Nils Toresson: En introduktion till Catalantalen

Abstract

Conic sections are curves obtained by cutting a cone with a plane that does not pass through the vertex of the cone. The principal conic sections are the parabola, the hyperbola, and ellipse. The circle can also be obtained as a conic section, but, in Greek mathematics, the circle is usually defined by simpler means. Conic sections were studied intensely throughout the Hellenistic period, but particularly by Apollonius of Perga, whose work Conics stands as one of the great works of all Greek mathematics.

Zoom notes: Password required, contact arias@math.su.se