Question

the graph shows an ellipse. what is the length of its minor axis?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the endpoints of the minor axis

The minor axis of an ellipse is the shorter axis. From the graph, the endpoints of the minor axis are at \(x = - 2,y = 0\) and \(x=2,y = 0\)

Step2: Calculate the length of the minor axis

The length of a line segment with endpoints \((x_1,y_1)\) and \((x_2,y_2)\) is given by \(d=\vert x_2 - x_1\vert\) (since \(y_1=y_2 = 0\)). Here \(x_1=-2\) and \(x_2 = 2\), so \(d=\vert2-(-2)\vert=\vert2 + 2\vert=4\)

Answer:

\(4\)