Easy conic section question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying and analyzing a conic section, specifically a hyperbola, from the equation x^2 - y^2 - 9 = 0. Participants are tasked with graphing the equation, determining its lines of symmetry, and finding the domain and range.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore methods to graph the hyperbola and identify its characteristics. Some suggest converting the equation into standard form to facilitate understanding of its shape and properties. Others discuss potential methods for determining the domain and range, including solving for y and checking for undefined regions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various approaches being proposed. Some participants provide guidance on how to convert the equation and identify key features of the hyperbola, while others express uncertainty about specific steps in finding the domain and range.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster is unsure about the process of finding the domain and range, indicating a potential gap in understanding the characteristics of hyperbolas. There is also mention of reliance on calculators, which some participants suggest may not be necessary.

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Please Help! Easy conic section question!

1. Graph each equation. Identify the conic section and its lines of symmetry. Then find the domain and range.



2. x^2 - y^2 - 9 = 0



3. I have no idea how to do this. I know it's a hyperbola because i solved for "y" and graphed it in my calculator, but i have no idea how to find the domain/range and values. Help!
 
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That is a hyperbola centered at the origin. Add +9 to both sides of the equation and then divide both sides by +9. I do not remember how to handle the rest of the graphing but the methods and characteristics should be well discussed and exemplefied in your book.
 


There are two ways I can think of to answer this problem. The first is much easier, but only useful if you can visualize the hyperbola's rough shape.

1) Convert it into: [tex]\frac{x^2}{a^2}-\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1[/tex]
With this hyperbola, if you understand its shape, you can find its domain such that [tex]x\leq a[/tex] and [tex]x\geq a[/tex] since the intersections are at [tex]x=\pm a[/tex]


2) Solve for y and find (if any) undefined regions, such as divisions by 0 or negatives in the square roots. This will give you the domain. (no undefined regions means that the domain is all x)
For the range, solve for x and do the same procedure.
 


You shouldn't have needed your calculator. [itex]x^2- y^2= 9[/itex] or [itex]x^2/9- y^2/9= 1[/itex] is the standard form for a hyperbola with center at (0,0) and vertices at (3,0) and (-3,0). Knowing those vertices should give you the domain immediately.
 

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