Example: Finding the Equation of Pluto's Elliptical Orbit
Pluto moves in an elliptical orbit around the Sun. The closest Pluto gets to the Sun is approximately astronomical units (AU) and the furthest is approximately AU. By placing the center of the orbit at the origin of a coordinate system, the graph shows vertices at and , so and . The Sun is located at a focus at the point , meaning the focal distance is . To find the denominator for the term, use the relationship . Substituting the known values gives . Substituting and into the standard form equation for an ellipse centered at the origin gives the final equation: .
0
1
Tags
OpenStax
Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax
Ch.11 Conics - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax
Algebra
Related
Example: Finding the Equation of Pluto's Elliptical Orbit
Example: Finding the Equation of an Elliptical Orbit Given Distances of AU and AU
Example: Finding the Equation of an Elliptical Orbit Given Distances of AU and AU
As a computer-aided drafting (CAD) technician, you are documenting the standard procedure for extracting the mathematical equation of an elliptical gear directly from its 2D grid profile. Arrange the procedural steps to find the equation of an ellipse centered at the origin from its visual graph in the correct sequential order.
A landscape architect is designing an elliptical garden bed and needs to document its mathematical equation. The blueprint shows the garden centered at the origin of a coordinate grid. According to the standard procedure for finding the equation of an ellipse from its visual graph, which step is required to determine the denominator for the term?
A design engineer is extracting mathematical parameters from a 2D blueprint of an elliptical opening. The blueprint has the opening centered at the origin of a coordinate system. To construct the correct equation in the form , match each visual feature of the ellipse's graph with its algebraic role in the equation.
A technician is using a coordinate system to find the equation of an elliptical part centered at the origin . After identifying the distance from the center to the intercepts on the -axis, the technician must ________ that distance to determine the correct denominator for the term.
When a computer-aided design (CAD) technician is deriving the equation for an elliptical component centered at the origin , the standard procedure for finding the denominator of the term is to simply use the distance from the center to the -intercept without any further calculation.
Learn After
As a Junior Navigation Specialist for a space agency, you are verifying the orbital parameters of Pluto to update a solar system model. The model places the center of the orbit at the origin, with vertices at and , and the Sun at a focus at . Match each variable used in the orbital equation with its correct numerical value or definition based on this specific model.
Imagine you are an intern for a space exploration agency documenting the mathematical models of our solar system. Arrange the following steps in the correct order to derive the standard equation of Pluto's elliptical orbit, based on the specific measurements and process provided in your training guide.
You are a junior navigation specialist at a space agency verifying the mathematical models for the solar system. In a specific model of Pluto's elliptical orbit centered at the origin, the vertices are located at and in astronomical units (AU), and the Sun is positioned at a focus point of . According to the standard orbital equation , what is the numerical value for ?
As a junior orbital mechanics assistant for a space agency, you are verifying the parameters of Pluto's elliptical orbit. True or False: In the standard model where the orbit is centered at the origin , the Sun is positioned at the center of the ellipse.
Verifying Orbital Parameters in a Database