How would the numerical value of ''e'' change as the ellipse approaches a straight line?

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How would the numerical value of ''e'' change as the ellipse approaches a straight line?

e = eccentricity or the flatness of an orbit

2007-05-24 10:13:49 · 2 answers · asked by Zyxel 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics

2 answers

As it approaches a straight line, the a in x²/a² + y²/b² = 1 gets much larger than b, and since e = c/a = √(a²-b²)/a, the fraction approaches √a² / a = 1.

2007-05-24 10:20:32 · answer #1 · answered by Philo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

the more elongated the shape, the closer eccentricity to 1

2007-05-24 17:20:57 · answer #2 · answered by Ana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