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Draw an ellipse using string and 2 pins
This is not a true Euclidean construction as defined in
Constructions - Tools and Rules but a practical way to draw
an ellipse given its width and height and when mathematical precision is not so important.
It is sometimes called the "Gardener's Ellipse", because
it works well on a large scale, using rope and stakes, to lay out elliptical flower beds in formal gardens.
You can also calculate the positions of the focus points.
See Foci of an Ellipse.
Printable step-by-step instructions
The above animation is available as a
printable step-by-step instruction sheet, which can be used for making handouts
or when a computer is not available.
Try it yourself
Click here for a printable worksheet containing an ellipse drawing problem.
When you get to the page, use the browser print command to print as many as you wish. The printed output is not copyright.
Constructions pages on this site
Lines
Angles
Triangles
Triangle Centers
Circles, Arcs and Ellipses
Polygons
Non-Euclidean constructions
(C) 2009 Copyright Math Open Reference. All rights reserved
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