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GeoGebraGeoGebra Classroom

Ellipse Equation Anatomy and Exploration

Interact with this app for a minute or two. Be sure to move any LARGE POINT(S) you see around! Then answer the question that follows.

An ellipse has 2 axes: A major axis and a minor axis. In both of these pics, the ellipse shown has a major axis with length 12 and a minor axis with length 4. How can you tell (by looking at the ellipse's equation) whether the major axis is horizontal or vertical? Explain as best as you can.

Interact with this app for a minute or two. Be sure to move any LARGE POINT(S) you see around! Note there is another point to move around here! Then answer the question that follows.

How can you tell where the center of an ellipse is? Explain.