Definition:Ellipse/Minor Axis
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Definition
Consider an ellipse $K$ whose foci are $F_1$ and $F_2$.
Definition $1$
The minor axis of $K$ is the line segment through the center of $K$ perpendicular to the major axis of $K$ such that its endpoints are the points of intersection with $K$.
Definition $2$
The minor axis of $K$ is the diameter of $K$ which has the smallest length.
In the above diagram, $C_1 C_2$ is the minor axis of $K$.
Semi-Minor Axis
A semi-minor axis of $K$ is either half of the minor axis of $K$ from its midpoint to its endpoint.
Also see
- Equivalence of Definitions of Minor Axis of Ellipse
- Minor Axis of Ellipse is Axis of Symmetry
- Definition:Major Axis of Ellipse
- Results about the minor axis of an ellipse can be found here.
Linguistic Note
The plural of axis is axes, which is pronounced ax-eez not ax-iz.
Compare basis.