1

Technical Drawing
Loci
(Hyperbola)

Hyperbola
A hyperbola is the locus of a point which moves so that the ratio of its distances from the focus
and the directrix is constant and greater than unity.

NB: A parabola has one focus about which the shape is constructed; an ellipse and hyperbola
have two. A directrix is a line used to construct and define a conic section.
NB:
The vertex V is determined by dividing the distance from the directrix to the focus into the ratio
of 3:4.
Hyperbola Properties
VF V1F1
1. = V1D1 = Ratio of eccentricity
VD

2. The tangent at a point on the curve bisects the angle between the focal distances.
3. The auxiliary circle intersect asymptotes to give the directrix and focus.

Prepared by Damion Lopez

 2

Constructing an (Hyperbola)
Steps:
3
Let distance of the focus from the directrix be 60 mm, and the ratio of eccentricity 2.
1. Position the focus F on a centre line which intersects the directrix at A, making AF equal
to 60 mm.
2. Divide AF into five equal parts (3+2). The vertex V is located at three divisions from F.
3
This satisfies the ratio 2 when the moving point is at V i.e.
VF 3 PF
= Eccentricity = 2 = PR
VA
3. To obtain the other points on the hyperbola draw a series of lines parallel to the directrix
at convenient distances, such as BB and CC. Apply the formula to find P on the lines.
4. Join all the points with a smooth curve to obtain the hyperbola.

NB:

Definition of terms

i. Asymptotes - a straight line that continually approaches a given curve but does not meet
it at any finite distance.

Reference
Bankole. A, Bland.S (1991). Plane and Solid Geometry. Pearson Edition, Book 1. (Published)
by Longman Group UK Limited 1991. Set in 10/1pt Helvetica Printed in Malaysia, VVP.

Prepared by Damion Lopez