Thread: equation

this is an equation... (x^2)/3 + (y^2)/5 = 15. this is an ellipse but how to calculate semi major axis from it?

Write the equation of ellipse in the standard form.



Now can you find the semi-major axis?

it comes out to be (5*3^(1/2))/2. am i right?

Yes. You are right.

Originally Posted by vyomictor

it comes out to be (5*3^(1/2))/2. am i right?

No, you are not right. The semi-major axis is .

If you have the ellipse then the semi-major axis is either a (if a > b) or b (if b > a).