Conic Sections Question 313

Question: The sum of the focal distances of a point on the ellipse $ \frac{x^{2}}{4}+\frac{y^{2}}{9}=1 $ is:

Options:

A) 4 units

B) 6 units

C) 8 units

D) 10 units

Show Answer

Answer:

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

[a] Given equation of ellipse is $ \frac{x^{2}}{4}+\frac{y^{2}}{9}=1 $
$ \Rightarrow \frac{x^{2}}{{{(2)}^{2}}}+\frac{y^{2}}{{{(3)}^{2}}}=1\Rightarrow a=2 $ and $ b=3 $ Length of major axis $ =2a=4 $ Since, we have Sum of the focal distance of a point on ellipse = length of major axis.
$ \therefore $ Required Ans = 4 units.