Question

What is the length of the major axis of the ellipse shown below

Answer 1

Answer: 8

Explanation:

Here we have the equation of a vertical ellipse (this means the major axis is in the y-axis) with a center
`(x_(o), y_(o))` in the form:

`((x-x_(o))^(2))/(b^(2)) + ((y-y_(o))^(2))/(a^(2))=1`

Where
`a` is the semimajor axis and
`b` is the semiminor axis, being the major axis
`2a`.

So, if we have this given equation:

`((x-7)^(2))/(4) + ((y +3)^(2))/(16)=1`

Then:

`a^(2)=16`

Hence:

`a=√(16)=4`

`2a=2(4)=8` This is the major axis of the ellipse