Lesson 1: An Overview of Conic Section

Conic sections (or conics) are two-dimensional curves formed when a double-napped right circular cone is
insliced through by a plane.

Types of Conics
Non-degenerated conic is a conic formed when the cutting plane does not pass through the vertex of the cone.
Degenerated conic is a conic formed when the plane intersects with the vertex of the cone.

Non-degenerated Conics

Ellipse is formed when the tilted plane intersects only one cone to form a bounded curve.
Ellipse can be obtained when the angle between the plane and the axis is greater than the
vertex angle.

Circle is also considered a special kind of ellipse tilted plane is horizontal for parallel to
the base. Circle is also obtained when the plane is perpendicular to the axis.

Parabola is formed when the plane intersects only one cone to form an unbounded curve.
Parabola can be obtained when the angle between the plane and the axis is equal to the
vertex angle.

Hyperbola is formed when the plane (not necessarily vertical) intersects both cones to form
two unbounded curves (each called a branch of the hyperbola). Hyperbola can be obtained
when the angle between the plane and the axis is less than the vertex angle.

Degenerated Conics

Point can be formed when the plane parallel to the base of the cone intersects with its
vertex.
 Line can be obtained when the plane intersects the vertex of the cone and its tangent to it.

Two intersecting lines can be formed when the plane passes through the vertex and through
both cones.

Definition of Term:

Eccentricity (e) - How much a conic section (a circle, ellipse, parabola, hyperbola) varies from being circular.
It is also defined as the ratio from the focus (fixed point) to the distance from directrix (fixed straight line).
Circle (e = 0)
Ellipse (0 < e < 1)
Parabola (e = 1)
Hyperbola (e > 1)
- The value of eccentricity is equal to the ratio of the distance from the focus to the distance
from the directrix.

Example: What is the eccentricity if the distance from the focus is 10 units and the distance from the directrix
is 30 units?

distance from the focus

10
distance from the directrix = 30 = 0
Solution: e = .3333

Additional Resources:

Let’s take a look at this VIDEO “Conic Section 3D Animation” to understand more about the topic.

Here is the other video that you can explore at your own leisure:
Pre-Calculus: Introduction to Conic Sections : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5U4myqjoEA