My beloved students, I believe that the past months had been a challenging and unforgettable for

some if not all. In whatever situation you may be in right now, I know that you can still draw out
the creativity and productivity in you.

I would like to thank you, in advance, for you will now be a part of my engaging “COVID 19-strucked
semester”!

At the end of the chapter, the learner is able to:

• define a hyperbola;

• determine the standard form of equation of a hyperbola;

• graph a hyperbola in a rectangular coordinate system; and

• solve real-world problems involving conic sections (hyperbolas).

 CHAPTER 1 : ANALYTIC GEOMETRY

LESSON 1.4: Hyperbolas

TOPIC OUTLINE

• Definition of a hyperbola

• Derivation of the standard equation of a hyperbola

• Graphing hyperbolas

• Applications

Introduction

When intersecting a right circular cone with a plane at an angle such that both nappes of the cone
are intersected, the conic section obtained is called a hyperbola, shown in the figure below.

Hyperbolas consists of two unbounded branches which extend in opposite directions. It is a mis-
conception that each branch is a parabola. This is not true, as parabolas and hyperbolas have very
different features.

In this section we will limit our discussion to hyperbolas that are positioned vertically or horizontally
in the coordinate plane; the axes will either lie on or be parallel to the x-and y-axes. We will consider
two cases: those that are centered at the origin, and those that are centered at a point other than
the origin.
Definition of a Hyperbola

Consider the points F1 (5, 0) and F2 (5, 0) (see the figure below). What is the absolute value of the
difference of the distances of A(3.75, 3) from F1 and from F2 ?

Using the distance formula,

  p p
|AF1 | − |AF2 | = | (−5 − 3.75)2 − (0 − (−3))2 − (5 − 3.75)2 − (0 − (−3))2 |
p p
= | (−8.75)2 + (3)2 − (1.25)2 − (3)2 |
= |9.25 − 3.25|
= 6.

How about the absolute value of the difference of the distances of B(−5, 16
3
) from F1 and from F2 ?
Using again the distance formula, we have
s  2 s  2 
  
|BF1 | − |BF2 | =  (−5 − (−5))2 − 0 − 16 2− 0−
16 
− (5 − (−5)) 
 3 3 
s  2 s  2 
 16 16 
=  (0)2 − − (10)2 −
3 3 
 
 16 34 
=  − 
3 3
= 6.

Now, observe that for any point P ,  

|P F1 | − |P F2 | = 6

The collection of such points forms a shape called a hyperbola, which consists of two disjoint branches.
For points P on the left branch, |P F2 | − |P F1 | = 6; for those on the right branch, |P F1 | − |P F2 | = 6.
 Definition 1.4.1 A hyperbola is the set of points in a plane, the absolute value of the
difference of whose distances from two fixed points is a constant. The two fixed points are
called the foci of the hyperbola.

Throughout this lesson we denote the undirected distance between the foci of the hyperbola by 2c
(c > 0) and by 2a (a > 0) the positive constant referred in Definition 1.4.1.

Equation of a Hyperbola with Center at the origin

To obtain an equation of a hyperbola, we choose the x-axis as the line through the foci F1 (−c, 0) and
F2 (c, 0), and we take the origin as the midpoint of the segment between F1 and F2 (see the figure
below).

Let P (x, y) be a point on the hyperbola and let d1 = |P F1 | and d2 = |P F2 |. By Definition 1.4.1,
|d1 − d2 | = 2a or equivalently |P F1 | − |P F2 | = 2a. Now, we have

|P F1 | − |P F2 | = ±2a.

Using the distance formula, we have

p p
(x − c)2 + (y − 0)2 − (x + c)2 + (y − 0)2 = ±2a

or equivalently, p p
(x − c)2 + (y−2 = ±2a + (x + c)2 + y 2 . (1)
Squaring both side of equation (1), we have
p
(x − c)2 + y 2 = 4a2 ± 4a (x + c)2 + y 2 + (x + c)2 + y 2

which can be simplified to p

4a2 + 4cx = ±4a (x + c)2 + y 2 . (2)
Dividing both sides of equation (2) by 4 and squaring both sides of the resulting equation, we have
x2 2
(c2 − a2 ) + y 2 =(c − a2 ). (3)
a2
Dividing both sides of the equation in (3) by c2 − a2 , we have
y2 x2
1+ 2 = 2
c − a2 a
x2 y2
− = 1
a2 c 2 − a2
√
Let b = c2 − a2 (which is defined since c > a). Then b2 = c2 − a2 and so we have,
x2 y 2
− 2 =1
a2 b
which is standard form an equation of a hyperbola with center at the origin and whose foci
are the points F1 (−c, 0) and F2 (c, 0). ♣

