The conic section that is obtained when a right circular cone is cut through a…
2014
The conic section that is obtained when a right circular cone is cut through a plane that is parallel to the side of the cone is called
- A.
parabola
- B.
hyperpola
- C.
circle
- D.
ellipse
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Correct answer: A
When a plane cuts a right circular cone parallel to one of its generating lines (sides), the resulting conic section is a parabola. This occurs because the plane intersects only one nappe of the cone and does not close to form an ellipse or circle, nor does it intersect both napes to form a hyperbola.