What is the equation for an ellipse with foci at (0, 8) and (0, -8) with co-vertices (8, 0) and (-8, 0) ?

Question

mertsj · Answer

If the vertices are (8,0) and (-8,0) then the center is the origin and the major axis is horizontal.  Would you agree?

anonymous · Answer

no because the vertices would be vertical, the co-vertices are horizontal

mertsj · Answer

Oh.  my bad.  The covertices are (8,0) and (-8,0).  So it is vertical and its equation will be of the form:
$$\frac{x^2}{b^2}+\frac{y^2}{a^2}=1$$

mertsj · Answer

So all we have to do is recognize that b = 8 and c= 8.  Use a_2-b^2=c^2 and find a.

anonymous · Answer

|dw:1365968942271:dw| This is what I keep getting but I don't think its right because the properties would be different. $$x ^{2}+ \frac{ y ^{2} }{ 64 } =1$$