Question

What is the general equation for a conic section?

Answer 1

The general equation of a conic section is in the form

`Ax^2 + Bx + Cy^2 + Dy + E = 0`

When `A` or `C` is 0, the equation is that of a parabola.

When `A` and `C` have the same value (including signs), the equation is that of a circle.

When `A` and `C` have the same sign, the equation is that of an ellipse

When `A` and `C` have different signs, the equation is that on a hyperbola