Definition

Hyperbola can be defined as the locus of point that moves such that the difference of its distances from two fixed points called the foci is constant. The constant difference is the length of the transverse axis, 2a.
 

Elements of the ellipse are shown in the figure below.
 

Definition of Ellipse
Ellipse is the locus of point that moves such that the sum of its distances from two fixed points called the foci is constant. The constant sum is the length of the major axis, 2a.
 

Definition
Conic sections can be defined as the locus of point that moves so that the ratio of its distance from a fixed point called the focus to its distance from a fixed line called the directrix is constant. The constant ratio is called the eccentricity of the conic.
 

Example
The figure shown below is an equilateral triangle of sides 20 cm. Three arcs are drawn inside the triangle. Each arc has center at one vertex and tangent to the opposite side. Find the area of region enclosed by these arcs. The required area is shaded as shown in the figure below.
 

Example
Circular arcs of radii 10 cm are described inside a circle of radius 10 cm. The centers of each arc are on the circle and so arranged so that they are equally distant from each other. Find the area enclosed by three arcs shown as shaded regions in the figure.
 

Example
The figure shown below consists of arcs of four semi-circles with centers at the midpoints of the sides of a square. The square measures 20 cm by 20 cm. Find the area bounded by these circular arcs shaded in the figure shown.
 

Example
The shaded regions in the figure below are areas bounded by two circular arcs. The arcs have center at the corners of the square and radii equal to the length of the sides. Calculate the area of the shaded region.
 

Example
Arcs of quarter circles are drawn inside the square. The center of each circle is at each corner of the square. If the radius of each arc is equal to 20 cm and the sides of the square are also 20 cm. Find the area common to the four circular quadrants. See figure below.
 

Example
The figure shown below are circular arcs with center at each corner of the square and radius equal to the side of the square. It is desired to find the area enclosed by these arcs. Determine the area of the shaded region.