PRECALCULUS

MODULE 5
GRAPHING AND FINDING EQUATIONS OF HYPERBOLA
LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE LESSON
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
(1) define a hyperbola;
(2) determine the standard and general form of equation of a hyperbola; and
(3) graph and state the properties of a hyperbola in a rectangular coordinate system.

LESSON OUTLINE
This module contains the analytic definition of hyperbola, steps on how to graph hyperbola
in a Cartesian plane, steps on how to find the standard and general equation form of a hyperbola,
and examples on graphing and finding equations of hyperbolas using given properties or
conditions.
DISCUSSION
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 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. An application of hyperbolas in basic
location and navigation schemes are presented in an example and some exercises.
Explore what is a Hyperbola.
Consider the points F1(−5, 0) and F1(5, 0) as shown in figure. Also consider the points A,
B, C, and any other points P on the hyperbola. Point A has coordinates (3.75, -3), B has (5, 5.33)
and C has (4, 3.53). Using these points, try to explore what is a hyperbola. To do that, the objective
is to determine the distances of every point on the hyperbola from both F1 and F2, subtract
the result, and get the absolute value of it.

Let us start with point A. Find the distance AF1 and AF2 using distance formula. Then,
subtract and get its absolute value.
𝐴𝐹1 = √[3.75 − (−5)]2 + (−3 − 0)2 = √(8.75)2 + (−3)2 = √76.5625 + 9 = √85.5625 = 9.25
𝐴𝐹2 = √(3.75 − 5)2 + (−3 − 0)2 = √(−1.25)2 + (−3)2 = √1.5625 + 9 = √10.5625 = 3.25
So, |𝐴𝐹1 − 𝐴𝐹2 | = |9.25 − 3.25| = |6| = 6 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠.

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 PRECALCULUS

Second is point B. Find the distance BF1 and BF2 using distance formula. Then, subtract
and get its absolute value.
𝐵𝐹1 = √[−5 − (−5)]2 + (5.33 − 0)2 = √(−5 + 5)2 + (5.33)2 = √0 + 28.4089 = √28.4089 = 5.33
𝐵𝐹2 = √[−5 − 5]2 + (5.33 − 0)2 = √(−10)2 + (5.33)2 = √100 + 28.4089 = √128.4089 ≈ 11.33
So, |𝐵𝐹1 − 𝐵𝐹2 | = |5.33 − 11.33| = |−6| = 6 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠.

Third is point C. Find the distance CF1 and CF2 using distance formula. Then, add.
and get its absolute value.
𝐶𝐹1 = √[4 − (−5)]2 + (3.53 − 0)2 = √(9)2 + (3.53)2 = √81 + 12.4609 = √93.4609 ≈ 9.67
𝐵𝐹2 = √[4 − 5]2 + (3.53 − 0)2 = √(−1)2 + (3.53)2 = √1 + 12.4609 = √13.4609 ≈ 3.67
So, |𝐶𝐹1 − 𝐶𝐹2 | = |9.67 − 3.67| = |6| = 6 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠.

Lastly, for any other points P on the hyperbola. Using the given figure, if you find the
distances of any other points P on the hyperbola from both F1 and F2, then subtract and get the
absolute value, what do you think will be the result? If you observe the pattern from the given
points, the absolute value of the difference is constant, that is 6 units. Hence, the absolute value of
the difference of the distances of every point on the ellipse from both F1 and F2 will also be 6 units.

Considering the series of illustrations above, we can, therefore, get an idea that when you
subtract the distances of every point on the ellipse from both points F1 and F2 and get its absolute
value, the result is constant or always the same. Here, the points F1 and F2 are called foci of a
Hyperbola. [Foci is a plural of focus and is read as either “f𝑜̅ -s𝑖̅ ” or “f𝑜̅ -k𝑖̅ ”].

In connection to the series of illustrations presented above, we can define a hyperbola as

shown below.

Analytic Definition of an Hyperbola

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.

