Newsgroups: comp.os.msdos.djgpp
From: simonallen AT cix DOT compulink DOT co DOT uk ("Simon P Allen")
Subject: Re: ellipses at an angle
Message-ID: <E5Answ.FnK@cix.compulink.co.uk>
Organization: Linux Developer
References: <19970206 DOT 174121 DOT 7695 DOT 1 DOT chambersb AT juno DOT com>
Date: Sat, 8 Feb 1997 17:12:31 GMT
Lines: 35
To: djgpp AT delorie DOT com
DJ-Gateway: from newsgroup comp.os.msdos.djgpp

> This constant is, of course, different on different ellipses - but my 
old
> math teacher somehow worked the equations out to always equal 1 (I think
> she used scalars or something, but there's no real point).
> 
> If I have confused anyone, I apologize.


A great way to demonstrate this is to :

Take 2 nails and bang them into the floor/table/wall some distance apart.

Take a loop of string that will pass over the two nails like a very loose 
fanbelt on a car.

Take a pen/pencil/paint-brush and insert it into the loop, then pull to 
one side so that the loop is tight and forms a triangle with the string.

Now draw your elipse ensuring that the loop of string is at all times 
taught.


This easily illustrates that the sum of the two distances you were 
speaking about is constant :o)

> Now, can we please let this drop?  I've got enough mail already (junk
> mail on e-mail? Unfortunately, yes... :(

But it's only just started....

...oh, perhaps you're right... :-)

Simon.