Discriminants for ellipse, parabola or hyperbola

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the type of conic sections (ellipse, parabola, hyperbola) using the discriminant method. The equations analyzed include 6x² - 12xy + 6y² - 5x + 9 = 0, 5xy - 4y² + 8x - 3y + 20 = 0, x² - 9xy + 5y² - 2 = 0, 10x² - 9xy + 5y² - 2 = 0, and 2y² - 10x + 9y - 8 = 0. The results confirmed are: 0 for a parabola, 25 for a hyperbola, 44 for a hyperbola, -119 for an ellipse, and 0 for a parabola. A correction was suggested for the third equation, indicating a miscalculation in identifying it as a hyperbola.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conic sections: ellipse, parabola, hyperbola
  • Familiarity with the discriminant formula for conic sections
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating quadratic equations
  • Knowledge of the general form of conic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the discriminant method for conic sections in detail
  • Practice identifying conic sections from various quadratic equations
  • Learn about the geometric properties of ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas
  • Explore applications of conic sections in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying algebra and conic sections, educators teaching quadratic equations, and anyone interested in the mathematical classification of curves.

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Homework Statement



Use the discriminant to determine if the following are equations of an ellipse, parabola or hyperbola

6x^2-12xy+6y^2-5x+9=0
5xy-4y^2+8x-3y+20=0
x^2-9xy+5y^2-2=0
10x^2-9xy+5y^2-2=0
2y^2-10x+9y-8=0

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I got these answers:

0, parabola
25, hyperbola
44, hyperbola
-119, ellipse
0, parabola

could someone check me on these? Thanks!
 
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Shouldn't the third one be 81-4*1*5=61,hyperbola? Was that so hard you really needed a check?
 

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