Is it Possible to Parametrize A Skewed Cone?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the parametrization of a skewed cone with an elliptical base, specifically seeking a method to achieve this from a given vertex. Participants are exploring the differences between standard cone parametrization and the requirements for a skewed cone.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find a general formula for parametrizing a skewed cone, questioning the applicability of existing parametrizations for elliptical cones. Some participants suggest starting with the parametrization of the ellipse in the xy-plane and then extending it to include the vertex of the cone.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in a productive exchange, with one suggesting a method involving the parametrization of the ellipse and the straight line from the vertex to points on the ellipse. There appears to be an understanding of the approach, although further clarification on the z-component was necessary.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring the correct vertex placement and the specific nature of the base being elliptical rather than circular. The discussion also hints at the need for a single parameter to represent the ellipse in the xy-plane.

Karnage1993
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I would like to parametrize a skewed cone from a given vertex with an elliptical base, however I cannot seem to find the general formula for it. The parametrization given in http://mathworld.wolfram.com/EllipticCone.html produces a cone but not with the right vertex, ie, it is only a cone with an elliptical base, and not a skew cone with an elliptical base. The cone I want to parametrize is the cone on the right hand side in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cone_3d.png , except with an ellipse base and not a circle. Any suggestions?
 
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Karnage1993 said:
I would like to parametrize a skewed cone from a given vertex with an elliptical base, however I cannot seem to find the general formula for it. The parametrization given in http://mathworld.wolfram.com/EllipticCone.html produces a cone but not with the right vertex, ie, it is only a cone with an elliptical base, and not a skew cone with an elliptical base. The cone I want to parametrize is the cone on the right hand side in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cone_3d.png , except with an ellipse base and not a circle. Any suggestions?

Sure. Do you know how to parameterize the ellipse in the xy plane with a single parameter, like ##\theta##? Then let (p,q,r) be the vertex. Parameterize the straight line from (p,q,r) to a point on the bottom ellipse as a function of t. The result will be a parameterization of the cone using those two parameters. Is that enough of a hint?
 
Yes, that works! Although, I had to include the z-component of the ellipse parametrization as 0 in order to make a straight line. Thanks for the help.
 
Karnage1993 said:
Yes, that works! Although, I had to include the z-component of the ellipse parametrization as 0 in order to make a straight line. Thanks for the help.

Yes, an ellipse in the xy plane would have z=0. You're welcome.
 

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