Definition:Minor Axis
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Definition
The minor axis of a central conic $\KK$ is the straight line:
- passing through the center of symmetry of $\KK$
- perpendicular to the major axis of $\KK$.
This may or may not be defined as being terminated at the covertices of $K$ according to variations of definitions.
The distinction should be clear according to usage.
Minor Axis of Ellipse
Consider an ellipse $K$ whose foci are $F_1$ and $F_2$.
Definition $1$
The minor axis of $K$ is the line segment through the center of $K$ perpendicular to the major axis of $K$ such that its endpoints are the points of intersection with $K$.
Definition $2$
The minor axis of $K$ is the diameter of $K$ which has the smallest length.
Minor Axis of Hyperbola
The minor axis of $K$ is the perpendicular bisector of the transverse axis of $K$.
Also see
- Results about the minor axis can be found here.