Teaching the Notion Conic Section with Computer

Abstract

The article discusses the problem of introducing and constructing mathematical concepts using a computer. The Wolfram Mathematica 12 symbolic calculation system is used at each stage of the complex spiral process to form the notion of conic section and the related concepts of focus, directrix and eccentricity. The nature of these notions implies the use of appropriate animations, 3D graphics and symbolic calculations. Our vision of the process of formation of mathematical concepts is presented. The notions ellipse, parabola and hyperbola are defined as the intersection of a conical surface with a plane not containing the vertex of the conical surface. The conical section is represented as a geometric location of points on the plane for which the ratio of the distance to the focus to the distance to the directrix is a constant value. The lines of hyperbola and ellipse are determined by their foci. The equivalence of different definitions for conical sections is commented.