Practical Conic Sections (Paperback)

Paperback. 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. Using examples from everyday life, this text studies ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas. Explores their ancient origins and describes the reflective properties and roles of curves in design applications. 1993 edition. Includes 98 figures. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…