Question

Using complete sentences, explain the difference between the equations of a circle and an
ellipse.

Answer 1

Both equations must have both an x^2 and y^2 term. When the coefficients of the squared terms are the same, you have a circle; when the coefficients are different you have an ellipse. The circle is a special case of the ellipse; similar to the way a square is a rectangle. The ellipse has more elongation in either the vertical or horizontal direction based on the die rent coefficients. The circle has the same elongation in the vertical and horizontal directions because the coefficients are the same. Does this help?

Answer 2

Yes, very much! Thank you kind sir :)

Answer 3

Wait. Could you please explain the coefficients part? What do you mean that circles have the same coefficients of the squared terms?