Theorem 1.4.2 An equation of a hyperbola whose foci are the points F1 (−c, 0) and F2 (c, 0) is

x2 y 2
− 2 =1 (4)
a2 b
where b2 = c2 − a2 .

x2 y 2
Remark 1.4.3 The points V1 (−a, 0) and V2 (a, 0) are the vertices of the hyperbola 2 − 2 = 1,
a b
which are points on the hyperbola, collinear with center and foci.

Definition1.4.4 The line segment joining the vertices (and hence, its length is 2a) of a hy-
perbola is called the transverse axis and the line segment joining the points (0, b) and (0, −b)
(hence its length is 2b) is called the conjugate axisof the hyperbola. The midpoint of the line
segment joining the foci (or the vertices of a hyperbola or the endpoints of the conjugate axis)
is called the center of the hyperbola.

x2 y 2
Remark 1.4.5 The hyperbola − 2 = 1 possesses the following properties.
a2 b
(a) Center is C(0, 0).

(b) Vertices are V (±a, 0).

(c) Foci are F (±c, 0).

(d) Endpoints (extremities) of the conjugate axis are E(0, ±b).

(e) Transverse axis is along the x-axis.

 c
(f ) Eccentricity is e = > 1.
a
a2
(g) Directrices are the line x = ± .
c
b x2 y 2
(h) Asymptotes are line y = ± x (which can be obtained by setting 2 − 2 = 0 and solve
a a b
for y.)

x2 y 2
To construct a sketch of the graph of the hyperbola − = 1 use the vertices, the endpoints of the
a2 b 2
conjugate axis and the asymptotes of the hyperbola. To do this, first draw the rectangle (auxiliary
rectangle of the hyperbola) having the vertices (a, b), (a, −b), (−a, b) and (−a, −b). Next, draw
the asymptotes of the hyperbola (which are actually the lines through the diagonals of the rectangle.)
With the vertices and asymptotes properly located, a sketch of the graph can be then constructed.
x2 y 2
The figure below shows a sketch of the graph of 2 − 2 = 1.
a b

Theorem 1.4.6 An equation of a hyperbola whose foci are the points F1 (0, −c) and F2 (0, c) is

y 2 x2
− 2 =1 (5)
a2 b
where b2 = c2 − a2 .
 y 2 x2
Remark 1.4.7 The hyperbola − 2 = 1 possesses the following properties.
a2 b
(a) Center is C(0, 0).

(b) Vertices are V (0, ±a).

(c) Foci are F (0, ±c).

(d) Endpoints (extremities) of the conjugate axis are E(±b, 0).

(e) Transverse axis is along the y-axis.

c
(f ) Eccentricity is e = > 1.
a
a2
(g) Directrices are the line y = ± .
c
a y 2 x2
(h) Asymptotes are line y = ± x (which can be obtained by setting 2 − 2 = 0 and solve
b a b
for y.)

y 2 x2
A similar procedure as in above can be used to obtain a sketch of the graph of − = 1 as shown
a2 b 2
in the figure below but first draw the rectangle (auxiliary rectangle of the hyperbola) having
the vertices (b, a), (b, −a), (−b, a) and (−b, −a).

The equation in Theorem 1.4.2 (or in Theorem 1.4.6) is the standard form of an equation of a
hyperbola whose center is at the point of origin.
Example. Given the equation 4x2 − 9y 2 = 36 of the hyperbola, find the coordinates of the center,
vertices, foci, extremities of the conjugate axis, equations of the directrices, the asymptotes, and the
eccentricity. Draw a sketch of the graph of the hyperbola.

Solution: First, we write the given equation into its standard form. To do this, divide both sides of
the equation by 36 and we get
x2 y 2
− = 1.
9 4
Thus, we have a hyperbola center at the origin, with a = 3 and b = 2. Since b2 = c2 − a2 ,

c2 = b2 + a2 = 4 + 9 = 13.
√
Thus, c = 13 and so, the given hyperbola has the following properties:
(a) Center: C(0, 0).

(b) Vertices: V (±3, 0).

√
(c) Foci: F (± 13, 0).

(d) Endpoints (extremities) of the conjugate axis : E(0, ±2).

