Chapter 10: Problem 34
Find an equation for the hyperbola that has its center at the origin and satisfies the given conditions. \(y\) -intercepts \(\pm 2\) asymptotes \(y=\pm \frac{1}{4} x\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation of the hyperbola is \(\frac{y^2}{4} - \frac{x^2}{64} = 1\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Standard Form of a Hyperbola
A hyperbola has the standard form \(\frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1\) when the transverse axis is vertical. This form is applicable because the \(y\)-intercepts are given. Here, \(2a\) represents the distance between the \(y\)-intercepts.
02
Determine 'a' using the y-intercepts
The \(y\)-intercepts of the hyperbola are \(\pm 2\). This implies that \(a = 2\), resulting in \(a^2 = 4\). Thus, the equation form is \(\frac{y^2}{4} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1\).
03
Use Asymptote Equation to Find 'b^2'
The equations of the asymptotes are \(y = \pm \frac{1}{4}x\). For a hyperbola with vertical transverse axis, the slopes of asymptotes are \(\pm \frac{a}{b}\). Hence, \(\frac{a}{b} = \frac{1}{4}\). Solve for \(b\): \(b = 4a\). Since \(a = 2\), \(b = 8\), and \(b^2 = 64\).
04
Write the Equation of the Hyperbola
Substitute \(a^2\) and \(b^2\) back into the hyperbola standard form equation. The equation is \(\frac{y^2}{4} - \frac{x^2}{64} = 1\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Standard Form of a Hyperbola
Hyperbolas are fascinating curves, and their equations can be neatly written in a standard form. When a hyperbola is aligned such that the transverse axis is vertical, its standard form appears as \( \frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1 \). This formula is tailored to suit hyperbolas where the main axis runs up and down, fitting when the \( y \)-intercepts are noted.
Each term in this equation serves a purpose:
Each term in this equation serves a purpose:
- \( y^2 \) and \( a^2 \): This part focuses on the vertical spread, crucial because the transverse axis is vertical. Here, \( a \) is half the distance between the \( y \)-intercepts.
- \( x^2 \) and \( b^2 \): This part addresses the stretch along the horizontal.
Asymptotes of a Hyperbola
Asymptotes in a hyperbola act like invisible guide lines, showing the hyperbola's direction as they stretch to infinity. Hyperbolas without the asymptotic support would stray wildly!
When a hyperbola's transverse axis is vertical, its asymptotes are equations of lines. They follow the form \( y = \pm \frac{a}{b}x \), where the plus or minus indicates the two lines moving in opposing directions.
When a hyperbola's transverse axis is vertical, its asymptotes are equations of lines. They follow the form \( y = \pm \frac{a}{b}x \), where the plus or minus indicates the two lines moving in opposing directions.
- In our example, asymptotes are \( y = \pm \frac{1}{4} x \).
- This inform us that \( \frac{a}{b} = \frac{1}{4} \), directing us to a helpful ratio between \( a \) and \( b \).
Center of a Hyperbola
The center of a hyperbola is the point in the middle of its two distinct branches, a crucial pivot that affects the entire shape. For simplification, hyperbolas are often expressed with the center at the origin, \( (0,0) \). In such cases, the hyperbola equation aligns in a form without additional terms that push the graph around the coordinate plane.
The central location serves as a base for symmetry:
The central location serves as a base for symmetry:
- All other points on the hyperbola are measured against this central hub.
- Both axes of the hyperbola cross at the center.
Transverse Axis of a Hyperbola
The transverse axis of a hyperbola is no ordinary line; it is the main axis around which the hyperbola centers its curves. The transverse axis tells you the direction where the hyperbola swells the most.
In hyperbolas with a vertical transverse axis:
In hyperbolas with a vertical transverse axis:
- The equation \( \frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1 \) affirms the focus is on the \( y \)-axis.
- \( a \): represents half the distance between the vertices along this vertical path.