A beautiful argument to show that all parabolae are similar.

Play with our applets to explore the conic sections and their different definitions.

If you roll a parabola along a straight line then the shape its focus traces out as it goes is ... a catenary!

Runner up in the schools category. Dusty books, chalky blackboards and checked shirts are all things usually associated with maths. But according to Jonathan Tims, pubs, hot chocolate and cats can be far more inspirational. Join him on a trip through shadow land.