CONIC SECTIONS Graphing Ellipses (Page 3 of 3)

The current window is 12 units high, so let's use a window that is 2(6.2) = 12.4 units tall. We want the window to be centered at the center of the ellipse, so set Ymin = -1-6.2 and Ymax = -1+6.2 (half of 12.4 is 6.2). To keep a "square" window, use the same multiple in the x-direction. The width will be 2(9.4) = 18.8 units. Set Xmin = 2-9.4 and Xmax = 2+9.4 (half of 18.8 is 9.4).

 WINDOW key.
 2 Minus key. 9.4 ENTER key.
 2 Plus key. 9.4 ENTER key. Down arrow key.
 Negation key. 1 Minus key. 6.2 ENTER key.
 Negation key. 1 Plus key. 6.2

 GRAPH key.

Calculator screen image. Calculator screen image.

Notice how the gaps have now disappeared. Because we have graphed the ellipse as two functions, both upper and lower semi-ellipses can be traced. Also, the CALC features can be used.

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