Did you notice that the coefficient E is missing in the general equation Ax2 + By2 + Cx + Dy + F = 0?
It turns out that equations of the form Ax2 + By2 + Cx + Dy + Exy + F = 0 have solution sets like the conic sections we have been studying.
It is quite complicated to do a complete analysis of the solution sets of Ax2 + By2 + Cx + Dy + Exy + F = 0 when E may be nonzero.
You must learn some linear algebra, a great subject that is useful for the study of equations involving several variables, before you can understand the effect of the xy-term.
| However, we can learn a few things now. Please use the action figure to explore. Then follow the questions below it. | | | | |
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