1.

DEFINITION
The hyperbola is the locus of a point which moves such that its distance from a fixed point called
focus is always e times (e > 1) its distance from a fixed line called directrix.
2. VARIOUS FORMS OF HYPERBOLA
2.1 Standard form
Let S be the focus and ZM the directrix of a hyperbola.
Since e > 1, we can divide SZ internally and externally in the ratio e : 1, let the points of division be
A and A  as in the figure. Let AA = 2a and is bisected at C.
Then, SA = e. AZ, SA = e. ZA  y

 SA + SA  e (AZ  ZA)  2ae M’ B M P

i.e., 2SC = 2ae or SC = ae S’ x
Similarly by subtraction, SA  SA A’ Z’ C Z A S

= e(ZA  ZA)  2e.ZC B’

 2a  2eZC  ZC  a / e.
Now, take C as the origin, CA as the x-axis, and the perpendicular line CY as the y-axis. Then, S
is the point (ae, 0) and ZM the line x = a/e. Let P(x, y) be any point on the hyperbola.
Then the condition PS2 = e2. (distance of P from ZM)2 gives (x – ae)2 + y2 = e2 (x – a/e)2
x2 y2
or x2(1 – e2) + y2 = a2 (1 – e2) i.e.,  1 ... (i)
a 2 a 2 (e2  1)
x 2 y2
Since e > 1, e – 1 is positive. Let a (e – 1) = b . Then the equation (i) becomes 2  2 1.
2 2 2 2
a b

x 2 y2 2  b2 
The eccentricity e of the hyperbola 2  2  1 is given by the relation e  1  2  .
a b  a 
Since the curve is symmetrical about the y-axis, it is clear that there exists another focus
S at (–ae, 0) and a corresponding directrix ZM  with the equation x = –a/e, such that the same
hyperbola is described if a point moves so that its distance from S is e times its distance from ZM  .
(i) Foci: S = (ae, 0) & S  (–ae, 0)
a a
(ii) Equation of directories: x = & x  
e e
(iii) Vertices: A = (a, 0) & A = (–a, 0)
(iv) Transverse Axis: The lines segment AA of length 2a in which the foci S & S both
called Transverse axis of the Hyperbola.
(v) Conjugate Axis: The line segment BB ( B  (0, b)) and ( B  (0, –b)) is called the
Conjugate axis of the hyperbola. The Transverse axis & the Conjugate axis of the hyperbola
are together called principal axes of the hyperbola.
2b 2  b2    b2 
(vi) Length of latus rectum = a & L 
 ae,  , L  ae, 
 a  
 a 
Illustration 1:
Show that the equation x2 – 2y2 – 2x + 8y – 1 = 0 represents a hyperbola. Find the coordinates of
the centre, length of the axes, eccentricity, latus rectum, coordinates of foci and vertices and equations
of directrices of the hyperbola.
Solution :
x2 – 2y2 – 2x + 8y – 1 = 0  (x2 – 2x) –2 (y2 – 4y) = 1
 (x2 – 2x + 1) – 2(y2 – 4y + 4) = –6

( x  1) 2 ( y  2) 2
2 2
(x – 1) – 2(y – 4y + 4) = –6    1

 6 2
( 3)2

Shifting the origin at (1, 2) without rotating the coordinate axes and denoting the new coordinates
with respect to these axes by X and Y, we have
X = (x – 1) and Y = (y – 2) .... (i)
2 2
X Y
Using these relations, equation (i) is reduced to 2
 2
  1 ... (ii)
2 2
( 6) 3  
X Y
This equation is of the form 2  2 = –1, where a2 = 6 and b2 = 3
a b
 
2
 
2

Illustration 2:
4
Find the equation of the hyperbola whose foci are (8, 3) (0, 3) and eccentricity = .
3
Solution :
The centre of the hyperbola is the midpoint of the line joining the two foci. So the coordinates of the
 8 0 3 3
centre are  ,  i.e., (4, 3).
 2 2 
Let 2a and 2b be the length of transverse and conjugate axes and let e be the eccentricity. Then the
( x  4) 2 ( y  3) 2
equation of the hyperbola is  =1 ... (i)
a2 b2
Now, distance between the two foci = 2ae
 4
 (8  0) 2  (3  3) 2 = 2ae  ae = 4  a = 3  e  3 
 
