Graphing Conic Sections Teacher Resources

What do you get when you cross a circle and a line? One, two, or maybe no solutions! Teach learners to find solutions of quadratic and linear systems. Connect the visual representation of the graph to the abstract algebraic methods. 

Mixing math and art is done in this lesson by applying graphing knowledge to create a unique piece of art. This lesson varies acording to the graphing knowledge of the artist. First, learners identify and review various types of graphing...

In this algebra worksheet, 11th graders graph parabolas and figure out the major axis and minor axis of the graph. They also find the focus. There are 4 problems on this worksheet.

In this algebra worksheet, students explore the different graphs of conics such as ellipse, hyperbola and parabola. They use special graph paper to graph. There is an answer key with this problem.

Congruence and similarity apply to functions as well as polygons. Learners examine the effects of transformations on the shape of parabolas. They determine the transformation(s) that produce similar and congruent functions.

In this precalculus worksheet, students put the equations in standard form and solve the problems focusing upon finding the conic sections for the two questions.

Learners explore ellipses by changing the lengths and orientation of the major and minor axis. Using the interactive, they determine the equation of the ellipse and its eccentricity. Given an equation the scholars identify the center,...

It's all about location and size. With the aid of the interactive, pupils explore the relationship between the location and size of a circle and its equation. The learners use that relationship to determine the equation of a circle given...

Students partisipate in a web scavenger hunt on an introductory lesson for conic sections. They become familiar with general forms of the equations, what they look like, and how they are used in the real-world.

Round and round we go. Learners first complete a task on writing equations of circles. They then take part in a collaborative activity categorizing a set of equations for circles based on the radius and center.

Young scholars differentiate between ellipse and hyperbola. In this algebra lesson, students graph and solve elliptical equations. They use the cabri program to create the different conics and move them around.

Students complete a worksheet and explore the parabola conic section during a web based activitiy. They answer questions based on their work as they make changes in the features of the parabola.

Take a step beyond Algebra 2. Learners use the eBook to learn concepts from the typical Precalculus course. Content starts off with a short review of functions in general and moves on to the basic functions, finishing up with more...

Young scholars explore the different properties of conics. In this algebra lesson, students calculate the midpoint of a line, the distances between two points as they get ready to find the focus and directrix in eclipse and other conics....

In this algebra learning exercise, students solve equations by graphing an ellipse, circle and hyperbola. They match equations to graphs and define each type of function. There are 20 questions total.

Here's an AP Calculus resource that works an example problem of finding the volume where the cross sections of a solid are washer shaped. In the example the axis of rotation is vertical, creating horizontal washers.

Put together the pieces and model a parabola. Learners work through several examples to develop an understanding of a parabola graphically and algebraically. 

Investigate ellipses through the lens of medical applications. Pupils use a medical scenario to determine the equation of an ellipse. By using the interactive, learners determine the foci and major and minor axes of the ellipse that...

Map this! Help your young mathematicians draw a circular island on a map. Given specifics of the location and size of an island on a map, pupils transform a circle to meet the given requirements. They then determine the location of the...

In this Algebra II worksheet, 11th graders solve problems involving ellipses, parabolas, circles, and hyperbolas.  The one page worksheet contains nineteen problems.  Answers are included. 

This assessment pair goes way beyond simple graphing, factoring and solving polynomial equations, really forcing learners to investigate the math ideas behind the calculations. Short and to-the-point questions build on one another,...

In this circles and ellipses worksheet, students solve and complete 12 different types of problems. First, they find the distance between the given pair of points. Then, students find the center and radius of each circle and sketch. They...

Looking for a complete go-to guide for the standard form of conics? This five-page packet does a nice job of connecting conics to prior knowledge of functions and transformations. Adapt the resource as Algebra II lesson plan notes, or...

Here is a set of lessons that explore conics in a number of different ways. Starting with modeling how a conic is produced by the way a plane cuts the cone, to solving complex word problems, algebra learners progress through a series of...