Question

In an ellipse, the variable b^2 is always matched with the variable whose axis parallels the __________ direction.

A.

horizontal

B.

narrower

C.

vertical

D.

wider

Answer 1

The equation of ellipse are
`(x^(2))/(b^(2))+(y^(2))/(a^(2))=1` for
`b\geq a` and
`(x^(2))/(a^(2))+(y^(2))/(b^(2))=1` for
`b\geq a`

One thing is changed between the two equations that is the placement of
`a^(2)` and
`b^(2)`. The
`a^(2)` always goes with the variable whose axis parallel the wider direction of the ellipse and
`b^(2)` always goes with the variable whose axis parallel the narrower direction.