Ellipses: can you obtain an ellipse useing three points?

[Goistein]

Is it possible to obtain an ellipse using three points? If so, how? Thanks!
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Edited by stapel -- Reason for edit: spelling

 

[Denis]

eclipce? What's that :shock:

 

[stapel]

Is it possible to obtain an ellipse using three points? If so, how?

That may depend upon the three points. What have you been given?

Thank you.

Eliz.

 

[Goistein]

Well, say that the 3 points on a coordinate plane are (a,b), (c,d), (e,f). Whats the equation?

 

[tkhunny]

Let's see, you basic ellipse can be expresse as \(\displaystyle \frac{(x-h)^{2}}{a^{2}}\;+\;\frac{(y-k)^{2}}{b^{2}}\;=\;1\). The way I count, that's four fundamental parameters. Three points is insufficient. More information is needed.

Just for the record, if you need someone to sift through endless algebra for you, you should try a paying service. You don't need to prove to such a service that you are not just being lazy.

Show your work and we'll take a look at it if you are willing to learn.