How do I graph the ellipse with the equation −x+2y+x^2+xy+y^2=0?

1 Answer
Jul 9, 2015

Remove the cross-product term, then graph on the new coordinate axes.

Explanation:

There are various forms and formulas used for conic sections. I use Ax^2 + Bxy +Cy^2 +Dx +Ey +F =0

And cot2theta = (A-C)/B or tan2theta = B/(A-C)

So we re-write:

−x+2y+x^2+xy+y^2=0 In the form:

x^2 +xy +y^2 -x +2y =0

We get: cot2theta = (1-1)/1 = 0,

so 2theta = pi/2 = 90^@

and theta = pi/4 = 45^@

Our new coordinate system will be denoted hat(x) and hat(y). To get this equations replace x and y by:

x = hatxcostheta- haty sintheta
y = hatxsintheta+hatycostheta

Using theta = pi/4, we get:

x = hatx/sqrt2- haty/sqrt2

y = hatx/sqrt2+haty/sqrt2

Replace and simplify.

I get

(3hatx)/2 + hatx/sqrt2 + haty^2/2 +(3haty)/sqrt2 = 0

Now treat it like a non-rotated ellipse. Find center and vertices and graph on the new axes.