Students explain that planets actually orbit the center of gravity of the solar system, and that distant planets may be detected by motions of their central star around the centers of gravity of their planetary systems.

Given an equation, the student will use parameter changes to graph an ellipse and to identify the changes in the graph of an ellipse.

Given an equation, the student will use parameter changes to graph a hyperbola and to identify the changes in the graph of a hyperbola.

"This applet allows the user to create graphs of conic sections. Using slider bars, one can manipulate the function to change the constant values and view the effects of those changes."

This Learn Check file is a review of writing conic sections given the graph of a conic section. Students are asked to use the graphs to write the equations for a ellipse, circle, parabola, and hyperbola.

Students can investigate the graphs of conic sections in standard form. Cirlce, ellipse, and hyperbola graphs are included.

Through a mixture of online exploration, and teacher instruction, students will discover how parabolas are formed and will be able to use the key components from a graph (vertex, focus and directrix,) to generate the equation of a graph.

This site provides descriptions and helpful hints regarding conic sections - circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas. Content also includes interactive problem solvers complete with a full analysis of the math behind the answer.

THis resource provides examples and information about Algebraic graphing.

Detailed math tutorial features notes and examples that take a look at the process of graphing hyperbolas.

In this activity, students will plot the graphs of systems of equations and determine the number of real solutions of the system. Then find the solution of the system algebraically.

The most basic quadratic is y = x2. The general technique for graphing quadratics is the same as for graphing linear equations. The quadratics graph as curvy lines (called "parabolas"), rather than the straight lines generated by linear...

Through a mixture of online exploration, and teacher instruction, students will discover how Hyberbolas are formed and will be able to use the key components (center, vertices and the asymptotes) to generate the equation of a graph.

WebMath offers a java applet that allows you to input information about an ellipse, in one of four forms, and gives you the graph of the ellipse.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This lesson uses a graphing calculator to graph polynomial functions. Students examine guided notes, review guided practice, watch instructional videos and attempt...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students learn by exploring the focal property and graphing hyperbolas. Students examine guided notes, review guided practice, watch instructional videos and attempt...

A solution to a student submitted problem is given. The problem involves systems of conic sections with inequalities.

This site from The Math Forum provides great information on polar coordinates. You can access this information either by clicking on the coordinates link or just scrolling down, it is the first one listed on the page. Includes several...

Demonstrates step-by-step how to complete the square to find the vertex of a parabola. Thorough descriptions of each problem.

An explanation for the focus in conic sections along with diagrams. Site provides graphs, references, and a brief bibliography and citation.

Learn about the three ways to define a parabola: Focus and Directrix, The Graph of a Function, and As a Conic Section. Examples are provided.

An overview of the four types of conic sections is presented. The origin of how each conic is formed and a table of various characteritics specific to each type of conic is shown.

An overview of the four types of conic sections is presented. The origin of how each conic is formed and a table of various characteritics specific to each type of conic is shown.

An overview of the four types of conic sections is presented. The origin of how each conic is formed and a table of various characteritics specific to each type of conic is shown.