(e) Transverse axis is along the x-axis.

√
13
(f ) Eccentricity: e = > 1.
3
√
9 13
(g) Directrices: x = ± .
13
2
(h) Asymptotes : y = ± x
3
The sketch of the given equation is a hyperbola shown in the figure below.

♣
Example. Given the equation 4x2 − 21y 2 + 84 = 0 of the hyperbola, find the coordinates of the
center, vertices, foci, extremities of the conjugate axis, equations of the directrices, the asymptotes,
and the eccentricity. Draw a sketch of the graph of the hyperbola.

Solution: We write the given equation into its standard form. To do this, divide both sides of the
equation by 84 and we get
y 2 x2
− = 1.
4 21
√
Thus, we have a hyperbola center at the origin, with a = 2 and b = 21. Since b2 = c2 − a2 ,

c2 = b2 + a2 = 21 + 4 = 25.

Thus, c = 5 and so, the given hyperbola has the following properties:

(a) Center: C(0, 0).

(b) Vertices: V (0, ±2).

(c) Foci: F (0, ±5).

√
(d) Endpoints (extremities) of the conjugate axis : E(± 21, 0).

(e) Transverse axis is along the y-axis.

5
(f ) Eccentricity: e = > 1.
2
4
(g) Directrices: y = ± .
5
√
2 21
(h) Asymptotes : y = ± x
21
The sketch of the given equation is a hyperbola shown in the figure below.

♣
Equation of a Hyperbola with Center at C(h, k)

Theorem 1.4.8 An equation of a hyperbola whose center at the point C(h, k) and whose
transverse axis is parallel to the x-axis is

(x − h)2 (y − k)2
− =1 (6)
a2 b2
where b2 = c2 − a2 .

(x − h)2 (y − k)2
Remark 1.4.9 The hyperbola − = 1 possesses the following properties.
a2 b2
(a) Center is C(h, k).

(b) Vertices are V (h ± a, k).

(c) Foci are F (h ± c, k).

(d) Endpoints (extremities) of the conjugate axis are E(h, k ± b).

(e) Transverse axis is parallel to the x-axis or along the line y = k.

c
(f ) Eccentricity is e = > 1.
a
a2
(g) Directrices are the line x = ± + h.
c
b
(h) Asymptotes are line y = ± (x − h) + k.
a
(x − h)2 (y − k)2
A sketch of the graph − = 1 is shown in the figure below.
a2 b2
 Theorem 1.4.10 An equation of a hyperbola whose center at the point C(h, k) and whose
transverse axis is parallel to the y-axis is

(y − k)2 (x − h)2
− =1 (7)
a2 b2
where b2 = c2 − a2 .

(y − k)2 (x − h)2
Remark 1.4.11 The hyperbola − = 1 possesses the following properties.
a2 b2
(a) Center is C(h, k).

(b) Vertices are V (h, k ± a).

(c) Foci are F (h, k ± c).

(d) Endpoints (extremities) of the conjugate axis are E(h ± b, k).

(e) Transverse axis is parallel to the y-axis or along the line x = h.

c
(f ) Eccentricity is e = > 1.
a
a2
(g) Directrices are the line y = ± + k.
c
(h) Asymptotes are line y = ± ab (x − h) + k.

(y − k)2 (x − h)2
A sketch of the graph − = 1 is shown in the figure below.
a2 b2
The equation in Theorem 1.4.8 (or in Theorem 1.4.10) is the standard form of an equation of a
hyperbola whose center is at the point C(h, k).

Remark 1.4.12

(a) The undirected distance from the center of the hyperbola to any of its two vertices is a,
that is, a = |V1 C| = V2 C| .

(b) The undirected distance from the center of the hyperbola to any of its two foci is c, that
is, c = |F1 C| = F2 C|.

(c) The undirected distance from the center of the hyperbola to any of the extremities of the
conjugate axis is b, that is, b = |E1 C| = E2 C|

Example. Given the equation 3x2 −2y 2 +6x−8y−17 = 0 of the hyperbola, find the coordinates of the
center, vertices, foci, extremities of the conjugate axis, equations of the directrices, the asymptotes,
and the eccentricity. Draw a sketch of the graph of the hyperbola.

