Chapter 10: Problem 3
Find the vertices, the foci, and the equations of the asymptotes of the hyperbola. Sketch its graph, showing the asymptotes and the foci. $$\frac{y^{2}}{9}-\frac{x^{2}}{4}=1$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Vertices: (0, 3) and (0, -3); Foci: (0, √13) and (0, -√13); Asymptotes: y = (3/2)x and y = -(3/2)x.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Hyperbola Equation Form
The given equation is \(\frac{y^2}{9} - \frac{x^2}{4} = 1\). This is in the standard form for a vertical hyperbola, \(\frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1\). Here, \(a^2 = 9\) and \(b^2 = 4\).
02
Identify the Vertices
For a vertical hyperbola with equation \(\frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1\), the vertices are at \((0, \pm a)\). Since \(a^2 = 9\), we have \(a = 3\). Thus, the vertices are at \((0, 3)\) and \((0, -3)\).
03
Calculate the Foci
The foci for a vertical hyperbola are found using the formula \((0, \pm c)\), where \(c^2 = a^2 + b^2\). Here, \(c^2 = 9 + 4 = 13\), so \(c = \sqrt{13}\). Thus, the foci are located at \((0, \sqrt{13})\) and \((0, -\sqrt{13})\).
04
Derive the Equations of Asymptotes
The asymptotes for a vertical hyperbola \(\frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1\) have equations \(y = \pm \frac{a}{b}x\). Substituting \(a = 3\) and \(b = 2\) gives \(y = \pm \frac{3}{2}x\).
05
Sketch the Hyperbola
To sketch the hyperbola, plot the vertices \((0, 3)\) and \((0, -3)\), the foci \((0, \sqrt{13})\) and \((0, -\sqrt{13})\). Draw the asymptotes \(y = (3/2)x\) and \(y = -(3/2)x\) as dashed lines. The hyperbola branches open upwards and downwards along the y-axis and approach the asymptotes.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertices of a Hyperbola
In a hyperbola, the vertices are the points where the hyperbola intersects its axis. For a vertical hyperbola, these points lie along the y-axis. If you have the standard hyperbola equation \( \frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1 \), you can easily identify the vertices using \( a \), which is derived from \( a^2 \). In our example:
- Given \( a^2 = 9 \), we find \( a = 3 \).
- The vertices are at \( (0, a) \) and \( (0, -a) \), thus at \( (0, 3) \) and \( (0, -3) \).
Foci of a Hyperbola
The foci (plural for focus) of a hyperbola are critical points used to define and shape the graph. For a vertical hyperbola, the foci lie along the same line as the vertices, which is the y-axis in our case. The formula to locate the foci is \( (0, \pm c) \) for a vertical hyperbola, with \( c \) calculated using:
- \( c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \)
- \( a^2 = 9 \) and \( b^2 = 4 \), so \( c^2 = 13 \).
- This means \( c = \sqrt{13} \).
- The foci are positioned at \( (0, \sqrt{13}) \) and \( (0, -\sqrt{13}) \).
Equations of Asymptotes
Asymptotes in a hyperbola are the straight lines that the curves approach but never reach. They are crucial guides for plotting the hyperbola accurately. For a vertical hyperbola in the form \( \frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1 \), the asymptotes have the equations
- \( y = \pm \frac{a}{b} x \).
- Given \( a = 3 \) and \( b = 2 \), substitute into the formula: \( y = \pm \frac{3}{2} x \).
Graphing Hyperbolas
Graphing a hyperbola involves understanding its vertices, foci, and asymptotes, as they guide the entire plotting process. By placing these elements accurately on a graph:
- Start by plotting the vertices at \( (0, 3) \) and \( (0, -3) \).
- Next, mark the foci located at \( (0, \sqrt{13}) \) and \( (0, -\sqrt{13}) \).
- Draw dashed lines for the asymptotes, \( y = \frac{3}{2}x \) and \( y = -\frac{3}{2}x \).