The conic sections are formed by taking flat slices of a solid double right cone. You can generate them with a lamp and shade!
Take any lamp with a cylindrical shade and observe the light cone’s projection on the wall!
Put it next to the wall (hyperbola).
Tilt (parabola).
Tilt more (ellipse).
Align horizontal (circle).
Presentation Suggestions:
Make shadow puppets just to be funny.
The Math Behind the Fact:
See Eccentricity of Conics.
How to Cite this Page:
Su, Francis E., et al. “Conic sections.” Math Fun Facts. <http://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts>.
Fun Fact suggested by:
Lesley Ward
