Chapter 9.5, Problem 1WE

To determine

To calculate: To graph the hyperbola and show its asymptotes by dashed lines and to find the coordinates of foci

Answer to Problem 1WE

Coordinates of foci are $\left(\sqrt{41},0\right)$ and $\left(-\sqrt{41},0\right)$

Explanation of Solution

Given information: Equation of hyperbola is $\frac{x^2}{25}-\frac{y^2}{16}=1$

Formula Used:

The hyperbola with center $\left(0,0\right)$ and foci $\left(-c,0\right)$ and $\left(c,0\right)$ and difference of focal radii $2a$ has the equation:

  $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ , where $b^2=c^2-a^2$

Equation of the asymptotes are $y=\frac{b}{a}x$ and $y=-\frac{b}{a}x$

The hyperbola with center $\left(0,0\right)$ and foci $\left(0,-c\right)$ and $\left(0,c\right)$ and difference of focal radii $2a$ has the equation:

  $\frac{y^2}{a^2}-\frac{x^2}{b^2}=1$ , where $b^2=c^2-a^2$

Equation of the asymptotes are $y=\frac{a}{b}x$ and $y=-\frac{a}{b}x$

Calculation:

Equation of hyperbola is given as follows:

  $\frac{x^2}{25}-\frac{y^2}{16}=1$

Rewriting the equation as follows:

  $\frac{x^2}{5^2}-\frac{y^2}{4^2}=1$

Comparing the equation with standard form of the equation of hyperbola $\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ :

  $\begin{array}{l}a=5\\ b=4\end{array}$

Foci is calculated as follows:

  $\begin{array}{l}{b}^2=c^2-a^2\\ c^2=a^2+b^2\\ c^2=5^2+4^2\\ c^2=25+16\\ c^2=41\\ c=\pm \sqrt{41}\end{array}$

Thus, coordinates of foci are $\left(\sqrt{41},0\right)$ and $\left(-\sqrt{41},0\right)$

Also, asymptotes are calculated as follows:

  $y=\frac{b}{a}x$ and $y=-\frac{b}{a}x$

Substituting the values:

  $y=\frac{4}{5}x$

and

  $y=-\frac{4}{5}x$

Graph the hyperbola as follows:

  

Conclusion:

Hence, graph of hyperbola is sketched and coordinates of foci are $\left(\sqrt{41},0\right)$ and $\left(-\sqrt{41},0\right)$