Conic Sections in the Coordinate Plane

Ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas, collectively known as conics or conic sections, are a fascinating but seldom-discussed subject in geometry.  In this class, we'll begin with an introduction to this family of related curves, how to draw them, and where to find them in nature.  Then we'll briefly review the coordinate plane before discussing the equations that represent each of the family members in the coordinate plane, and how to interpret the parameters in the equations.

Conic sections are sometimes taught in an Algebra II class and sometimes briefly in a Precalculus class, and they sometimes appear on the ACT and SAT (although only the equation of a circle appears on the SAT).  This class will cover some of the curious and useful properties of conic sections in the introduction, but the bulk of the class will focus on working with the equations of these shapes in the coordinate plane.  Some practice problems will be provided.