Lesson 1.4.

Hyperbolas

Time Frame: 1 week

(Quarter 1- Week 4)

Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(1) define a hyperbola;
(2) determine the standard form of equation of a hyperbola.
Introduction
Just like ellipse, a hyperbola is one of the conic sections that most students have not
encountered formally before. Its graph consists of two unbounded branches which extends 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.

Lesson 1.4.1. Definition and Equation of a Hyperbola

Consider the points 𝐹1 (−5,0) and 𝐹2 (5,0), as shown in the figure below. What is the
absolute value of the difference of the distances of 𝐴(3.75, −3) from 𝐹1 and from 𝐹2 ? How
16
about the absolute value of the difference of the distances of 𝐵(−5, ) from 𝐹1 and from 𝐹2 ?
3

|𝐴𝐹1 − 𝐴𝐹2 | = |9.25 − 3.25| = 6

16 34
|𝐵𝐹1 − 𝐵𝐹2 | = | − |=6
3 3

There are other points 𝑃 such that |𝑃𝐹1 − 𝑃𝐹2 | = 6. The collection of all such points
forms a shape called a hyperbola, which consists of two disjoint branches, For points 𝑃 on the
left branch, 𝑃𝐹2 − 𝑃𝐹1 = 6; for those on the right branch, 𝑃𝐹1 − 𝑃𝐹2 = 6

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.

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). The midpoint is the center of the hyperbola. Refer to the Figure
above. Let 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) be a point on the hyperbola and let the absolute value of the difference of the

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 1
distances of 𝑃 from 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 be 2𝑎 (the coefficient 2 will make computations simpler). Thus,
|𝑃𝐹1 − 𝑃𝐹2| = 2𝑎, and so

We have the first standard equation of the hyperbola:

𝑥 2 𝑦2
2
− 2 = 1, 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 .
𝑎 𝑏

Refer to the hyperbolas below and note the following features of the graph:

(1) center: origin (0, 0)

(2) foci: 𝐹1 (−𝑐, 0) and 𝐹2 (𝑐, 0)
• Each focus is 𝑐 units away from the center.
• For any point on the hyperbola, the absolute value of the differences of its
distances from the foci is 2𝑎.
(3) vertices: 𝑉1 (−𝑎, 0) and 𝑉2 (𝑎, 0)

• The vertices are points on the hyperbola, collinear with the center and foci.
• If 𝑦 = 0, then 𝑥 = ±𝑎. Each vertex is 𝑎 units away from the center.
• The segment 𝑉1 𝑉2 is called the transverse axis. Its length is 2𝑎
𝑏 𝑏
(4) asymptotes: 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − 𝑎 𝑥, the dotted lines in the figure above are
the asymptotes
• The asymptotes of the hyperbola are two lines passing through the center
which serve as a guide in graphing the hyperbola: each branch of the
hyperbola gets closer and closer to the asymptotes, in the direction
towards which the branch extends.

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 • An aid in determining the equations of the asymptotes: in the standard
𝑥2 𝑦2
equation, replace 1 by 0, and in the resulting equation 𝑎2 − 𝑏2 = 0, solve
for 𝑦.
• To help us sketch the asymptotes, we point out that the asymptotes 𝑙1 and
𝑙2 are extended diagonals of the auxiliary rectangle drawn as in the Figure
above. This rectangle has sides 2𝑎 and 2𝑏 with its diagonals intersecting
at the center 𝐶. Two sides are congruent and parallel to the transverse axis
𝑉1 𝑉2 . The other two sides are congruent and parallel to the conjugate
axis, the segment shown which is perpendicular to the transverse axis at
the center, and has length 2𝑏.

Illustrative Examples

A. Determine the foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola with equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
9 7

Solution:

With 𝑎2 = 9 and 𝑏 2 = 7 we have 𝑎 = 3, 𝑏 = √7, and 𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 4.

foci: 𝐹1 (−4, 0), 𝐹2 (4, 0)
vertices: 𝑉1 (−3, 0), 𝑉2 (3, 0)
√7 √7
asymptotes: 𝑦 = 3 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − 𝑥
3
(1) 𝒙𝟐 = −𝟔𝒚

B. Find the (standard) equation of the hyperbola whose foci are 𝐹1 (−5, 0) and 𝐹2 (5, 0), such
that for any point on it, the absolute value of the difference of its distances from the foci is 6.

Solution:
We have 2𝑎 = 6 and 𝑐 = 5, so 𝑎 = 3 and

𝑏 = √𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 = 4.
The hyperbola then has equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
9 16

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 It’s Your Turn!

(1) Determine foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola with equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
16 20

Answer: foci: 𝐹1 (−6, 0), and 𝐹2 (6, 0)

vertices: 𝑉1 (−4, 0) and 𝑉2 (4, 0)
√5 √5
asymptotes: 𝑦 = 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − 𝑥
2 2

(2) Find the equation in standard form of the hyperbola whose foci are 𝐹1 (−4√2, 0) and
𝐹2 (4√2, 0), such that for any point on it, the absolute value of the difference of its
distances from the foci is 8.

