Goal
Directions
Page 1
To create a book that:
 Explains how the conic figures got their name
 Defines each of the conic sections: parabola, circle, ellipse, and hyperbola
 Includes and explains the standard form of the equations for each of the conic
figures.
 Defines specific points, lines and distances that are associated with each figure
 Shows how to graph each conic section given an equation
 Uses the figures to create and interesting book cover
Table of Contents
Your book should include a table of contents telling where in your book each
conic section, graph, etc. can be found.
Page 2
Preface
The preface is an introduction to the book that should explain why the term
“Conic Sections” is used to describe the figures and how each figure is obtained
from a double cone. It should include at least one diagram for each conic
section.
Page 3
The Parabola
This page will include the following:
 The written definition of a parabola
 The standard form at vertex (h, k) of a parabola that opens up or down
 The standard form at vertex (h, k) of a parabola that opens left or right
 A graph of a parabola that opens up: y – 2 = ⅛(x + 1)2
 A graph of a parabola that opens to the side: x – 2 = -⅛(y – 3)2
 Definitions, in your own words, for the following terms:
Vertex, focus point, directrix, axis of symmetry
 Identify the vertex, focus point, directrix, and axis of symmetry on both
graphs
Page 4
The Circle
This page will include the following:
 The written definition of a circle
 The standard form of the equation of a circle with center at (h, k) not (0, 0)
 A graph of two circles with different radii but the same center not (0, 0)
must have equations present.
 Definitions, in your own words, for the following terms:
Center, radius, diameter
 Identify the center, the measure of the radii, and the measure of the
diameter for your graphs.
Ms. Greer’s Trig Class
Page 5
The Ellipse
This page will include the following
 The written definition of an ellipse
 The standard form of an ellipse with center (h, k) whose major axis is
horizontal.
 An explanation as to how you can tell that the major axis is horizontal
 The standard form of an ellipse with center (h, k) whose major axis is
vertical.
 An explanation as to how you can tell that the major axis is vertical
 Algebraic definition of c2
 A graph of an ellipse whose major axis is horizontal, with equation.
 A graph of an ellipse whose major axis is vertical, with equation.
 Definitions, in your own words, for the following terms
Foci, Major axis, minor axis, center
 Identify the measure of the major axis, the measure of the minor axis and
center on both graphs
Page 6
The Hyperbola
This page should include the following:
 The written definition for a hyperbola
 The standard equation for a hyperbola with center (h, k) in which the
transverse axis is horizontal.
 An explanation as to how you can tell that the transverse axis is horizontal
 The standard equation for a hyperbola with center (h, k) in which the
transverse axis is vertical.
 An explanation as to how you can tell that the transverse axis is vertical
 Algebraic definition of c2
 A graph of a hyperbola in which the transverse axis is horizontal
 A graph of a hyperbola in which the transverse is vertical
 Definitions, in your own words, for the following terms:
Transverse axis, conjugate axis, asymptote, vertex, foci, center
 The equations for the asymptotes for each hyperbola and an explanation as
to how you find the asymptotes and their equations
 Identify the measure of the transverse axis and conjugate axis, Identify the
center, asymptotes, vertices, and co-vertices for your graphs.
Page 7
Summary
This page should include
 A table of equations for each of the four conic figures
 A written description comparing and contrasting the figures
 A description of how to determine whether an equation represents a
parabola, circle, ellipse or hyperbola
Ms. Greer’s Trig Class
Bibliography – Like you do in English
This page should include a list of the sources you used to help you write your
descriptions. You must cite your textbook and any other sources that you use,
including websites. If you use sources other than your textbook, you are expected
to use parenthetical references within your book as you use these other sources.
Please ask me if you are confused about what this means.
Page 8
Cover
The front book cover must include
 A title written as follows: Your Name’s Conic Book
For Example, Jennifer’s Conic Book
 A picture or collage, which can be abstract, which uses only the shapes of
the four conic sections (note that the picture can continue to the back
cover, and bonus points (10 possible) are awarded for creativity)
 Your class period and the due date
For Example: Period: 2, Due Date: May 22nd
Construction
 The book cover may be made of construction paper, poster board, or cared
stock paper.
 The pages of the book may be graph paper, copy paper, construction
paper, or card stock paper
 Information may be typed
 Handwritten projects may lose points for illegibility. Typed is preferred.
Whatever you decide to do, be consistent.
 Graphs must be on graph paper, which may be pasted onto the page.
They may NOT be stapled onto the page.
 Books must be bound in some form
 Books may open from the side or from the top
 Books may be no larger than 9x12 inches : Nothing HUGE
Due Date
Books are due no later than your class period on Wednesday, May 19th.
Late projects will not be accepted for any reason
Projects turned in on or before Monday, Dec. 17th will receive a 10-point bonus
Grading
 This project is worth a test grade. You may earn a maximum of 120
points. (100 points for project, 20 possible bonus points)
 You will be graded on meeting the requirements, following directions,
format, neatness, and mathematical correctness according to a rubric
 There is also a category for “attractiveness” of this project – using
multiple colors, being neat and creative, etc.
 Spelling counts!!!
 To be sure that you are on the right track, go back through this project
description. You should be able to check off every bullet point for
completeness.
Ms. Greer’s Trig Class