Master analytic geometry with clear, step‑by‑step insights into surfaces, traces, and conic sections.

This concise guide, based on Tanner’s Brief Course in Analytic Geometry, presents how algebraic equations describe planes, surfaces, and curves in space. It explains how to use traces on coordinate planes to determine the nature of a surface, and how to visualize intersections, projections, and the formation of curves from pairs of surfaces. The book also covers surfaces of revolution, including cones, spheres, and spheroids, with practical examples to build intuition.

Readers will see how to convert complex equations into standard forms, learn the role of intercepts and normal forms, and follow step‑by‑step demonstrations that connect geometry to algebra. The material covers foundational topics like parabolas, ellipses, hyperbolas, and their special cases, with emphasis on interpretation and application rather than memorization.

• How to recognize surfaces and curves from algebraic equations and their intersections.


• Techniques for tracing surfaces on coordinate planes and using intercepts to deduce shape.


• Standard forms and geometric properties of parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas, plus revolved surfaces.


• Worked examples and exercises that build confidence in solving conic and quadric problems.

Ideal for students beginning analytic geometry or reviewing the fundamentals of conic sections and surface theory.

Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books.

This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

This text has been digitally restored from a historical edition. Some aesthetic errors may persist, however it has been deemed that any such will not detract from the work's significant historical value.

The digital edition of all books may be viewed on our website before purchase.

Our books are made to order. After purchase your chosen title will be specially printed. Due to the individual nature of the process, please allow 3-4 business days for printing before we can dispatch.