How to write the equation of the hyperbola given Foci: (0,-5),(0, 5) and vertices (0, -3), (0,3)?

Bruno Schneider

Bruno Schneider

Answered question

2023-03-07

How to write the equation of the hyperbola given Foci: (0,-5),(0, 5) and vertices (0, -3), (0,3)?

Answer & Explanation

Julissa Heath

Julissa Heath

Beginner2023-03-08Added 3 answers

There are two different kinds of hyperbolas: one where the line connecting its vertices and foci is horizontal, and the other where the line is vertical. This hyperbola is the type where a line drawn through its vertices and foci is vertical. We know this by observing that it is the y coordinate that changes when we move from a focus point to a vertex.
The general equation for this type of hyperbola is:
( y - k ) ² a ² - ( x - h ) ² b ² = 1
Observe that the x coordinate of the foci and the vertices is 0; this tells us that h = 0
( y - k ) ² a ² - ( x - 0 ) ² b ² = 1
The value of k is the sum of y coordinate of the vertices divided by two: k = - 3 + 3 2 = 0
( y - 0 ) ² a ² - ( x - 0 ) ² b ² = 1
Please notice that when x = 0 , y = ± 3 ; this allows us to find the value of ""a"":
( 3 - 0 ) ² a ² - ( 0 - 0 ) ² b ² = 1
( 3 - 0 ) ² a ² = 1
( 3 - 0 ) ² = ( a ² )
a = 3
( y - 0 ) ² 3 ² - ( x - 0 ) ² b ² = 1
Let c = the distance between the the center point and focus = 5. The equation for the square of this distance helps us to find the value of b:
c ² = a ² + b ²
5 ² = 3 ² + b ²
b ² = 25 - 9
b ² = 16
b = 4
( y - 0 ) ² 3 ² - ( x - 0 ) ² 4 ² = 1
Simplifying a bit:
y ² 3 ² - x ² 4 ² = 1

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