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 of the two axes. From the graph, the endpoints of the minor axis on the \(x -\)axis are \((- 7,0)\) and \((7,0)\) (by counting the grid - squares. Each square is of length \(1\)).

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, \(x_1=-7\) and \(x_2 = 7\). So, \(d=\vert7-(-7)\vert=\vert7 + 7\vert=14\).

Answer:

\(14\)