A focus is a point used to construct a conic section. (The plural is foci .) The focus points are used differently to determine each conic. A circle is determined by one focus. A circle is the set of all points in a plane at a given distance from the focus (center).

Two points inside an ellipse that are used in its formal definition. The foci always lie on the major (longest) axis, spaced equally each side of the center. If the major axis and minor axis are the same length, the figure is a circle and both foci are at the center.

The formula generally associated with the focus of an ellipse is c2=a2−b2 where c is the distance from the focus to center, a is the distance from the center to a vetex and b is the distance from the center to a co-vetex .

In order to find the focus of a parabola, you must know that the equation of a parabola in a vertex form is y=a(x−h)2+k where a represents the slope of the equation. From the formula, we can see that the coordinates for the focus of the parabola is (h, k+1/4a).

The standard form is (x – h)2 = 4p (y – k), where the focus is (h, k + p) and the directrix is y = k – p. If the parabola is rotated so that its vertex is (h,k) and its axis of symmetry is parallel to the x-axis, it has an equation of (y – k)2 = 4p (x – h), where the focus is (h + p, k) and the directrix is x = h – p.

Focus is so important because it is the gateway to all thinking: perception, memory, learning, reasoning, problem solving, and decision making. Without good focus, all aspects of your ability to think will suffer. Here’s a simple reality: if you can’t focus effectively, you can’t think effectively.

To stay focused means to simply persist with the task at hand. To continue to work towards whatever it is that you need to do and ensure that you stay concentrated on that one activity. It isn’t multitasking. It isn’t daydreaming. It’s focusing in on the task at hand and putting in the work to get it done.

Focus is the key to success. You must focus on what you want in your life and go after that 110%. There will be times in life, when you will have distractions and obstacles but you must overcome them while maintaining your focus on your goal.

If you need help staying focused, try one — or all 10 — of these tips.

1. Get rid of distractions. First things first: You need to eliminate distractions.
2. Coffee in small doses.
3. Practice the Pomodoro technique.
4. Put a lock on social media.
5. Fuel your body.
6. Get enough sleep.
7. Set a SMART goal.
8. Be more mindful.

Concentration difficulties can be caused by medical, cognitive or psychological problems or may be related to sleep disorders or medications, alcohol or drugs. Psychological conditions that can interfere with concentration include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, emotional trauma, and stress.