1 HYPERBOLA

HYPERBOLA
Definition
A hyperbola is the locus of a point which moves so that its distance from a fixed point (focus) bears to its
distance from a fixed straight line (directrix) a constant ratio (eccentricity) which is greater than unity.

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

>
Similarly by subtraction, SA’ -SA
M’ P
 eZA'  ZA   2e . ZC  2a  2eZC  ZC  a / e . M
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 S’ A’ Z’ C Z A S
>x
(ae, 0) and ZM the line x = a/e. Let P(x, y) be any point on
the hyperbola.
Then the condition PS 2  e 2 .
2
 a
(distance of P from ZM) gives x  ae   y  e  x  
2 2 2 2

 e


or x 2 1  e  y 2  a 2 1  e 2
2

x2 y2
i.e.  1 ...(i)

a 2 a 2 e2  1
 
Since e > 1, e2 - 1 is positive. Let a 2 e2 1  b2 . Then the equation (i) becomes
x 2 y2
 1.
a 2 b2
x 2 y2  b2 
The eccentricity e of the hyperbola   1 is given by the relation e 2
 1  2  .
a 2 b2  a 
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 Z’M’ 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 Z’M’.
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 x1 , 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 is (0, 0), i.e. the origin C. On account of this property
the middle point of the straight line joining the vertices of 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.
2 HYPERBOLA
A latus rectum is the chord through a focus at right angle to the transverse axis.
The length of the semi - latus rectum obtained by putting x = ae in the equation of the hyperbola is

a 2e2
yb 2
 1  b e2  1  b . b / a  b 2 / a .
a
y

>
Relation between Focal Distances : M
M’ P
The difference of the focal distances of a point on the
hyperbola is constant. PM and PM’ are perpendiculars to the
directrices MZ and M’Z’ and PS’ - PS = e(PM’ - PM) =eMM’ S’ Z’ C Z S
>x
= e(2a/e) = 2a = constant.

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.

Relative Position of a Point with respect to the Hyperbola : y

>
x12 y12
The quantity   1 is positive, zero or negative, Interior Exterior region Interior
a 2 b2
region region
according as the point x1, y1  lies within, upon or outside > x
C
the curve.

Parametric Coordinates :
x 2 y2
We can express the coordinates of a point of the hyperbola 2  2  1 in terms of a single parameter, say θ .
a b
In the adjacent figure OM  a sec θ and PM  b tan θ . Thus > y
any point on the curve, in parametri c form is P
x  a sec , y  b tan  . N
a
In other words, a sec θ, b tan θ  is a point on the hyperbola )θ
O M >x
for all values of θ . The point a sec , b tan   is briefly called
the point ‘ θ ’. x2  y2  a2

Important Properties of Hyperbola :

Since the fundamental equation of the hyperbola only differes 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
x 2 y2
changing sign of b . Some results for the hyperbola 2  2  1 are
2
a b
xx1 yy1
The tangent at any point x1 , y1  on the curve is  1.
a 2 b2
xsec  y tan 
The tangent at point ' ' is  1.
a b
The straight line y = mx+c is a tangent to the curve, if c2  a 2 m2  b2 . In other words,
b b
y  mx  a 2 m2  b2 touches the curve, for all those values of m when m  a or m   a .
3 HYPERBOLA

x - x1 y  y1
Equation of the normal at any point x1 , y1  to the curve is  .
x1 y1
a2 
 b2 
x y 1
The equation of the chord through the points 1 and  2 is a sec 1 b tan 1 1 0.
a sec  2 b tan  2 1

i.e.
x FG
  2 IJ  y sin FG   2 IJ  c os FG   2 IJ
co s 1
H K b H K H K
1 1
a 2 2 2

The equation of the normal at  is ax cos  bycot  a 2  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  a 2  b2 . That meansif a 2  b2 , there would exist several
points such that tangents drawn from them would be mutually perpendicular. If a 2  b 2 , no such
point exist. For a2 = b2, centre is the only point from which two perpendicular tangents (asymptotes)
to the hyperbola can be drawn.

Illustration 1: 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 with centre being the origin.
Solution : 
We have b2  a 2 e2 1  a 2  b  a 
Also 2ae  16  ae  8  a  4 2 .
Hence the equation of the required hyperbola is
x 2 y2
  1  x 2  y 2  32 .
32 32

Illustration2: Find the equation of the hyperbola one of whose foci is (2, 2), eccentricity 2 and the equation
of the directrix x + y = 9.
Solution: Let P(x, y) be any point on the hyperbola. Let PM be perpendicular from P on the directrix.
2
SP x  y  9
 e  x  2  y  2  22 
2 2
Then
PM  2 

 x 2  y2  4x  4y  8  2 x  y  9  x 2  y2  4xy  32x  32y  154  0 .

2

x 2 y2
Illustration 3: Find the locus of the middle points of the portion of the tangents to   1 included
a 2 b2
between the axes.
Solution : Let Pa sec θ, b tan θ  be a point on the given hyperbola.
x sec  y tan  x y
The equation of the tangent at P is  1   1
a b a cos   b cot 
 The coordinates of the intercepts on the axes are a cos , 0  and 0,  b cot   . If (h, k) is
the mid-point of the portion intercepted by the axes, then
a cos  a b cot  b
h  sec   and k    tan    .
2 2h 2 2k
4 HYPERBOLA

a2 b2 a 2 b2
Hence  1  The locus of h, k  is   4.
4h 2 4k 2 x 2 y2

x 2 y2
Illustration 4: A variable chord of the hyperbola   1 is tangent to the circle x 2  y2  c2 . Prove
a 2 b2
2
 x 2 y2  2x
2
y2 

that the locus of its mid-point is  2  
2 
 c  4  .
a b  a b4 
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 .

xh yk h 2 k 2
Equation of the chord of the hyperbola with mid-point (h, k) is T  S1     .
a 2 b2 a 2 b2
cos  sin  c
Since this is the same as the tangent to the circle, we have  
h k h2 k2
 2 
a2 b a 2 b2

hc kc h 2c 2 k 2c 2
 cos  , sin      1.
 h2 k2   h2 k2   h2 k2 
2
 h2 k2 
2
a  2  2
2
b  2  2
2
a  2  2
4
b  2  2
4

a b  a b  a b  a b 
2
 x 2 y2   x 2 y2 
Hence locus of (h, k) is  2  2   c2  4  4  .
a b  a b 

