HYPERBOLA

SUBJECT: MATHEMATICS
TOPIC: HYPERBOLA
COURSE CODE: AISM-09/M/HYP

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Contents- HYPERBOLA
Basic Concepts ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Standard Equation ............................................................................................................................... 3
Relation between Focal Distances ........................................................................................................... 6
Another Definition of Hyperbola.............................................................................................................. 7
Transverse and Conjugate axes: ........................................................................................................... 7
Relative Position of a Point with respect to the Hyperbola ....................................................................... 8
Parametric Coordinates ........................................................................................................................... 8
Important Properties of Hyperbola .......................................................................................................... 9
Ellipse Vs Hyperbola .............................................................................................................................. 22
Diameter of a hyperbola .................................................................................................................... 25
Director circle of a hyperbola ................................................................................................................ 26
Asymptote............................................................................................................................................. 27
Rectangular hyperbola .......................................................................................................................... 31
Intersection of a Circle and a Rectangular Hyperbola ............................................................................. 34
Conjugate hyperbola ............................................................................................................................. 38
Solved Examples .................................................................................................................................... 41

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Basic Concepts
As we have studied earlier that by slicing a cone with a plane in
different orientations, we obtain conic sections. The hyperbola is
obtained by cutting a right circular cone at both the nappes by a plane.
The hyperbola is to be thought of a single curve consisting of two
branches, one on each nappe.

Definitions
A hyperbola is the locus of a point which moves in a plane such
that its distance from a fixed point (called the focus) is e(>1) times its
distance from a fixed straight line (called the directrix).
The hyperbola is a conic section for which the eccentricity (e) is
greater than unity.

Standard Equation
Let S be the focus and ZM the directrix of a hyperbola.

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Since e > 1, we can divide SZ internally and externally in the ratio e :

1; let the points of division be A and A as in the figure. Let AA = 2a
and be bisected at C. Then, SA = e.AZ, SA = e.ZA

SA + SA = e(AZ + ZA) = 2ae

i.e., 2SC = 2ae or SC = ae.

Similarly by subtraction, SA SA

= e(ZA ZA) = 2e.ZC

2a = 2eSC

SC = a/e.

Now, take C as the origin, CS as the x-axis, and the perpendicular line
CY as the y-axis. Then, S is the point (ae, 0) and ZM the line x = a/e.
Let P(x, y) be any point on the hyperbola. Then the condition
PS2 = e2.(distance of P from ZM)2 gives (x ae)2 + y2 = e2 (x a/e)2
or x2(1 e)2 + y2 = a2(1 e2)

i.e.

= 1.

(i)

Since e > 1, e2 1 is positive. Let a2 (e2 1) = b2. Then the equation

(i) becomes

= 1.

The eccentricity e of the hyperbola

e2 =

= 1 is given by the relation

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Since the curve is symmetrical about the y-axis, it is clear that there
exists another focus S at (ae, 0) and a corresponding directrix ZM with
the equation x = a/e, such that the same hyperbola is described if a
point moves so that its distance from S is e times its distance from ZM.

The points A and A where the straight line joining the two foci cuts
the hyperbola are called the vertices of the hyperbola.

The straight line joining the vertices is called the transverse axis of
the hyperbola, its length AA is 2a.

The middle point C of AA possesses the property that it bisects

every chord of the hyperbola passing through it. It can be proved
by taking P(x1, y1) as any point on the hyperbola. If (x 1, y1) lies on
the hyperbola then so does P(x1, y1) because the hyperbola is
symmetrical about the x and the y axes. Therefore PP is a chord
whose middle point (0, 0), i.e. the origin C. On account of this
property the middle point of the straight line joining the vertices of
the hyperbola is called the centre of the hyperbola.

The straight line through the centre of a hyperbola which is

perpendicular to the transverse axis does not meet the hyperbola in
real points. If B and B be the points on this line such that
BC=CB=b, the line BB is called the conjugate axis.

A latus rectum is the chord through a focus at right angle to the

transverse axis.

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The length of the semi-latus rectum can be obtained by putting x =

ae in the equation of the hyperbola. Thus y = b
= b.b/a = b2/a.
Foci and Directrices:
Since the curve is symmetrical about x-axis, therefore there exists
another focus at point (ae, 0) of the hyperbola. (Similar to ellipse).
Corresponding to these foci, there are two directrices whose equations
are x =

and x =

Relation between Focal Distances

The difference of the focal distances of a point on the hyperbola is
constant. PM and PM are perpendiculars to the directrices MZ and MZ
and PS PS = e(PM PM) = eMM = e(2a/e) = 2a = constant.

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Another Definition of Hyperbola

A hyperbola can be defined in another way; Locus of a moving point
such that the difference of its distances from two fixed points is
constant, would be a hyperbola.

Transverse and Conjugate axes:

The points A(a, 0) & A(a, 0) are called the vertices of the
hyperbola and the line AA joining the vertices is called the transverse
axis and the line perpendicular to it, through the centre (0, 0) of the
hyperbola is called conjugate axis.
Centre:
Any chord of the hyperbola through C will be bisected at C (by
symmetry), therefore C is called the centre of hyperbola.
Thus hyperbola is a central curve.
Latus rectum:
The chord of a hyperbola through one of the foci and at right
angle to the transverse axis is called the latus rectum:
If 2l be the length of the latus rectum, then the co-ordinates of one
of its extremities is (ae, l).

