Definition:Ellipse/Major Axis
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Definition
Consider an ellipse $K$ whose foci are $F_1$ and $F_2$.
Definition $1$
The major axis of $K$ is the line segment passing through both $F_1$ and $F_2$ whose endpoints are where it intersects $K$.
Definition $2$
The major axis of $K$ is the diameter of $K$ which has the greatest length.
In the above diagram, $V_1 V_2$ is the major axis of $K$.
Semi-Major Axis
A semi-major axis of $K$ is either half of the major axis of $K$ from its midpoint to its endpoint.
Also see
- Equivalence of Definitions of Major Axis of Ellipse
- Major Axis of Ellipse is Axis of Symmetry
- Definition:Minor Axis of Ellipse
- Results about the major axis of an ellipse can be found here.