Exercise - 1
(i) Find the equation of the hyperbola whose directrix is 2x + y = 1, focus (1, 2) and eccentricity 3.
(ii) For the hyperbola 3x 2  6y2  18 , find the lengths of transverse and conjugate axes, eccentricity
and coordinates of foci and vertices; length of the latus rectum, equation of the directrices.
5
(iii) The equation of the hyperbola whose foci are (6, 5), (-4, 5) and eccentricity is
4
(iv) If the latusrectum of a hyperbola through one focus subtends 600 angle at the other focus, then its
eccentricity e is

Conjugate hyperbola :
The hyperbola, whose transverse and conjugate axes are respectively the conjugate and transverse axes of
a given hyperbola, is called the conjugate hyperbola of the given hyperbola, and the two hyperbolas are
x 2 y2 y2 x 2
conjugate to one another. Thus, the hyperbola   1 and   1 are conjugate hyperbolas.
a 2 b2 b2 a 2
x 2 y2
Illustration 5:If e1 and e2 are the eccentricities of the hyperbola 2  2  1 and its conjugate hyperbola,
a b
prove that e12  e 22  1 .
5 HYPERBOLA
Solution : The eccentricity e1 of the given hyperbola is obtained from b2  a 2 e12 1   ...(1)
The eccentricity e2 of the conjugate hyperbola is given by a 2  b2 e22 1   ...(2)

  
Multiply (1) and (2). We get e12  1 e 22  1  1  0  e12e 22  e12  e 22  e12  e 22  1 .

Asymptotes
The straight line, to which the tangent to a curve tends as the point of contact tends to approach infinity, is
called an asymptote of the curve. In other words, an asymptote tends to touch the curve at infinity.
x 2 y2
Let the equation of the hyperbola be  1.
a 2 b2
xx1 yy1 x12 y12
The tangent at Px1, y1  on it is  1. But  x1 , y 
1 lies on the hyperbola,    1.
a 2 b2 a 2 b2
Eliminating y1 from the above equations, we find the equation of two tangents to the curve at the point with

xx1 y x12  a 2 x y a2 a
abscissa x1 is 2
 2
 1, i.e.,  1  2
 .
a b a a b x1 x1

x y
Taking limits when x1 tends to infinity, we have the equations of the asymptotes as   0.
a b
2 2
x y x y
The lines   0 are also asymptotes to the conjugate hyperbola 2  2  1 .
a b a b
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 6: 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), or k=-6. Hence the equation of the hyperbola is
(3x+y-7)(2x-y-3) = 6.

x 2 y2
Illustration 7:Prove that the chords of the hyperbola   1 , which touch its conjugate hyperbola are
a 2 b2
bisected at the point of contact.

Solution: Let P (x, y) be the mid-point of the chord of the given hyperbola, so that the equation of the
xx1 yy1 x12 y12
chord is    ...(1)
a 2 b 2 a 2 b2
x 2 y2
If it touches the conjugate hyperbola 2  2  1 , then
a b
6 HYPERBOLA
2
x 2 1  xx1 x12 y12  b 4
     . 1  0
a 2 b 2  a 2 a 2 b2  y12
will have equal roots. Simplifying, we find that
2
x 2  y12 x 12  2 xx 1  x 12 y12   y12 x 12  y2
2  2
 2   2  2  2    2  2   12  0 has equal roots so that
a b a  a a b  b a  b

4x12  x12 y12 

2
 y12 x12   y2 x 2  2 y2  2
x12  x12 y12   x12 y12  y12
    4  2  2  2  2   2   0 or, 2  2  2    2  2   2  0
1 1 1
a 2  a 2 b2  b a   b a  b  a a b  a b  b

 x12 y12   x12 x12 y12  y12 x12 y12

or   
2   2
  
2 
  0 or  1  0  x1, y1  lies on the conjugate
2
a b  a a b  b
2 2
a 2 b2
hyperbola.
Hence the chord (1) touches the conjugate hyperbola at its midpoint x1 , y1  .
Alternative Solution :
x 2 y2
Any tangent to the conjugate hyperbola 2  2  1 is x  my  b2 m2  a 2 ...(2)
a b
a 2 y1
If this is same as the chord (1), then m  and hence
b 2 x1
2 2
a4  x12 y12  b2a 4 y12 2  x12 y12  y12 x12 x12 y12
 2  2
 b 2 2
m  a 2
  a or  2  2
  2 or  = -1
x12 a b  b 4 x12 a b  b a
2
a 2 b2
 x1 , y1  lies on the conjugate hyperbola.
 the chord (1) touches the conjugate hyperbola and is bisected at the point of contact.

Exercise - 2
(i) Find the equation of the asymptotes of the hyperbola xy = hx + ky.
(ii) A variable straight line of slope 4, intersects the rectangular hyperbola xy = 1 at two points. Find the
equation of the locus of the point which divides the line segment between these two points in the ratio
1 : 2.
(iii) The locus of the middle points of chords of hyperbola 3x2 - 2y2 + 4x - 6y = 0 parallel to y = 2x, is
(iv) The equation of the asymptotes of the hyperbola 2x2 + 5xy + 2y2 - 11x - 7y - 4 = 0, are
(v) Let P be the point of intersectoin of the common tangents to the parabola y 2  12x and the hyperbola

8x 2  y 2  8. If S and S’ denote the foci of the hyperbola where S lies on the positive x-axis then find
ratio in which P divides SS’.

Rectangular hyperbola
A hyperbola whose axymptotes are at right angles to each other is called a rectangular hyperbola.
x 2 y2 b
The angle between asymptotes of the hyperbola 2
 2  1, is 2 tan 1   . This is a right angle if
a b a
7 HYPERBOLA
b  b
tan 1  , i.e., if  1  b  a .
a 4 a
The equation of the rectangular hyperbola referred to its transverse and conjugate axes as
axes of coordinates is therefore : x2-y2 = a2 ....(i)
Equation referred to asymptotes as coordinate axes : To obtain this equation we rotate the
x y x y
axes of reference through - 450. Thus we have to write  for x and   for y
2 2 2 2
The equation (i) becomes
1 1 1 2 a2
  x  y    x  y   a i.e. xy  a or xy  c where c  .
2 2 2 2 2

 2  2 2 2

The Tangent and Normal:

For rectangular hyperbola xy = c 2
The coordinates of any point on the curve may be taken as (cp, c/p), where p is a parameter. We shall call the
point with these coordinates, the point ‘p’.
Equation of tangnet at x1, y1  is xy1  yx1  2c2 .
cx
Tangent at (cp, c/p) to xy  c 2 is  cpy  2c 2 .
p
 c
Equation of normal at  cp , p  is xp  py  cp  c  0 .
3 4

 

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 x 2  y2  2gx  2fy  k  0 . Any

c2 2fc
point on the hyperbola is (cp, c/p). If it lies on the circle, then c 2 p 2  2
 2gcp  k 0
p p
 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, p 2 , p3 , p 4 are the roots of this equation, then
 2gc 2g x  x  x3  x4 g
p1  p 2  p3  p 4  2
  cp1  cp2  cp3  cp4  2g  1 2 
c c 4 2
2fc

Also
1 1 1 1
   
 p1p2p3
2 2f c c c c y y y y f
 c2        2f  1 2 3 4   .
p1 p2 p3 p 4 p1p2 p3p4 c c p1 p2 p3 p4 4 2
c2

 g f
Hence the mean of the four points is   ,   which is the mid-point of the centre of the hyperbola and
 2 2
that of the circle.

