Test your knowledge of conic (2nd degree) equations. Conic Section Quizzes (Sections 1, 2 & 3 apply to this course.)
circle equation: external image gallery_circ_eqn.gif
ellipse equation: external image gallery_ellipse_std_eqn.gif
hyperbola: external image gallery_hyperbola_std_eqn.gif

root (square root) (check out the information at Root Functions
external image functions18.gif

Notice that the ellipse and hyperbola equations are equal to 1, meaning the coefficient in front of the squared terms can be different. The difference between the two is that an ellipse brings the 2 curves together (plus sign makes it an oval) while the hyperbola splits the two curves (minus sign). You can see these and animations at Conic Animations