I.

Introduction
A hyperbola’s graph consists of two unbounded branches which extend in opposite
directions. It is a misconception that each branch is a parabola. This is not true, as
parabolas and hyperbolas have very different features.

II. Objectives
After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define a hyperbola;
2. identify the different parts of a hyperbola;
3. determine the standard equation of a hyperbola and;
4. solves problems involving hyperbola.

III. Content

Lesson 5: Hyperbola
Definition of Hyperbola

A hyperbola is the set of points in a plane such that the absolute value of the
difference of the distance of each point from two fixed points is constant. Each fixed point
is called a focus, and the point midway between the foci is called the center. The line
containing the foci is the transverse axis. The graph is made up of two parts called
branches. Each branch intersects the transverse axis at a point called the vertex.

Graph of Hyperbola

The graph of a hyperbola has two disconnected branches. The line through the two
foci intersects the hyperbola at its two vertices. The line segment connecting the vertices
is the transverse axis, and the midpoint of the transverse axis is the center of the
hyperbola. The development of the standard form of the equation of a hyperbola is similar
to the equation of an ellipse. Note in the definition below that and are related differently for
hyperbolas than for ellipses.

1
 Let 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 be two distinct points. The set of all points 𝑃, whose distances from
𝐹1 and from 𝐹2 differ by a certain constant, is called a hyperbola. The points 𝐹1 and 𝐹2
are called the foci of the hyperbola, c units away from the center.

In the figure above, given are two points on the x-axis, 𝐹1 (−𝑐,0) and 𝐹2 (𝑐,0), the foci,
both c units away from their midpoint (0,0). This midpoint is the center of the hyperbola.
Let (𝑥,) be a point on the hyperbola; the absolute value of the difference of the distances
of P from V1 and V2, be 2a; algebraic manipulation will lead to the standard equation of
hyperbola as:

x2 y 2
− =1 ; where b=√ c 2−a2
a2 b2

Notice points 𝑉1 (−𝑎,0) and 𝑉2 (𝑎,0). These are the vertices of the hyperbola.
Vertices are points on the hyperbola that are collinear with the center and the foci, a units
from the center, and forms the segment 𝑉1𝑉2 that is called as the transverse axis with
length 2a. Subsequently, the segment perpendicular to the transverse axis is referred to
the conjugate axis with the length of 2b.

An auxiliary rectangle is formed by drawing segments passing through the

endpoints of the transverse and conjugate axis.

Graphing a hyperbola is not quite easy because of its form. That is why
asymptotes are necessary for they serve as guides in sketching a hyperbola’s graph.
b
Determined through the formulas 𝑦=± 𝑥, asymptotes are extended diagonals of the
a

2
auxiliary rectangle intersecting at the center. In the figure above, they are labeled as ℓ1
and ℓ2.

Example 1.
Determine the foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola with the equation
2 2
x y
− =1. Sketch the graph, include these points and lines, the transverse and conjugate
9 7
axes, and the auxiliary rectangle.

Solution:
From 𝑎2=9 and 𝑏2=7,

we obtain 𝑎=3, 𝑏=√ 7, and c= √ a2+ b2=4.

Foci: 𝐹1 (−4,0) and 𝐹2 (4,0).

Vertices: 𝑉1 (−3,0) and 𝑉2 (3,0).

√7
Asymptotes: 𝑦= 𝑥 and 𝑦=− 𝑥
3
7
3√
Example 2.

Find the standard form of the equation of the hyperbola given foci at (-1,2) and (5,2)
while vertices at (0,2) and (4,2)

Step 1: Find the center!!! (h, k)

3
Solve for the center of the hyperbola by finding the midpoint of its two vertices.
4+2 2+ 2
h= =3 k= =2, therefore the center is at (3,2)
2 2

Step 2: Find the value of a, c

Solving for a: assume the point (0, 2) and the center (2, 2)

Use distance formula.

√ 2
a= ( x 1−x 2) + ( y 1− y 2 )
2

a=√ ( 0−2 ) + ( 2−2 )

2 2

a=2

Solving for c: assume the point (5, 2) and the center (2, 2)

Use distance formula.

√ 2
c= ( x 1−x 2 ) + ( y 1− y 2 )
2

c= √( 0−2 ) + ( 2−2 )
2 2

c=3

Step 3: Solve the value of b

b=√ c + a = √ 9−4= √5
2 2

Step 4: Write the standard form of equation of hyperbola:

( x−2 )2 ( y−2 )2
− =1
4 √5
Note: As you observe in the coordinates of foci and vertices only the x coordinate
changes its value; hence we will use the Standard form of
Hyperbola at the point (h, k) transverse at x-axis
(HORIZONTALLY)

Example 3.

