Is the elipse more circular when the tacks are closer together or farther apart?

Closer. Eventually, when the tacks touch, it like drawing a circle with one tack.

To determine whether the ellipse is more circular when the tacks are closer together or farther apart, we need to understand the relationship between the distance between the tacks (foci) and the shape of the ellipse.

An ellipse is a closed curve with two focal points. The shape of the ellipse is determined by the distance between the foci and the length of the major axis. The major axis is the longest diameter of the ellipse, and it passes through the two foci.

When the tacks (foci) are closer together, the distance between them becomes smaller. This means that the major axis of the ellipse also becomes smaller. As a result, the ellipse becomes more circular or more squeezed in, as the major axis gets shorter relative to the minor axis.

On the other hand, when the tacks (foci) are farther apart, the distance between them increases. This causes the major axis to become longer. Consequently, the ellipse becomes elongated or less circular, as the major axis gets longer compared to the minor axis.

In summary, when the tacks are closer together, the ellipse becomes more circular. Conversely, when the tacks are farther apart, the ellipse becomes less circular and more elongated.