Based on the definition, a parabola is formed when you connect all the points where the
absolute value of the difference of the distances from the foci is a constant (or always the same).
This is further illustrated below. The left side figure are points P on the plane whose distances
from points F1 and F2 are illustrated using line segments. If the absolute value of the difference of
the distances of every point P from points F1 and F2 are all the same, then connecting all the points
P (not including points F1 and F2) will form a hyperbola (as shown in the right side figure).

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 PRECALCULUS

Summary of the Graphs and Equations of a Hyperbola

Horizontal Hyperbola (Horizontal Principal Axis)
Graph and its Properties

Standard Equation Form

(𝒙 − 𝒉 ) 𝟐 (𝒚 − 𝒌 )𝟐
− =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐
(ℎ, 𝑘) is the coordinates of the center
(𝑥, 𝑦) is the coordinates of any point on the hyperbola
𝑎 is the distance from the center to one vertex
𝑏 is the distance from the center to one endpoint of the conjugate axis
𝑐 is the distance from the center to one focus
Formula to use if one of the distances a, b, and c is missing:

𝑐 = √𝑎 2 + 𝑏 2

𝑏 = √𝑐 2 − 𝑎 2

𝑎 = √𝑐 2 − 𝑏 2
Note that using the standard equation of a horizontal hyperbola, the term with x-variable
will be the minuend while the term with y-variable will be the subtrahend. Unlike ellipse, it is not
necessary that the denominator 𝑎 is greater than 𝑏 or 𝑏 is greater than 𝑎.

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 PRECALCULUS

Vertical Hyperbola (Vertical Principal Axis)

Standard Equation Form

(𝒚 − 𝒌 ) 𝟐 (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐
− =𝟏
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐
(ℎ, 𝑘) is the coordinates of the center
(𝑥, 𝑦) is the coordinates of any point on the hyperbola
𝑎 is the distance from the center to one vertex
𝑏 is the distance from the center to one endpoint of the conjugate axis
𝑐 is the distance from the center to one focus
Formula to use if one of the distances a, b, and c is missing:

𝑐 = √𝑎 2 + 𝑏 2

𝑏 = √𝑐 2 − 𝑎 2

𝑎 = √𝑐 2 − 𝑏 2
Note that using the standard equation of a vertical hyperbola, the term with y-variable
will be the minuend while the term with x-variable will be the subtrahend. Unlike ellipse, it is not
necessary that the denominator 𝑎 is greater than 𝑏 or 𝑏 is greater than 𝑎.
More things to consider:
 The constant sum of the distances from every point on the hyperbola to both of the foci is
always equal to the length of the principal axis (or transverse axis). Thus, equal to length
2𝑎.
 The principal axis (or transverse axis) connects the two vertices with length 2𝑎.
 The conjugate axis has length 2𝑏.
 The principal axis (or transverse axis) always contains the foci.
 𝑐 is ALWAYS THE GREATEST among the three distances 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐.
 The foci of the hyperbola are always in line with the vertices or found on the principal axis.

