Hyperbola Properties
Enter the center (h, k), the semi-transverse axis a and the semi-conjugate axis b for the standard horizontal-transverse hyperbola (x − h)²/a² − (y − k)²/b² = 1. The calculator returns the vertices, the foci with c = √(a² + b²), the asymptote equations and the eccentricity.
Frequently asked questions
What are the asymptotes of a hyperbola?
Two straight lines the hyperbola approaches but never touches as |x| grows: y − k = ±(b/a)(x − h) for the horizontal-transverse case.
How does the formula for c differ between ellipse and hyperbola?
Ellipse: c² = a² − b². Hyperbola: c² = a² + b². In an ellipse the foci sit inside the curve; in a hyperbola they sit outside the vertices.
Is the eccentricity always greater than 1?
Yes. For a hyperbola e = c/a > 1, which captures the fact that the foci lie beyond the vertices.