Using a spreadsheet to find x and y values for the function Y11_Hyperbolas_01.gif and plotting the points, gives the graph of a hyperbola (plural is hyperbolas or hyperbolae).

The hyperbolas studied at this level are called rectangular hyperbolas because the asymptotes are vertical and horizontal.

 

Y11_Hyperbolas_02.gif

From the spreadsheet, the points can be plotted on a graph.

Note that the value when x = 0 cannot be calculated and the line x = 0 is known as the vertical asymptote.

The horizontal asymptote is the x axis, y = 0

 

Y11_Hyperbolas_03.gif

As x gets nearer to being 0, the y value gets either very large or very small and the curve gets very close to the y axis but never touches it.

The Basic Hyperbola

Equations of the type xy = c or Y11_Hyperbolas_04.gif have graphs which are hyperbolas.

Example 1
Example 2
xy =5
Y11_Hyperbolas_05.gif
Y11_Hyperbolas_06.gif
Y11_Hyperbolas_07.gif
Note: The bigger the value of c, the steeper the graph. Note: If c is negative the graph is in the 2nd and fourth quadrants.

Transformation of the Basic Hyperbola

As with parabolas, circles and cubics some equations can be graphed using the transformation approach.

Example 1 Y11_Hyperbolas_08.gif. This is the hyperbola Y11_Hyperbolas_09.gif moved 2 units up the y-axis.

Y11_Hyperbolas_10.gif

Example 2 Y11_Hyperbolas_11.gif

This is the basic hyperbola xy = 10 with the asymptotes moved forward 3 and down 4.

Y11_Hyperbolas_12.gif

The Hyperbola as an Algebraic Fraction (Preparation for Year 13)

Y11_Hyperbolas_13.gif is a common form of an equation which has a hyperbola as its graph.

There are four main steps to sketching a graph of this type:

Example: Sketch the graph of Y11_Hyperbolas_14.gif

Step 1: Find the y-intercept

 

 

Put x = 0

Y11_Hyperbolas_15.gif

y-intercept is (0, -3)

Step 2: Find the x-intercept

Put y = 0

Y11_Hyperbolas_16.gif

x-intercept is (-1.5, 0)

Step 3: Find the vertical x-asymptote.

(The denominator cannot be 0)

Put the denominator = 0

x − 1 = 0
x = 1

The x-asymptote is x = 1

Step 4: Find the horizontal y-asymptote

The y asymptote is found by dividing out the fraction. 
A quick way to do this is to just divide the x terms.

y-asymptote is Y11_Hyperbolas_17.gif

The y-asymptote is y = 2

Sketch the graph
Y11_Hyperbolas_18.gif