Mathematics - Mr. Felling
 
 

Honors Algebra 3-4 Ellipse Extra Credit Project

Description:  You will make an object in the shape of an ellipse that has a string attached at the foci.  On the back of your object, write out your equation of the ellipse (assume the center is at the origin), identify your foci as points, and calculate your ellipse's eccentricity.

DUE DATE:  Turn in to Mr. Felling during or before class on Tuesday, October 29.

For full credit, your project must include the following:

  • All or part of your object must be an ellipse.
  • A string must be attached to your ellipse's foci that accurately traces out the outline of your ellipse.
  • Ellipse equation written on back.
  • Coordinates of center, foci, and vertices written on back.
  • Eccentricity must be calculated and written on back.
  • Coordinates and equation must be in units that match actual measurement on object (in cm, or inches, for example.)

Be Creative!  Other than the above requirements, you are free to build any object you like, so be creative!  Once all projects are turned in, we'll devote some time in one class to line all submitted projects up in class and vote on which the class feels is best.  The top 2 projects in each class will receive additional extra credit.

Examples:  To get you started, here are two examples submitted in previous years...

Full credit example:

Written on back:
Equation: x2/64 + y2/25 = 1
Center: (0,0)
Vertices: Left: (-8,0) Right: (8,0) Top: (5,0) Bottom: (-5,0)
Foci: (√39.0, 0) (-√39.0, 0)
Eccentricity: √39/5

This project received full credit because it was creative, the string accurately traced the ellipse and the information on the back was accurate and matched measurements.



Partial credit example:

Written on back:
Equation: x2/203.1 + y2/56.25 = 1
Center: (0,0)
(Vertices were not included)
Foci: (-7.125, 0) (7.125, 0)
Eccentricity: 7.125/√203.1

This project received only partial credit because it although it was creative, the string did not accurately trace the ellipse, some of the information on the back was missing, and some information did not match measured distances.























I look forward to seeing your ellipses!