NCERT Solutions
Class 11 Maths
Conic Sections

Ex.11.4 Q.4
An arch is in the form of a semi-ellipse. It is 8 m wide and 2 m high at the centre.
Find the height of the arch at a point 1.5 m from one end.
Since the height and width of the arc from the centre is 2 m and 8 m respectively,
it is clear that the length of the major axis is 8 m, while the length of the semi-minor axis is 2 m.
The origin of the coordinate plane is taken as the centre of the ellipse,
while the major axis is taken along the x-axis.
Hence, the semi-ellipse can be diagrammatically represented as
The equation of the semi-ellipse will be of the form (x2 ÷ a2) + (y2 ÷ b2) = 1, y ≥ 0 where a is the semi-major axis
Accordingly, 2a = 8
=> a = 4
and b = 2
Therefore, the equation of the semi-ellipse is x2 +
y2 = 1, y ≥ 0 …………... (1)
Let A be a point on the major axis such that AB = 1.5 m.
Draw AC⊥ OB.
OA = (4 – 1.5) m = 2.5 m
The x-coordinate of point C is 2.5.
On substituting the value of x with 2.5 in equation (1), we obtain
(2.5)2 ÷ 16 + y2 ÷ 4 = 1
=> (6.25 ÷ 16) + (y2 ÷ 4) = 1
=> (y2 ÷ 4) = 1 – (6.25 ÷ 16)
=> (y2 ÷ 4) = (16 – 6.25) ÷ 16
=> (y2 ÷ 4) = (9.75 ÷ 16)
=> y2 = (4 × 9.75) ÷ 16
=> y2 = 9.75 ÷ 4
=> y2 = 2.4375
=> y = √2.4375
=> y = 1.56 (approx.)
So, AC = 1.56 m
Thus, the height of the arch at a point 1.5 m from one end is approximately 1.56 m.