Activity (Process)

How to Graph an Ellipse with Center (h,k)(h, k)

To graph an ellipse centered at (h,k)(h, k), follow these steps based on its standard form equation, (xh)2a2+(yk)2b2=1\frac{(x-h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y-k)^2}{b^2} = 1. First, identify the center point (h,k)(h, k). Next, determine the orientation of the major axis by comparing the denominators: if a>ba > b, the major axis is horizontal; if b>ab > a, it is vertical. Use the larger denominator to find the distance from the center to the vertices (either aa or bb). Then, use the smaller denominator to find the distance from the center to the endpoints of the minor axis. Finally, sketch the ellipse by plotting the center, the vertices, and the minor axis endpoints, connecting them with a smooth oval.

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Updated 2026-05-25

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