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The point (ae, l) lies on the hyperbola

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, so we have

e2 (l2/b2) = 1

l2 = b2(e2 1) =

( b2 = a2(e2 1)

l=

The length of the latus rectum = 2

Relative Position of a Point with respect to the Hyperbola

The quantity

= 1 is positive, zero or negative, according as the

point (x1, y1) lies within, upon or without the curve.

Parametric Coordinates

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We can express the coordinate of a point of the hyperbola

= 1 in

terms of a single parameter, say .

In the adjacent figure OM = a sec

and PM = b tan . Thus any point

on the curve, in parametric form is x = a sec , y = b tan .

In other words, (a sec

, b tan

) is a point on the hyperbola for all

values of . The point (a sec , b tan ) is briefly called the point .

Important Properties of Hyperbola

Since the fundamental equation of the hyperbola only differs from that
of the ellipse in having b2 instead of b2, it will be found that many
propositions for the hyperbola are derived from those for the ellipse by
changing sign of b2. Some results for the hyperbola

= 1 are

The tangent at any point (x1, y1) on the curve is

= 1.

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The tangent at point is

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= 1.

The straight line y = mx + c is a tangent to the curve, if

c2 = a2 m2 b2. In other words, y = mx +
curve for all those values of m when m >

or m <

touches the
.

Equation of the normal at any point (x 1, y1) to the curve is

.

The equation of the chord through the points

1 and

2 is

= 0.

The equation of the normal at

is ax cos + by cot = a2 + b2.

Through a given point, four normals (real or imaginary) can be

drawn to a hyperbola.

The tangent drawn at any point bisects the angle between the lines,
joining the point to the foci, whereas the normal bisects the
supplementary angle between the lines.

Equation of the director circle is x 2 + y2 = a2 b2. That means if

a2 > b2, there would exist several points such that tangents drawn
from them would be mutually perpendicular. If a2 < b2, no such
point exist. For a2 = b2, centre is the only point from which two

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perpendicular tangents (asymptotes) to the hyperbola can be

drawn.

From any point (x1, y1) in general two tangents can be drawn to
hyperbola. The equation of the pair of tangents is

or SS1 = T2

The equation of the chord of contact is

1 = 0 or T = 0.

The equation of the chord bisected at the point (x 1, y1) is

1 or T = S1.

Equation of the chord the points (a sec , b tan ) and (a sec , b

tan ) is

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

Solution:

Let S(1, 1) be focus and P(x, y) be any point on the hyperbola.

From P draw PM perpendicular to the directrix then PM =

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Also from the definition of the hyperbola, we have

=e

SP = ePM

(x 1)2 + (y 1)2 = 3

5[(x2+12x)+(y2 + 1 2y)]=3(4x2 + y2 + 1 + 4xy 4x 2y)

7x2 2y2 + 12xy 2x 4y 7 = 0
Illustration:
Find the directrix, foci and eccentricity of the hyperbola
ax2 y2 = 1
Solution:

The given hyperbola is

ax2 y2 = 1

or

(1)

which is of the form

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Here a2 = 1/a, b2 = 1
If e be the eccentricity of the hyperbola, then
b2 = a2(e2 1)

1=

(e2 1)

a = (e2 1)
or e2 = a + 1 or e =
Also the foci are given by (+ ae, 0)
The required foci are

or

And the directricies are given by x = + (a/e)

x=+

x=+

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Illustration:
Find the locus of a point, the difference of whose distances from
two fixed points is constant.
Solution:

Let two fixed points be S (ae, 0) and S (ae, 0). Let P(x, y) be a
moving point such that
SP SP = Constant = 2a (say).

Then

= 2a

(x ae)2 + y2 = 4a2 + (x + a2)2 + y2 + 4a

(x ae)2 (x + ae)2 4a2 = + 4a

4aex 4a2 = + 4a
(ex + a)2 = (x + ae)2 + y2
(e2 1)x2 y2 = a2(e2 1)

taking b2 = a2(e2 1)

This is a hyperbola.

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Illustration:

If A, B, C are three points on the hyperbola xy = c 2 and AC is

perpendicular to BC, prove that AB is parallel to the normal to the
curve at C.

Solution:

Let the three points A, B, C respectively be

and

Since AC is perpendicular to BC,

=1

Normal to the curve at C

y=x

t 1t 2

= 1

is

and its slope is

Slope of AB =

AB is parallel to the normal at C.

Illustration:

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(1)

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(2)

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Prove that a infinite number of triangles can be inscribed in the

hyperbola xy = c2 whose sides touch the parabola y2 = 4ax.

Solution:

Let three tangents to the parabola be

t 1y + x = a , t 2y + x = a

+x=a .

Their points of intersection are (at2t3, a (t2 + t3), (at, t3 a (t1 + t3) and
(at1t2, a (t1 + t2)). If these points lie on the hyperbola xy = c 2, then

t2t3 (t2 + t3) =

(1)

t3t1 (t3 + t1) =

(2)

t1t2 (t1 + t2) =

(3)

Solving, we get, t1 + t2 + t3 = 0

(since t1

t2

t 3)

Clearly, infinite such points can be found on the parabola (for example
co-normal points).

