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QuizMultiple Choice

Conic Sections — Quiz

Question 2 • Precalculus

The angle between the generator and the central axis of a double-napped cone is 60 degrees A plane intersecting the cone makes an angle of 50 degrees with the central axis. Which conic section is formed?

Answer
A
parabola
B
hyperbola
C
circle
D
ellipse

Explanation

A plane parallel to a cone’s generator forms a parabola; here that generator makes a 60° angle with the axis. Since the plane makes a smaller 50° angle with the axis, it is steep enough to intersect both nappes of the double cone, forming a hyperbola. The correct choice is hyperbola.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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