NOTE

M A T H E M A T I C S

HYPERBOLA
INTRODUCTION OF HYPERBOLA

What you already know

• Basics about conics • Basic understanding of

• Conditions for different conics geometrical figures

• Analytic interpretation of different conics • Basic algebraic formulas

What you will learn

• Mathematical interpretation of a hyperbola • Standard equation of a hyperbola

Visualising Hyperbolas

Let us analyse the configuration of the following figures:

Plane and cone arrangement Isometric view Side view

Thus, we can say that when the cutting plane intersects both the nappes of a double-sided right
cone, we get a conic hyperbola.

Result
• The cutting plane divides both the nappes into two unequal parts.
• We get a symmetric hyperbola when the cutting plane is perpendicular to the base of
the cone.

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Analytic interpretation

A conic is the locus of a point such that the ratio of its distance from a fixed point to a fixed line is
always a constant.

P Moving point
M
Distance from a fixed point ( focus )
= constant
Distance from a fixed line ( directrix )
PS S (Focus)
= eccentricity ( e ) =
PM
For hyperbola eccentricity ( e ) > 1
Fixed line Fixed point
(Directrix)

Hyperbola

P Moving point
M
A hyperbola is the locus of a moving point such
that the ratio of its distance from a fixed point
(focus) and a fixed line (directrix) is a constant S (Focus)
that is always greater than 1. (e > 1)
PS
For hyperbola ⇒ = e; e > 1 Fixed line Fixed point
PM
(Directrix)

F(Focus) F(Focus)

L L

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 03

On tracing the trajectory of a moving P, such that its distance from the fixed point, focus (F) and
perpendicular distance from the line L is greater than 1, we get a hyperbola as shown in the figure
above.

Result R
D2 D1
Consider a plane mirror line (R) and then take
the image of focus (F1), which will be F2. Now,
mirror image of line D1 by taking line (R) as
mirror, we get D2. M1 P
M2
Furthermore,
PF1 PF2
Conditions = e and = e will be valid
PM1 PM2 C(Centre)
for any point P on the hyperbola. Hence, for F2 F1
a hyperbola, there are two foci (F1 and F2) and
two directrices (D1 and D2). The two directrices
are parallel to each other. The midpoint of the
line segment joining its foci is the centre of the
hyperbola.

Find the equation of the hyperbola whose focus is (1, 2), directrix is 2x + y - 1 = 0, and
eccentricity is 3 .

Solution
P(h, k)
Step 1:
Given, F ≡ (1, 2 ) , e = 3 M
F(1, 2)
Directrix, L :2x + y - 1 = 0
Let us consider P(h, k) to be a moving point.
PF
Now, by definition, = e ⇒ PF = ePM
PM
2h + k - 1 2x + y - 1 = 0
⇒ ( h - 1 ) + ( k - 2) =
2 2
3×
2 2 + 12
Step 2:
Now, after squaring both the sides, we get, As we can see after comparing
3 with equation
⇒ (h - 1)2 + (k - 2)2 = (2h + k - 1)2
5 ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
⇒ 5(h2 + 1 - 2h + k2 + 4 - 4k) = 3(4h2 + k2 + 1 + 4hk - 2k - 4h) We get, h = 6, a = 7 and b = -2
⇒ 7h2 - 2k2 + 12hk - 2h +14k - 22 = 0 ⇒ h2 - ab = 50 > 0, so the equation
will represent a hyperbola
Now, to obtain equation of hyperbola replace h → x and
k→y
⇒ 7x2 + 12xy - 2y2 - 2x + 14y - 22 = 0

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Standard equation of a hyperbola

Y
Given, a hyperbola having two foci (F1 and F2), two
directrices (D1 and D2), and vertices as A and A’.
The line passing through foci of a hyperbola and
perpendicular to the directrices is known as the axis
of symmetry. Here, x - axis is the axis of symmetry.

Let us consider a point P(h, k) lying on the a

a
hyperbola.
Now, by the definition of hyperbola, F2 A’ O M A F1 X
AF1 A'F1
= e and =e
AM A'M
By using basic interpolation from figure, we get,
AF1 OF1 - OA OF - a
= ⇒ 1 =e
AM OA - OM a - OM
Or a - OF1 = eOM - ea ---(i) D2 D1
And,
A'F1 OA' + OF1 a + OF1
= ⇒ =e
A'M OA' + OM a + OM
Or a + OF1 = eOM + ea ---(ii)
Now, adding equations (i) and (ii),
2a = 2eOM
a
⇒ OM =
e
Now, after subtracting (ii) from (i), we get,
-2OF1 = -2ea ⇒ OF1 = ae