Also, t1 + t2 + t3 = 0

or t1t2 (t1 + t2) =

16

t2 ( t1 t2) (t1) =

[From (1)]

, which is same as the equation (3).

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So, the equations (1), (2) and (3) are not independent. Therefore an
infinite number of solutions is possible.

Illustration:

Find the equation of the hyperbola the distance between whose foci is
16, whose eccentricity is 2 and whose axis is along the x-axis centre
being the origin.

Solution:

We have b2 = a2(e2 1) = a2

Also 2ae = 16

ae = 8

b = a.

a = 4 2.

Hence the equation of the required hyperbola is

=1

x2 y2 = 32.

Illustration:

Find the locus of the middle points of the portion of the tangents to
= 1 included between the axes.

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Solution:

Let P(a sec , b tan ) be a point on the given hyperbola.

The equation of the tangent at P is

=1

The coordinates of the intercepts on the axes are (a cos

(0, b cot

, 0) and

). If (h, k) is the mid-point of the portion intercepted by

the axes, then

h=

Hence

sec

and k =

tan

=1

The locus of (h, k) is

= 4.

Illustration:

The perpendiculars drawn from the centre of a hyperbola

= 1

upon the tangent and normal at any point of the hyperbola meet them
in Q and R. Find the locus of Q and R.

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Solution:

Tangent at any point P(a sec , b tan ) is

sec

tan

= 1.

(1)

Equation of the line through centre (origin) perpendicular to (1) is

y=

sin

Eliminating

from (1), we get

x2 + y2 = ax cos

= 1.

(x2 + y2)2 = a2x2

Or (x2 + y2)2= a2x2 b2y2, which is the locus of Q.

Normal at the point P (a sec

cot

, b tan

) is ax cos

= a2 + b2

+ by
(2)

Equation of the line perpendicular to (2) drawn from the centre is

y=

(3)

Form (2) and (3),

sin

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and ax

= a2 + b2

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(x2 + y2)2 (a2y2 b2x2) = (a2 + b2)2 x2y2, which is the locus of R.

Illustration:

A variable chord of the hyperbola

= 1 is tangent to the circle

x2 + y2 = c2. Prove that the locus of its mid-point is

.

Solution:

Any point on the given circle is (c cos , c sin ).

Equation of the tangent to the circle is x cos + y sin = c.

Equation of the chord of the hyperbola with mid-point (h, k) is

T = S1

Since this is the same as the tangent to the circle, we have

.

cos

, sin

= 1.

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Hence locus of (h, k) is

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Illustration:

Find the equation and lengths of common tangents to the hyperbolas

and

(a > b).

Solution:

Let y = mx + c be the common tangent then

c2 = a2m2 b2 and c2 = b2m2 + a2 (obtained by replacing a2 to b2

and b2 to a2 in the condition c2 = a2m2 b2).

So, m2(a2 + b2) = a2 + b2

m2 = 1

c=

So, the equations of four common tangents are

y=

In order to find the length, we select one of the common tangents, say
y=x+

. Its point of contact with the given hyperbola are

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So, the distance between two points gives us the length of the
common tangents = (a2 + b2)

Ellipse Vs Hyperbola
Enquiry:

How do we get formulae for hyperbola if we know the

formulae for ellipse?

Most of the results obtained in the case of the ellipse

hold good for the hyperbola

, when only the sign of b2 is

changed. The proofs of these results can be derived exactly in the

same manner as they were derived for ellipse. So let us see some final
results.

1.

Tangent at (x1, y1) to the hyperbola

is

i.e.

T = 0.

2.

Equation of tangent in terms of m is y = mx +

3.

Equation of the normal

at (x 1, y1) to the hyperbola is

4.

Equation of pair of tangents drawn from point (x 1, y1) to the

hyperbola

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is given by SS1 = T2
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Where S =
S1 =
T=

5.

The Chord of Contact of tangents from (x 1, y1) to the hyperbola

is given by T = 0 i.e.

6.

The Polar of Pole (x1, y1) to the hyperbola

T = 0 i.e.

7.

is given by

The equation of Chord of hyperbola

point is (x1, y1) is given by T = S1 i.e.

whose middle
.

Pause:
Try to get above results yourself using traditional methods similar to
the ellipse.
Enquiry:

Can we represent a hyperbola mathematically in form of

one parameter and is there any geometrical significance
of that parameter like eccentric angle in case of ellipse?
Yes. Before that let us understand the concept of the auxiliary

circle of a hyperbola. The circle described on the transverse axis of

hyperbola as its diameter is called its auxiliary circle.

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We know that the line AA joining the vertices A(a, 0) and

A(a, 0) of the hyperbola

is called the transverse axis.

The equation of the auxiliary circle, described on AA as diameter, is

(x a) [x (a)] + (y 0)] + (y 0)(y 0) = 0
or

x 2 + y 2 = a2
Now let us draw the foot N of any ordinate NP of the hyperbola

draw a tangent NU to this circle, and join CU. The

CU = CN cos NCU
i.e.

x = CN = a sec NCU

The angle NCU is therefore the angle .

