Standard Equation of an Ellipse

Rarely Tested

Standard Equation of an Ellipse

$$\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1,\quad a>b>0$$

Terminology

- $$a$$ → Semi-major axis.

- $$b$$ → Semi-minor axis.

- Centre → $$(0,0)$$.

- Major axis → $$x$$-axis.

Usage

- Used for an ellipse whose major axis lies along the $$x$$-axis.

Question 1

Let $$P$$ be a variable point on the ellipse $$\frac{x^2}{225}+\frac{y^2}{81}=1$$ with foci $$S$$ and $$S'$$.

Let $$I$$ be the incenter of triangle $$\triangle PSS'$$. Find the maximum possible value of the y-coordinate of $$I$$.

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