- The mathematical definition of the parabola is a curve that is created by the intersection of the Double-napped cone. The definition plays a role in the conic section it lets us see how cone is being curved by the parabola. 2. How does the focus (or foci) affect the shape of the conic section? (If you choose ellipses, you should include information about eccentricity in your response; if you choose parabolas, "p" should be a big focus.
- The focus affects the shape of the conic section because it will determine if it goes up, down, left, or right. Where ever the focus is going to be the parabola will be curved made to "focus" on the focus. To find the focus, the p will help determine the distance from the vertex to the focus.
3.How do the properties of this conic section apply in real life?
- The properties of the parabola apply every where in real life situations. For example the satellite dish to watch t.v. We are able to watch t.v because the dish is shaped as a parabolid which then allows the signals to reach the focus to be transmitted to our television.
Citations:
satellite dish example:http://britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca/parasatellite_lg.GIF
parabola curve in double napped cone:
http://www.math.rutgers.edu/courses/251/maple_new/gifstuff/parabola_cone.gif
Parabola video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI51LBUYR0c
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