Answer: The parabola then has equation

𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
16 16

Lesson 1.4.2. More Properties of Hyperbolas

The hyperbolas we considered so far are “horizontal” and have the origin as their centers.
Some hyperbolas have their foci aligned vertically, and some have centers not at the origin.
Their standard equations are given in the table below.

Center Corresponding Graphs

(𝟎, 𝟎)

𝒙 𝟐 𝒚𝟐 𝒚 𝟐 𝒙𝟐
− =𝟏 − =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐 𝒃 𝟐

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 (𝒉, 𝒌)

(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐

− =𝟏 − =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐
transverse axis: horizontal transverse axis: vertical

conjugate axis: vertical conjugate axis: horizontal

In all four cases, we let 𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 . The foci 𝐹1 and 𝐹2 are 𝑐 units away from the
center 𝐶. The vertices 𝑉1 and 𝑉2 are 𝑎 units away from the center. The transverse axis 𝑉1 𝑉2 has
length 2𝑎. The conjugate axis has length 2𝑏 and is perpendicular to the transverse axis. The
transverse and conjugate axes bisect each other at their intersection point 𝐶. Each branch of a
hyperbola gets closer and closer to the asymptotes in the direction towards which the branch
extends.
In the standard equation, aside from being positive, there are no other restrictions on 𝑎
and 𝑏. In fact, 𝑎 and 𝑏 can even be equal. The orientation of the hyperbola is determined by the
variable appearing in the first term (the positive term): the corresponding axis is where the two
branches will open. For example, if the variable in the first term is 𝑥, the hyperbola is
“horizontal”: the transverse axis is horizontal, and the branches open to the left and right in the
direction of the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.

Illustrative Examples

Give the coordinates of the center, foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola with
the given equation

(𝑦 + 2)2 (𝑥 − 7)2
(1) − =1
25 9
Solution: center: 𝐶(7, −2)
From 𝑎2 = 25 and 𝑏 2 = 9, we
have 𝑎 = 5, 𝑏 = 3, and foci: 𝐹1 (7, −2 − √34) ≈ (7, −7.8),
𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = √34 ≈ 5.8. 𝐹2 (7, −2 + √34) ≈ (7, 3.8)
The hyperbola is vertical. To
determine the asymptotes, we write vertices: 𝑉1 (7, −7), 𝑉2 (7, 3)
(𝑦 + 2)2 (𝑥 − 7)2
− =0
25 9 asymptotes:
which is equivalent to 5 41
5 𝑦= 𝑥−
𝑦 + 2 = ± (𝑥 − 7) 3 3
3 5 29
then solve for 𝑦. 𝑦=− 𝑥+
3 3

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(2) 4𝑥 2 − 5𝑦 2 + 32𝑥 + 30𝑦 = 1

Solution:
We first change the given equation to standard equation form.
4(𝑥 2 + 8𝑥) − 5(𝑦 2 − 6𝑦) = 1
4(𝑥 + 8𝑥 + 16) − 5(𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 + 9) = 1 + 4(16) − 5(9)
2

4(𝑥 + 4)2 − 5(𝑦 − 3)2 = 20

(𝑥 + 4)2 (𝑦 − 3)2
− =1
5 4
We have 𝑎 = √5 ≈ 2.2 and 𝑏 = 2. Thus, 𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 3. The
hyperbola is horizontal. To determine the asymptotes, we write
(𝑥 + 4)2 (𝑦 − 3)2
− =0
5 4
2
which is equivalent to 𝑦 − 3 = ± (𝑥 + 4), and solve for 𝑦.
√5

center: 𝐶(−4, 3)

foci: 𝐹1 (−7, 3) and 𝐹2 (−1, 3)

vertices:
𝑉1 (−4 − √5, 3) ≈ (−6.2, 3)

𝑉2 (−4 + √5, 3) ≈ (−1.8, 3)

asymptotes:
2 8
𝑦= 𝑥+ +3
√5 √5

2 8
𝑦=− 𝑥− +3
√5 √5

(3) The foci of a hyperbola are (−5, −3) and (9, −3). For any point on the hyperbola,
the absolute value of the difference of its distances from the foci is 10. Find the
standard equation of the hyperbola.

Solution:
The midpoint (2, −3) of the foci is the center of the hyperbola. Each focus is
𝑐 = 7 units away from the center. From the given difference, 2𝑎 = 10,
so 𝑎 = 5. Also, 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 = 24. The equation is
(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑦 + 3)2
− =1
25 24

(4) A hyperbola has vertices (−4, −5) and (−4, 9), and one of its foci is (−4, 2 − √65).
Find its standard equation.

Solution:
The midpoint (−4, 2) of the vertices is the center of the hyperbola, which is
vertical (because the vertices are vertically aligned). Each vertex is 𝑎 = 7 units
away from the center. From the given focus is 𝑐 = √65 units away from the
center. Thus, 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 = 16, and the standard equation is

(𝑦 − 2)2 (𝑥 + 4)2
− =1
49 16

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 It’s Your turn!

(1) Give the coordinates of the center, foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola
with equation 9𝑥 2 − 4𝑦 2 − 90𝑥 − 32𝑦 = −305.

