Difference between revisions of "Major axis"

(Major Axis)
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The major axis of a [[ellipse]] is the longer of its two [[axis]] and contains the [[foci]] of the ellipsis.
The major axis of a [[ellipsis]] is the longer of its two [[axis]] and contains the [[foci]] of the ellipsis.
 
  
 
An ellipsis with the equation of the form <math>\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1</math>, where <math>a>b</math> has its major axis on the x-axis. Similarly, when <math>a<b</math>, the major axis is on the y-axis.
 
An ellipsis with the equation of the form <math>\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1</math>, where <math>a>b</math> has its major axis on the x-axis. Similarly, when <math>a<b</math>, the major axis is on the y-axis.

Revision as of 23:35, 27 November 2011

The major axis of a ellipse is the longer of its two axis and contains the foci of the ellipsis.

An ellipsis with the equation of the form $\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$, where $a>b$ has its major axis on the x-axis. Similarly, when $a<b$, the major axis is on the y-axis.