Solution: We write the given equation into its standard form by applying the method of completing
the square.
(3x2 + 6x) − (2y 2 + 8y) = 17
3(x2 + 2x) − 2(y 2 + 4y) = 17
3(x2 + 2x + 1) − 2(y 2 + 4y + 4) = 17 + 3 − 8
3(x + 1)2 − 2(y + 2)2 = 12
(x + 1)2 (y + 2)2
− = 1.
4 6
√
Thus, we have a hyperbola center at the C(−1, −2), with a = 2 and b = 6. Since b2 = c2 − a2 ,
c2 = b2 + a2 = 6 + 4 = 10.
√
Thus, c = 10 and so, the given hyperbola has the following properties:
(a) Center: C(−1, −2).
(b) Vertices: V (−1 ± 2, −2).
√
(c) Foci: F (−1 ± 10, −2).
√
(d) Endpoints (extremities) of the conjugate axis : E(−1 ± 6, −2).
(e) Transverse axis is parallel to the x-axis or along the line y = −2.
√
10
(f ) Eccentricity: e = > 1.
2
4
(g) Directrices: y = ± √ − 1.
10
√
6
(h) Asymptotes : y = ± (x + 1) − 2
2
The sketch of the given equation is a hyperbola shown in the figure below.

♣
√
Example.
√ √ the following properties: F1 (0, − 5),
Find the equation of the hyperbola satisfying
F2 (0, 5); the hyperbola passes through the point P (1, 2 2).

Solution: The locations of the foci in the plane indicate that the transverse axis is along the y-axis
(see figure below).

y2 x2
By Remark 1.4.7 (e), the standard form of the equation of the hyperbola is − = 1. The
a2 b2
midpoint of the line segment joining the foci is (0, 0). Therefore, by Definition 1.4.4, the center is at
C(0, 0). By Remark 1.4.12 (b), it follows that
√
c = |CF1 | = |CF2 | = 5.
 √
From the equation b2 = c2 − a2 , we have b2 = 5 − a2 . Since (1, 2 2) is a point of the hyperbola (and
so, satisfies the equation of the hyperbola), we have
√
(2 2)2 12
− 2 =1
a2 b
or equivalently,
8b2 − a2 = a2 b2 .
With b2 = 5 − a2 , we have
8(5 − a2 ) − a2 = a2 (5 − a2 )
or equivalently,
(a2 − 10)(a2 − 4) = 0.
Thus, a2 = 10 or a2 = 4. Since c2 = 5 > a2 (since c > a), it follows that a2 = 4.Therefore,
b2 = 5 − a2 = 5 − 4 = 1 and the equation of the hyperbola is
y 2 x2
− =1
4 1
or equivalently, y 2 − 4x2 − 4 = 0. ♣

Example. Find the equation of the hyperbola satisfying the following properties: C(2, −3), F1 (7, −3)
and V1 (6, −3).

Solution: Since the transverse axis passes through the foci and the vertices, the locations of the given
points in the plane indicate that the transverse axis is parallel to the x-axis (see figure below.)

(x − h)2 (y − k)2
By Remark 1.4.9 (e), the standard form of the equation of the hyperbola is − = 1.
a2 b2
By Remark 1.4.12
p
a = |CV1 | = (6 − 2)2 + (−3 − (−3))2 = 4 and
p
c = |CF1 | = (7 − 2)2 + (−3 − (−3))2 = 5.
It follows that a2 = 16 and b2 = c2 − a2 = 25 − 16 = 9. Therefore, the equation of the hyperbolas is
(x − 2)2 (y + 3)2
− =1
16 9
or equivalently, 9x2 − 16y 2 − 36x − 96y − 252 = 0. ♣

Example. Find the equation of the hyperbola satisfying the following properties: Endpoints of the
conjugate axis are at the points (3, −5), (7, −5); and one of the foci lie on the x-axis.

Solution: The locations of the given points in the real plane show that the transverse axis of the
hyperbola is parallel to the y-axis (see Figure below.)

