conic sections
Conic sections are the curves formed by the intersection of a plane and a double cone. Depending on the angle of the plane, these sections can be classified into four types: circle, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola. Each type has unique properties and equations that describe its shape.
These shapes are important in various fields, including mathematics, physics, and engineering. For example, ellipses can describe planetary orbits, while parabolas are used in the design of satellite dishes. Understanding conic sections helps in analyzing and solving real-world problems involving curves and trajectories.