Quadritic curves, how can foci = vertice?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the confusion between distances and points in relation to the given graph. It clarifies that a is the distance between the center and a vertex, while c is the distance between the center and a focus. The conversation also notes that one of the foci is at (3,3), but the distance between the center and this focus is not 3 as it may seem, but rather 3√2.
  • #1
flyingpig
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Homework Statement




[PLAIN]http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/5336/unledaty.jpg


The Attempt at a Solution



I underlined a = 3, which doesn't make sense seeing the foci is at (plus/minus3, 3)

How can this be?? Wouldn't that make a straight line?
 
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  • #2
You're confusing distances and points.

a is the distance between the center and a vertex. The vertices are where the blue curve intersects the focal axis. This distance a = 3.

I use the letter c to indicate the distance between the center and a focus. You can see that while one of the foci is (3, 3), the distance c between the center (which is (0, 0)) and this focus is
[itex]3\sqrt{2}[/itex]
, not 3.
 
  • #3
Oh right okay thanks lol
 

Related to Quadritic curves, how can foci = vertice?

1. What are quadritic curves?

Quadritic curves are a type of curve that can be represented by a quadratic equation, which is an equation in the form of y = ax^2 + bx + c. They are also known as parabolas, and are characterized by a U-shaped curve.

2. How can foci equal vertices in quadritic curves?

In a quadritic curve, the foci and vertices can be equal if the curve is a perfect circle. This means that the distance from any point on the curve to the center, which is the focus, is equal to the distance from that same point to the edge of the curve, which is the vertex.

3. What are the properties of quadritic curves?

Quadritic curves have several important properties, including a single axis of symmetry, a vertex that represents the minimum or maximum point of the curve, and a focus that is located on the axis of symmetry. They also have an equation in the form of y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a represents the curvature of the curve and b and c represent the position of the curve on the x and y axes, respectively.

4. How are quadritic curves used in science?

Quadritic curves have many applications in science, including in physics, engineering, and statistics. In physics, they can be used to model the trajectory of objects in motion, such as projectiles. In engineering, they are used to design parabolic reflectors, which are used in devices such as satellite dishes. In statistics, they are used to model data that follows a parabolic pattern.

5. Can quadritic curves be transformed?

Yes, quadritic curves can be transformed using different mathematical operations. For example, translations can be applied to change the position of the curve on the coordinate plane, and stretches or compressions can be applied to change the curvature of the curve. These transformations can be useful in solving real-world problems and analyzing data.

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