(y − k)2 (x − h)2
By Remark 1.4.11 (e), the standard form of the equation of the hyperbola is − = 1.
a2 b2
By Definition 1.4.4, the center C(h, k) is the midpoint of the endpoints of the conjugate axis, hence
3+7 −5 + (−5)
h= = 5 and k = = −5.
2 2
Since the focus F lies on the x-axis, it follows that F is the point (5,0). By Remark 1.4.12 (b),
p
c = |F C| = (5 − 5)2 + (0 − (−5))2 = 5;
hence, c2 = 25. Also, by Remark 1.4.12 (c),
p
b = |E1 C| = (3 − 5)2 + (−5 − (−5))2 = 2;
so we have b2 = 4. Since b2 = c2 − a2 , it follows that a2 = 25 − 4 = 21. Therefore, the equation of
the hyperbola is
(y + 5)2 (x − 5)2
− =1
21 4
or equivalently,
4y 2 − 21x2 + 210x + 40y − 509 = 0.
♣
Applications

Example. 1 An explosion is heard by two stations 1200m apart, located at F1 (600, 0) and F2 (600, 0).
If the explosion was heard in F1 two seconds before it was heard in F2 , identify the possible locations
of the explosion. Use 340m/s as the speed of sound.

Solution: Using the given speed of sound, we deduce that the sound traveled 340(2) = 680m farther
in reaching F2 than in reaching F1 . This is then the difference of the distances of the explosion from
the two stations. Thus, the explosion is on a hyperbola with foci are F1 and F2 , on the branch closer
to F1 .

We have c = 600 and 2a = 680, so a = 340 and b2 = c2 − a2 = 244400. The explosion could therefore
be anywhere on the left branch of the hyperbola

x2 y2
− = 1.
115600 244400
♣

1
Teaching Guide for Senior High School Precalculus by CHED
Example. The design layout of cooling tower is shown below (see figure below). The tower stands
179.6 meters tall. The diameter is 72 meters. At their closest, the sides of the tower are 60 meters
apart. Find the equation of the hyperbola that models the sides of the cooling tower. Assume that
the center of the hyperbola-indicated by the intersection of dashed perpendicular lines in the figure-s
the origin of the coordinate plane.

Solution: Let the center of the tower be at the origin. By Remark 1.4.5, the standard form of the
x2 y 2
hyperbola centered at the origin is 2 − 2 = 1 that models the sides of the cooling tower.
a b
To complete the model we must find the value of a and b.

Note that the length of the transverse axis of a hyperbola is of 2a. This length is represented by the
distance where the sides are closest, which is given as 65.3 meters. Now,
2a = 60 or equivalently a = 30.
To solve for b, we can use the dimensions of the tower to find some point of (x, y) that lies on the
hyperbola and proceed with substitution. We will use the top right corner of the tower to represent
that point. Since the y-axis bisects the tower, our x-value can be represented by the radius of the
top, or 36 meters. The y-value is represented by the distance from the origin to the top, which is
given as 79.6 meters. Therefore,
x2 y 2 y2
2
− 2 = 1 =⇒ b2 = x2
a b a2
−1
(79.6)2
= (36)2
−1
(30)2
≈ 14400.36
The sides of the tower can be modeled by the hyperbolic equation
x2 y2
− = 1.
900 14400.36
♣
 Activity 4

General Instructions: Use short bond paper as your answer sheet. Don’t forget to write
your name, student number in your answer sheet/s. All answers must be handwritten. Submit
a scanned copy of your answers to the link provided in our ustep class . Label file to be
submitted using format YOUR FAMILY NAME-(Your Section)PreCALActivity4.
pdf.

Allowed FILE TYPE for SUBMISSION: 1 PDF ONLY

1. Last Names starting with A-N will answer even numbers only

2. Last Names starting with O-Z will answer odd numbers only

For items 1-4, given an equation of the hyperbola, find the coordinates of the center, vertices, foci,
extremities of the conjugate axis, and the eccentricity. Draw a sketch of the graph.

1. 4x2 − 9y 2 − 36 = 0

2. 9x2 − 25y 2 − 225 = 0

3. 9y 2 − x2 + 32x − 36y − 64 = 0

4. 3y 2 − 4x2 − 8x − 24y − 40 = 0

For items 5-6, find the equation of the hyperbola satisfying the given conditions.

5. Center at (3, −5), a vertex at (7, −5), and a focus at (8, −5).

6. Center at (−2, −1), a vertex at (−2, 11), and a focus at (−2, 14).

Everyone will answer the following.

7. Two buildings in a shopping complex are shaped like a branches of the hyperbola

729x2 − 1024y 2 − 746496 = 0,

where x and y are in feet. How far apart are the buildings at their closest part?

8. Two stations, located at A(−1.5, 0) and B(1.5, 0) (units are in km), simultaneously send sound
signals to a ship, with the signal traveling at the speed of 0.33km/s. If the signal from A was
received by the ship four seconds before the signal it received from B, find the equation of the
curve containing the possible location of the ship.