Equation of an ellipse Consider an ellipse to be the set of points in a plane whose distances from two fixed points have a constant sum 2a. Derive the equation of an ellipse. Assume the two fixed points are on the x-axis equidistant from the origin.

College Algebra
10th Edition
ISBN:9781337282291
Author:Ron Larson
Publisher:Ron Larson
Chapter4: Rational Functions And Conics
Section4.3: Conics
Problem 98E
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Equation of an ellipse Consider an ellipse to be the set of points in a plane whose distances from two fixed points have a constant sum 2a. Derive the equation of an ellipse. Assume the two fixed points are on the x-axis equidistant from the origin.

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