Undergrad Converse of focus-directrix property of conic sections

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The discussion explores the focus-directrix property of conic sections, emphasizing that the distance from a fixed point (focus) is proportional to the distance from a fixed line (directrix), with eccentricity as the proportionality constant. The inquiry centers on whether the converse is true: if a locus of points adheres to the focus-directrix property, does it necessarily represent a conic section derived from a cone? Participants are encouraged to compare the equations of general conic sections with those of plane curves satisfying the focus-directrix property. The conversation also seeks to clarify the conditions that define the equations for conic sections. Establishing this equivalence could deepen the understanding of conic sections in geometry.
arham_jain_hsr
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If the locus of some points follows the focus-directrix property, then is the curve ALWAYS the cross-section of a cone?
In my recent study of Conic Sections, I have come across several proofs (many of those comprise Dandelin spheres) showing that the cross-section of a cone indeed follows the focus-directrix property:

"For a section of a cone, the distance from a fixed point (the focus) is proportional to the distance from a fixed line (the directrix), the constant of proportionality being called the eccentricity."

But, in order to truly establish equivalence between the two definitions of the conic sections, I am curious to know whether the converse of this is also true. That is, if the locus of some points follows the focus-directrix property, then is the curve ALWAYS the cross-section of a cone?
 
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You can calculate the equation of a general conic section in the plane of the section.

You can calculate the equation of a general plane curve that satisfies the focus-directrix property.

Now compare the two.
 
pasmith said:
You can calculate the equation of a general conic section in the plane of the section.

You can calculate the equation of a general plane curve that satisfies the focus-directrix property.

Now compare the two.
For the focus-directrix property, the equations are fairly obvious, that the point should have a certain ratio with the focus and directrix. What are the conditions that govern the formation of equations for the section of a cone definition?
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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