What are the conditions on what? Are you asking how to tell by looking at a quadratic polynomial whether the graph is a parabola or some other conic? Are you looking for the definition of the locus of points that forms a parabola? Are you looking for the physical conditions that transform a catenary into a parabola? Your question makes no sense completely out of context as it is. Please repost with a more complete explanation of what you are trying to accomplish and what you don't understand.
John
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
