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

A man rows downstream at 6 km/h and upstream at 4 km/h. What is the speed of the stream?

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If 2x = 16, what is the value of x?

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If the product of two numbers is 120 and their sum is 26, what are the numbers?

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What is the area of a sector of a circle with radius 14 cm and central angle 90°?

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What is the remainder when 5^100 is divided by 3?

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What is the sum of the first 10 positive even numbers?

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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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If a:b = 2:3 and b:c = 4:5, what is a:c?

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If a + b = 10 and ab = 21, what is the value of a^2 + b^2?

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What is the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 36 and 48?

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