<span>The two points that are most distant from (-1,0) are
exactly (1/3, 4sqrt(2)/3) and (1/3, -4sqrt(2)/3)
approximately (0.3333333, 1.885618) and (0.3333333, -1.885618)
Rewriting to express Y as a function of X, we get
4x^2 + y^2 = 4
y^2 = 4 - 4x^2
y = +/- sqrt(4 - 4x^2)
So that indicates that the range of values for X is -1 to 1.
Also the range of values for Y is from -2 to 2.
Additionally, the ellipse is centered upon the origin and is symmetrical to both the X and Y axis.
So let's just look at the positive Y values and upon finding the maximum distance, simply reflect that point across the X axis. So
y = sqrt(4-4x^2)
distance is
sqrt((x + 1)^2 + sqrt(4-4x^2)^2)
=sqrt(x^2 + 2x + 1 + 4 - 4x^2)
=sqrt(-3x^2 + 2x + 5)
And to simplify things, the maximum distance will also have the maximum squared distance, so square the equation, giving
-3x^2 + 2x + 5
Now the maximum will happen where the first derivative is equal to 0, so calculate the first derivative.
d = -3x^2 + 2x + 5
d' = -6x + 2
And set d' to 0 and solve for x, so
0 = -6x + 2
-2 = -6x
1/3 = x
So the furthest point will be where X = 1/3. Calculate those points using (1) above.
y = +/- sqrt(4 - 4x^2)
y = +/- sqrt(4 - 4(1/3)^2)
y = +/- sqrt(4 - 4(1/9))
y = +/- sqrt(4 - 4/9)
y = +/- sqrt(3 5/9)
y = +/- sqrt(32)/sqrt(9)
y = +/- 4sqrt(2)/3
y is approximately +/- 1.885618</span>
18.24 pounds on each shelf because the weight divided by the amount of bags would be .96 pounds per bag. And then the total amount of bags divided by the amount of shelves would be 19 so 19x.96 pounds is 18.24 on each shelf