Answer:
center 𝐶(5, −4), foci 𝐹1 (5, −4 − 2√13) and 𝐹2 (5, −4 + 2√13);
vertices: 𝑉1 (5, −10) and 𝑉2 (5, 2)
3 7 3 23
asymptotes: 𝑦 = − 2 𝑥 + 2 and 𝑦 = 2 𝑥 − 2

(2) A hyperbola has vertices (1, 9) and (13, 9), and one of its foci is (−2, 9).
Find its standard equation.

Answer:
(𝑥 − 7)2 (𝑦 − 9)2
− =1
36 45

Practice makes Better!

(1) Determine the foci, vertices, and asymptotes of the hyperbola with equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
− = 1.
16 33

Solution:
The hyperbola is horizontal.
𝑎2 = 16 ⇒ 𝑎 = 4, 𝑏 2 = 33 ⇒ 𝑏 = √33
𝑐 = √16 + 33 = √49 = 7

center: (0, 0)
foci: 𝐹1 (−7, 0), 𝐹2 (7, 0)
vertices: 𝑉1 (−4, 0), 𝑉2 (4, 0)
√33 √33
asymptotes: 𝑦 = 𝑥, 𝑦=− 𝑥
4 4

(2) Find the standard equation of the hyperbola whose foci are 𝐹1 (0, −10) and 𝐹2 (0, 10),
such that for any point on it, the absolute value of the difference of its distances from
the foci is 12.

Solution:
The hyperbola is vertical and has center at (0, 0). We have 2𝑎 = 12 ⇒ 𝑎 = 6;
also, 𝑐 = 8. Then 𝑏 = √102 − 62 = √64 = 8. The equation is
𝑦2 𝑥2
− = 1.
36 64

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 7
For problems 3 and 4, give the coordinates of the center, foci, vertices, and asymptotes of
the hyperbola with the given equation.

(3) (𝑦 + 6)2 (𝑥 − 4)2

− =1
25 39

Solution:

The hyperbola is vertical.

𝑎2 = 25 ⇒ 𝑎 = 5, 𝑏 2 = 39 ⇒ 𝑏 = √39, 𝑐 2 = √25 + 39 = 8

center: (4, −6)

foci: 𝐹1 (4, −14), 𝐹2 (4, 2)

vertices: 𝑉1 (4, −11), 𝑉2 (4, −1)

(𝑦+6)2 (𝑥−4)2 5
asymptotes: − =0 ⇔ 𝑦+6=± (𝑥 − 4)
25 39 √39

(4) 9𝑥 2 + 126𝑥 − 16𝑦 2 − 96𝑦 + 153 = 0

Solution:
9𝑥 2 + 126𝑥 − 16𝑦 2 − 96𝑦 = −153
9(𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 + 49) − 16(𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 + 9) = −153 + 9(49) − 16(9)
9(𝑥 + 7)2 − 16(𝑦 + 3)2 = 144
(𝑥 + 7)2 (𝑦 + 3)2
− =1
16 9

The hyperbola is horizontal.

𝑎2 = 16 ⇒ 𝑎 = 4, 𝑏 2 = 9 ⇒ 𝑏 = 3, 𝑐 = √16 + 9 = 5
center: (−7, −3)
foci: 𝐹1 (−12, −3), 𝐹2 (−2, −3)
vertices: 𝑉1 (−11, −3), 𝑉2 (−3, −3)
(𝑥+7)2 (𝑦+3)2 3
asymptotes: − = 0 ⇔ 𝑦 + 3 = ± 4 (𝑥 + 7)
16 9

(5) The foci of a hyperbola are (−17, −3) and (3, −3). For any point on the
hyperbola, the absolute value of the difference of its distances from the foci is
14. Find the standard equation of the hyperbola.

Solution:
The hyperbola is horizontal with center at the midpoint (−7, −3) of the
foci. Also, 2𝑎 = 14 so 𝑎 = 7 while 𝑐 = 10. Then 𝑏 2 = 102 − 72 = 51.
The equation is
(𝑥 + 7)2 (𝑦 + 3)2
− = 1.
49 51

inhs-shs-precalculus-sir villalon 8
(6) The auxiliary rectangle of a hyperbola has vertices (−24, −15), (−24, 9),
(10, 9) and (10, −15). Find the equation of the hyperbola if its conjugate axis
is horizontal.

Solution:
The hyperbola is vertical. Using the auxiliary rectangle’s dimensions, we
see that the length of the transverse axis is 2𝑎 = 24 while the length of the
conjugate axis is 2𝑏 = 34. Thus, 𝑎 = 12 and 𝑏 = 17. The hyperbola’s
vertices are the midpoints (−7, −15) and (−7, 9) of the bottom and top
sides, respectively, of the auxiliary rectangle. Then the hyperbola’s center is
(−7, −3), which is the midpoint of the vertices. The equation is

(𝑦 + 3)2 (𝑥 + 7)2
− =1
144 289

References:
Precalculus Learner’s Manual, First Edition 2016, DepEd
Precalculus Teacher’s Guide, First Edition 2016, DepEd

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