Also NU = CU tan

= a tan

So that NP : NU = b : a

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So the ordinate of the hyperbola is therefore in a constant ratio

to the length of the tangent drawn from its foot to the auxiliary circle.
When it is desirable to express the co-ordiantes of any point of
the curve in terms of one parameter than we use
x = a sec , and y = b tan
Note:
This angle

is not so important an angle for the hyperbolas the

eccentric angle is for the ellipse.

Diameter of a hyperbola
The locus of the middle point of a system of parallel chords of a
hyperbola is called its diameter.

The equation of the diameter is y =

, where m is the slope of

the system of parallel chords.

Note:
Conjugate Diameters:
Two diameters of a hyperbola which bisect chords parallel to
each other are called conjugate diameters.

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The diameters y = mx and y = m1x of the hyperbola

are conjugate if mm1 = b2/a2.

Director circle of a hyperbola

The director circle is the locus of the point of intersection of a
pair of perpendicular tangents to a hyperbola.

Equation of the director circle of the hyperbola

is

x2 + y2 = a2 b2 i.e. a circle whose centre is origin and radius is

.

Note:
If b2 < a2, this circle is real.
If b2 = a2, the radius of the circle is zero, and it reduces to a point
circle at the origin. In this case the centre is only point from where
tangents at right angle can be drawn to the hyperbola.
If b2 > a2, the radius of the circle is imaginary, so that there is no such
circle, and so no tangents at right angles can be drawn to the circles.

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Asymptote
A line, which is tangent to the hyperbola at infinity, but which is
not itself at infinity, is called the asymptote of the curve.

To find the equation of the asymptotes of the hyperbola

Let y = mx + c be an asymptotic to the given hyperbola. Then

eliminating y, the abscissas of the points of intersection of y = mx + c
or

x2(b2 a2m2) 2a2mcx a2(b2 + c2) = 0

(1)

If the line y = mx + c is an asymptote of the hyperbola then it

touches the hyperbola at infinity i.e. both the roots of the equation (1)
are infinite and for this we must have b2 a2m2 = 0 and 2a2mc = 0.
Hence we get m = + (b/a) and c = 0.
The asymptotes are y = + (b/a) x

Or

Their combined equation is

or

which shows that the equation of the asymptote differs from that of
the hyperbola in the constant term only. Also the angle between the
asymptotes is 2 tan1
The lines

are also asymptotes to the conjugate hyperbola

= 1.

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Remarks:

The equation of the hyperbola and that of its pair of asymptotes

differ by a constant. For example, if S = 0 is the equation of the

hyperbola, then the combined equation of the asymptotes is
given by S + K = 0. The constant K is obtained from the
condition that the equation S + K = 0 represents a pair of lines.
Finally the equation of the corresponding conjugate hyperbola is
S + 2K = 0.

Any line drawn parallel to the asymptote of the hyperbola would

meet the curve only at one point.

Illustration:

Find the hyperbola whose asymptotes are 2x y = 3 and 3x + y 7 =

0 and which passes through the point (1, 1).

Solution:

The equation of the hyperbola differs from the equation of the

asymptotes by a constant.

The equation of the hyperbola with asymptotes 3x + y 7 = 0 and

2x y = 3 is (3x + y 7) (2x y 3) + k = 0. It passes through
(1, 1)

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k = 6.
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Hence the equation of the hyperbola is (2x y 3)(3x + y 7) = 6.

Illustration:

Find the angle between the asymptotes of the hyperbola

= 1,

then length of whose latus rectum is 4/3 and which passes through the
point (4, 2).

Solution:

We have

3b2 = 2a

= length of the latus rectum =

Also, the hyperbola passes through the point (4, 2).

Hence

=1

Or a2 + 6a 16 = 0

(a 2)(a + 8) = 0

a=2

The asymptotes of the given hyperbola are y =

If

and

b2 = 4/3.

x or y

are the angles which the asymptotes make with the

positive x-axis, then

tan

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x.

and tan

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Hence the angle between the asymptotes = /3.

Illustration:

Prove that the chords of the hyperbola

= 1, which touch its

conjugate hyperbola are bisected at the point of contact.

Solution:

Let P(x1, y1) be the mid-point of the chord of the given hyperbola, so
that the equation of the chords is

If touches the conjugate hyperbola

(1)

= 1, then

+ 1 = 0 will have equal roots. Simplifying, we

find that

= 0 has equal roots so that

=0

or,

or

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= 0 or

+ 1= 0

=0

(x1, y1) lies on the conjugate hyperbola.

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Hence the chord (1) touches the conjugate hyperbola at its midpoint
(x1, y1).

Alternative solution:

Any tangent to the conjugate hyperbola

x = my +

= 1 is

(2)

If this is same as the chord (1), then m =

= b2m2 a2 =

Or

and hence

a2

= 1

(x1, y1) lies on the conjugate hyperbola.

the chord (1) touches conjugate hyperbola and is bisected at

the point of contact.

Rectangular hyperbola
If the asymptotes of a hyperbola are at right angles to each
other, it is called a rectangular hyperbola.

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A hyperbola whose asymptotes are at right angles to each other is

called a rectangular hyperbola. The angle between asymptotes of the
= 1, is 2 tan1 (b/a).

hyperbola

This is a right angle if tan1 b/a = /4, i.e., if b/a = 1

b = a.

