Determine the two equations necessary to graph the ellipse with a graphing calculator.
-$$\frac { x ^ { 2 } } { 25 } + \frac { y ^ { 2 } } { 36 } = 1$$
A) $x = \frac { 5 \sqrt { 25 - y ^ { 2 } } } { 36 }$ and $x = - \frac { 5 \sqrt { 25 - y ^ { 2 } } } { 36 }$
B) $y = \frac { 6 \sqrt { 25 - x ^ { 2 } } } { 5 }$ and $y = - \frac { 6 \sqrt { 25 - x ^ { 2 } } } { 5 }$
C) $x = \sqrt { \frac { 180 - x ^ { 2 } } { 6 } }$ and $x = - \sqrt { \frac { 180 - y ^ { 2 } } { 6 } }$
D) $y = \frac { 6 \sqrt { 25 - x ^ { 2 } } } { 25 }$ and $y = - \frac { 6 \sqrt { 25 + x ^ { 2 } } } { 25 }$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To graph an ellipse on a calculator, you need to solve for one variable in terms of the other. Solving the given equation for y in terms of x, you get $y = \frac { 6 \sqrt { 25 - x ^ { 2 } } } { 5 }$ and $y = - \frac { 6 \sqrt { 25 - x ^ { 2 } } } { 5 }$, which correctly represents the upper and lower halves of the ellipse.

Determine the Two Equations Necessary to Graph the Ellipse with a Graphing