How can you determine whether or not a graph, equation, or table of points is a conic section? Explain how to identify a conic section in each of these cases by giving examples. In 7 sentences only.
A conic section is a curve that can be formed by slicing a double cone. To determine if a graph, equation, or table of points is a conic section, look for specific patterns and characteristics. For a graph, a conic section will often be a closed curve such as a circle, ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola. In an equation, a conic section will have a quadratic term with specific coefficients that determine the type of conic. For example, the equation x^2 + y^2 = 25 represents a circle. Lastly, in a table of points, the coordinates will satisfy a specific conic section equation when plotted on a graph.
