Definition:Conic Section/Focus-Directrix Property/Historical Note
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Historical Note on Focus-Directrix Property of Conic Section
The focus-directrix definition of a conic section was first documented by Pappus of Alexandria.
It appears in his Collection.
As he was scrupulous in documenting his sources, and he gives none for this construction, it can be supposed that it originated with him.
Sources
- 1992: George F. Simmons: Calculus Gems ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {A}.8$: Pappus (fourth century A.D.)