What do you need to know to write the equation of an ellipse for conic sections

This video tutorial covers the essential information needed to write the equation of an ellipse. It begins with understanding the definition of an ellipse and identifying its key components such as foci, vertices, and axes. The tutorial explains how to use this information to determine whether the major axis is horizontal or vertical and how to plug in the data to write the correct equation. By grasping these concepts, students will be well-prepared for the course.

What is the significance of the major and minor axes in the context of an ellipse?

Describe the process of determining whether the major axis of an ellipse is horizontal or vertical.