A well-meaning senior citizen once erroneously contended that a "perfect oval" could only be constructed with a straight edge and a pair of compasses.

The theoretical construction that he described so very closely approximates the ellipse given by the equation: (x^2)/16 + (y^2)/9 = 1.

Required:
1. Emulate such a construction
2. Suggest the difference in area of these two entities if this construction and an ellipse representing the above equation are drawn at the same scale (let them share a common major radial length).

To my knowledge, oval and ellipse refer to the same thing, ellipse being the 'technical' term.

(In reply to re: Notes re solution by Bractals)

OK, I accept your comment and have edited past posts.

I was considering that as the Area of the "Oval" was larger, then it would be the denominator.

Posted by brianjn on 2006-11-29 19:15:01