Lesson 19
Introduction to Conics
Welcome
In this lesson we will look at different forms of conic sections. Conic sections are very interesting shapes that appear in nature. They also play an important role in the study of astronomy and other fields of science and math.
Before beginning, spend a little time looking at ways to visualize each conic section with double right circular cones and a piece of paper.
Lesson Goals
- To identify a conic section given an equation in standard form
- To be able to fit an equation in general form into standard form
- To gain a general understanding of the focal point of a parabola
In Lesson 19 you will learn how to:
- Insert a conic form
- Transform a general equation into a standart conic form
- Use the G-Solve menu in Conics
- Move data from the Conics editor to other Applications
Upon completion of this lesson you will be able to answer the following questions:
- How do you fit an equation into a conic form?
- Explain how you would write the equation of a circle with center (2,3) and r=3 using the Insert Conics Form dialog.
- What is the major axis of an ellipse?
- Where is the focal point in relation to the parabola?
- Explain how to visualize an ellipse using double right circular cones and a piece of paper.
Time Required
About 60 minutes.