Unit 12: Conic Sections
This unit explores the four types of conic sections: circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas. You will learn their equations, properties, and applications, including the focus-directrix definition for parabolas.
Unit Goals
- Identify and graph the four conic sections: circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.
- Derive and use standard equations for each conic and locate key features (center, vertices, foci, asymptotes).
- Understand the focus-directrix definition of a parabola and apply it in problems.
- Apply conic sections to geometric and physical contexts (reflective properties, orbits, optics).
Lessons in Unit 12
- Circles
- Parabolas (focus-directrix definition, applications)
- Ellipses
- Hyperbolas