Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Hyperbola Definition
A hyperbola is a type of conic section formed by the intersection of a plane and a double cone. It consists of two separate curves called branches, which are mirror images of each other. The standard form of a hyperbola can be expressed as (x-h)²/a² - (y-k)²/b² = 1 for horizontal hyperbolas, where (h, k) is the center, and a and b determine the distance to the vertices and co-vertices.
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Introduction to Hyperbolas
Asymptotes of a Hyperbola
Asymptotes are lines that the branches of a hyperbola approach but never touch. For a hyperbola in the form (x-h)²/a² - (y-k)²/b² = 1, the equations of the asymptotes can be derived as y - k = ±(b/a)(x - h). These lines provide a framework for sketching the hyperbola and indicate its direction and spread.
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Foci of a Hyperbola
The foci of a hyperbola are two fixed points located along the transverse axis, which help define the shape of the hyperbola. For a hyperbola in standard form, the distance from the center to each focus is given by c = √(a² + b²). The foci are crucial for understanding the hyperbola's properties, including its eccentricity, which measures how 'stretched' the hyperbola is.
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