Channel: Gresham College

Category: Education

Tags: archimedeseducationlondonmathematicsdemandebatepublicacademiaellipticalcassegrainlectureellipsefountainsconic sectionsknowledgesatellite dishesisaac newtonastronomyhyperbolaparabolagreshamgresham collegegeometrylithotripsytelescope

Description: Conic sections – the curves made by slicing through cones at various angles – were studied by the ancient Greeks, but because of their useful properties, have many real-world uses. Planets have elliptical orbits, projectiles move in parabolas, and cooling towers have hyperbolic cross-sections. But did you know that one of the most important curves in economics is a hyperbola? Or that ellipses are used to cure kidney stones? A lecture by Sarah Hart The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website: gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/conic-sections Gresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham's mission, please consider making a donation: gresham.ac.uk/support Website: gresham.ac.uk Twitter: twitter.com/greshamcollege Facebook: facebook.com/greshamcollege Instagram: instagram.com/greshamcollege