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 PRECALCULUS

 In the standard form equation, the denominator of the minuend is always of the form 𝑎2
while the denominator of the subtrahend is always of the form 𝑏2 .
 For uniformity purposes in naming the points on the graph, name the left side or downward
vertex, and focus with a subscript 1 (such as 𝑉1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹1). On the other hand, name the right
side or upward vertex, and focus with a subscript 2 (such as 𝑉2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹2 ).
For a Hyperbola with center at the Origin (0, 0)
We can easily make an equation of a hyperbola with vertex at (0, 0). Using the standard equation,
1. For a horizontal hyperbola with center at (0, 0):
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2
− =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
(𝑥 − 0)2 (𝑦 − 0)2
− =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
𝑥2 𝑦2
− =1
𝑎2 𝑏 2
2. For a vertical hyperbola with center at (0, 0):
(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 (𝑥 − ℎ)2
− =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
(𝑦 − 0)2 (𝑥 − 0)2
− =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
𝑦2 𝑥2
− =1
𝑎2 𝑏 2
Therefore, for a hyperbola with center at the origin only, we can use the equation
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑦2 𝑥2
− = 1 for a horizontal hyperbola; and − = 1for a vertical hyperbola.
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑎2 𝑏2
How to Graph a Hyperbola
1. Plot the center, vertices, and endpoints of the conjugate axis.
2. Draw an auxiliary rectangle (drawn in broken lines) passing through the vertices and
endpoints of the conjugate axis.
3. Draw the asymptotes (in broken line) passing through the diagonals of the auxiliary
rectangle. The asymptotes will serve as your guide in graphing the hyperbola. Make sure
each branch of the hyperbola will just GET CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE
ASYMPTOTES AND EXTENDS TOWARDS THE DIRECTION OF THE
ASYMPTOTES.
4. Draw a hyperbola (two branches) passing through the vertex and approaches the
asymptotes (but does not touch).
How Make a Standard Equation Form of an Hyperbola
1. Determine if the hyperbola is vertical or horizontal and the corresponding equation to use,
the center (h, k), and the distance (a units) from the center to the vertex and the distance
(b units) from the center to an endpoint of the conjugate axis. If either a or b is missing but
c is given, use the corresponding formula to use to find the missing distance.
2. Substitute the h, k, a, and b to the corresponding standard equation form to be used. Then,
becomes the standard equation form.
How Make a General Equation Form of a Hyperbola
1. Use the standard equation form.
2. Expand the squares of each term on the left side of the equation.
3. Find the LCD (Least Common Denominator) of the denominators. Then, multiply the LCD
to both sides of the equation to remove the fraction. [You may refer to the review discussed
in Gen Math under Rational Equations and Inequalities in Finding the LCD]
4. Then, simplify the left side of the equation.
5. Trans pose the term from the right side of the equation to the left side of the equation. Then
combine like terms.
6. The final answer would be in a form 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐵𝑦 2 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐷𝑦 + 𝐸 = 0 where
𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠, and 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵 are not both zero.

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Expressing General Equation of a Hyperbola to Standard Form

1. Regroup the terms with same variables, for x and for y, on the left side of the equation.
Then, transpose the constant E to the right side of the equation.
2. Factor out the coefficient of x2 for every term in the x group. Also, factor out the coefficient
of y2 for every term in the y group.
3. Complete the square for group of terms with x variable and for group of terms with y
variable. Then, whatever number is added to one side of the equation will also be added to
the other side of the equation.
4. Divide both sides of the equation by the resulting number on the right side of the equation.
(𝑥−ℎ)2 (𝑦−𝑘)2
5. Then, transform the resulting equation into the standard form, either − =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
(𝑦−𝑘)2 (𝑥−ℎ)2
or − = 1.
𝑎2 𝑏2
Example: Graphing and Finding Equations of a Hyperbola Given its Properties
1. Given the following properties of a hyperbola, sketch the graph. State the complete properties:
type of hyperbola, center, foci, vertices, endpoints of the conjugate axis, a units, b units, c units,
Determine the standard and general equation.
a. Foci are F1 (−5, 0) and F2 (5, 0), and for any point on it, the absolute value of the difference
of its distances from the foci is 6.
Solution:
It was given that the foci are at the points F1 (−5, 0) and F2 (5, 0). By plotting these points
on the plane, we can say that the hyperbola is horizontal. Between the foci is the center. So, the
center is at the origin. This also means that the distance from the center to the focus is 5 units.
Another given is the absolute value of the difference of its distances of any point on the
hyperbola from the foci which is 6 units. Remember that the constant absolute value of the
difference is always equal to the length of the transverse axis. Since the given constant sum is 6
units, thus, the transverse axis has a length of 6 units. This also means that the distance from the
center to one of the vertices is 3 units. So, counting 3 units from the center to both vertices side
wards, we can have the points (3, 0) and (-3, 0), respectively.
Next, we need the endpoints of the conjugate axis. One endpoint is b units from the center.
Since b units is not given, we have to find b using the formula 𝑏 = √𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 . We know that c is 5
units and a is 3 units. Therefore, 𝑏 = √52 − 32 = √25 − 9 = √16 = 4 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠. So, counting 4 units
from the center going upward and downward, we can have the points (0, 4) and (0, -4),
respectively.
Since we already have the vertices and endpoints of conjugate axis, we can now sketch the
graph of a hyperbola. Draw an auxiliary rectangle (in broken lines) passing through the vertices
and the endpoints of the conjugate axis. After drawing the auxiliary rectangle, draw the asymptotes
(in broken lines) by connecting the diagonals of the auxiliary rectangle.
Then complete the sketch of the graph as shown below.
Graph: Properties:
Type: Horizontal Hyperbola
Center: (0, 0)
Foci: (-5, 0) and (5, 0)
Vertices: (-3, 0) and (3, 0)
Endpoints of CA: (0, -4) and (0, 4) 𝑎 = 3 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠,
𝑏 = 4 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠,
𝑐 = 5 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠

