MATHEMATICS A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site ellipsoid A quadratic surface that is the three-dimensional analog of an ellipse. The general equation of an ellipsoid in Cartesian coordinates is x2/a2 + y2/b2 + z2/c2 = 1 where a, b and c are positive real numbers determining the shape. If two of these numbers are equal, the ellipsoid is a spheroid; if all three are equal, it is a sphere. The intersection of an ellipsoid with a plane is a single point or an ellipse. Ellipsoids can also be defined in higher dimensions. Related category    • MATHEMATICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP