I was thinking of the same graph affinity gave me, and I tried to work it out during the free period after the 4unit lesson.
But it seems to be something must be wrong, since the equation keeps giving 0 = 0 (strange, that's why). Here goes:
equation for ellipse:
[ :: (x^2)/4 + y^2 = 1 :: ]
then, the height for on the major axis is defined by
h = 4-(x^2)
got that equation by trying to figure k value etc..
When x = 0, then h = 4, which is the required condition. Further, when x = 2, or x = -2, h = 0, which is at the edge of the ellipse.
so the equation [ h = 4-(x^2) ] fits with the given condition.
Now, the problem is the cross-sections perpendicular to the major axis. Let's call this "uts" cross section..
then the height of the "uts" cross section is h, defined by the x position of the cross section relative to the ellipse.
and the width of the cross section is exactly the y value in terms of x, you see what I mean?
i'll try post a pic later
then, the equation of this parabola is
u = h - k(y^2)
then u is the height of any "y" value.
when y = 0, u = h. This means, in the middle of the cross-section, which just happen to be in the major axis, the "altitude" is "h".
but when you try to find the k value of u, it seems impossible..
can you people understand what i'm rambling about? hope it's clear