Ellipse Word Problem

Question

The ellipse is 5 meters across and 8 meters long with decorative fountains located at the foci. How far from the center should the fountains be located? (Rounded to the nearest hundredth). How far apart are the fountains?

I feel like this problem is a lot easier than what I'm making it.

The focal distance is given by $ \ c^2 = \ $ (longer semi-axis$)^2 \ - \ $ (shorter semi-axis$)^2 \ . $ — colormegone, Feb 23 '14 at 22:51

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 23 '14 at 23:11

0

Answer:

$$2a = 8 => a = 4$$

$$2b = 5 => b = 5/2$$

$$c = \sqrt{a^{2}-b^{2}}$$

Part I :The distance from the center to the focus:$$c = \sqrt{39}/2$$

Part II: The fountains are 2*c apart from each other$$2c = \sqrt{39}$$

answered Feb 23 '14 at 23:11

Satish Ramanathan

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Ellipse Word Problem

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