Illustration 8: A circle and a rectangular hyperbola meet in four poitns 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.
8 HYPERBOLA
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 x1 , y1 , x 2 , y 2 , x 3 , y3  and x 4 , y 4  . Let the centres of the hyperbola and the
circle be (h, k) and (g, f).
x1  x 2  x 3  x 4 h  g x  x2 2g  x 3  x 4 h  g x  x4
Then  . But g  1    3 h
4 2 2 4 2 2
y3  y4
Similarly  k . Hence (h, k) is the mid-point of CD.
2

Exercise - 3
(i) If 5x  9  0 is the directrix of the hyperbola 16x 2  9y 2  144 , then find corresponding focus.
(ii) If a circle x 2  y2  4 intersects a rectangular hyperbola at four points 0,  2,  2, 0 , then find the
centre of the rectangular hyperbola.
(iii). A point P moves such that the tangents PT 1 and PT 2 from it to the hyperbola 4 x 2  9 y 2  36 are
mutually perpendicular. Find the equation of the locus of P.

ANSWER TO EXERCISES
Exercise 1:
(i) 7x 2  2y2 12xy  2x 14y  22  0
(ii) Length of transverse axes  2 3 , length of conjugate axes  2 6, e  3 foci  0,  3 ,

 
vertices 0,  3 , latus rectum  4 3 , equation of directrices y = ±1.

x  12  y  52 1
(iii) (iv) 3
16 9

Exercise 2:
(i) x = k and y = h (ii) 16 x 2  10 xy  y 2  2
(iii) 3x - 4y = 4 (iv) 2 x 2  5xy  2 y 2  11x  7 y  5  0
(v) 5:4

Exercise 3:
(i) (-5, 0) (ii) (0, 0) (iii) x 2  y2  5
9 HYPERBOLA

SOLVED SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

x 2 y2 x 2 y2
Problem 1: A tangent to the hyperbola   1 cuts the ellipse   1 in points P and Q. Find
a 2 b2 a 2 b2
the locus of the mid-point of PQ.
x 2 y2
Solution : Let Mx1, y1  be the mid-point of the chord PQ of the ellipse  1.
a 2 b2

xx1 yy1 x12 y12 b2 x1 b2  x12 y12 

Equation of PQ is     y     2  2  .
a 2 b2 a 2 b2 a 2 x1 y1 a b 

x 2 y2
This is tangent to the hyperbola 2  2  1
a b
2 2
b4  x 12 y12  b4x 2  x 2 y2  x 2 y2
If  2  2   a 2 4 12  b 2   12  12   12  12 .
y12 a b  a y1 a b  a b
2
 x 2 y2  x 2 y2
Hence locus of x 1 , y 1  is  2  2   2  2 .
a b  a b

x 2 y2
Problem 2: C is the centre of the hyperbola   1 . The tangent at any point P on this hyperbola
a 2 b2
meets the lines bx - ay = 0 and bx + ay = 0 in the points Q and R respectively. Show that CQ.
CR = a2 + b2 .
x sec  y tan 
Solution : The tangent at any point Pa sec θ, b tan θ  is given by  1.
a b
x sec  x
It meets the line bx - ay = 0, so that  tan   1  x sec   tan    a
a a
 a b .
 Q is  , 
 sec   tan  sec   tan  
The tangent also meets the line bx + ay = 0
x sec  x  a b .
  tan   1  R is  , 
a a  sec   tan  sec   tan  

a 2  b2 a 2  b2 a 2  b2
Hence CQ.CR  .   a 2  b2 .
sec   tan 2 sec   tan  sec   tan 
2 2 2

x 2 y2
Problem 3: A straight line is drawn parallel to the conjugate axis of the hyperbola   1 to meet it
a 2 b2
and the conjugate hyperbola respectively in points P and Q. Show that the normals at P and
Q to the curves meet on the x-axis.
Solution : Let P a sec , b tan   be a point on the hyperbola, and Q a tan  , b sec   be a point on the
conjugate hyperbola.
Hence a sec   a tan   sec   tan  .
10 HYPERBOLA

x 2 y2 a tan 
Equation of the normal to the hyperbola  2  1 at P is y  b tan    x  a sec .
2
a b b sec
a sec 
Equation of the normal to the conjugate hyperbola at Q is y  b sec    x  a tan   .
b tan 
Eliminate x and use sec θ  tan  .
We get y sec   tan    0  y  0 . Hence the normals meet on the x-axis.

x 2 y2
Problem 4: From a point G on the transverse axis of the hyperbola   1 , GL is drawn perpendicular
a 2 b2
to one of its asymptotes. Also GP is a normal to the curve at P. Prove that LP is parallel to
the conjugate axis.
Solution : Let Pa sec θ, b tan θ  be any point on the hyperbola.
Equation of the normal at P is ax cos  by cot   a 2  b2 .

a 2  b2  a 2  b2 
It meets the x-axis (transverse axis) at y = 0  x  sec   G  sec , 0 .
a  a 
The equation of the line perpendicular to the asymptote bx - ay = 0 and passing through G,
 
i.e. equation of GL is y  
a
b
 x 
a 2  b2
a

sec    ax  by  a 2  b2 sec . 
 
Its intersection with the asymptote bx - ay = 0 gives x  a sec  So the x co-ordinate of L is
a sec θ , which is equal to the x - coordinate of the point P  LP is parallel to the y-axis 
LP is parallel to the conjugate axis.

Problem 5: A series of hyperbolas is drawn having a common transverse axis of length 2a. Prove that
the locus of a point P on each hyperbola, such that its distance from the transverse axis is

 2
equal to its distance from an asymptote, is the curve x 2  y2  4x 2 x 2  a 2 .  
2 2
Solution : The equation of a hyperbola of the series x  y  1, where,  is a parameter. The asymptotes
2
a 2

x y
of this hyperbola are  .
a 
Suppose (x’, y’) is a point P on the hyperbola which is equidistant from the transverse axis
x' y'
2 2 
x' y'
and an asymptote. Then 2  2  1 and y'  a 
a  1 1

a 2 2

y'2 x '2 2 1 1  x '2 y'2 2x' y'

i.e.   1 and y'   2 
 2  2 
2 a 2 a   a
2
 a


The second relation gives, on simplification, y'2 x '2  2

4 x ' 2 y' 2 a 2
2
 
 4x '2 x '2 a 2 .