The equation of the rectangular hyperbola referred to its

transverse and conjugate axes as axes of coordinates is
therefore:

x 2 y 2 = a 2.

(1)

Equation referred to asymptotes as coordinate axes: To obtain

this equation we rotate the axes of reference through 45o. Thus
we have to write

for x and

for y.

The equation (i) becomes

(1/2) (x + y)2 (1/2)(x y)2 = a2 i.e. xy = a2 or xy = c2

where c2 = a2/2.

Equation:
We know that the asymptote of hyperbola

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(1)

are given by y = +

If

(2)

be the angle between the asymptotes, then

= tan1

tan1

= tan1

= 2 tan1 (b/a)

But if the hyperbola is rectangular, then

i.e.,

= 2 tan1

or tan

b=a

From (1) the equation of the rectangular hyperbola is x 2 y2 = a2

It should be noted that:
(i)

In a hyperbola b2 = a2 (e2 1). In the case of rectangular

hyperbola (i.e., when b = a) result become a 2 = a2(e2 1) or
e2 = 2 or e =

i.e. the eccentricity of a rectangular hyperbola =

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(ii)

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In case of rectangular hyperbola a = b i.e., the length of

transverse axis = length of conjugate axis.
Hence it is also called an equilateral hyperbola.

Intersection of a Circle and a Rectangular Hyperbola

A rectangular hyperbola and a circle meet in four points. The mean of
these four points is the middle point of the centres of the hyperbola
and that of the circle.

Let the rectangular hyperbola be xy = c2 and the equation of the circle

be x2 + y2 + 2gcp + 2fy + k = 0. Any point on the hyperbola is (cp,
c/p). If it lies on the circle, then c2p2 + c2/p2 + 2gcp +

+ k = 0.

c2p4 + 2gcp3 + kp2 + 2fcp + c2 = 0.

This is fourth degree equation in p, which has four roots. Hence the
circle and the hyperbola intersect in four points. If p1, p2, p3, p4 are the
roots of this equation, then

p1 + p2 + p3 + p4 = 2gc/c2 =

cp1 + cp2 + cp3 + cp4 = 2g

Also

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= 2f

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= f/2.

Hence the mean of the four points is (g/2, f/2) which is the midpoint of the centre of the hyperbola and that of the circle.

Illustration:

A circle and a rectangular hyperbola meet in four points A, B, C and D.

If the line AB passes through the centre of the circle, prove that the
centre of the hyperbola lies at the mid-point of CD.

Solution:

The line AB passes through the centre of the circle. Hence AB is the
diameter of the circle and the mid-point of AB is the centre of the
circle. Let the co-ordinates of A, B, C, D be respectively (x 1, y1) (x2,
y2), (x3, y3) and (x4, y4). Let the centres of the hyperbola and the
circle be (h, k) and (g, f).

Then

. But g =

=h

Similarly

= k.

Hence (h, k) is the mid-point of CD.

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Enquiry:

As

the

asymptotes

of

rectangular

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hyperbola

are

mutually perpendicular, can we find the equation of a

hyperbola whose asymptotes are the co-ordinate axes?
Let transverse and conjugate axes as axes of co-ordinates (XOX
and YOY in the above figure), the equation of rectangular hyperbola is
X2 Y2 = a2

(1)

Also we know that the asymptotes of a rectangular hyperbola

are at right angles to each other.

Let Ox and Oy be the asymptotes, each making as angle of

/4

with the co-ordinate axes. Rotate the axes through as angle of

/4

with the co-ordinate axes. To find the equation of the rectangular

hyperbola referred to asymptotes as axes. We have to substitute for X
and Y in (1) the xcos( /4) ysin( /4) and ycos( /4) + xsin( /4)
respectively.

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i.e.

and

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respectively.

So from (1) equation of the rectangular hyperbola referred to

asymptotes as axes is

= a2

xy =

xy = c2 where 2c2 = a2

The shape of the above rectangular hyperbola referred to

asymptotes as co-ordinate axes is as shown is the adjacent figure.
Note:
1.

Parametric

co-ordinates

of

any

point

on

the

rectangular

hyperbola xy = c2 is (ct, c/t) where t is the parameter.

2.

Equations of tangent and normal at any point (ct, c/t) on the

rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 are x + yt2 = 2ct and
xt3 yt ct4 + c = 0 respectively.

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Conjugate hyperbola
A hyperbola whose transverse and conjugate axes respectively
are the conjugate and transverse axes of a given hyperbola is called
the conjugate hyperbola of the given hyperbola. The asymptotes of
these two hyperbolas are also the same.

Equation of a conjugate hyperbola is

(1)

of the given hyperbola

Its transverse and conjugate axes are along y and x axes respectively.
Note:
1.

Any point on conjugate hyperbola (2) is (a tan , b sec )

2.

The equation of the conjugate hyperbola to xy = c 2 is xy = c2.

3.

By comparing the equations of hyperbola

asymptotes

and conjugate hyperbola

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we find that:

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(a)

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The equation of the hyperbola and asymptotes differ by

the

same

constant

by

which

the

equations

of

the

asymptotes and the conjugate hyperbola differ.

(b)

Hyperbola + Conjugate hyperbola = 2 (Asymptotes).

(check yourself).

4.

