Find the equations for the asymptotes of the hyperbola .
Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 3h 16m
- 11. Integrals of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 34m
- 12. Techniques of Integration7h 39m
- 13. Intro to Differential Equations2h 55m
- 14. Sequences & Series5h 36m
- 15. Power Series2h 19m
- 16. Parametric Equations & Polar Coordinates7h 58m
16. Parametric Equations & Polar Coordinates
Conic Sections
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How can you slice a vertically oriented 3D cone to get a 2D parabola?
A
Slice the cone with a horizontal plane.
B
Slice the cone with a slightly tilted plane.
C
Slice the cone with a heavily tilted plane.
D
Slice the cone with a vertical plane.

1
Step 1: Understand the geometry of a cone. A cone is a three-dimensional shape with a circular base that tapers smoothly to a point called the apex. When slicing a cone, the intersection of the plane and the cone determines the resulting 2D shape.
Step 2: Recall the conic sections. Conic sections are the curves obtained by intersecting a cone with a plane. These include circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas, depending on the angle and orientation of the slicing plane.
Step 3: To obtain a parabola, the slicing plane must be tilted at an angle such that it is parallel to the slant height of the cone. This ensures the intersection forms a parabola, which is defined as a curve where every point is equidistant from a fixed point (focus) and a fixed line (directrix).
Step 4: A horizontal plane will produce a circle, while a slightly tilted plane will produce an ellipse. A heavily tilted plane will produce a hyperbola. To achieve a parabola, the plane must be tilted at just the right angle relative to the cone's axis.
Step 5: Visualize the slicing process. Imagine the cone and the plane intersecting. The parabola is formed when the plane cuts through one nappe (half) of the cone and is parallel to the cone's slant height. This geometric relationship is key to understanding why the resulting shape is a parabola.
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