 2

by the first relation. Hence, the locus of P is y2  x 2  4x 2 x 2  a 2 . 
11 HYPERBOLA
Problem 6: If a rectangular hyperbola has the equation xy = c2, prove that the locus of the middle points
 
of its chords of length 2d is x2  y2 xy c2  d2xy . 
Solution : Let (x’, y’) be the middle point of the chord of the hyperbola xy = c2 which is inclined to the
x-axis at an angle θ . Then the extremities of the chord, which are at distance d from (x, y)
x  x ' y  y'
is given by    d ; so that x  x ' d cos , y  y' d sin  .
cos  sin 
Since these lie on the hyperbola xy = c2,
x'd cos y'  d sin  c2 & x'd cos y'd sin  c2 .
By addition and subtraction, we have x' y'd2 cos sin  c2 and x' sin  y' cos  0 .
Dividing these by cos2  and cos  respectively, we have

x ' y'c sec

2 2
  d 2 tan   0 and tan   
y'
x'
.
Eliminating tan θ between these equations and replacing x’ by x and y’ by y, we get

xy  c  1 xy  d2 y
  
2
2

2 
0  xy  c2 x2  y2  d2xy .
  x

Problem 7: A variable straight line of slope 4 intersects the hyperbola xy = 1 at two points. Find the
locus of the point which divides the line segment between these points in the ratio 1:2.
Solution : Let the line be y = 4x + c. It meet the curve xy = 1 at
c
x 4 x  c   1  4 x 2  cx  1  0  x1  x 2  
4
Also yy  c  4  y2  cy  4  0  y1  y2  c .
Let the point which divides the line segment in the ratio 1 : 2 be (h, k)
x1  2 x 2 c c
  h  x 2  3h   x 1    3h .
3 4 2
y1  2 y 2
Also  k  y 2  3k  c  y1   3k  2 c .
3
Now (h, k) lies on the line y = 4x + c  k = 4h + c  c = k - 4h
k k
 x1    2h  3h   h  and y1  3k  2k  8h   k  8h
2 2

 k k2
  h   k  8h   1  hk  8h 2   4hk  1  16h 2  k 2  10hk  2 .
 2 2
Hence locus of (h, k) is 16x 2  y2  10xy  2 .
Alternative Solution :
x  x 1 y  y1
Let x1, y1  be a point on the variable line segment of slope 4. Its equation is  .
1 4

 r 4r 
Any other point at a distance r from (x1, y1) on this line is  x1  , y1   . For this
 17 17 

 r  4r 
point to lie on the given hyperbola xy = 1, we have  x1    y1    1.
 17   17 
or 4r 2  r 17 4x1  y1   17 x1y1  1  0 ...(1)
12 HYPERBOLA
This is a quadratic in r, and gives the two points where the line segment intersects the hyperbola.
If x1 , y1  divides these points in the ratio 1:2, then r1 : r2  1 : 2
or r1 = -k and r2 = 2k (since the two points are on the opposite sides of (x1, y1)). From (1), we
get

 k  2k  
17
4x1  y1  and  k  2k   17x1y1  1
4 4

i.e. k   17 4 x 1  y1  and k 2  17 1  x 1 y1  .
4 8
Eliminating k, we get the locus of x1, y1  as 16x 2  y2 10xy  2 .

Problem 8: Show that the angle subtended by any chord at the centre of a rectangular hyperbola is the
supplement of the angle between the tangents at the ends of the chord.
Solution : Let the hyperbola be x2 - y2 = a2
Let C(0, 0) be the centre of the hyperbola and P a sec 1 , a tan 1  and Q a sec  2 , a tan  2  be
a tan 1
two points on the curve. Equation of PC is y  a sec  x
1

 y  x sin 1 . Similarly the equation of QC is y  x sin  2

sin 1  sin  2
If α is angle between PC and QC, then tan   ...(1)
1  sin 1 . sin  2
x
The equation of the tangent at P is x sec 1  y tan 1  a y  a cot 1
sin 1
x
Also the equation of the tangents at Q is y   a cot  2
sin  2
If β is the angle between the tangents at P and Q, then

1 1

sin 1 sin  2 sin  2  sin 1
tan      tan   tan           .
1 1  sin 1 sin  2
1
sin 1 sin  2
Alternative Solution :
Let the hyperbola be x 2  y 2  a 2 .

The line y  mx  a m2 1 touches the hyperbola for all m.

If it passes through the point P x1 , y1  , then

 
y1  mx1  a m2 1 or m2 x12  a 2  2mx1y1  y12  a 2  0 so that from a point x1 , y1  two
tangents can be drawn to the hyperbola. If β is the angle between these tangents, then

tan  
m1  m 2

m1  m 2 2  4m1m 2

 
2 x12 y12  x12  a 2 y12  a 2 
1  m1m 2 1  m1m 2 x12  y12
The equation of the chord of contact of x1 , y1  with respect to the hyperbola
x 2  y2  a 2 is xx1  yy1  a 2 .
Making the equation of the hyperbola homogeneous with the help of the chord, we get
13 HYPERBOLA

   
a 2 x 2  y2  xx1  yy1  or x 2 a 2  x12  2x1y1xy  a 2  y12 y2  0 .
2
 
This is the equation of the lines joining the centre (0, 0) with the points of intersection of the
chord and the hyperbola. Hence angle α subtended by the chord at the centre is given by

tan  
 
2 x12 y12  a 2  x12 a 2  y12 
  tan        .

 x12  y12 
Problem 9: A shot is fired from a rifle to hit a target. The sound of shooting and striking are heard at the
same instant at a point P. Prove that the locus of the point P is a hyperbola.
Solution : Let the rifle be placed at A(ka, 0) and the target is placed at B(-ka, 0), where k is the velocity
of the shot. Let P (x, y) be the point where the sounds are heard. let c be the velocity of
sound. Time taken by the sound to travel the distance AP is the same as that the time taken
by the shot to travel from A to B plus the time the sound takes to travel the distance BP.
1 1
 x  ka 2  y 2  2a  x  ka 2  y 2
c c


c 2

1 2 2 2 1
 
x  k a  2kax  y 2  4a 2  2 x 2  k 2a 2  2kax  y 2 
c
4a
c
 x  ka 2  y2

kx  ac2 1 k 2 x 2  a 2c4  2kac2 x 1 2 2 2


c2

c
x 2
 k 2 2
a  2kax  y 2

c4
 2 x  k a  2kax  y2
c
 
k 2 x 2 2 x 2 a 2k 2 y2 x2 y2
  a       1 (k being >c) which is the equation of
c4 c2 c2 c2 a 2c2 a 2 k 2  c 2  
a hyperbola.