 16 
Now, b2 = a2 (e2 – 1)  b2 = 9   1   = 7.
 9
Thus, the equation of the hyperbola is
( x  4) 2 ( y  3) 2
 = 1 [Putting the values of a and b in (i)]
9 7
 7x2 – 9y2 – 56x + 54y – 32 = 0
 Drill Exercise - 1
1. Find the coordinates of the vertices, foci, eccentricity and the equations of the directrix of the
hyperbola 4x2 – 25y2 = 100.
2. Find the eccentricity of the hyperbola whose latus-rectum is 8 and conjugate axis is equal to half
the distance between the foci.
3. Find the coordinates of the centre of the hyperbola, x2 + 3xy + 2y2 + 2x + 3y + 2 = 0.
x 2 y2
4. Find the eccentricity of the hyperbola  = 1 which passes through (3, 0) and (3 2 , 2)
a 2 b2

x2 y2 x 2 y2 1
5. The foci of the ellipse + 2 = 1 and the hyperbola   coincide, then find the
16 b 144 81 25
value of b2.

x 2 y2
2.2 Focal distance: The focal distance of any point (x, y) on the hyperbola 2  2  1 are ex – a
a b
and ex + a

2.3 Another Definition of the Hyperbola y

The difference of the focal distances of a point M’ P
M
on the hyperbola is constant. PM and PM  are
x
perpendiculars to the directrices MZ and M Z . S’ Z’ C Z S
PS  PS  e (PM  PM) .
 eMM   e(2a / e)  2a = constant.

2.4 Auxiliary Circle

A circle drawn with centre C and AA as a
diameter is called the Auxiliary Circle of the
hyperbola. Equation of the auxiliary circle
is x2 + y2 = a2.
Note from the figure that P and Q are called
the “Corresponding Points” on the hyperbola
and the auxiliary circle. ' ' is called the eccentric
b
angle of the point ‘P’ on the hyperbola 0    2  . g
2.5 Parametric Coordinates
x 2 y2
The equations x = a sec  and y = b tan together represents the hyperbola   1 where
a 2 b2
 is a parameter, in other words, (a sec , b tan ) is a point on the hyperbola for all values of

  (2n  1) , n  I . The point (a sec , b tan ) is briefly called the point  .
2
 x   y   2   2
Note : Equation of a chord joining 1 &  2 is cos 1 2  sin 1  cos 1 .
a 2 b 2 2
General Note :
Since the fundamental equation to the hyperbola only differs from that to the ellipse in having
- b2 instead of b2 it will be found that many proposition for the hyperbola are derived from those
for the ellipse by simply changing the sign of b2.

2.6 General Form

The equation of hyperbola, whose focus is point (h, k), directrix is lx + my + n = 0

2
e 2 (lx  my  n ) 2
2
& eccentricity ‘e’ is given by (x – h) + (y – k) =
(l 2  m 2 )
Illustration 3:
Find the equation of the hyperbola whose directrix is 2x + y = 1, focus (1, 2) and eccentricity 3 .
Solution :
Let S(1, 2) be the focus and P (x, y) be a point on the hyperbola. Draw PM perpendicular from P
on the directrix.
Then by definition. SP = ePM z

M P
2x+y=1
2x  y  1
 (x  1)2  (y  2)2  3 S(1, 2)
2
2 1 2 z’ Focus

2 2
(2x  y  1) 2
 (x – 1) + (y – 2) = 3
5
 5{(x – 1)2 + (y – 2)2} = 3 {2x + y – 1}2
 7x2 – 2y2 + 12xy – 2x + 14y – 22 = 0
This is the required equation of the hyperbola.

Drill Exercise - 2

1. Find the equation of the set of all points such that the difference of their distances from (4, 0) and
(–4, 0) is always equal to 2.

