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Which is the equation of an ellipse with directrices at x = ±4 and foci at (2, 0) and (−2, 0)?

x squared over 8 plus y squared over 4 equals 1
x squared over 16 plus y squared over 4 equals 1
x squared over 8 minus y squared over 4 equals 1
x squared over 16 minus y squared over 4 equals 1

1 Answer

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Explanation:

The standard form equation of an ellipse with horizontal major axis, centered at the origin and with foci at (±c, 0) and directrices at x = ±a is:

x^2 / a^2 + y^2 / (a^2 - c^2) = 1

Comparing with the given information, we have:

a = 4 (since the directrices are at x = ±4)

c = 2 (since the foci are at (2, 0) and (-2, 0))

Substituting these values in the equation of the ellipse, we get:

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

x^2 / 16 + y^2 / 12 = 1

Multiplying both sides by 16 * 12, we get:

12x^2 + 16y^2 = 192

Dividing both sides by 192, we get:

x^2 / 16 + y^2 / 12 = 1

This is in the standard form of the equation of an ellipse, so the answer is (B) x squared over 16 plus y squared over 4 equals 1.

User Firdous Amir
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