Find the equation of the ellipse whose vertices are at (±6, 0) and foci at (±4, 0).



Given: Vertices = (±6, 0) …(i)


The vertices are of the form = (±a, 0) …(ii)


Hence, the major axis is along x – axis


From eq. (i) and (ii), we get


a = 6


a2 = 36


and We know that, if the major axis is along x – axis then the equation of Ellipse is of the form of



Also, given coordinate of foci = (±4, 0) …(iii)


We know that,


Coordinates of foci = (±c, 0) …(iv)


From eq. (iii) and (iv), we get


c = 4


We know that,


c2 = a2 – b2


(4)2 = (6)2 – b2


16 = 36 – b2


b2 = 36 – 16


b2 = 20


Substituting the value of a2 and b2 in the equation of an ellipse, we get




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