Now, Let A ≡ ( a, 0) and A' ≡ ( -a, 0 )

be the vertices.
Then, F2 ≡ ( -ae, 0 ) and F1 ≡ ( ae, 0 )
(-ae, 0) (ae, 0)
Now, equations of directrices,
F2 A’ O M A F1 X
-a a
D2 : x = and D1 : x =
e e

-a a
x= x=
e e
D2 D1

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Now, for locus, Y

Let us consider P ≡ (h, k) be any point on the
hyperbola.
As we know by the definition of a hyperbola,
PF1 P(h, k)
=e M1
PM1
⇒ PF1 = ePM1
(-ae, 0) Z2 (ae, 0)
eh - a
( h - ae )
2 2
⇒ + k =e× F2 A’ O Z1 A F1 X
e2
( h - ae )
2
⇒ + k 2 = eh - a
Now, squaring both the sides, we get,
(h - ae)2 + k2 = (eh - a)2 -a a
⇒h2 + a2e2 - 2aeh + k2 = e2h2 + a2 - 2aeh x= x=
e e
⇒h2(1 - e2) + k2 = a2(1 - e2)
D2 D1
h2 k2
or 2 + 2 =1
a a 1 - e2 ( )
As we can see, e > 1⇒(1- e2) < 0
Therefore, the equation becomes the following:
h2 k2
- =1
(
a 2 a 2 e2 -1 )
h2 k 2
⇒ 2
a b
- 2 = 1; where b2 = a 2 e2 - 1 ( )
Now, replace h → x and k → y
x2 y 2
We get, - =1
a 2 b2

Therefore, the standard equation of a hyperbola is

the following:
x2 y 2
- =1
a 2 b2 (-ae, 0) Z2 (ae, 0)
Where b2 = a2(e2 - 1) F2 A’ O Z1 A F1 X

-a a
x= x=
e e

D2 D1

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Comparison of a hyperbola and an ellipse

Hyperbola Ellipse

Y
Y

(-ae, 0) (ae, 0) (-ae, 0) (ae, 0)

F2 A’ O A F1 X A’ F2 O F1 A X
(-a, 0) (a, 0)

-a a
x= x=
e e
D2 D1 D2 D1

x2 y 2 x2 y 2
- =1 + =1
a 2 b2 a 2 b2
(
b2 = a 2 e 2 - 1 ) (
b2 = a 2 1 - e 2 )
When we replace b2 by -b2 in the equation When we replace b2 by -b2 in the equation
of a hyperbola, then we get the equation of of an ellipse, then we get the equation of a
a standard ellipse. Similarly, if we replace b2 standard hyperbola. Similarly, if we replace
by -b2 in the relation between a, b and e , we b2 by -b2 in the relation between a, b and e,
get a similar relation for ellipse. we get a similar relation for hyperbola

Let us consider the following: However, in case of an ellipse, when a > b,

( )
e = 1.5 ⇒ b2 = a 2 e2 - 1 ⇒ b2 = a 2 × ( 0.5 ) then it is a horizontal ellipse, and when
⇒b < a b > a, then it is a vertical ellipse.
Now, e = 2 ⇒ b2 = a2 × 3 ⇒ b > a
Therefore, we can say that the relationship
between a and b is not impacting the
configuration of the hyperbola.
⇒ There is no concept of major axis and
minor axis in case of hyperbolas.

For a hyperbola, as we know that e > 1, For an ellipse, as we know that 0 < e < 1,
a a
⇒ < a < ae ⇒ ae < a <
e e
This means that for a hyperbola, the This means that for a ellipse , the focus
a (ae, 0) comes first, followed by the vertex
directrix x = comes first, followed by the
e

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 07

a
vertex (a, 0), followed by the focus (ae, 0). (a, 0), followed by the directrix x = .
Similarly, on the negative x-axis. e
Similarly, on the negative x-axis

Y
Y

(-ae, 0) (ae, 0) (-ae, 0) (ae, 0)

F2 A’ O A F1 X A F1 O F2 A’ X
a ae
e a
a a
ae e
-a a -a a
x= x= x= x=
e e e e
D2 D1

x2 y2
Terms associated with the standard hyperbola - =1
a 2 b2

Y
Centre

The centre of a hyperbola is the midpoint

of the line segment joining its foci. The
centre of the standard hyperbola
x2 y 2 (-ae, 0) (ae, 0)
- = 1 is (0, 0).
a2 b2 F2 A’ O A F1 X

Foci
-a a
2 2
x= x=
x y e e
For hyperbola 2 - 2 = 1 the foci are
a b D2 D1
(± ae, 0).

