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 Notes re solution by brianjn)

 

Since the ellipse is the standard that we are shooting for in creating our "Ovals", I stand by using the area of the ellipse in the denominator.

Since any construction done with a straight edge and a pair of compasses can be accomplished with a pair of compasses alone, I could still use my method to construct the "Oval" (although it would require more steps).

 

Posted by Bractals on 2006-11-29 05:36:31