An elliptical track has a major axis that is 80 yards long and a minor axis that is 72 yards long. Find an equation for the track if its center is (0,0) and the major axis is the x-axis.

Question

bloomlocke367 · Answer

so if the equation is 
$$\frac{ x^2 }{ a^2 }+\frac{ y^2 }{ b^2 }=1$$
do I just square 80 and put it where a^2 is and square 72 and put it where b^2 is?

bloomlocke367 · Answer

@iGreen @SolomonZelman

krazykricket · Answer

This question was already posted by someone on OS, here is the link to that question. http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/5166f830e4b0902dbc1db7f9

phi · Answer

a and b are semi-major and semi-minor 
i.e.  1/2 the length of the major axis and minor axis

bloomlocke367 · Answer

I just figured that out. lol @phi

bloomlocke367 · Answer

so is it 
$$\frac{ x^2 }{1600 } + \frac{ y^2 }{ 1296 } = 1$$

phi · Answer

yes

bloomlocke367 · Answer

thanks :)