Converse of focus-directrix property of conic sections

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
2 replies · 3K views
arham_jain_hsr
Messages
25
Reaction score
9
TL;DR
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?