DISTANCE AND MIDPONT FORMULAS; PARABOLAS


In this unit, you will begin to investigate the conic sections. The conics are curves formed by the intersection of a plane and a double-napped cone. There are four types of conic sections: a parabola, a circle, an ellipse, and a hyperbola. A diagram of a double-napped cone is given below. A double napped-cone has two cones with the points touching. Notice how slicing the double-napped cone at different angles produces different conic sections. In this unit you will find the distance between two points, the coordinates of the midpoint of a line segment, and the equation of a parabola.
Parabola
Circle
Ellipse
Hyperbola


 The Distance Formula & the Midpoint Formula (06:05) 
 
 

Video:  Introduction to Conic Sections

Video:  Shifting and Scaling Parabolas
Video:  Intro to Focus & Directrix

Video:  Equation of a Parabola from Focus & Directrix

Video:  Focus and Directrix of a Parabola from Equation



Below are additional educational resources and activities for this unit.
 
The Distance Formula
 
The Midpoint Formula
 
Graphing and Properties of Parabolas