Find the standard form of the equation of each hyperbola satisfying the given conditions. Foci: (−4, 0), (4, 0); vertices:(−3, 0), (3, 0)
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- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
8. Conic Sections
Hyperbolas NOT at the Origin
Problem 27
Textbook Question
Find the standard form of the equation of each hyperbola.

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Identify the center of the hyperbola. Since the hyperbola is centered at the origin, the center is at (0, 0).
Determine the orientation of the hyperbola. The branches open left and right, so it is a horizontal hyperbola.
Find the values of 'a' and 'b' by examining the rectangle formed by the dashed lines. The rectangle extends from -3 to 3 on the x-axis and from -5 to 5 on the y-axis, so \(a = 3\) and \(b = 5\).
Write the standard form of the equation for a horizontal hyperbola centered at the origin: \(\frac{x^2}{a^2} - \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1\).
Substitute the values of \(a\) and \(b\) into the equation: \(\frac{x^2}{3^2} - \frac{y^2}{5^2} = 1\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Standard Form of a Hyperbola
The standard form of a hyperbola centered at the origin is either (x^2/a^2) - (y^2/b^2) = 1 for a horizontal transverse axis or (y^2/a^2) - (x^2/b^2) = 1 for a vertical transverse axis. Here, 'a' and 'b' represent distances related to the vertices and asymptotes, respectively.
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Asymptotes of a Hyperbola
Asymptotes are lines that the hyperbola approaches but never touches. For hyperbolas centered at the origin, the asymptotes have equations y = ±(b/a)x for horizontal transverse axis or y = ±(a/b)x for vertical transverse axis. They help determine the shape and orientation of the hyperbola.
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Graph Interpretation and Parameter Identification
Analyzing the graph involves identifying key points such as vertices and the rectangle formed by 'a' and 'b' values. The vertices indicate 'a', while the slopes of the asymptotes help find 'b'. This information is essential to write the hyperbola's equation in standard form.
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