The elliptical ceiling in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building is 96 feet long and 23 feet tall.

a. Using the rectangular coordinate system in the figure shown, write the standard form of the equation of theelliptical ceiling.

b. John Quincy Adams discovered that he could overhear the conversations of opposing party leaders near the left side of the chamber if he situated his desk at the focus at the right side of the chamber. How far from the center of the ellipse along the major axis did Adams situate his desk?

Transcribed Image Text:

(-48, 0) y (0, 23) (48,0) X