Problem 65

Question

Find an equation for each hyperbola. $$\text { Asymptotes } y=\pm \frac{3}{5} x, y \text { -intercepts }(0, \pm 3)$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The equation is \(\frac{y^2}{9} - \frac{x^2}{25} = 1\).
1Step 1: Analyze the asymptotes
The given asymptotes are \( y = \pm \frac{3}{5}x \). This implies that the slopes of the asymptotes are \( \pm \frac{3}{5} \). In the standard equation of a hyperbola, the asymptotes for a vertical hyperbola (centered at the origin) are \( y = \pm \frac{a}{b}x \). Hence, we infer that \( \frac{a}{b} = \frac{3}{5} \).
2Step 2: Utilize the intercepts
We are given that the \( y \)-intercepts are \( (0, \pm 3) \). This means that the hyperbola intersects the \( y \)-axis at these points. For a vertical hyperbola, the points where it crosses the \( y \)-axis are \( (0, \pm a) \), thus \( a = 3 \).
3Step 3: Relate asymptotes and axes lengths
From the relationship \( \frac{a}{b} = \frac{3}{5} \) and \( a = 3 \), we substitute to find \( b \):\[\frac{3}{b} = \frac{3}{5} \Rightarrow b = 5.\]
4Step 4: Write the equation of the hyperbola
With \( a = 3 \) and \( b = 5 \), the equation of a vertical hyperbola centered at the origin is \( \frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1 \). Substitute \( a = 3 \) and \( b = 5 \) to get: \[\frac{y^2}{9} - \frac{x^2}{25} = 1.\]

Key Concepts

AsymptotesY-interceptsVertical hyperbolaEquation of a hyperbola
Asymptotes
In the context of hyperbolas, asymptotes play a crucial role in understanding their geometry. Asymptotes are straight lines that a hyperbola approaches but never actually meets. They act as boundaries that guide the hyperbola’s shape. For our hyperbola, the asymptotes are given by the equations \( y = \pm \frac{3}{5}x \). This indicates that the slopes of these lines are \( \pm \frac{3}{5} \).
In hyperbolas, particularly those centered at the origin, these slopes are connected to the relationship \( \frac{a}{b} \). This specific relationship gives insight into the ratio of the lengths of the hyperbola's axes.
  • A positive slope implies the hyperbola will rise to the right.
  • A negative slope implies it falls to the right.
Asymptotes help in sketching the hyperbola and determining its orientation by providing an intersection line, albeit a non-tangible one.
Y-intercepts
Finding the \( y \)-intercepts is another key part of understanding how a hyperbola behaves. The \( y \)-intercepts of our hyperbola are at \((0, \pm 3)\). These points signify where the hyperbola crosses the \( y \)-axis.
For vertical hyperbolas, like the one in this problem, these intercepts translate to meaningful information about the hyperbola's axes. Specifically, the intercepts tell us the value of \( a \), which is the distance from the center to the vertex along the \( y \)-axis. In our case, \( a = 3 \).
Why does this matter?
  • The value of \( a \) helps to complete the equation of the hyperbola by informing us about the vertical stretch.
  • The value of \( a \) is used to determine the hyperbola's steepness and shape.
Vertical hyperbola
Vertical hyperbolas are a specific type of hyperbola that open up and down, as opposed to horizontally. These are characterized by having their transverse axis (the segment containing the vertices) along the \( y \)-axis. In any standard vertical hyperbola equation, the \( y^2 \) term appears first, indicating the orientation.
Formally, the standard form of the equation can be recognized thus:\[\frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1\]This structure contrasts with horizontal hyperbolas where the \( x^2 \) term appears first.
  • In our example, the arrangement of terms confirms the hyperbola opens vertically.
  • The term \( y^2 \) dictates that the hyperbola is aligned along the vertical \( y \)-axis.
Knowing whether a hyperbola is vertical or horizontal helps in visualizing the path that the branches of the hyperbola will take.
Equation of a hyperbola
An equation of a hyperbola is a significant part of its definition and helps specify its exact shape and orientation. In this specific instance, the hyperbola is characterized by the equation:\[\frac{y^2}{9} - \frac{x^2}{25} = 1\]The equation reveals crucial aspects about the hyperbola.
The \( y^2 \) being divided by 9 (or \( a^2 \)) indicates that the hyperbola is vertical with \( a = 3 \). Similarly, \( x^2 \) being divided by 25 (or \( b^2 \)) shows \( b = 5 \).
  • The fraction \( \frac{y^2}{9} \) signifies relation to the \( y \)-axis, impacting the width of the branches.
  • The fraction \( \frac{x^2}{25} \) relates to a lateral distance from the center to the asymptotes.
Understanding the equation is key to graphing the hyperbola and predicting its intersections within the coordinate plane.