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

What is the square root of 144?

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If x - y = 5 and x + y = 15, what is the value of x?

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If x = 3 and y = 4, what is the value of x^2 + y^2?

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If a:b = 3:4 and b:c = 5:6, what is a:c?

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If sin(θ) = 3/5 and θ is an acute angle, what is tan(θ)?

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The angles of a quadrilateral are in the ratio 3:4:5:6. What is the largest angle?

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The LCM of two numbers is 60, and their HCF is 5. If one of the numbers is 20, what is the other number?

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If a = 5 and b = 12, what is the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle?

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A sphere has a radius of 7 cm. What is its volume?

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If the probability of an event is 1/4, what is the probability of its complement?

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