Conic Sections
Design by Michelle Popal
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Video credits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnWEI5o35G8
Photo Credits: http://www.diracdelta.co.uk/science/source/c/o/conic%20section/source.html#.Uu31d2SwLLG
Parabola
Parabolas are the set of all points equidistant from both a fixed line and a fixed point also known as the directrix and focus. Parabolas look like "U" shapes and can be facing up, down, or to either the left or right side. All parabolas have a vertex and an axis of symmetry (which runs through the vertex). They can be observed just about anywhere you go! Not only can you observe parabolas on roller coasters, but you can also observe them on auto mobile headlights and many other places as well. If people really pay attention, they can identify parabolas just about anywhere.
Circle
Circles are the set of all points that are a fixed distance from a fixed point. Specifically, the fixed distance is the radius and the fixed point is the center. By all points being equidistant from the center, this allows the conic to fulfill its duties in everyday life. Circles can be observed all over the world whether they are animal spots, clocks, eyes, our planet Earth, etc. With this specific conic, there are a variety of objects/things that are able to work the way they do because of its circular shape.
Ellipse
Ellipses are the set of all points whose sum from two fixed points is constant. The two fixed points are known as the foci (singular: focus). This specific conic is also very popular present day as it can be observed in astronomy, biology, and in general all forms of science studies. With ellipses, people are able to gain more in knowledge, which then allows people to make advancements in technology. Ellipses have even helped scientists predict and test different theories about atoms, and have allowed humans to see the importance of the atom structure.
Hyperbola
The hyperbola is the set of all points whose difference from two fixed points is constant. Similar to an ellipse, the two fixed points are also known as the foci. Hyperbolas are made when vertically cutting through a double cone. Out of all the four conics, hyperbolas are the ones that are not seen to often, but the contributions hyperbolas have made take on just as big of a role in everyday life. Usually, people refer to certain body types to uphold an "hourglass" figure. An hourglass is of course a hyperbola, yet some people fail to notice. Some people do not even know they have a hyperbola looking body!