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Y
Vertices

The points of intersection of the hyperbola

with the line passing through the foci are
known as vertices. a a
x2 y 2
Here, in hyperbola 2 - 2 = 1 . F2 A’ O A F1 X
a b
vertices are A’(-a, 0) and A(a, 0).

D2 D1

Y
Directrices

x2 y 2
In hyperbola - = 1 the directrices are
a2 b2
a
given by x = ± (-ae, 0) (ae, 0)
e
F2 A’ O A F1 X

-a a
x= x=
e e
D2 D1

Y
Transverse axis

The line joining the vertices A and A’ is

known as the transverse axis.
The length of the transverse axis is 2a (AA’)
a a
F2 A’ O A F1 X

D2 D1

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Conjugate axis Y

The line through the centre and perpendicular P(h, k) B

M1
to the transverse axis is known as the
conjugate axis.
The length of the conjugate axis is (-ae, 0) Z2 (ae, 0)
2b (BB’).
F2 A’ O Z1 A F1 X

B’

D2 D1
Y
Focal chord

A chord passing through the focus is B

known as a focal chord.
(-ae, 0) Z2 (ae, 0)
F2 A’ O Z1 A F1 X

B’

D2 D1

Y
Double ordinate

A chord perpendicular to the transverse

axis is known as the double ordinate.
B

(-ae, 0) Z2 (ae, 0)
F2 A’ O Z1 A F1 X

B’

D2 D1

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Latus rectum Y

The focal chord perpendicular to the transverse axis

B
is known as the latus rectum. P2 P1
In the figure,
P1Q1 ; P2Q2 → LR = Latus rectum
As we know that the coordinates of point P1 are
(ae, y0). F2 A’ O A F1 X
Now, by the standard equation of hyperbola, we get,
x2 y 2 a 2e2 y 0 2
- = 1 ⇒ - =1
a 2 b2 a 2 b2 Q2 Q1
Or y 0 2 = b2 (e2 - 1) D2 D1
Now, substitute b = a (e - 1) in the
2 2 2

given equation,
b2 b2
⇒ y 0 2 = b2 × ⇒ y 0 = ±
a2 a
 b 
2
 b2 
⇒ P1 ≡  ae,  and Q1 ≡  ae, - 
 a   a 
2b2
And now, length of LR: P1Q1 =
a
Now, same for LR: P2Q 2
 b2   b2 
⇒ P2 ≡  -ae,  and Q 2 ≡  -ae, - 
 a   a 
2b2
Length of LR: P2Q 2 =
a
Y
Focal distance

The distance from the focus to any point on P(x, y) B

the hyperbola is known as the focal
distance or the focal radius.

(-ae, 0) Z2 (ae, 0)
F2 A’ O Z1 A F1 X

-a a
x= B’ x=
e e

D2 D1

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 11

Y
Focal distance calculation
P(x, y)
Let P ≡ (x, y) be any point on the hyperbola.
Here, the focal distance is PF1 and PF2
As we know by the definition of hyperbola,
(-ae, 0) Z2 (ae, 0)
PF PF
⇒ 1 = e and 2 = e F2 A’ O Z1 A F1
PM1 PM2 X

D2 D1

Y
Here, we can see the following:
a a P(x, y) M2
PM1 = x + and PM2 = x - M1
e e
⇒ PF1 = e ( PM1 ) and PF2 = e ( PM2 )
 a  a (-ae, 0) Z2 (ae, 0)
⇒ PF1 = e  x +  and PF2 = e  x - 
 e  e F2 A’ O Z1 A F1 X
Or PF1 = ex + a and PF2 = ex - a
∴ Focal distance of P ( x, y ) = ex ± a

D2 D1

Result
We can see that focal distance of a point P(x, y) on a hyperbola is as follows:
PF1 = ex + a and PF2 = ex - a
Now, as we can see that |PF1 - PF2| = ex + a - (ex - a),
⇒ |PF1 - PF2| = 2a (For both the branches)
⇒ The difference of the focal distances of any point on the hyperbola is equal to the length
of the transverse axis.
• Alternative definition of hyperbola
H
 yperbola is the set of all points in a plane, the difference of whose distances from two
fixed points (foci) in the plane is a constant (2a).