Problem10: Prove that if normal to the hyperbola xy c2 at point ‘t’ meets the curve again at a point

' t1 ' then t 3t1  1  0 .

Solution : Equation of normal at point ‘t’ i.e. (ct, c/t) is ;

y  xt 2 
c
t
1 t4  ....(1)

 c
If it meets the curve again at ' t1 ' then  ct1 ,  must satisfy (1)
 t1 


c c
 1
 1 1 1
 ct1t 2  1  t 4   t1t 2   t 3    t 2 t  t1   0 
t  t1  1  t 3 t  0  
t1 t t1 t t1 t tt 1
1 .

Clearly t  t1  t 3 t1 1  0 .
14 HYPERBOLA

SOLVED OBJECTIVE PROBLEMS

Problem 1: The equation of a line passing through the centre of a rectangular hyperbola is x-y-1=0. If
one of its asymptotes is 3x - 4y - 6 = 0, the equation of the other asymptote is
(a) 4x - 3y + 17 = 0 (b) -4x - 3y + 17 = 0 (c) -4x + 3y + 1 = 0 (d) 4x + 3y + 17 = 0
Solution : We know that asymptotes of rectangular hyperbola are mutually perpendicular, thus other
asymptote should be 4 x  3y  λ  0 .
Intersection point of asymptotes is also the centre of the hyperbola. Hence intersection
point of 4 x  3y  λ  0 and 3x - 4y - 6 = 0 should lie on the line x - y-1 = 0, so that λ  17 .
Hence (d) is the correct answer.

Problem 2: The locus of the middle points of chords of hyperbola 3x 2  2y2  4x  6y  0 parallel to y =
2x is
(a) 3x - 4y = 4 (b) 3y-4x+4 = 0 (c) 4x - 4y = 3 (d) 3x - 4y = 2
Solution : Let mid point be (h, k). Equation of a chord whose mid point is (h, k) would be T = S1
or 3xh  2yk  2x  h  3y  k  3h2  2k2  4h  6k
3h  2
 x3k  2  y2k  3  2h  3k  3h2  2k2  0 . It’s slope is 2 k  3  2 (given)
 3h  4k  4  Required locus is 3x - 4y = 4. Hence (a) is the correct answer..

x 2 y2
Problem 3: The tangent at a point P on the hyperbola 2  2  1 meets one of its directrices in F. If PF
a b
subtends an angle θ at the corresponding focus, then θ equals
  3
(a) (b) (c) (d) π
4 2 4
Solution : Let the directrix be x = a/e and the focus be S (ae, 0). Let P a sec θ, b tan θ  be any point on
the curve.
x sec  y tan 
Equation of tangent at ‘P’ is  1.
a b
Let ‘F’ be the intersection point of the t angent and the directrix, so that
 a bsec   e   bsec   e  b tan 
 m SF . m PS   1 .
F ,   mSF  , m PS 
e e tan    a tan  e  1
2
  a sec   e 
Hence (b) is the correct answer.

Problem 4: If a chord of a rectangular hyperbola, parallel to its conjugate axis subtends angles θ1 and θ 2
at its vertices, then
 3
(a) 1   2  (b) 1   2   (c) 1   2  (d) none of these
2 4
Solution : Let the hyperbola be x 2  y 2  a 2 and the chord be x = k. It meet the curve at

k,  
k 2  a 2 and k ,  k 2  a 2 . 
k2  a2 k2  a 2

Hence tan 1  k a k a   1 k2  a2 .
k  a2
2
a
1
k  a 2
15 HYPERBOLA
1
Also tan  2  k 2  a 2   tan 1  tan   1   1   2   .
a
Hence (b) is the correct answer.

Problem 5: If a sec , b tan   and a sec  , b tan   are the ends of a focal chord of

x 2 y2  
2
 2  1, then tan tan equals to
a b 2 2
e 1 1 e 1 e e 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
e 1 1 e 1 e e 1
Solution : Equation of the chord connecting the points a sec , b tan   and a sec  , b tan   is
x    y   
cos    sin    cos .
a  2  b  2   2 
   
If it passes through (ae, 0) we have, e cos    cos  
 2   2 

  
cos   1  tan . tan
e  2  2 2  tan  . tan   1  e
     1  tan  . tan  2 2 1 e
cos  
 2  2 2
Hence (b) is the correct answer.

Problem 6: The point of intersection of the curves whose parametric equations are
2
x  t 2  1, y  2 t and x  2s, y  is given by
s
(a) (1, -3) (b) (2, 2) (c) (-2, 4) (d) (1, 2)
y2
Solution : x  t 2  1, y  2t  x  1  and x = 2s, y = 2/s  xy = 4.
4
4 y2
For the point of intersection we have,  1   y3  4 y  16  0  y  2  x  2 .
y 4
Hence (b) is the correct answer.

Problem 7: The equation of the hyperbola whose foci are (6, 5) (-4, 5) and eccentricity 5/4 is
x  12  y  52 1
x 2 y2
 1
(a) (b)
16 9 16 9
x  12  y  52  1
(c) (d) none of these
16 9
5
Solution : Here S1  6, 5 ; S 2   4, 5 , e  , so that
4
 25 

S1S 2  10  2 ae  10  a  4 . And b  a e  1  16   1  9 .
2 2 2

 16 
Centre of the curve is (1, 5)
x  12  y  52  1.
 Equation of required hyperbola is;
16 9
Hence (a) is the correct answer.
16 HYPERBOLA

Problem 8: The equation x  2  y  2  klx  my  n2 represents

(a) a parabola for k = l2  m2  1


(b) an ellipse for 0<k < l2  m2 
1

(c) a hyperbola for k > l2  m2   1

(d) a point circle for k = 0.
2
 lx  my n 
Solution : x    y  
2 2
 klx  my  n
2

 k l  m 
2 2

2 
 
PS
PM
 k l2  m2 .  
 l m 
2

   
If k l2  m2 = 1, ‘P’ lies on parabola .If k l2  m2 < 1, ‘P’ lies on ellipse.
If k l 2
 m  > 1, ‘P’ lies on hyperbola.If k = 0, ‘P’ lies on a point circle.
2

Hence (A,B,C,D) are the correct answers.

x 2 y2
Problem 9: The point on the hyperbola   1 which is nearest to the line 3x+2y+1 = 0 is
24 18
(a) (6, 3) (b) (-6, 3) (c) (6, -3) (d) (-6, -3)
Solution : Equation of the tangent at  24 sec , 18 tan  is 
x sec  y tan 
  1 . Since the point of contact is nearest to the line 3x+2y+1 = 0,
24 18

sec  18
3 3 1
its slope = - . 
   sin    . Hence the point is (6, -3).
24 tan 
2 2 3
Hence (c) is the correct answer.

