Graphing x²/25 + y²/9 = 1

Algebra 2 · Axiom Academy

Identify the ellipse's axes, vertices, and co-vertices from standard form, then plot and sketch it. Identify the key features of the ellipse — its orientation, vertices, and co-vertices — then sketch its graph. Center (0,0) , a=5 , b=3 — plotted with the vertices, co-vertices, and the completed ellipse. Nice work — you graphed an ellipse straight from its equation. The pieces worth keeping: Standard form: , centered at the origin. Bigger denominator wins: whichever of a^2 , b^2 is larger tells you the direction of the major (longer) axis. Vertices: the endpoints of the major axis, a units from the center. Co-vertices: the endpoints of the minor axis, b units from the center. This ellipse: a=5 , b=3 , horizontal major axis, vertices , co-vertices . Every ellipse in standard form graphs the same way: find a and b , compare them for orientation, then plot and connect the four key points.

This is the written version of the interactive lesson above. See the full Algebra 2 course.