2. Find the locus of the point which satisfies (x  5) 2  y 2  (x  5) 2  y 2  10 .

3. Find the equation of a hyperbola with coordinate axes as principal axes and the distances of
one of its vertices from the foci are 3 & 1.
( x  5) 2 ( y  3) 2
4. Find the parametric equation of the hyperbola   1.
36 25
2.7 CONJUGATE HYPERBOLA
The hyperbola whose transverse and conjugate axes are respectively the conjugate and transverse
axes of a given hyperbola is called the conjugate hyperbola of the given hyperbola.
x 2 y2 x 2 y2
e.g.,   1 &   1
a 2 b2 a 2 b2
are conjugate hyperbolas of each other.
1 1
Note: If e1 & e2 are the eccentricities of the hyperbola & its conjugate then   1.
e12 e22

3. ASYMPTOTES
Definition: If the length of perpendicular drawn from a point on the hyperbola to a straight line
tends to zero as the point moves to infinity. The straight line is called asymptotes.
x 2 y2
Let y = mx + c is the asymptote of the hyperbola  1 . Solving these two we get the
a 2 b2
quadratic as (b2 – a2m2)x2 – 2a2mcx–a2 (b2 + c2) = 0
In order that y = mx + c be an asymptote, both roots of equation (1) must approach infinity.
which are: coefficient of x2 = 0 & coefficient of x = 0
Y
b Q BP
or m=  & a2mc = 0  c = 0 ... (1) A
a A
X
C
x y x y
 equation of asymptotes are   0&  0. R B S
a b a b
–1
Obviously angle between the asymptotes is 2tan (b/a).
If we draw lines through B, B parallel to the transverse axis and through A, A parallel to the
conjugate axis, then P (a, b), Q (–a, b), R(–a, –b) and S(a, –b) all lie on the asymptotes
x2/a2–y2/b2 = 0 so asymptotes are diagonals of the rectangle PQRS. This rectangle is called
associated rectangle.

 x 2 y2   x 2 y2   x 2 y2 
Note: H  2  2 1 , C  2  2  1 & A  2  2  = 0
a b  a b  a b 
clearly  C + H = 2A
{H = hyperbola
C = Conjugate hyperbola
A = Asymptotes.}

Particular Case :
When b = a the asymptotes of the rectangular hyperbola x2 – y2 = a2 is y = ± x which are at right
angles.
Note :
(i) Equilateral hyperbola  rectangular hyperbola.
(ii) If a hyperbola is equilateral than the conjugate is also equilateral.
(iii) A hyperbola and its conjugate have the same asymptote.
(iv) The equation of the pair of asymptotes differ from the hyperbola and the conjugate hyperbola
by the same constant only.
(v) The asymptotes pass through the centre of the hyperbola and the bisectors of the angles
between the asymptotes are the axes of the hyperbola.
(vi) The asymptotes of a hyperbola are the diagonals of the rectangle formed by the lines
drawn through the extremities of each axis parallel to the other axis.
(vii) Asymptotes are the tangent to the hyperbola from the centre.
(viii) A simple method to find the coordinates of the centre of the hyperbola expressed as a
general equation of degree 2 should be remembered as let f(x, y) = 0 represents a
f f f f
hyperbola. Find and . Then the point of intersection of = 0 and = 0 gives
x y x y
the centre of the hyperbola.

Illustration 4:
x 2 y2
Show that the acute angle between the asymptotes of the hyperbola 2  2  1 (a2 > b2) is
a b
 1
2cos–1   , where e is the eccentricity of the hyperbola.
e
Solution :
x 2 y2
Equation of the asymptotes of the given hyperbola is 2  2  0
a b
2 2 2 2
 bx –ay =0
 a 2b2 ab
If  is an angle between the asymptotes, then tan  = 2 = 
b  a2 a  b2
2

ab
so that tan  = 2  cos ( / 2)  a 2 /( a 2  b 2 ) = 1/e.
a  b2
Drill Exercise - 3
1. Find the equations of the asymptotes of the hyperbola, 3x2 + 10xy + 8y2 + 14x + 22y + 7 = 0
2. Find the equation of the conjugate hyperbola of the hyperbola,
3x2 – 5xy – 2y2 + 5x + 11y – 8 = 0.
3. The asymptotes of the hyperbola are parallel to 2x + 3y = 0 and 3x + 2y = 0. Its centre is (1, 2) and
it passes through (5, 3). Find the equation of hyperbola.
4. The ordinate of any point P on the hyperbola 25x2 – 16y2 = 400 is produced to cut its asymptotes
in points Q and R. Prove that QP.PR = 25.
4. RECTANGULAR OR EQUILATERAL HYPERBOLA
A hyperbola is called rectangular if its asymptotes are at right angles. The asymptotes of
x2/a2 –y2/b2 =1 are y =  (b/a) x so they are perpendicular if –b2/a2 = – 1 i.e., b2 = a2, i.e., a = b.
Hence equation of a rectangular hyperbola can be written as x2–y2 = a2
Some important observations of rectangular hyperbola are as under :
(i) a2 = a2 (e2 – 1) gives e2 = 2 i.e., e = 2 .
(ii) Asymptotes are y =  x.
(iii) Rotating the axes by an angle –  / 4 about the same origin, equation of the rectangular
hyperbola x2 – y2 = a2 is reduced to xy = a2/2 or xy = c2, (c2 = a2/2).
In xy = c2, asymptotes are coordinate axes.
(iv) Rectangular hyperbola is also called equilateral hyperbola.

