Semi Latus Rectum of Ellipse given Major and Minor Axes Calculator

Calculate Semi Latus Rectum of Ellipse





Formula

The formula to calculate the Semi Latus Rectum of an Ellipse given the Major and Minor Axes is:

\[ l = \frac{(2b)^2}{2 \cdot 2a} \]

Definition

The Semi Latus Rectum of an Ellipse is half of the line segment passing through any of the foci and perpendicular to the major axis whose ends are on the ellipse. The Minor Axis of an Ellipse is the length of the longest chord which is perpendicular to the line joining the foci of the ellipse. The Major Axis of an Ellipse is the length of the chord passing through both foci of the ellipse.

Example Calculation

Let's assume the following values:

Using the formula:

\[ l = \frac{(12)^2}{2 \cdot 20} = 3.6 \]

The Semi Latus Rectum of the Ellipse is 3.6 meters.

Conversion Chart

Minor Axis (meters) Major Axis (meters) Semi Latus Rectum (meters)
11 20 3.025000000000000
11.5 20 3.306250000000000
12 20 3.600000000000000
12.5 20 3.906250000000000
13 20 4.225000000000000