Bridging the gap between abstract math and reality

Abstract

Digital visualization is a relatively new concept, compared to others that are known to people for centuries. This paper presents an attempt to convert the mathematical concept of conic sections into several software applications designed and implemented by the author, which utilize virtual reality. The goal is to represent the basic properties of conic sections in a way that non-mathematician can understand. The applications cover different perspectives that correspond to a multidisciplinary approach. The paper describes how conic sections can be generated at home using objects from our everyday life; how to construct mechanical devices that draw conic sections; and where to find conic sections in artistic representation of the Mandelbrot set fractal.