4.1 Rectangular Hyperbola referred to its asymptotes as axis of coordinates

c
(i) Equation is xy = c2 with parametric representation x = ct, y = , t  R ~ (0}.
t
(ii) Equation of a chord joining the points P (t1) & Q (t2), x + t1 t2y = c (t1 + t2)
x y x
(iii) Equation of the tangent at P(x1, y1) is   2 and at P(t) is  ty  2c .
x 1 y1 t
(iv) Chord with a given middle point as (h, k) is kx + hy = 2hk.
(v) Equation of the normal at P(t) is x t3 - yt = c(t4 - 1).
(vi) Vertex of this hyperbola is (c, c) and (-c, -c) ; focus is d2 c, 2c i and
e 2 c,  j b g
2 c , the directrices are x + y =  2 c and  L. R.  2 2 c = T.A.= C.A.

Drill Exercise - 4

1. Find the lengths of transverse and conjugate axes, eccentricity and coordinate of foci and vertices,
length of the latusrectum, equation of the directrices of the rectangular hyperbola xy = 36.
2. The distance between the directrices of a rectangular hyperbola is 10 units, then find the distance
between its foci.
3. If a circle cuts a rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 in A, B, C, D and the parameters of these four points
be t1, t2, t3 and t4 respectively. Then show that t1 = t2.
4. If a rectangular hyperbola circumscribes a triangle, prove that it also passes through its orthocentre.
5. POSITION OF A POINT P w.r.t HYPERBOLA
Let S = 0 be the hyperbola and P (x1, y1)
be the point and S1  S(x1, y1). y
Then Interior Exterior Interior
region region region
S1 < 0  P is in the exterior region
S1 > 0  P is in the interior region O x

S1 = 0  P lies on the hyperbola

6. LINE AND A HYPERBOLA
x 2 y2
The straight line y = mx + c is a secant, a tangent or passes outside the hyperbola 2  2  1
a b
2 2 2 2
according as : c > = < a m – b .

Drill Exercise - 5
1. Find the positions of the points (7, –3) and (2, 7) relative to the hyperbola 9x2 – 4y2 = 36.
2. Find the equation of the tangent to the hyperbola x2 – 4y2 = 36 which is perpendicular to the line
x – y + 4 = 0.

x2 y2
3. Find the value of m for which y = mx + 6 is a tangent to the hyperbola – = 1.
100 49

7. TANGENT AND NORMAL

7.1 Tangent
x 2 y2 xx yy
(i) Equation of the tangent to the hyperbola 2  2  1 at the point (x1 y1) is 21  21  1 .
a b a b
(ii) In general two tangents can be drawn from an external point (x1, y1) to the hyperbola and
they are y - y1 = m1(x - x1) and y - y1 = m2(x - x2) , where m1 and m2 are roots of the
equation (x12 - a2)m2 - 2 x1y1m + y12 + b2 = 0. If D < 0, then no tangent can be drawn from
(x1 y1) to the hyperbola.
x 2 y2
(iii) Equation of the tangent to the hyperbola   1 at the point ( a sec , b tan ) is
a 2 b2
x sec  y tan 
  1.
a b
(iv) Point of intersection of the tangents at  1 and  2 is

