Answer:
Equation is x^2/576+y^2/400=1
Vertical height is 19.84inches
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation of an ellipse with horizontal major axis with center at (0,0) is x^2/a^2+y^2/b^2=1
From the question, a=24 and b=20
Therefore the equation of the ellipse = x^2/24^2+y^2/20^2=1
= x^2/576+y^2/400=1
To calculate vertical height y:
y^2/400=1- x^2/576
y^2=(1- x^2/576)*400
y=20√(1- x^2/576)
At x=3 inches from the centre
y=20√1-0.0156
y=20*0.9922
y=19.84inches