Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
In mathematics, a parabola is a plane curve which is mirror-symmetrical and is approximately U-shaped. It fits several superficially different mathematical descriptions, which can all be proved to define exactly the same curves. One description of a parabola involves a point (the focus) and a line (the directrix). The focus does not lie on the ...
The graph of any quadratic function has the same general shape, which is called a parabola. The location and size of the parabola, and how it opens, depend on the values of a, b, and c. If a > 0, the parabola has a minimum point and opens upward. If a < 0, the parabola has a maximum point and opens
For example, in a polyhedron (3-dimensional polytope), a face is a facet, an edge is a ridge, and a vertex is a peak. Vertex figure: not itself an element of a polytope, but a diagram showing how the elements meet.
For example, one or two foci can be used in defining conic sections, the four types of which are the circle, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola. In addition, two foci are used to define the Cassini oval and the Cartesian oval , and more than two foci are used in defining an n -ellipse .
This is a list of Wikipedia articles about curves used in different fields: mathematics (including geometry, ... Parabola; Hyperbola. Unit hyperbola; Degree 3
From the point of view of projective geometry, an elliptic paraboloid is an ellipsoid that is tangent to the plane at infinity. Plane sections. The plane sections of an elliptic paraboloid can be: a parabola, if the plane is parallel to the axis, a point, if the plane is a tangent plane. an ellipse or empty, otherwise.
Parabolic usually refers to something in a shape of a parabola, but may also refer to a parable. Parabolic may refer to: In mathematics: In elementary mathematics, especially elementary geometry: Parabolic coordinates; Parabolic cylindrical coordinates; parabolic Möbius transformation; Parabolic geometry (disambiguation) Parabolic spiral ...
Parabolas have only one focus, so, by convention, confocal parabolas have the same focus and the same axis of symmetry. Consequently, any point not on the axis of symmetry lies on two confocal parabolas which intersect orthogonally (see below). A circle is an ellipse with both foci coinciding at the center.