Problem 10: The locus of the point, tangents from which to the rectangular hyperbola x 2  y 2  a 2 contain
an angle of 450 is
  
(a) x 2  y2  a 2 x 2  y2  4a 4    
(b) 2 x 2  y2  4a 2 x 2  y2  4a 4 
(c) x 2
 y   4a x
2 2 2

 y2  4a 4   
(d) x 2  y2  a 2 x 2  y2  a 4 
Solution : Let y  mx  m2a 2  a 2 be two tangents and passing through (h, k).


Then k  mk2  m2a 2  a 2  m2 h 2  a 2  2khm  k 2  a 2  0 . 
2kh k2  a2 m  m2
 m1  m 2  and m m
1 2  , and tan 450  1 .
h a
2 2
h a
2 2
1  m1m 2
Hence (c) is the correct answer.
17 HYPERBOLA

OBJECTIVE ASSIGNMENTS
LEVEL - I
1. The eccentricity of the hyperbola whose latus - rectum is 8 and conjugate axis is equal to half the
distance between the foci, is
4 4 2
(a) (b) (c) (d) none of these
3 3 3

2. If x 2  y2  20 represents a rectangular hyperbola, then λ equals

(a) 5 (b) 4 (c) -5 (d) none of these

3. Equation of the hyperbola passing through the point (1, -1) and having asymptotes x + 2y + 3 = 0 and
3x +4y + 5 = 0 is
(a) 3x 2 10xy  8y2 14x  22y  7  0 (b) 3x 2 10xy  8y2 14x  22y  7  0
(c) 3x 2 10xy  8y2 14x  22y  7  0 (d) none of these

4. The equation 16x2 - 3y2 - 32x - 12y - 44 = 0 represents a hyperbola, which one of the following is
incorrect
(a) the length of whose transverse axes is 2 3
(b) the length of whose conjugate axes is 8
(c) whose centre is at (1, -2) (d) whose eccentricity is 19

2 2
5. The tangent at the vertex of the hyperbola x  y  1 meets its conjugate hyperbola at the point
2 2
a b
whose coordinates are

(a) a, 2b  (b)  2a, b  
(c)  2a, b  (d) none of these

x 2 y2 1 2 2
6. If the foci of the hyperbola   coincide with those of the ellipse x  y  1 , then the
144 81 25 16 b 2
values of b2 is
(a) 1 (b) 5 (c) 7 (d) 9


7. Let Pa sec , b tan   and Q a sec  , b tan  , where     , be two points on the hyperbola
2

x 2 y2
  1 . If (h, k) is the point of intersection of the normals at P and Q then k is equal to
a 2 b2
a 2  b2 a 2  b2 a 2  b2 a 2  b2
(a) (b) - (c) (d) -
a a b b

8. The area of the triangle formed by the lines x-y = 0, x+y = 0 and any tangent to the hyperbola x2-y2
= a2 is
(a) a2 (b)2a2 (c)3a2 (d)4a2

9. The eqaution of chord of the hyperbola 25x2 - 16y2 = 400 which is bisected at the point (6, 2) is
(a) 75x - 8y = 418 (b) 75x - 16y = 418 (c) 16x - 75y = 418 (d) 8x - 75y = 418
18 HYPERBOLA

x 2 y2
10. Number of point(s) outside the hyperbola   1 from where two perpendicular tangents can be
25 36
drawn to the hyperbola is
(a) 3 (b) 2 (c) 1 (d) 0
x 2 y2 
11. If e is the eccentricity of  2  1 and' ' be the angle between its asymptotes, then cos  is
a 2
b 2
equal to,
(a) 1/2e (b) 1/e (c) 1/e2 (d) none of these

12. 
If the sum of the slopes of the normals from a point ‘P’ to the hyperbola xy = c 2 is equal to   R , 
then locus of point ‘P’ is
(a) x 2  c2 (b) y2  c2 (c) xy  c2 (d) none of these

13. The coordinates of the foci of the hyperbola xy = c2 are

(a) (±c, ±c)

 c
(b)  
 2
,
c 

2
(c)  2c,  2c  
(d)  2c,  2c 
x 2 y2
14. Consider the hyperbola   1 . Area of the triangle formed by the asymptotes and the tangent
a 2 b2
drawn to it at (a, 0) is
(a) ab/2 (b) ab (c) 2ab (d) 4ab

15. The equation of the chord of the hyperbola xy = c2, which is bisected at the point (2c, 3c) is
(a) 3x+2y = 12c (b) 3x+2y = 6c (c) 2x+3y = 6c (d) 2x+3y = 12c

x 2 y2
16. If the line y  mx  7 3 is normal to the hyperbola   1 , then a value of m is
24 18
5 3 2 15
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 5 5 2

17. The equation of a tangent to the hyperbola 4x 2  5y 2  20 parallel to the line x - y = 2 is

(a) xy9  0 (b) xy7 0 (c) x  y 1  0 (d) x  y3 0

ANSWERS
1. C 2. D 3. A 4. D 5. A
6. C 7. D 8. A 9. B 10. D
11. B 12. A 13. D 14. B 15. A
16. C 17. C
19 HYPERBOLA

LEVEL - II
1. The locus of the mid-point of the portion of a line of constant slope ‘m’ between two branches of the
rectangular hyperbola xy = 1 is
(a) y - mx = 0 (b) y+mx = 0 (c) my+x = 0 (d) y = x

2. The number of values of ‘c’ such that the line y = 2x + c touches the hyperbola x2 - y2 = 1 is
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 4 (d) infinite

3. The angle between the tangents drawn from any point on the circle x2+y2 = 3 to the hyperbola
x2
 y 2  1 is
4
π π  
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 4 2 6
2 2
4. The locus of the points of intersection of two tangents to the hyperbola x  y  1 , if the sum of
2 2
a b
slopes is constant λ , is;
 
(a) x2  a 2  x  
(b) x2  a 2  y  
(c)  x2  a 2  2xy (d) xy  x 2  a 2

x2 y2
5. The values(s) of m for which y = mx + 6 is a tangent to the hyperbola   1 is/are
100 49
17 20 20 17
(a) (b) (c)  (d) 
20 17 17 20

