In this project, you will investigate the four types of conics, two of which you have seen
before. A conic can be defined in two ways. First, it is any cross-section of a cone. For
example, a flat (horizontal) cross section yields a circle. Second, it is any equation
where either the x or the y is raised to the second power. For example, the equation of
the unit circle is x 2 + y 2 = 1 .
I. Make four cones. A good way to make a cone is to trace a large circle, then
cut it in half so you have two semicircles. For each one, tape the straight
diameter to itself (one half to the other half, that is) and you have a cone!
II. Circles
1) The general equation of a circle is ( x − h ) 2 + ( y − k ) 2 = r 2 . There are two
variables: x and y, and there are three parameters: h, k, and r.
3) Roll a die for each parameter above, and write your personal circle
equation here:
4) Solve your equation for y (you will have two equations, positive and
negative). Check with Mr. Yates that you have done 3 & 4 correctly.
6) Highlight important points or parts of your graph (like the circle’s center
and radius). Also, give coordinates of two other points on your graph.
III. Ellipses
1) Research the general equation of an ellipse. Identify the variables and
parameters.
2) Roll a die for each parameter, and write your personal ellipse equation
here:
3) Solve your equation for y (you will have two equations, positive and
negative). Check with Mr. Yates that you have done #1 – 3 correctly.
5) Highlight important points or parts of your graph (like the ellipse’s center,
major and minor axes, extra credit for its foci). Also, give coordinates of
two other points on your graph.
IV. Parabolas
1) Research/Recall the general equation of a parabola. This should look
familiar!!! Identify the variables and parameters.
2) Roll a die for each parameter, and write your personal parabola equation
here:
3) Solve your equation for y (you will have only one equation this time).
Check with Mr. Yates that you have done #1 – 3 correctly.
V. Hyperbolas
1) Research the general equation of a hyperbola. Identify the variables and
parameters.
2) Roll a die for each parameter, and write your personal hyperbola equation
here:
3) Solve your equation for y (you will have two equations, positive and
negative). Check with Mr. Yates that you have done #1 – 3 correctly.
Rubric:
Part I – 4pts (1pt per cone made)
Parts II–V – 24pts each, as follows
4pts for research / identifying the parameters
4pts for writing the equation, generated with random values 1-6
4pts for solving for y
4pts for accurate sketch or print of graph
4pts for important points highlighted
4pts for labeled cross section of cone
Total: 100pts