = 1. \] The standard form of an ellipse is \[ \frac{(x-h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y-k)^2}{b^2} = 1, \] so we identify the center as \[ (h,k) = (2,8). \] Here, \[ a^2 = 49 \quad \text{and} \quad b^2 = 9, \] so \[ a = 7 \quad \text{and} \quad b = 3. \] Since \(a > b\) and the term with \(a^2\) is under \((x-2)^2\), the major axis is horizontal. The foci are located along the major axis at a distance \(c\) from the center, where \[ c^2 = a^2 - b^2. \] Thus, \[ c^2 = 49 - 9 = 40, \] \[ c = \sqrt{40} = 2\sqrt{10}. \] Hence, the foci have coordinates \[ (2 \pm 2\sqrt{10},\, 8). \] To graph the ellipse: 1. Plot the center at \( (2,8) \). 2. From the center, move 7 units left and right along the \(x\)-axis to plot the vertices at \( (2\pm 7,\,8) \) or \( (-5,8) \) and \( (9,8) \). 3. Move 3 units up and down from the center along the \(y\)-axis to plot the co-vertices at \( (2,8\pm3) \) or \( (2,5) \) and \( (2,11) \). 4. Sketch the ellipse with these four points and note that it is wider than it is tall. 5. Mark the foci at \( (2+2\sqrt{10},\,8) \) and \( (2-2\sqrt{10},\,8) \). Thus, the final answer for the foci is: \[ (2+2\sqrt{10},\,8) \quad \text{and} \quad (2-2\sqrt{10},\,8). \]

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To graph the given ellipse \(\frac{(x-2)^{2}}{49}+\frac{(y-8)^{2}}{9}=1\), start by identifying its center, which is at the point \((2, 8)\). The ellipse has a semi-major axis \(a = 7\) (since \(\sqrt{49} = 7\)) and a semi-minor axis \(b = 3\) (since \(\sqrt{9} = 3\)). Because the larger denominator is associated with the \(x\) term, this ellipse is oriented horizontally. To find the foci, use the formula \(c = \sqrt{a^2 - b^2}\). In this case: \[ c = \sqrt{49 - 9} = \sqrt{40} \approx 6.32. \] The foci are located \(c\) units away from the center along the major axis (horizontal direction). Therefore, the coordinates of the foci are: \[ (2 - \sqrt{40}, 8) \quad \text{and} \quad (2 + \sqrt{40}, 8), \] which simplifies to approximately \((2 - 6.32, 8) \approx (-4.32, 8)\) and \((2 + 6.32, 8) \approx (8.32, 8)\). In summary, after graphing the ellipse, you'd find the foci at approximately \((-4.32, 8)\) and \((8.32, 8)\). Enjoy drawing those elegant curves!

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