Conic Sections

An Introduction

Conic Sections - Introduction

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Conic Sections - Introduction

A conic is a shape generated by intersecting two lines at a point and rotating one line around the other while keeping the angle between the lines constant.

Conic Sections - Introduction

The resulting collection of points is called a right circular cone. The two parts of the cone intersecting at the vertex are called nappes. Vertex

Nappe

Conic Sections - Introduction

A “conic” or conic section is the intersection of a plane with the cone.

The plane can intersect the cone at the vertex resulting in a point.

Conic Sections - Introduction

The plane can intersect the cone perpendicular to the axis resulting in a circle.

Conic Sections - Introduction

The plane can intersect one nappe of the cone at an angle to the axis resulting in an ellipse.

Conic Sections - Introduction

The plane can intersect one nappe of the cone at an angle to the axis resulting in a parabola.

Conic Sections - Introduction

The plane can intersect two nappes of the cone resulting in a hyperbola.