F
  I
G F  I
H 2 JK, G
H 2 JK.
1 2 1 2
cos sin
x= a yb
1   2 F   IJ
cosG
cos
H2 K
1 2
2
x 2 y2
(v) y = mx  a m  b can be taken as the tangent to the hyperbola 2  2  1 .
2 2 2
a b
Illustration 5:
Find the equations of the tangents to the hyperbola 3x2 – y2 = 3, which are perpendicular to the line
x + 3y = 2.
Solution :
Let m be the slope of the tangent to the given hyperbola. Then,
m × (slope of the line x + 3y = 2) = –1
 1
 m   = – 1  m = 3
 3
x 2 y2
2 2
Now, 3x – y = 3   1 .
1 3
x 2 y2
This is of the form 2  2 1 , where a2 = 1 and b2 = 3.
a b
So, the equations of the tangents are y = mx  a 2m 2  b2
 y = 3x  9  3  y = 3x  6
Drill Exercise - 6

x2 y2
1. The tangent at any arbitrary point ‘P’ on  = 1 meets the line bx – ay = 0 at point ‘Q’, then
a2 b2
find the locus of mid point of PQ.
2. Find the equation of the tangent to the hyperbola 2x2 - 3y2 = 6 which is parallel to the line
4y = 3x + 4.
3. Find the conditions that a straight line with slope m will be normal to parabola y2 = 4ax as well as
a tangents to rectangular hyperbola x2 - y2 = a2.

7.2 Normal
x 2 y2
(i) The equation of the normal to the hyperbola  1 at point P(x1, y1) on the curve
a 2 b2
a 2x b2y
 = a2+ b2  a2e2
x1 y1
(ii) The equation of the normal at the point P (a sec  , b tan  ) on the hyperbola
x 2 y2 ax by
2
 2 1 is  = a2 + b2 = a2 e2.
a b sec  tan 
(iii) In general, four normals can be drawn to a hyperbola from any point and if , ,  ,  be
the concentric angles of these four co-normal points, then        is an odd multiple
of  .
 Drill Exercise - 7
x 2 y2
1. Find the equation of normal to the hyperbola – = 1 at (–4, 0).
16 9

x 2 y2
2. The normal to the hyperbola 2  2  1 drawn at an extremity of its latus rectum is parallel to an
a b

asymptote. Show that the eccentricity is equal to the square root of

d1  5i .
2
3. If the tangent and the normal to the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2, at a point, cuts off intercepts
a1 and a2 on the x-axis and b1, b2 on the y-axis, then find the value of a1a2 + b1b2 .
4. The normal at P to a hyperbola of eccentricity e, intersects its transverse and conjugate axes at
L and M respectively. If locus of the mid point of LM is hyperbola , then find the eccentricity of the
hyperbola.
x 2 y2
5. If the normal at P to the hyperbola  =1 meets the transverse axis in G and conjugate axis
a 2 b2
in g and CF be perpendicular to the normal, from the centre then prove that
PF.PG = CB2 = b2, PF. Pg = CA2 = a2. Also prove that SG = e. SP (where S is the focus)

7.3. Chord of Contact of Tangents Drawn from a Point Outside the Hyperbola
Chord of contact of tangents drawn from a point outside the hyperbola is
T = 0 i.e., (xx1/a2) – (yy1/b2) = 1.

Illustration 6:

x 2 y2 x 2 y2
From any point on the hyperbola   1 tangents are drawn to the hyperbola  2 .
a 2 b2 a 2 b2
Then show that the area cutoff by the chord of contact on the asymptotes is 4 ab
Solution :

x 2 y2 x12 y12
Let P (x1, y1) be a point on the hyperbola   1 . Then,  1 .
a 2 b2 a 2 b2

x 2 y2
The chord of contact of tangent from P to the hyperbola 2  2  2 is
a b
xx 1 yy1
 2 2 ...(i)
a2 b
x y x y
The equations of the asymptotes are   0 and   0
a b a b
The points of intersection of (i) with the two asymptotes are given by
 2a 2b 2a  2b
x1 = ,y  , x2  ,y 
x1 y1 1 x1 y1 x 1 y1 2 x 1 y1
   
a b a b a b a b
 
 
1 1  8ab 
 Area of the triangle = | x1 y 2  x 2 y1 |   4ab
2 2  x 12 y12 
 2 2
a b 

8. CHORD OF HYPERBOLA WITH SPECIFIED MIDPOINT

Chord of hyperbola with specified midpoint (x1, y1) is
T = S1 , where S1 and T have usual meanings.

