Quadric surfaces explorer with cross sections
A quadric surface is the graph in space of a second-degree equation in , , and . This interactive figure is limited to quadric surfaces for equations of the form .
As you slide the sliders to change the parameter values, pay attention to how different parameters impact the shape of the surface.
As you click on the " cross sections" button, the caption on the button will change to " cross sections" then to " cross sections" as you cycle through cross sections where = constant, = constant, and = constant. Slide the slider below this button to explore the various cross sections.
Developed for use with Thomas' Calculus, published by Pearson.