What are the equations for conic sections in 4 dimensions?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves understanding the equations of conic sections in four dimensions, with specific focus on shapes like spheres, ellipses, and hyperbolas. The original poster presents equations and attempts to interpret their geometric implications in 4D space.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to differentiate between two equations representing collections of spheres, questioning the implications of their respective radii. Some participants affirm the original poster's interpretation of one of the equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing affirmations and suggesting a return to 3D concepts to aid understanding. There is an exploration of how the equations in 4D might relate to those in lower dimensions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of instruction on the topic from their teacher, indicating potential gaps in foundational knowledge necessary for visualizing the shapes in four dimensions.

MarcL
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Homework Statement



The problem is given in the picture attached. However we are given the equation of a 4 dimensional shape with certain choice given to explain the shape in that dimension.

Homework Equations



Equations of different shape such as:

sphere: √(x^2+y^2+z^2) = r
Ellipse: (x-h)/a^2 + (y-k)/b^2 = K
Hyperbola: (x-h)/a^2 - (y-k)/b^2 = 1

The Attempt at a Solution



Well for question one and two, I said 1 ( which is w=x^2+y^2+z^2) is a "a collection of equally spaced concentric spheres" and 2 ( w=√(x^2+y^2+z^2) was "a collection of unequally spaced concentric spheres ".Though I know the difference between both is the radius where one is w and the other is √w. But why does have a radius of √w make the sphere unequally spaced?

My teacher barely touched the topic so I have a hard time figuring out how to visualize these shapes.
 
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You are correct about #1.
 
You are correct about #1. I do know the answers to some of the others, and can guess some, but perhaps it would be best to tell you how I would go about this if I had to do the problem.

Go back to 3 dimensions, and look up the equations of the conic sections. Answer the questions when z is omitted. It has to be similar in 4 dimensions.
 

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