The tangents drawn at the points, where a pair of conjugate

diameters meets a hyperbola and its conjugates form a
parallelogram, whose vertices lie on the asymptotes and whose
area is constant. (prove yourself).

5.

If a pair of conjugate diameters of hyperbola meet the hyperbola

and its conjugate in P, P and D, D respectively, then the
asymptotes bisect PD and PD. (Prove yourself).

Illustration:

If e1 and e2 are the eccentricities of the hyperbola

= 1 and its

conjugate hyperbola, prove that e12 + e22 = 1.

Solution:

The eccentricity e1 of the given hyperbola is obtained from

b2 = a2(e12 1).

(1)

The eccentricity of e2 of the conjugate hyperbola is given by

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a2 = b2(e22 1).

(2)

Multiply (1) and (2), we get,

1 = (e12 1)(e22 1)

0 = e 12 e 22 e 12 e 22

e12 + e22 = 1.

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Solved Examples
Example 1:
Show that the line 4x 3y = 9 touches the hyperbola 4x 2 9y2 = 27.
Solution:

We know that if the line y = mx + c touches the hyperbola

then c2 = a2m2 b2
Here the hyperbola is

i.e. here a2 = 27/4

b2 = 27/9 = 3

And comparing 4x 3y = 9 with y = mx + c, we get

m = ,

a2m2 b2 =

or

c = 3

3 = 12 3 = 9 = (3)2

a2m2 b2 = c2

Hence the given line touches the given hyperbola.

Example 2:

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Prove that the mid points of chords of the hyperbola

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parallel

to the diameter y = mx lie on the diameter a 2my = b2x

Solution:
The hyperbola is

(1)

The equation of any chord parallel to the diameter

y = mx is y = mx + c

(2)

Eliminating y between (1) and (2), we get

x2(b2 a2m2) 2a2m cx a2(b2 + c2) = 0

b2x3 = a2my3
The locus of (x3, y3) is
b2x = a2my

Hence proved.

Example 3:
Prove that the angle subtended b any chord of a rectangular hyperbola
at the centre is the supplement of the angle between the tangents at
the end of the chord.

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Solution:
Let the equation of the hyperbola be x 2 y2 = a2 and P and Q be any
two points on it such that their coordinates are respectively (a sec
a tan

1)

and (a sec

2,

a tan

2)

and C be the centre of the hyperbola.

Equation of the line PC is y 0 =

y = x sin

(x 0)

(1)

Similarly equation to QC will be y = x sin

If

(2)

be the angle between PC and QC, then

tan

(3)

Again the equation to the tangent at P is

x a sec

y a tan

= a2

y=

(4)

Similarly the equation to the tangent at Q2 is

y=

If

43

1,

be the angle between the tangents at

and

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2,

then

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tan

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tan = tan
tan = tan ( )
=

(By (3))

Hence proved.

Example 4:
The normal to the hyperbola 16x 2 9y2 = 144 meets the axes in M
and N. MP and NP and are drawn at right angles to the axes. Find the
locus of P.
Solution:
The equation to the hyperbola is

(1)

Let L be any point on it having the coordinates (3 sec , 4 tan ) then

the equation to the normal at this point will be given by
3x sin

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+ 4y = (9 + 16) tan

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(2)

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Let this normal cut the axis of x at M whose coordinates are (x, 0) and
the axis of y at N whose coordinates are (0, y) solving (2) with y = 0,
we get

x=

(3)

Similarly solving (2) with x = 0, we get

y=

(4)

If PM and PN be the lines parallel to the axes, the coordinates of

P = (x, y) will be clearly given by (3) and (4). The required locus of P
will be obtained by eliminating
Using the fact sec2

tan2

from (3) and (4).

= 1, we get

9x2 16y2 = 625

Example 5:
Prove that a circle can be drawn through the foci of a hyperbola and
the points at which any tangent meets the tangents at the vertices of
the hyperbola.

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Solution:
Recall:
If four points (x1, y1), (x2, y2), (x3, y3) and (x4, y4) are concyclic then

= 0.

These points are (ae, 0), (ae, 0), (a, b tan /2) and (a, b cot /2)

apply : R1

R1 R2 and expand along R1, we get

= (2ae)

= (2aeb) [(a2 e2 a2 b2) cot /2 + 9a2e2 b2 a2) tan /2] = 0

points S, S, R and Q are conclycic.
Example 6:
On a level plain the crack of the rifle and the thud of the ball striking
the target are heared at the same instant, prove that the locus of the
hearer is a hyperbola.

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Solution:
Suppose A to be the target and B to be the firing point and let the
hearer be at a point P. If V1 and V2 be the velocity of the sound and
bullet respectively, then the time taken by the bullet in reaching from
B to the target A =
from A to P =

and the time taken by the sound in reaching

Again the time taken by the sound in reaching from B to P =

As by hypothesis the sound reaches the hearer at P, simultaneously,

the time taken by the sound to reach upto the position P from then
target together with the time taken by the bullet to reach the target
must be same as the time taken by the sound in reaching from the
rifle upto P.