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Equation:
For the Standard Equation Form
Since the hyperbola is horizontal and center at the origin, we can use the equation
𝑥2 𝑦2
− 𝑏2 = 1. Based on the graph and the properties, (h, k) = (0, 0), 𝑎 is 3 units, and 𝑏 is 4
𝑎2
units.
Hence,
𝑥2 𝑦2
 − 𝑏2 = 1
𝑎2
𝑥2 𝑦2
 − 42 = 1 →Standard Equation Form
32
For the General Equation Form
𝑥2 𝑦2
 − 42 = 1
32
𝑥2 𝑦2
 − 16 = 1
9
𝑥2 𝑦2
 (144) [ 9 − 16 = 1] (144); LCD of 9 and 16 is 144
144𝑥 2 144𝑦2
 − = 144
9 16
 16𝑥 2 − 9𝑦 = 144 2

 16𝑥 2 − 9𝑦 2 − 144 = 0 → General Equation Form

1. Given the following properties of a hyperbola, sketch the graph. State the complete properties:
type of hyperbola, center, foci, vertices, endpoints of the conjugate axis, a units, b units, c units,
Determine the standard and general equation.
b. A hyperbola has vertices (-4, -5) and (-4, 9), and one of its foci is (-4,-6). Find its standard
equation.
Solution:
Given that the vertices are at the points (-4, -5) and (-4, 9), and one of its foci is (-4,-6), we
can say that the center will be at the points (-4, 2). By plotting these points on the plane, this implies
that the hyperbola is vertical. It also follows that the distance from the center to the vertex is 7
units while the distance from the center to the focus is 8 units.
Endpoints of the conjugate axis are not given. We know that the distance from the center
to one of the endpoints is b units. Since we have a and c, we can find b using the formula
𝑏 = √𝑐 2 − 𝑎2 . 𝑎 = 7 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 and 𝑐 = 8 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠. Thus, 𝑏 = √82 − 72 = √64 − 49 = √15 ≈
3.9 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠. Hence, counting 3.9 units from the center going upward and downward, we can have
the points (-0.1, 2) and (-7.9, 2), respectively.
By plotting all the necessary points on the plane and following the steps in graphing
hyperbola, we can draw the following graph.
Graph
Properties:
Type: Vertical Hyperbola
Center: (-4, 2)
Foci: (-4, 10) and (-4, -6)
Vertices: (-4, 9) and (-4, -5)
Endpoints of CA: (-0.1, 2) and (-7.9, 2)
𝑎 = 7 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠,
𝑏 = √15 ≈ 3.9 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠,
𝑐 = 8 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠

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 PRECALCULUS

Equation:
For the Standard Equation Form:
(𝑦−𝑘)2 (𝑥−ℎ)2
Since the hyperbola is vertical, the equation to be used is − =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
Based on the graph and the properties, (h, k) = (-4, 2), 𝑎 is 7 units, and 𝑏 is √15 units.
Hence,
(𝑦−𝑘)2 (𝑥−ℎ)2
 − =1
𝑎2 𝑏2
(𝑦−2)2 [𝑥−(−4)]2
 − = 1 →Standard Equation Form
(7)2 (√15)2

For the General Equation Form:

(𝑦−2)2 [𝑥−(−4)]2
 − =1
(7)2 (√15)2
(𝑦−2)2 [𝑥+4]2
 − =1
49 15
𝑦 2 −4𝑦+4 𝑥 2 +8𝑥+16
 − =1
49 15
𝑦 2 −4𝑦+4 𝑥 2 +8𝑥+16
 (735) [ − = 1] (735); LCD of 49 and 15 is 735
64 15
735(𝑦 2 −4𝑦+4) 735(𝑥 2 +8𝑥+16)
 49
− 15
= 735
 15(𝑦 − 4𝑦 + 4) − 49(𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 16) = 735
2

 15𝑦 2 − 60𝑦 + 60 − 49𝑥 2 − 392𝑥 − 784 = 735, note that -49 is being distributed not just 49
2 2
 15𝑦 − 49𝑥 − 60𝑦 − 392𝑥 + 60 − 784 − 735 = 0, arrange according to the highest exponent
 15𝑦 − 49𝑥 2 − 60𝑦 − 392𝑥 − 1459 = 0 → General Equation Form
2

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Example: Graphing Hyperbola Using Equations

Example

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Prepared by: Mark Jerome de la Peña, MED-Math 10

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FAMILY NAME, FIRST NAME MI. GRADE 11-STEM 1

PROBLEM SET 4A: Graphs and Equations of Hyperbola
DUE ON: February 8, 2021
INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer the following items. Show your solutions neatly and completely. MULTIPLE
ERASURES ARE NOT ALLOWED. Be organized in writing your answer. Your hyperbola
illustration must be PRESENTABLE.
1. Given the following properties of a hyperbola, sketch the graph. State the complete
properties: type of hyperbola, center, foci, vertices, endpoints of the conjugate axis, a units,
b units, c units, Determine the standard and general equation.
[10 points each]
a. foci (-3, -7)and (-3, 3), the sum of the distances of any point from the foci is 4.
b. center (-3, 5), vertices at (-3, 0) and (-3, 10), one focus at (-3, -3)

2. Given the following equations of a hyperbola, sketch the graph. State the complete
properties: type of hyperbola, center, foci, vertices, endpoints of the conjugate axis, a units,
b units, c units.
𝑥2 𝑦2
a. − =1 [7 points]
144 169
(𝑦−2)2 (𝑥+1)2
b. − =1 [8 points]
16 25
2 2
c. 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 42𝑥 − 16𝑦 + 67 = 0 [10 points]

For Online Submission.

 Write your answer in an intermediate paper. You may use a graphing paper for the graph.
 Take a CLEAR PORTRAIT photo of your answers.
 Send through google classroom on “Problem Set 5” under “Problem Set Section” of your
classwork. .
MY REFLECTION:
In 3-5 sentences, make a reflection of the lesson by answering the following questions:
 What did you learn and realize from the lesson?
 What are still unclear to you about the lesson?
 How will you overcome the lessons that are still unclear?
Your 3-5 sentence reflection will be for the three questions already [not for every question]. You
must write this at the end of every module lesson on your notes.

NOTES CONTENT for Module 4A:

Your notes must contain the summary of the discussion in this module, complete examples,
complete answers to the given problem set, and at the last part under the lesson will be your 3-5
sentence reflection.
As part of your notes, must be the correct answers of the problem set. Thus, you may wait for the
answers key that will be sent to you, and you can copy those on your notebooks.

Prepared by: Mark Jerome de la Peña, MED-Math 11