Standard form of an ellipse…. X^2/a^2 + y^2/b^2 = 1.

1. The major axis is the variable with the largest denominator under it.

2. The minor axis is the variable with the smallest denominator under it.

3. The vertex is sqrt largest denominator.

4. The other intercept is sqrt smallest denominator. Put 3 and 4 in point form.

5. The length of the major axis is 2 times sqrt largest denominator.

6. The length of the minor axis is 2 times sqrt smallest denominator.

7. To find the focus, vertex, or other integer: smallest denominator = largest denominator - focus^2.

Example: x^2/100 + y^2/64 = 1

1. x is the major axis

2. y is the minor axis

3. sqrt 100 = +/-10 = (10,0) (-10,0)

4. sqrt 64 = +/-8 = (0,8) (0,-8)

5. 2 times sqrt 100 = 20

6. 2 sqrt 64 = 16

7. 64 = 100 – f^2

sqrt -36 = sqrt -f^2

f = +/-6 = (6,0) (-6,0)

Sketch if necessary.