Topic explanation

Standard explanation

Complete squares, move constants, divide to standard form, and inspect squared-term signs.

Key points

• Identifying a conic from an equation
• rule
• worked example
• Identifying a conic from an equation: Complete squares, move constants, divide to standard form, and inspect squared-term signs.
• CONCEPT AND RULE: Complete squares, move constants, divide to standard form, and inspect squared-term signs.
• METHOD: For identifying a conic from an equation, identify the given information and required result. Select
• Complete squares, move constants, divide to standard form, and inspect squared-term signs.
• Worked pattern: Same-sign positive squares give ellipse; one squared term gives parabola; opposite signs give hyperbola.

Labelled diagram