If a pebble is dropped into a pond in the shape of an ellipse at the location of one focus, the waves will converge at the location of the other focus. If the pond has a major axis of 68 feet and a minor axis of 32 feet, how far apart are the foci?

(a) 30 ft
(b) 36 ft
(c) 54 ft
(d) 60 ft

Question

If a pebble is dropped into a pond in the shape of an ellipse at the location of one focus, the waves will converge at the location of the other focus. If the pond has a major axis of 68 feet and a minor axis of 32 feet, how far apart are the foci?

(a) 30 ft
(b) 36 ft
(c) 54 ft
(d) 60 ft

anonymous · Answer

it's been forever since I did this, so I'll refer you to Mr. Khan. https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/conic-sections/conic_ellipses/v/foci-of-an-ellipse

megannicole51 · Answer

thanks!