Hence

(BP AP)

BP AP =

AB

As v1, v2 and AB are constants, hence

BP AP = Constant

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Therefore the locus of the point P is the hyperbola having foci at A and
B and transverse axis equal to

AB

Example 7:
Prove that the locus of the pole of a chord of the hyperbola which
subtends a right angles at the vertex, is, x =

Solution:
The coordinates of the vertex are (a, 0). Transferring the origin to this
point, the equation of the hyperbola

b2x2 a2y2 = 2ab2x

becomes;

(1)

The equation to the polar of (h, k) w.r.t hyperbola is given by

b2hx a2hky = a2b2

(2)

After transformation the equation (2) becomes

b2(x + a)h a2yk = a2b2
or

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b2hx a2yk = a2b2 ab2h

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(3)

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The equation of the lines joining the points of intersection of the

hyperbola and the chord to the origin is obtained by making (1)
homogeneous with the help of (3). Hence on simplification, this
equation becomes
(a2b2 ab2h) (b2x2 a2y2) = 2ab2x(b2xh a2yk)
If they are at right angles, the sum of the coefficients of x 2 and y2
must be zero; hence

b2 a2 +

=0

generalizing for (h, k), we get the required locus as

x=a

Example 8:
Find the locus of intersection of tangent to a hyperbola, which meet at
a constant angle .
Solution:
Let the equation to the hyperbola be

(1)

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Equation to any tangent to (1) is

y = mx +
If the tangent passes through a point (h, k) when we must have

k = mh +

or

m2(h2 a2) 2mhk + (k2 + b2) = 0

(2)

Let m1 and m2 be the two roots of this equation.

m1 = tan

and m2 = tan 2, we have

tan

+ tan

tan

tan

and as (tan

tan 2)2 =

If the two tangents met at an angle , clearly

Hence cot = cot(

2)

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=(

2).

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cot2 =

Simplifying, the required locus is

(x2 + y2 + b2 a2)2 = 4cot2 (a2y2 b2x2 + a2b2)2
Example 9:
Find the equation to the hyperbola whose asymptotes are the straight
lines x + 3y 1= 0 and 2x y + 7 = 0, and which passes through the
point (1, 2).
Solution:
Equation to the asymptotes are given as
x + 3y 1 = 0

and

2x y + 7 = 0

(1)
(2)

(1) and (2) may be given by

(x + 3y 1)(2x y + 7) = 0

(3)

As the equation to the hyperbola will differ from (3) only by a

constant, it may be given by

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(x + 3y 1)(2x y + 7) =
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(4)

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(where

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is a constant)

(1, 2) lies on the curve given by (4), we have

(1 + 6 1)(2 2 + 7) =
= 42
Hence the equation to the hyperbola will be
(x + 3y 1)(2x y + 7) = 42
2x2 xy + 6xy + 7x 3y2 + 21y 2x + y 7 = 42
2x2 3y2 + 5xy + 5x + 22y 49 = 0
Example 10:

C is a centre of the hyperbola

and the tangent at any point P

meets asymptotes in the point Q and R. Find the equation to locus of

the centre of the circle circumscribing the triangle CQR.
Solution:
This equation to the hyperbola is given as

(1)

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Let P any point on it as (a sec , b tan ), then the equation of tangent

at P is
sin

= cos

(2)

The equation to the asymptotes to (1) are

(3)

and

(4)

Solving (2) and (3), we get the coordinates of Q as

Solving (2) and (4), we get the coordinates of R as

Let O be the centre of the circle passing through C, Q and R having its
coordinates as (h, k). Then clearly OC = OQ

h2 + k2 =

h2 + k2 =

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h2 + k2 = h2 + k2 + (a2 + b2)

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(2ah + 2bk)

2(ah + bk) = (a2 + b2)

(5)

Similarly OC = OR

Hence h2 + k2 =

Which on simplification as in the last case, given

2(ah bk) = (a2 + b2)

(6)

to get the locus of the point O we have to eliminate

from (5) and (6),

so multiplying the two we get

4(a2h2 b2k2) = (a2 + b2)

= (a2 + b2)2

for (h, k), we get the required locus as

4(a2x2 b2y2) = (a2 + b2)2
Example 11:
A straight line is drawn parallel to the conjugate axis of a hyperbola
meets it and the conjugate hyperbola in the points P and Q. Find the
locus of point of intersection of tangents at P and Q.

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Solution:
Let the equation to the hyperbola be

(1)

and its conjugate hyperbola be

(2)

Let p be any point (a sec

, b tan

) on P. The equation of the line

parallel to the conjugate axis (1) i.e. y-axis passes through P will be
x = a sec

(3)

The line (3) will cut the conjugate hyperbola (2) at Q where x = a sec
and hence y = b

, therefore the coordinates of Q will be

Now the equation to the tangent to (1) at P is

sin

or

cos

= cos

sin

(4)

and the equation to the tangent to (2) at Q is

sec

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+ cos

(5)

on squaring and adding (4) and (5), we have

+ 2 cos2

cos2

[(1 + cos2 ) + sin2 ] = 2

Putting the value of cos

in (5) we get

Squaring we have,

There is the required locus

Example 12:

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Find the foci of the hyperbola 4xy a2 b2 = 0

Solution:

The given hyperbola in xy =

Let KK and LL be the asymptotes which are taken as axis and S be

the focus having the co-ordinates (x, y) w.r.t these axis. Draw SH
Parallel to LL meeting KK in H. If 2

be the angle between the

asymptotes, clearly CS will bisect it and hence

LCS =

SCH =

CSH = . Draw HN perpendicular to CS.

