conics
Parabolas and ellipses
Conics is the branch of geometry dealing with conic sections—the curves produced when a plane intersects a cone.
These include circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.
The subject has practical applications in physics, engineering, and astronomy, since planetary orbits and projectile paths follow conic curves: We covered conics in our second semester of calculus.
Symmetrical open plane curve
- focusConcentrated attention point
- directrixLine defining conic sections
- vertexPoint where edges converge
- axis of symmetryLine dividing congruent halves
quadratic · parabolic · reflector · dish antenna · headlights · projectile motion · trajectory · cable
Curved closed shape
- radiusCenter-to-perimeter distance
- diameterDistance across through center
- circumferenceCircle's outer measurement
- centerMiddle of anything
special case · circular orbit · tangent · chord · arc · sector · cyclic · concentric
Curve with two branches
- asymptotesLines curves approach infinitely
- fociCentral points of convergence
- eccentricityUnconventional behavior or nature
- branchesLimbs of trees
hyperboloid · directrix · cooling tower · navigation systems · LORAN · degenerate · sonic boom
Central points of convergence
- eccentricityUnconventional behavior or nature
- major axisEllipse's longest diameter
- minor axisEllipse's shortest diameter
- orbitCurved celestial path
planetary motion · oval · semi-major · perihelion · aphelion · focal points · elliptical · directrix
Polynomials of degree two
- discriminantFormula determining root nature
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
- polar coordinatesPoint location using angle, distance
- locusParticular position or place
Surfaces that bounce light
- antennasSignal-receiving apparatus
- telescopesOptical magnifying instruments
- opticsScience of illumination
- acousticsStudy of sound transmission
satellite dishes · solar collectors · suspension bridges · planetary orbits · radio telescopes · searchlights · whispering galleries · ballistics
parabola
Symmetrical open plane curve
- focusConcentrated attention point
- directrixLine defining conic sections
- vertexPoint where edges converge
axis of symmetry · quadratic · parabolic · reflector · dish antenna · headlights · projectile motion · trajectory · cable · suspension bridge
circle
Curved closed shape
- radiusCenter-to-perimeter distance
- diameterDistance across through center
- circumferenceCircle's outer measurement
center · special case · circular orbit · tangent · chord · arc · sector · cyclic · concentric · great circle
hyperbola
Curve with two branches
- asymptotesLines curves approach infinitely
- fociCentral points of convergence
- eccentricityUnconventional behavior or nature
branches · hyperboloid · directrix · cooling tower · navigation systems · LORAN · degenerate · sonic boom
foci
Central points of convergence
- eccentricityUnconventional behavior or nature
- major axisEllipse's longest diameter
- minor axisEllipse's shortest diameter
orbit · planetary motion · oval · semi-major · perihelion · aphelion · focal points · elliptical · directrix · orbital mechanics
quadratic equations
Polynomials of degree two
- discriminantFormula determining root nature
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
- polar coordinatesPoint location using angle, distance
locus · eccentricity · duality
reflectors
Surfaces that bounce light
- antennasSignal-receiving apparatus
- telescopesOptical magnifying instruments
- opticsScience of illumination
acoustics · satellite dishes · solar collectors · suspension bridges · planetary orbits · radio telescopes · searchlights · whispering galleries · ballistics
conicspolyhedra
Multi-faced geometric solids
solids · solid geometry · splines · volumes · surfaces
conicspolygons
Closed plane figures
polylines · tessellations · straight lines · line segments · discrete geometry
- conical hatCircular-based pointed headgear
- conic sectionCurve from plane-cone intersection
- conical shapeCircular base tapering upward
- conical flaskTapered laboratory container