4
 A hyperbolic mirror is used in some telescopes. Such a mirror has the property that
a light ray directed at one focus will be reflected to the other focus. Write an equation to
model the hyperbolic mirror’s surface.

Solution:

The vertex of the hyperbola is an x-intercept and the center is at the origin.
Therefore, the x-coordinate of the x-intercept isa=15. We can determine b by substituting
20 for x and 20 for y in the equation for a horizontal hyperbola and solving for b.

2 2
x y
2
− 2 =1
a b

x2 y2
− =1 Substitute
152 b2

20 b −( 15 )( 20 )=15 b
2 2 2 2 2 2
Clear the fractions

20 b −15 b =( 15 ) ( 20 )
2 2 2 2 2 2
Isolate the b terms to one side

b ( 20 −15 )=( 15 ) ( 20 )
2 2 2 2 2
Factor out b 2

2 ( 152 ) ( 202 )
b= Solve for b
( 202−152 )
2 3600
b=
7

3600
Substitute 15 for a and for b 2 in the equation for horizontal hyperbola with a center at
7
the origin.
2 2
x y
2
− 2 =1
a b

x2 y2
− =1
152 3600
7
2 2
x 7y
− =1
225 3600

We must restrict our model to the right branch of the hyperbola, or when x ≥ 15.

5
The hyperbolic mirror surface can be modeled with the equation

x2 7 y2
− =1 , where x ≥ 15
225 3600

IV. Assessment
a. Multiple Choice.
Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer

1. Which conic sections have graphs consisting of two unbounded symmetrical

branches which extends in opposite directions?
a. Circle c. Hyperbola
b. Ellipse d. Parabola

2. Which of the following is the standard equation form of a hyperbola?

x2 y 2
a. + =1 c. 𝑥2= 4𝑐𝑦
a2 b 2
2 2
x y
b. 2 − 2 =1 d. 𝑥2+𝑦2=𝑟2
a b

3. What do you call the points on the hyperbola that are collinear with the center and
foci?
a. Asymptotes c. Transverse axis
b. Center d. Vertices

4. Which of these are features of the hyperbola that can be described as two lines
passing through the center, serving as guides in graphing the hyperbola?

a. Asymptotes c. Foci
b. Center d. Vertices

5. Which of these are points equidistant from the center of the hyperbola, and are on
the same axis as the vertices?

a. Asymptotes c. Transverse axis

b. Foci d. Vertices

6. Which of the following statements is NOT true about hyperbolas?

6
 a. The hyperbolas have the origins as their centers.
b. Some hyperbolas have their foci aligned vertically.
c. The centers of hyperbolas are always at the origin.
d. The concept of hyperbolas is helpful in basic location and navigation schemes.

7. Which of the following refers to the line segment joining the vertices of a
hyperbola?

a. Transverse axis c. Asymptote

b. Conjugate axis d. x and y axis
8. A fixed point from the vertex of an ellipse is called?
a. Vertex c. Foci
b. Directrix d. All of the above

9. The two points of intersection of the hyperbola and the transverses are called____.
a. Foci c. Vertex
b. Asymptote d. Vertices

( x+3 )2 ( y−1 )2
10. Given the hyperbolic equation; + =1, find the center of the equation.
4 14
a. (1,1) c. (1, -3)
b. (-3,1) d. ( -1, 1)

B. Problem Solving.

Directions: Read the problem and answer the questions that follow. Write your answer
on the space provided.

Write an equation that models the hyperbola

depicted for an aircraft guided by a navigation system
that employs hyperbolic tracking.

Answer:__________________

V. References
Albay, Eduard M. (2016) DIWA Senior High Series: Precalculus. DIWA Learning System
Inc. Makati, Philippines

7
Department of Education. Bureau of Learning Resources. Precalculus Learner’s Material.
Philippines: Lexicon Press Inc., 2016

Department of Education. Bureau of Learning Resources. Precalculus Teacher’s Guide.

Philippines: Lexicon Press Inc., 2016

Pelias, John Gabriel P.( 2016) REX: Precalculus. REX Book Store. Manila, Philippines

Larson and Hostetler. PreCalculus. New York. Houghton Mifflin Company. Seventh
Edition. 2007