Practical Conic Sections: The Geometric Properties of Ellipses, Parabolas and Hyperbolas

by J. W. Downs

Overview

Illustrated with interesting examples from everyday life, this text shows how to create ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas and presents fascinating historical background on their ancient origins. The text starts with a discussion of techniques for generating the conic curves, showing how to create accurate depictions of large or small conic curves and describing their reflective properties, from light in telescopes to sound in microphones and amplifiers. It further defines the role of curves in the construction of auditoriums, antennas, lamps, and numerous other design applications. Only a basic knowledge of plane geometry needed; suitable for undergraduate courses. 1993 edition. 98 figures.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780486428765
Publisher:	Dover Publications
Publication date:	10/18/2010
Series:	Dover Books on Mathematics
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Deriving Ellipses.
2. Deriving Hyperbolas.
3. Deriving Parabolas.
4. The Directing Circle.
5. Reflective Properties of Solid Conic Curves.
6. Compound Reflectors.
7. Eccentricity.
8. For Practical Purposes.
9. Unusual Properties of Cones and Conic Curves.
Appendices. Bibliography.