6. The curve represented by x  ae , y  be ,   R is

(a) a hyperbola (b) an ellipse (c) a parabola (d) a circle

7. The eccentricity of the hyperbola with latus rectum 12 and semi-conjugate axis 2 3 , is

3
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) (d) 2 3
2

8. If x = 9 is the chord of contact of the hyperbola x2 - y2 = 9, then the equation of the corresponding
pair of tangents is
(a) 9x 2  8y2  18x  9  0 (b) 9x 2  8y2 18x  9  0
(c) 9x 2  8y2 18x  9  0 (d) 9x 2  8y2  18x  9  0

9. The eccentricity of the conjugate hyperbola of the hyperbola x2-3y2 = 1 is

2
(a) (b) 3 (c) 2 3 (d) 2
3

10. H (x, y) = 0 is the equation of a hyperbola and A(x, y) = 0 and C(x, y) = 0 are the equations of its
asymptotes and conjugate hyperbola respectively. For any point P α, β , H α, β , A α, β  and C α, β 
are in
(a)A.P. (b) G.P. (c) H.P. (d) none of these
20 HYPERBOLA

11. Equation of the latus rectum of the hyperbola 10 x  52  10 y  2 2  93x  4 y  7 2 is

1 3 1 1 3 1
(a) y     x   (b) x     y  
5 4 2 5 4 2
1 3 1 1 3 1
(c) y     x   (d) x     y  
5 4 2 5 4 2

12. If PN is the perpendicular drawn from a point P on xy = c2 to its asymptote, then locus of the mid-
point of PN is
(a) circle (b) parabola (c) ellipse (d) hyperbola

13. Straight line Ax+By+D = 0 would be tangent to xy = c2, if

(a) A > 0, B > 0 (b) A < 0, B < 0 (c) A > 0, B < 0 (d) A < 0, B > 0

14. Asymptotes of the hyperbola xy = 4x+3y are

(a) x = 3, y = 4 (b) x = 4, y = 3 (c) x = 2, y = 6 (d) x = 6, y = 2

15. A common tangent to 9x2 - 16y2 = 144 and x2 + y2 = 9 is

3 15 2 15
(a) y  x (b) y  3 x 
7 7 7 7

3
(c) y  2 x  15 7 (d) none of these
7

16. A hyperbola has its centre at the origin, passes through the point (4,2) and has transverse axis of
length 4 along the x-axis. Then the eccentricity of the hyperbola is
2 3
(a) (b) (c) 3 (d) 2
3 2

 x2 y2
17. Let 0    . If the eccentricity of the hyperbola   1 is greater than 2, then the
2 cos 2  sin 2 
length of its latus rectum lies in the interval :
(a) (2, 3] (b)  3,   (c) (3/2, 2] (d) (1, 3/2]

ANSWERS
1. B 2. B 3. C 4. C 5. A,D
6. A 7. A 8. B 9. D 10. A
11. A 12. D 13. A,B 14. A 15. B
16. A 17. B
21 HYPERBOLA

SUBJECTIVE ASSIGNMENTS
LEVEL - I
x 2 y2
1. The hyperbola   1 passes through the point of intersection of the lines 7x+13y-87 = 0 and
a 2 b2
32 2
5x-8y+7 = 0 and its latus rectum is . Find the equation of the hyperbola.
5
2. Find the equation of the tangent to the hyperbola 4x2-9y2 = 1, which is paralel to the line 4y = 5x+7.

x2 y2
3. The normal to the hyperbola   1 drawn at an extremity of its latus rectum is parallel to an
a2 b2
asymptote. Show that the eccentricity is equal to the square root of (1  5 ) / 2 .

4. A point P moves such that the tangents PT 1 and PT 2 from it to the hyperbola 4x2-9y2 = 36 are
mutually perpendicular. Find the locus of P.

5. Prove that the locus of t he point of intersection of the lines

3x  y  4 3k  0 and 3kx  ky  4 3  0 , for different values of k is a hyperbola whose
eccentricity is 2.

6. Find the equation of the tangent to the hyperbola x2 - 4y2 = 36 which is perpendicular to the line x - y + 4 = 0.

7. A normal to the hyperbola x2-4y2 = 4 meets the x and the y axes at A and B. Find the locus of the
point of intersection of the straight lines drawn through A and B, perpendicular to the x and the y-
axes respectively.

8. Find the condition that the line lx+my+n = 0 be a

(i) tangent (ii) normal to the hyperbola

x 2 y2
 1.
a 2 b2

An ellipse has eccentricity 1/2 and one focus at P , 1 . Its directrix, nearer to the point P, is the
1
9.
2 
common tangent to the circle x 2  y2  1 and the hyperbola x2-y2 = 1. Find the equation of the
ellipse.

10. Chords of the circle x 2  y2  a 2 , touch thehyperbola

x 2 y2
  1 . Prove that locus of their middle
a 2 b2

 2
point is the curve x 2  y2  a 2 x 2  b2 y2 .
ANSWERS
1. 32x 2  25y2  400 2. 24y  30x  161 4. x 2  y2  5
6. x+y±3 3 =0 7. 4x 2  y2  25 8 (i) a 2l2  b2 m2  n 2

a 2 b2
(ii) 2  2 

a 2  b2  2

9. 3x 2  4y2  2x  8y  4  0 .
l m n2
22 HYPERBOLA
LEVEL - II
1. Tangents are drawn from the point (, ) to the hyperbola 3x2  2y2 = 6 and are inclined at angles  and
 to the x axis. If tan . tan  = 2, prove that  2 = 22  7.

2. In a rectangular hyperbola x2-y2 = a2, prove that SP.S’P = CP2, where S are S’ and foci, C is the
centre and P is any point on the hyperbola.

3. If the tangent and the normal to a rectangular hyperbola xy = c2, at a point, cuts off intercepts, a1, and
a2 on the x-axis and b1, b2 on the y-axis, then prove that a 1a2+b1b2 = 0.

4. If the normals at four points P(xi, yi), i = 1,2,3,4 on the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2, meet at the
point Q (h, k)prove that
(iii) x1x 2 x 3 x 4  y1y 2 y3 y 4  c .
4
(i) x 1  x 2  x 3  x 4  h , (ii) y1  y 2  y 3  y 4  k ,

5. Find the asymptotes of the curve 2x 2  5 xy  2y 2  4x  5 y  0 , and find the general equation of all
hyperbolas having the same asymptotes.

