Ellipse From String and Tacks

Question: [i]Given the ellipse equation, x²/a² + y²/b²=1 How can I show that any two rays drawn from the foci and meeting at a point on the arc add up to the same length?[/i] I adopted the following approach: Build the problem using string and tacks. Convert the construction to algebra. Prove that the resulting equation is x²/a² + y²/b²=1. Accompanying text: [url]http://mathosaurus.blogspot.com/2013/06/constructing-ellipse.html[/url] The equation at the top of the applet is an intermediate step. ______ These are my self-study materials. Let me know how I can make them more useful to you.

 

Ryan Hirst

 
Resource Type
Activity
Tags
conic  ellipse  geometry  sections 
Target Group (Age)
19+
Language
English (United States)
 
 
GeoGebra version
4.2
Views
4879
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