How do I know whether the major axis of an ellipse is horizontal or vertical?

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Answer 1 · 2014-09-28T19:15:43

Locate the larger of the 2 denominators. Then look at that numerator.

If it has an #x# then that is the major axis. Horizontal
If it has an #y# then that is the major axis. Vertical

#x^2/4+y^2/16=1#

The major axis is #y#. Vertical

#x^2/25+y^2/16=1#

The major axis is #x#. Horizontal