Um estudo sobre cônicas: aspectos históricos e seu ensino.

Abstract

In this work the evolution of concepts about conics was systematized. A bibliographic review was made in reference books on the History of Mathematics. It was sought to know the evolution of concepts on conics, from periods prior to Apollonius of Perga, to the current conception with its conceptual basis grounded in Analytical Geometry. A description was also given of activities aimed at obtaining the conic sections by means of low cost experiments. The conics, as they were being understood by man, having unveiled their properties, began to make a presence in architecture, art, engineering, in a multitude of areas at the mercy of human creativity. This is impressive, since, initially, Apollonius, the great name linked to this theme, developed and systematized his theory without worrying whether or not there were applications for what would consume his attention almost completely for the rest of his life. His persistence had infinite importance, as we know, his work influenced generations of scholars in the centuries to come.