6. Show that the locus of the middle points of the normal chords of the rectangular hyperbola

 3
x 2  y2  a 2 is y2  x 2  4a 2x 2 y2 .
2 2
7. Prove that the locus of the intersection of tangents to the hyperbola x  y  1, which meet at a
2 2
a b

 2

constant angle β , is the curve x 2  y2  b2  a 2  4 cot2  a 2 y2  b2 x 2  a 2b2 . 
8. If a circle and a rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 meet in the four points ' t 1 ' , ' t 2 ' , ' t 3 ' and ' t 4 ' then prove
that t 1 t 2 t 3 t 4  1 .

9. From points on the circle x2+y2 = a2 tangents are drawn to the hyperbola x2-y2 =a2. Prove that the


locus of the middle points of the chords of contact is the curve x2  y2  a 2 x 2  y2 .  2
 
x 2 y2
10. Prove that the product of the perpendiculars from any point on the hyperbola   1 to its
a 2 b2
2 2
asymptotes is equal to a b .
a 2  b2

ANSWERS
5. 2x + y + 2 = 0, x + 2y + 1 = 0, (2x + y + 2) (x + 2y + 1) + k = 0.
23 HYPERBOLA

LEVEL - III
x 2 y2 y2 x 2
1. Find the equation to the common tangent to the two hyperbolas   1 and   1.
a 2 b2 a 2 b2

x 2 y2
2. Prove that the locus of the middle points of chords of the hyperbola   1 passing through the
a 2 b2
h k
fixed point (h, k) is a hyperbola whose centre is the point  ,  and which is similar to either
2 2
hyperbola or its conjugate.

3. Prove that the portions of any line which are intersected between a hyperbola and its asymptotes are
equal.

4. If a right angled triangle be inscribed in a rectangular hyperbola, prove that the tangent at the right
angles is the perpendicular upon the hypotenuse.

5. A tangent to the parabola x2 = 4ay meets the hyperbola xy = k2 in two points P and Q. Prove that the
middle point of PQ lies on a parabola.

6. Show that the locus of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the centre C of the hyperbola
x 2 y2
2
a b
 2

 2  1 on any tangent is x 2  y2  a 2 x 2  b2 y2 and on any normal is

a y
2 2
  
2
2
 b2 x 2 x 2  y2  a 2  b2 x 2 y2

7. Prove that the focal chords (other than the latus rectum) of a rectangular hyperbola, which are
perpendicular to each other, are equal in length.

8. Find the locus of the point of intersection of tangents drawn at the extremities of a normal chord of
x 2 y2
the hyperbola   1 . Deduce the corresponding result if the hyperbola is rectangular..
a 2 b2

x 2 y2
9. Tangents at any point on the hyperbola   1 cut the axes at A and B respectively. If the
a 2 b2
a 2 b2
rectangle OAPB (where O is origin) is completed then prove that the locus of point P is 2  2  1 .
x y

x 2 y2 x 2 y2
10. From any point on the hyperbola 2   1 tangents are drawn to the hyperbola 2  2  2 . Then
a b2 a b
prove that the area cut-off by the chord of contact on the asymptotes is equal to 4ab.

ANSWERS
1. y   x  a 2  b2 8.
a 6 b6
x 2
y
  2 1

x y
1
a
4
 2  a 2  b2 ; 2  2  2
24 HYPERBOLA

MISCELLANEOUS ASSIGNMENTS
x 2 y2
1 If e is the eccentricity and  is an angle between the asymptotes of the hyperbola 2  2  1 , t h e n
a b

sin   is
2 

e2 1 e 1 e2  1
(a) (b) (c) 1 (d)
e e2 1 e2 e2 1


2 Let P (a sec  ,b tan  ) and Q(a sec  ,b tan  )where     ,be two points on the hyperbola
2
x 2 y2
  1 .If (h,k) is the point of intersection of the normals at P and Q,then k =
a 2 b2

a 2  b2 a 2  b2 e 2a
(a) (b)  (c)  ae 2 (d) 
a a e2  1

3 If x = 9 is the chord of contact of the hyperbola x 2  y 2  9 , then the equation of the corresponding pair
of tangents is
(a) 9x2  8y2 18x  9  0 (b) 9 x 2  8 y 2  18 x  9  0
(c) 9( x  1) 2  8 y 2  18  0 (d) 9x  12  8 y 2  0

4 A common tangent to 9 x 2  16 y 2  144 and x 2  y 2  9 is

3 15 2 15
(a) y  x (b) y  3 x
7 7 7 7

18 225 3
(c) y  x (d) y  2 x 15 7
7 49 7

5 Equation of the latus rectum of the hyperbola (10 x  5) 2  (10 y  2) 2  9(3x  4 y  7) is

1 3 1 1 3 1
(a) y    x  (b) x    y 
5 4  2 5 4  2
(c) 40 y  30 x  23  0 (d) 40 y  30 x  13  0

6 If the normal to the rectangular hyperbola xy = c2 at the points ‘t’ meets the curve again at the point t1,
then
1 1
(a) t 2 t1  1 (b) t 3 t1  1 (c) t1   (d) t1  
t3 t2
25 HYPERBOLA

7 If m is the slope of an asymptote of the hyperbola 2x2 + 5xy + 2y2 + 4x + 5y = 0 then m is equal to
1 1
(a) (b) 2 (c)  (d)-2
2 2

8 A,B,P are three points on xy = c 2 such that AB subtends a right angle at P. Then
(a) AB is parallel to the normal P
(b) AB is parallel to the tangent at P
t1  t 2
(c) the circumradius of the ABP is c 1  t12 t 22
t 1t 2

c t1  t 2
(d) the circumradius of the ABP is 2 t t
1 2

x 2 y2
9. The normal to the hyperbola   1 meets the axes at M and N and the lines MP and NP are
a 2 b2
drawn at right angles to the axes. Then the locus of P is the hyperbola

(a) a 2 x 2  b 2 y 2  a 2  b 2  2

(b) b 2 x 2  a 2 y 2  a 2  b 2 2

 2a 
2
(c) a 2 x 2  b 2 y 2  a 4e 4 (c) b 2 x 2  a 2 y 2 2
 a 2e 2

x 2 y2
10. If the chord joining the points a sec , b tan   and a sec , b tan  on the hyperbola 2  2  1
a b
passes through the focus S (ae, 0), then
        
(a) cos    e cos   (b) cos     e cos  
 2   2   2   2 
      e 1
(c) cos    e sin   (d) tan tan   0
 2   2  2 2  e 1

ANSWERS

1. AC 2. BC 3. BD 4. BC 5. AC

6. BC 7. CD 8. A 9. AC 10. AD