Illustration 7:
Find the equation of the chord of the hyperbola 25x2 – 16y2 = 400, which is bisected at the point (5, 3).
Solution :
x 2 y2
Equation of the given hyperbola can be written as  1
16 25
Therefore, equation of the chord of this hyperbola in terms of the middle point (5, 3) is (T = S1 )
5x 3y 52 0
  1    1  125x – 48y = 481
16 25 16 25
Illustration 8:
Find the locus of the midpoints of the chords of the circle x2 + y2 = 16 which are tangents to the
hyperbola. 9x2 – 16y2 = 144
Solution :
Let (h, k) be the middle point of a chord of the circle x2 + y2 = 16
Then its equation is hx + ky –16 = h2 + k2 – 16 i.e.,
hx + ky = h2 + k2 ... (i)
Let (i) touch the hyperbola
x2 y2
2 2
9x – 16y = 144 i.e.,  1 ... (ii)
16 9
x y
at the point ( ,  ) say, then (i) is identical with  1 ... (iii)
16 9
  1
Thus =  2
16 h 9k h  k 2
16h  9k
 2 2 and
 2
h k h  k2
1  16h  1  9k 
Since ( ,  ) lies on the hyperbola (ii),     1
16  h 2  k 2  9  h 2  k 2 
 16h2 – 9k2 = (h2 + k2)2
Hence the required locus of (h, k) is (x2 + y2)2 =16x2 – 9y2.
9. PAIR OF TANGENTS
x 2 y2
Equation of pair of tangents from point (x1, y1) to the hyperbola  = 1 is
a 2 b2
 x 2 y 2   x12 y12   xx yy 
2
2 
SS1 = T i.e.,  2   1     1   1
 1
 1
b2   a 2 b2  = 2
a    a b2 
10. DIRECTOR CIRCLE
The locus of the point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents to a hyperbola is called its
director circle. Its equation is x2 + y2 = a2 – b2.
Equation of any tangent to x2/a2– y2/ b2 = 1 is y = mx  (a 2 m 2  b 2 ) ... (i)

1
Tangent perpendicular to (i) is y = –
m
 
x  a 2 / m2  b 2  ... (ii)

Locus of point of intersection of these perpendicular tangents i.e., equation of the director circle
can be obtained by eliminating m between (i) and (ii).
 (y – mx)2 + (my + x)2 = a2m2 – b2 + a2 – b2 m2 or (m2 + 1) x2 + (m2 + 1) y2
= (a2 – b2) (m2 + 1)
Cancelling (m2 + 1), we get the equation of director circle as x2 + y2 = a2 – b2.

Drill Exercise - 8

x 2 y2
1. Find the number of point(s) outside the hyperbola   1 from where two perpendicular
25 36
tangents can be drawn to the hyperbola.
2. Find the equation to the chords of the hyperbola, 25x2  16y2 = 400 which is bisected at the
point (6 , 2).

x 2 y2
3. If m1 and m2 are the slopes of the tangents to the hyperbola   1 which pass through the
25 16
point (6, 2) then find the value of m1m2 and m1 + m2.

x 2 y2
4. If the chord through the points (a sec, b tan) and (a sec, b tan) on the hyperbola 2  2  1
a b

1  e
  1  e , for focus(ae,0)
passes through a focus, then prove that tan tan = 1  e .
2 2  , for focus (ae,0)
1  e

5. Tangents are drawn from any point on the hyperbola x2 – y2 = a2 + b2 to the hyperbola
x 2 y2
 = 1, then prove that they meet the axes in concyclic points.
a 2 b2
11. HIGHLIGHTS
x
(i) Equation of the tangent at P (t) is + yt = 2c where p is the point on the curve xy = c2
t
(ii) Equation of the normal at P(t) is xt3 – yt = c (t4 – 1). where p is the point on the curve
xy = c2.
x2 y2
(iii) Locus of the feet of the perpendicular drawn from focus of the hyperbola  =1
a2 b2
upon any tangent is its auxiliary circle i.e., x2 + y2 = a2 and the product of the length of these
perpendiculars is b2 .
(iv) The portion of the tangent between the point of contact and the directrix subtends a right
angle at the corresponding focus.
(v) The foci of the hyperbola and the points P and Q in which any tangent meets the tangents
at the vertices are concyclic with PQ as diameter of the circle.

