Question

How can a general equation tell me whether a conic section is a circle or an ellipse?

Answer 1

General equation of ellipse or circle

`(x-h)^2/a^2+(y-k)^2/b^2=1`

If `a=b` then you have a circle.

If `a>b` then you have an ellipse where the `x` axis is the major axis.

If `b>a` then you have an ellipse where the `y` axis is the major axis.