Topic Details (Notes format)

How to Complete the Square for Conic Sections

Subject: Mathematics

Book: Maths Mastery

To rewrite conics in standard form, group x and y terms, complete the square for each. For instance, x² + 6x + y² – 2y= 6 transforms into (x²+6x+9)+(y²–2y+1)=6+9+1 → (x+3)²+(y–1)²=16, a circle. This systematically reveals center, radius (circle), or center, axes (ellipse, hyperbola). Completing the square is essential for identifying conic type, orientation, and focal properties. Mastery ensures quick conversions from general to standard forms, enabling geometric interpretations or direct application in advanced designs and analyses.

Practice Questions

If a rectangle has a length of 10 cm and a width of 6 cm, what is its perimeter?

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If sin(θ) = 0.6 and θ is acute, what is cos(θ)?

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A train 150 m long passes a pole in 15 seconds. What is its speed?

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What is the sum of all angles in a hexagon?

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If 3x = 81, what is the value of x?

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A rectangle has a length of 10 cm and a width of 5 cm. What is the diagonal of the rectangle?

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A number is increased by 20% and then decreased by 10%. What is the net change?

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If log(100) = 2 and log(10) = 1, what is log(1000)?

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If 8x = 512, what is the value of x?

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If a = 2 and b = 3, what is the value of (a^2 + b^2)?

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