CONIC SECTIONS Graphing Ellipses (Page 1 of 3)

Next we will graph the ellipse (y+1)^2/16+(x-2)^2/9 = 1. Because an ellipse is not a function, it cannot be graphed in function mode as a single curve. We must first isolate y: y = -1+-4sqrt(1-(x-2)^2/9). In doing so, we are representing the ellipse as the union of two functions. The function with the addition will be the upper semi-ellipse, and the function with the subtraction will be the lower semi-ellipse. Enter the functions separately as Y1 and Y2.

 Y= key. (Clear any previous functions)

 Negation key. 1 Plus key. 4 2nd Square root key. 1 Minus key. Left parenthesis key. X,T,theta,n key. Minus key. 2 Right parenthesis key.
 x-squared key. Divide key. 9 Right parenthesis key. ENTER key.
 Negation key. 1 Minus key. 4 2nd Square root key. 1 Minus key. Left parenthesis key. X,T,theta,n key. Minus key. 2 Right parenthesis key.
 x-squared key. Divide key. 9 Right parenthesis key.

 Calculator screen image.
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