Math 142: Unit 8

Deadline: Monday August 19

Topics
This unit begins our study of the conic sections: parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.

• Parabolas (11.1)
  • definition
  • focus, vertex, axis, directrix
  • graphing a parabola
  • finding the equation of a parbola
  • applications
• Ellipses (11.2)
  • definition
  • foci, major and minor axes, vertices, center, x and y intercepts
  • graphing an ellipse
  • finding the equation of an ellipse
  • applications
• Hyperbolas (11.3)
  • definition
  • foci, transverse and conjugate axes, vertices, center, x and y intercepts, asymptotes
  • graphing a hyperbola
  • finding the equation of a hyperbola
  • applications

Study guideline

• Section 11.1: Parabolas
  • Reading: pages 778-786.
    Read and work through examples 1-3 and their associated matched problems.
    Read and respond to "Explore and Discuss" 1 and 2C and 2D.
  • Problems: pages 786-788 #1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 37, 39-42, 43-46, 51-54
    • More practice problems, with solutions
      
      
• Section 11.2: Ellipses
  • Reading: pages 788-797.
    Read and work through examples 1 and 2 and their associated matched problems.
  • Problems: pages 797-799 #1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 29-32, 33, 34, 39, 40, 41, 42
    • More practice problems, with solutions
      
      
• Section 11.3: Hyperbolas
  • Reading: pages 799-808.
    Read and work through examples 1 and 2 and their associated matched problems.
    Read and respond to "Explore and Discuss" 2.
  • Problems: pages 809-811 #1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 29-34, 39, 40, 41
    • More practice problems, with solutions
      
      
• Supplementary material (optional) for sections 11.1-3
  • Schaum's Precalculus Outline, chapters 37 and 38
  • Additional applications #1-3 for chapter 11, with answers.
  • Additional exercises and demonstrations provided by other websites, for chapter 11.
  • Answers to review problems from the textbook.
  • Calculator key stroke guides
  • The CD-ROM that came with your textbook has tutorials, practice exams, and interesting "Interactive Diagrams".
  • Browse through the Archive Center on the NetTutor web site. Detailed solutions to selected problems are saved in the Archive Center.

Unit Exam #8
After completing the above work, do the following:

1. Read the exam description:
   • This exam has 20 questions, and will count 20 points toward your grade. 
   • This exam has a one hour time limit.
   • Unless otherwise specified, all questions on this exam require an exact answer. You should not try to use a calculator approximation for these questions.
   • Be sure to look under the entry box for the type of answer expected.
     • Some problems expect a list of values or formulas separated by commas, such as 16,9. The values must be listed in the order requested in the problem.
     • The answer to some problems is an equation (for example, the equation of a line). In this case, simply type in the equation. For example, your answer might be y=2x-3.
2. Complete the online Unit 8 Pretest assignment for Math 142. You may use your book if you wish, and redo the pretest as many times as you like. Your pretest score will be scaled to 5 points maximum.
   • Directions: Click on the link above for your class, then choose the Unit 8 Pretest.
   • The pretest must be completed by the deadline date listed at the top of this page.
     However, you may redo the pretest as many times as you like before the due date.
     Your best score counts, and it will be rescaled to 5 points maximum.
3. If you are having trouble with any of the problems listed above or on the pretest or practice exams, make use of the help resources listed on the Help page.
4. Arrange with your proctor to take the online proctored Unit 8 Exam assignment for Math 142. Remember to bring identification, and remember that you will not be able to take the unit exam after the deadline date given at the top of this page. You may NOT use your book or notes on this exam.
   • Directions: Click on the link above for your class, then choose Unit 8 Exam.
   • The proctored unit exam must be completed by the deadline date listed at the top of this page, and may be repeated under certain conditions. See the Detailed Schedule page for Math 142 for specific rules.

   Note: Remember that you can always go back and take practice exams on this unit for Math 142 after the deadline has passed. In particular, this will help you prepare for the midterm and final exams.

   • Directions: Click on the link above for your class, then choose Unit 8 Exam. After the deadline has passed, this exam will be available in practice mode.

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