Concept Check

π
1. Let 0 < θ < . If the eccentricity of the hyperbola x2 sec2 θ - y2 cosec2 θ = 1 is 2, which of the
2
following is/are true?
π
(a) θ = . (b) The length of LR is 3.
6
(c) The distance between the foci is 2. (d) The equation of the directrices is x = ±1

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Summary sheet

Key Result

Hyperbola
• Hyperbola is the locus of a moving point such that the ratio of its distance from a fixed point
(focus) and a fixed line (directrix) is a constant that is always greater than 1. (e > 1)
x2 y 2
Terms associated with the hyperbola 2 - 2 = 1
a b
• Centre - The centre of a hyperbola is the midpoint of the line segment joining its foci. For a
standard hyperbola the centre is (0, 0).
• Foci - The foci are (± ae, 0).
• Vertices - The points of intersection of the hyperbola with the line passing through the foci are
known as vertices. Here, the vertices are A’(-a, 0) and A(a, 0).
a
• Directrices - The directrices are given by x = ±
e
• Transverse axis -The line joining vertices A and A’ is known as the transverse axis. The length
of the transverse axis is 2a (AA’).
• Conjugate axis - The line through the centre and perpendicular to the transverse axis is
known as the conjugate axis. The length of the conjugate axis is 2b (BB’).
• Focal chord - A chord passing through the focus is known as a focal chord.
• Double ordinate - A chord perpendicular to the transverse axis is known as the double
ordinate.
• Latus rectum - The focal chord perpendicular to the transverse axis is known as the latus
rectum.
• Focal distance - The distance from the focus to any point on the hyperbola is known as the
focal distance or the focal radius.

Mind map

Double ordinate Directrices

Centre
Focal distance

Foci Terms associated

Focal chord
with a hyperbola

Vertices Latus rectum

Transverse axis Conjugate axis

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 13

Self-Assessment

1. Find the equation of a hyperbola whose axes are the coordinates axes and the distances of
one of its vertices from the foci are 3 and 1.
x2 y 2
2. If the LR subtends a right angle at the centre of hyperbola 2 - 2 = 1 , then find its eccentricity.
a b

Answers

Concept Check 1

Step 1: Y
Given, equation of hyperbola
π
x 2 sec 2 θ - y 2 cosec 2 θ = 1; 0 < θ <
2
x2 y2
⇒ - = 1, having eccentricity as 2
cos 2 θ sin 2 θ
Now, comparing the given equation with
x2 y 2 F2 F1 X
standard equation - = 1, we get,
a 2 b2
⇒ a 2 = cos 2 θ and b2 = sin 2 θ  π
As we know that for θ∈  0 , 
b 2
 2
As we know, e = 1 +
a2 cos θ = cos θ
sin 2 θ 1 Therefore, we get,
⇒ 2 = 1+ 2
⇒ 2=
cos θ cos 2 θ 1 π
cos θ = οr θ =
1 2 3
⇒ =2
cos θ 1 3
Now, a 2 = and b2 =
4 4
2b2
As we know, length of LR = =3
Step 2: a
 π Foci ≡ ( ± ae, 0) = ( ± 1, 0)
As we know that for θ∈  0 , 
 2 a 1
cos θ = cos θ Equation of dirctrices, x = ± = ±
e 4
Therefore, we get, Hence, options (b) and (c) are the
1 π correct answers.
cos θ = οr θ =
2 3
1 3
Now, a 2 = and b2 =
4 4
2b2
As we know, length of LR = =3
a
Foci ≡ ( ± ae, 0) = ( ± 1, 0)
a 1
Equation of dirctrices, x = ± = ±
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 14

Self-Assessment 1
Y
Step 1:
Given, axes of a hyperbola are the coordinate
axes and distances of one of its vertices from the
foci are 3 and 1. (ae, 0 )
(a, 0 )
⇒ae - a = 1 ---(i) and
O A F X
ae + a = 3 ---(ii)
Now, dividing equations (ii) by (i), (ae)
e+1
⇒ =3 ⇒ e = 2 and a = 1
e-1

Step 2:
Also, from b2 = a2(e2 - 1),
We get, b2 = 3
Now, final equation,
2
2 y x2 y 2
x - = 1 or - =1
3 1 3

Self-Assessment 2

Step 1: Y  b2 
P  ae, 
Given, LR of a hyperbola subtends a right a 

x2 y 2
angle at the centre of hyperbola 2 - 2 = 1
a b
(ae, 0 )
As given, mOP × mOQ = -1
O X
 b2   b2 
   
⇒  a  ×  - a  = -1  -b2 
 ae   ae  Q  ae, 
     a 
   
4
b
⇒ 4 2 =1
ae

Step 2: Now, multiply and divide by 2

As we know, b2 = a2(e2 - 1)
⇒(e2 - 1)2 = e2 or e4 - 3e2 + 1 = 0 ⇒ e2 =
(6+2 5 ) (
⇒ e2 =
1+2 5 +5 )
Or we get, 2 4
3± 5 1+ 5
e2 = ⇒e=
2 2
[∵ As we know that for a hyperbola, e > 1]
3+ 5
⇒ e2 =
2

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