VOOZH about

URL: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/maths/conic-sections/

⇱ Conic Sections - GeeksforGeeks

  • Courses
  • Tutorials
  • Interview Prep

Conic Sections

Last Updated : 19 May, 2026

A conic section is a curve formed when a plane cuts a cone in different ways. The shape created depends on the angle of the cut, producing curves such as a circle, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola. These curves play an important role in geometry and many real-world applications.

Each type of conic section has unique properties and equations, making them essential for understanding orbital mechanics, designing optical systems, and solving quadratic equations

Foundations

Build a strong understanding of the basic concepts and properties that form the base of all conic sections.

Circle (e = 0)

A circle is the simplest conic section where every point on the curve is at an equal distance from a fixed center.

Parabola (e = 1)

A parabola is a smooth, open curve formed when a point moves equally distant from a fixed point and a fixed line.

Ellipse (0 < e < 1)

An ellipse is a closed curved shape formed when the sum of distances from two fixed points remains constant.

Hyperbola (e > 1)

A hyperbola is an open curve with two branches formed when the difference of distances from two fixed points remains constant.

Comment

Explore