Answer:
B. Narrower.
Step-by-step explanation:
We have been given an incomplete statement. We are supposed to complete the given statement.
Statement: In an ellipse, the variable [tex]a^2[/tex] is always matched with the variable whose axis parallels the __________ direction.
We know that standard equation of an ellipse with a major axis parallel to x-axis is in form:
[tex]\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1[/tex]
We know that standard equation of an ellipse with a major axis parallel to y-axis is in form:
[tex]\frac{x^2}{b^2}+\frac{y^2}{a^2}=1[/tex]
The variable [tex]a^2[/tex] is matched with the variable, whose axis is parallel to wider direction and variable [tex]b^2[/tex] is matched with the variable, whose axis is parallel to narrower direction.
Therefore, option B is the correct choice.