Then CN = NS = CS. Hence CH cos = HS cos = CS

As CH = x and SH = y and CS =

x cos

= y cos

[ x = y] we have

x=y=

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and also tan

cos

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Hence x = y

Example 13:
If the normal to the rectangular hyperbola xy = c 2 at the point t meets
the curve again at a point t, Establish the relation between t and t.
Solution:
Let the equation of the hyperbola b2 xy = c2 and the coordinates of
any point P on its be (ct, c/t), then the equation to normal at P w.r.t.
the hyperbola is
y

= t2 (x ct)

yt xt3 c + ct4 = 0

(1)

If it pass through any point say Q having its co-ordinates at t i.e.

the coordinates must satisfy (1) hence w eget

t ctt3 c + ct4 = 0

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or

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t t2t3 t + tt4 = 0

On factorizing we get
(t t3 + 1) (t t) = 0
Hence tt3 + 1 = 0
tt3 = 1 as t

This is the required relation.

Example 14:
Prove that the two hyperbolas x2 y2 = 3a2 and xy = 2a2 are having a
common tangent at the contact common point

Solution:
The two curves are given as
x2 y2 = 3a2
and

(1)

xy = 2a2

Suppose a common tangent touches (1) and (2) at A and B

respectively. The coordinates of A may be taken as

as it lies on (1)

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The equation of tangent at this point w.r.t. (1) will be

sin

or

x y sin

= cos

a cos

(3)

If equation (3) is a tangent to (2) also, then solving (2) and (3) we
must get two coincident roots.
Putting the value of x from (2) in (3) we get

(y sin
y2 sin

a cos ) y = 2a2

a y cos

2a2 = 0

(4)

If the two values of this equation concide, its discriminant must be

zero; hence we must have
3a2 cos2
3cos2

4(2a2) sin
+ 8 sin

=0

=0

3(1 sin2 ) + 8sin 3 = 0

3sin2
(3 sin

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8 sin 3 = 0
+ 1) (sin

3) = 0
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Hence sin =

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(as sin cannot be equal to 3)

Hence cos =

Putting the value in (4) we get

y2

2a2 = 0

y2 + 2

ay + 6a2 = 0

Putting the values of y, sin

x=

and cos

y=

a.

in (3) and simplifying we get

a.

Hence the coordinates of the point of contact of the common tangent

with (2) are

. Again putting the values of sec

and tan

with the help of relations (5) and (6) for the coordinates of the point A,
we find the coordinates as

which is the point of contact

of the common tangent with (1).

Example 15:
From a point A, perpendiculars AB and AC are drawn to two straight
lines OB and OC. If the area OBAC is constant, find the locus of A.
Solution:

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Let the bisectors of the angles BOC be taken as axis. So the equations
of OB and OC are respectively.

and

x cos

+ y sin

=0

x cos

y sin

=0

where

BOC

Take any point A as (h, k); then

AB = Perpendicular from A on OB

= h cos

+ k sin

(1)

and similarly
AC = Perpendicular from A on C
= h cos

k sin

(2)

The equation to AB will be

(h x) sin

+ (y k) cos

y cos x sin + h sin

=0
k cos

=0

Similarly the equation AC will be

(h x) sin

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(y k) cos

=0

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(3)

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Now OB = Perpendicular distance of (3) from (0, 0).

= h sin

k cos

Similarly OC = perpendicular distance of (0, 0) from (4)

= h sin

+ k cos .

Now the area of quad. OBAC = OAB + OAC

OB AB +

OC AC

[h sin kcos ][h cos + k sin ]

[h cos k sin ] [h sin + k cos ]

= (h2 k2) sin .cos = constant = S (say)

h2 k2 = {s/sin , cos } which is again constant = a2 (say)

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Therefore the locus of the point (h, k) will be x 2 y2 = a2, which is

hyperbola.

Example 16:
If P, Q and R be three points on the rectangular hyperbola xy = c 2,
whose abscissas are x1, x2 and x3, find the area of the triangle PQR
and also find the area of the triangle formed by the tangents at these
points.
Solution:
The equation of the hyperbola is
xy = c2
If P be a point on the hyperbola having its abscissa as x 1, the
corresponding value of the ordinate will be given by y 1 =

Hence the coordinates of the point P will be

Similarly the coordinates of the point Q and R will be

respectively.

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PQR =

Again the equation to the tangent at point P i.e.

w.r.t. the

hyperbola will be
=2

c2x + yx12 = 2c2x1

(1)

Similarly the equations of the tangents at

and R

will be

c2x + yx22 = 2c2x2

(2)

c2x + yx32 = 2c2x2

(3)

Let (1) and (2) meet in A. To get the coordinates of A, we have to

solve the two
Hence subtracting (2) from (1), we have
y(x12 x22) = 2c2(x1 x2)

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Hence y =

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putting this value is (1) we get

x=

Hence the coordinates of A are

Similarly if B and C be the points of intersection of (2) and (3), and (1)
and (3), their coordinates, will be respectively.

and

= 2c2

Simplifying and factorizing the numerator, we get the area of the

triangle ABC.

= 2c2

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