Figure 1 : Hyperbola
Locus in polar form : PF/PQ = e


Read Instructions

Keywords : PF/PQ = e hyperbola if e > 1

Q1. Definition : R/PQ = e is ahyperbola in polar coordiante
  • Equation of locus is R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)) when e > 1.
  • Where focus F is (0,0) and angle A is PF making with x-axis.
  • Directrix is y = -D where D is the distance from F to direcrtix.
  • PQ is distance from P to directirx and Q is on directrix.
  • R = PF and PQ = D + x where x = R*cos(A).
  • e = f/a and e is greater than 1 for hyperbola.

Q2. How to find D ?
  • Since e = f/a.
  • When A 180 and cos(A) = -1.
  • Hence R = UF = D*e/(1+e) = f - a.
  • Hence D = (f-a)*(1+e)/e
Example : x^2/4^2 - y^2/3^2 = 1. Find equation of directrix.
  • Principal axis is y = 0.
  • a=4 and b=3. Hence f = Sqr(a^2+b^2) = 5
  • e = f/a = 5/4 = 1.25.
  • Use polar form : R = D*e/(1-e*cos(A)) and F is the origin.
    • When A = 180 and con(A) = -1 and R = UF = a - f.
    • Hence f - a = D*e/(1+e).
    • Hence D = (f-a)*(1+e)/e = (5-4)*(1+1.25)/1.25 = 1.8.
    • Hence equation of directrix is x = -f - D = -6.8.
  • Use polar form : R = D*e/(1+e*cos(A)) and F is the origin.
    • When A = 0 and con(A) = 1 and R = VG = f - a.
    • Hence f - a = D*e/(1+e).
    • Hence D = (f-a)*(1+e)/e = (5-4)*(1+1.25)/1.25 = 1.8.
    • Hence equation of directrix is x = f + D = 6.8.


Show Room of MD2002 Contact Dr. Shih Math Examples Room

Copyright © Dr. K. G. Shih. Nova Scotia, Canada.

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1