Dividing quarter of an ellipse

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In summary, the angle of inclination of the dividing line is $\beta=\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{b}{a} \right)$.
  • #1
suji
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Hi all,
How should I divide quarter of an ellipse into two equal havles? At what angle should I divide so that the 2 parts are equal?
Any hint is a privilege.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Suji
 
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  • #2
I would begin with an ellipse in standard form centered at the origin:

\(\displaystyle \left(\frac{x}{a} \right)^2+\left(\frac{y}{b} \right)^2=1\)

Converting to polar coordinates, we may write:

\(\displaystyle r^2\left(\frac{\cos^2(\theta)}{a^2}+ \frac{\sin^2(\theta)}{b^2} \right)=1\)

Solving for $r^2$, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle r^2=\frac{(ab)^2}{a^2\sin^2(\theta)+b^2 \cos^2(\theta)}\)

Next, using the formula for area in polar coordinates, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle \int_0^{\beta}\frac{1}{a^2\sin^2(\theta)+b^2\cos^2(\theta)}\,d\theta= \int_{\beta}^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{1}{a^2\sin^2( \theta)+b^2\cos^2( \theta)}\,d\theta\)

Applying the FTOC, we then obtain:

\(\displaystyle \left[\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{a}{b}\tan(\theta) \right) \right]_0^{\beta}=\left[\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{a}{b}\tan(\theta) \right) \right]_{\beta}^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\)

This gives us:

\(\displaystyle \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{a}{b}\tan(\beta) \right)=\frac{\pi}{4}\)

Taking the tangent of both sides:

\(\displaystyle \frac{a}{b}\tan(\beta)=1\)

Solve for $\beta$:

\(\displaystyle \beta=\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{b}{a} \right)\)

A much simpler technique would be to begin with the ellipse:

\(\displaystyle \left(\frac{x}{a} \right)^2+\left(\frac{y}{b} \right)^2=1\)

Now stretch the vertical axis by a factor of \(\displaystyle \frac{a}{b}\) such that the ellipse now becomes a circle of radius $a$. We know the line $y=x$ will divide the first quadrant area of the circle into two equal halves.

Now shrink the vertical axis back to where it started, by a factor \(\displaystyle \frac{b}{a}\), and the dividing line is now:

\(\displaystyle y=\frac{b}{a}x\)

And we see the angle of inclination of this line is:

\(\displaystyle \beta=\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{b}{a} \right)\)
 
  • #3
Thanks a million sir MarkFL.
This helps me.:D
 

FAQ: Dividing quarter of an ellipse

What is an ellipse?

An ellipse is a type of geometric shape that resembles a flattened circle. It is characterized by having two focal points and a curved perimeter.

How do you divide a quarter of an ellipse?

To divide a quarter of an ellipse, you can use a compass and a straightedge to construct a perpendicular line from the center of the quarter ellipse to the curved perimeter. This will divide the quarter into two equal parts.

Why is dividing a quarter of an ellipse useful?

Dividing a quarter of an ellipse can be useful in various applications, such as in geometry and engineering. It allows for easier measurement and calculation of the shape's properties.

Are there any special properties of dividing a quarter of an ellipse?

Yes, dividing a quarter of an ellipse results in two equal arcs, each with a measure of 90 degrees. This property is unique to dividing a quarter of an ellipse and is not seen in other shapes.

Can you divide a quarter of an ellipse into more than two parts?

No, it is not possible to divide a quarter of an ellipse into more than two equal parts using traditional geometric tools. However, it is possible to divide it into multiple unequal parts by constructing additional perpendicular lines from the center to the curved perimeter.

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