+5 from a general conic equation (ax^2+by^2+cx+dy+e), how would I determine whether it is a circle, ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola? i just want to know so i can solve a string of questions with varying equations.
+179 I'd assume that your goal is to just identify what conic section it represents, and in that case, if either a = 0 or b = 0, then you have a parabola. Otherwise, complete the square with respect to both x and y. Then, you should be able to tell between the other options just by looking at the operation between the (x-h)^2 and the (y-k)^2.
