Show, using algebra, that the formula for a parabola is a special case of the formula for an ellipse.

Question

anonymous · Answer

I was given eccentricity as a start, but not an answer.

amistre64 · Answer

hmmm, i think i recall that a parabola is a ellipse with one of the foci at infinity

zzr0ck3r · Answer

amistre64 · Answer

a circle has foci in the same spot; hyperbola has foci that are crossed over; etc

zzr0ck3r · Answer

multiply that equation for an ellipse out, then see how you can get the shape of a parabola from that.

anonymous · Answer

@nincompoop a clue game? LOL awesome! let me start digging around, still clueless but I will put some research into it

anonymous · Answer

woohoo more clues! let me see what they are

anonymous · Answer

yeah..... this is going to take awhile.  Drawing a blank on what to do...