Chapter 12: Problem 30
Use a graphing device to graph the ellipse. $$ x^{2}+\frac{y^{2}}{12}=1 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The ellipse is centered at (0,0) with the semi-major axis along the y-axis, extending to \( 2\sqrt{3} \), and the semi-minor axis along the x-axis, extending to 1.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Structure of the Ellipse Equation
The given equation of the ellipse is \( x^2 + \frac{y^2}{12} = 1 \). This can be rewritten in the standard form of an ellipse, \( \frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 \), where \( a \) and \( b \) are the semi-major and semi-minor axes, respectively.
02
Identify the Semi-Axes
Compare \( x^2 + \frac{y^2}{12} = 1 \) with the standard form. Here, \( a^2 = 1 \) and \( b^2 = 12 \), hence \( a = 1 \) and \( b = \sqrt{12} = 2\sqrt{3} \). The ellipse is centered at the origin (0,0) with semi-major axis \( b = 2\sqrt{3} \) along the y-axis and semi-minor axis \( a = 1 \) along the x-axis.
03
Set Up the Graphing Device
Using a graphing device, set the equation \( x^2 + \frac{y^2}{12} = 1 \). Ensure that the scale for the x-axis and y-axis is appropriately set to visually represent the semi-major and semi-minor axes.
04
Graph the Ellipse
Plot the ellipse on the graph. The ellipse should stretch vertically along the y-axis up to \( 2\sqrt{3} \) and horizontally along the x-axis up to \( 1 \).
05
Verify the Plot
After plotting, confirm that the ellipse extends to \( x = 1 \) and \( y = 2\sqrt{3} \) at their respective maximum extents, and that the center is at the origin (0,0).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Semi-Major Axis
In an ellipse, the semi-major axis is the longer one of the two axes. It is an important feature as it defines how stretched or elongated the ellipse is.
The semi-major axis sits along the direction where the ellipse is widest. For the equation \( x^2 + \frac{y^2}{12} = 1 \), the semi-major axis is determined by comparing it to the standard form of an ellipse equation \( \frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 \).
Here, \( b^2 = 12 \), so \( b = \sqrt{12} = 2\sqrt{3} \), indicating that the longer axis is along the y-axis.
The semi-major axis sits along the direction where the ellipse is widest. For the equation \( x^2 + \frac{y^2}{12} = 1 \), the semi-major axis is determined by comparing it to the standard form of an ellipse equation \( \frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 \).
Here, \( b^2 = 12 \), so \( b = \sqrt{12} = 2\sqrt{3} \), indicating that the longer axis is along the y-axis.
Exploring the Semi-Minor Axis
The semi-minor axis is the shorter axis of the ellipse, indicating how narrow the ellipse is. In our given equation, this axis is aligned with the x-axis.
Comparing the equation to the standard form of an ellipse, we find that \( a^2 = 1 \), which means \( a = 1 \).
Thus, the semi-minor axis measures \( 1 \) unit on both sides of the center along the x-axis, shaping the ellipse's narrow dimension.
Comparing the equation to the standard form of an ellipse, we find that \( a^2 = 1 \), which means \( a = 1 \).
Thus, the semi-minor axis measures \( 1 \) unit on both sides of the center along the x-axis, shaping the ellipse's narrow dimension.
The Significance of the Standard Form of an Ellipse
The standard form of an ellipse equation is written as \( \frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 \). This form is crucial as it allows us to visually understand and graph the ellipse, identifying both axes quickly.
In this setup:
In this setup:
- \( a \) and \( b \) are lengths of semi-minor and semi-major axes.
- The numbers under the \( x^2 \) and \( y^2 \) terms denote the squared lengths of the semi-axes.
- Ensures that the ellipse is centered at the origin \((0,0)\) unless otherwise specified.
Using a Graphing Device Effectively
Graphing devices help visualize mathematical concepts like ellipses in a clear, interactive manner. To plot an ellipse such as \( x^2 + \frac{y^2}{12} = 1 \) with a graphing device, follow these steps:
- Input the equation into the graphing tool as given.
- Adjust the axis scales using the semi-major and semi-minor axes to ensure accurate representation. The x-axis should extend to \( 1 \), while the y-axis reaches \( 2\sqrt{3} \).
- Verify the plot by ensuring the ellipse is centered at the origin and aligns with identified parameters.