(vi) Perpendicular from the foci on either asymptote meet it in the same points as the
corresponding directrix and the common points of intersection lie on the auxiliary circle.
x 2 y2
(vii) The tangent at any point P on a hyperbola 2  2  1 with centre C, meets the
a b
asymptotes in Q and R and cuts off a CQR of constant area equal to ab from the
asymptotes and the portion of the tangent intercepted between the asymptote is bisected
at the point of contact. This implies that locus of the centre of the circle circumscribing the
CQR in case of a rectangular hyperbola is the hyperbola itself and for a standard
hyperbola the locus would be the curve, 4(a2x2 - b2y2) = (a2 + b2)2.

(viii) The tangent and normal at any point of a hyperbola bisect the angle between the focal
radii. This spells reflection property of the hyperbola as an incoming light ray aimed towards
one focus is reflected from the outer surface of the hyperbola towards the other focus.

(ix) If from any point on the asymptote a straight line be drawn perpendicular to the transverse
axis, the product of the segments of this line intercepted between the point and the curve is
always equal to the square on the semi conjugate axis.
x 2 y2
(x) If the angle between the asymptote of a hyperbola   1 is 2 , then the eccentricity
a 2 b2
of the hyperbola is sec  .
 (xi) If a circle intersects a rectangular hyperbola at four points, then the mean value of the
points of intersection is the midpoint of the line joining the centres of circle and hyperbola.

(xii) A rectangular hyperbola circumscribing a triangle passes through the orthocenter of this
 c
triangle. If  ct i , t  , i = 1, 2, 3 be the angular points P, Q, R then orthocenter is
 i 

 c 
 ,  ct1t 2 t 3  .
 t1 t 2 t 3 

(xiii) If a circle and the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 meet in the four points t1 , t2, t3 & t4 , then
(a) t1 t2 t3 t4 = 1

(b) the centre of the mean position of the four points bisects the distance between the
centre of the two curves.
(c) the centre of the circle through the points t1, t2 & t3 is

 c  1  c1 1 1  
  t1  t 2  t 3   ,     t 1t 2 t 3   .
 2  t1 t 2 t 3  2  t1 t 2 t 3  

Drill Exercise - 9

1. The chord of the hyperbola x2/a2 – y2/b2 = 1 whose equation is x cos  + y sin  = p subtends a
right angle at the centre. Prove that it always touches a circle.
2. Find the product of the length of the perpendiculars drawn from foci on any tangent to the hyper-
bola (x2/a2) - (y2/b2) = 1.
3. Find the locus of the point, tangents from which to the rectangular hyperbola x2 – y2 = a2 contain an
angle of 45º.
 ANSWERS
Drill Exercise - 1
29 25 2
1. (  5, 0),(  29,0), e  ,x  2.
5 29 3

13
3. (- 1 , 0) 4. 5. 7
3
Drill Exercise - 2

1. 15x2 – y2 = 15 2. pair of rays 3. x2  3y2 + 3 = 0

4. x = 5 + 6 sec, y = –3 + 5 tan
Drill Exercise - 3

1. 3x + 4y + 5 = 0 and x + 2y + 3 = 0 2. 3x2 – 5xy – 2y2 + 5x + 11y – 16 = 0

3. 6x2 + 13xy + 6y2 – 38x – 37y – 98 = 0

Drill Exercise - 4

1. (LR) = (TA) = (CA)= 12 2 ; e = 2 ; foci  (6 2 , 6 2 ) , ( 6 2 , 6 2 ) ;

vertex = (6, 6), (–6, –6); equation of directrices = x + y = ± 6 2 . 2. 20

Drill Exercise - 5

1. point (–7, 3) lies inside ; (2, 7) lies outside 2. x  y3 3  0

17
3.
20
Drill Exercise - 6
2 2
x y 3
3.   4. y = 3x + 5 5. m6 - 2m = 0
a2 b2 4
Drill Exercise - 7
1. y=0 3. 0 4. e
Drill Exercise - 8

1. 0 2. 75x – 16y = 418 3. m1 + m2 = 24/11, m1m2 = 20/11

Drill Exercise - 9
1 2
2. b 3. (x2 + y2)2 + 4a2 (x2 – y2) = 4a4
2