Conic Sections

Circle:

Center (h , k) , radius r

Ellipse:

The center of the ellipse is (h , k)

The foci of the ellipse can be found using the relationship
Once you have determined the value of c, the foci are found by counting c units on
either side of the center (count along the major, i.e. longer, axis)
The center is really the midpoint between the two foci.
You can think of a as the radius along the x-axis and b as the radius along the y-axis.

Parabola:
(looks just like a quadratic)
(parabola on its side, i.e. not a function)

Vertex is (h, k)
Focus is (h, k + p)
Directrix is the line which is p units from the vertex

Hyperbola:
Case i:

(if the foci and center lie on a horizontal line)

Case ii:

(if the foci and center lie on a vertical line)

The center of the hyperbola is (h , k)

To find the foci of the hyperbola, use the equation
The foci are c units on either side of the center
If case i, the asymptotes are given by

If case ii, the asymptotes are given by