Finding Asymptotes for a Hyperbola in Standard Form

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the asymptotes of a hyperbola represented by the equation xz=4. The original poster (OP) seeks to convert this equation into the standard form of a hyperbola to identify the asymptotes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to transform the equation into standard form and suggest methods such as rotating the axes. Questions are raised about the OP's understanding of hyperbolas and the implications of using variables x and z.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing dialogue with some participants providing hints and suggestions for transformation, while others express concern about the OP's grasp of the concepts involved. The discussion remains open with no clear consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the dimensions of the problem, questioning whether it pertains to a 2D or 3D surface, and whether the OP's goal is solely to find the asymptotes or to fully convert the equation into standard form.

nameVoid
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Sketching the graph of xz=4
Z=4/x
Now this is not in the form of a hyperbola however it is indeed a hyperbola
I get this by taking x to 0 and infinity
My question is how to put it in the standard form of a hyperbola to find the equations of the aysmptope
 
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What is your standard form of a hyperbola?

Did you study a lot of linear algebra? Do you know how to change the basis?
 
You should make a 45 degree rotation of your x and y axes. In other words, define:

$$u=\frac{x+z}{\sqrt{2}}$$
$$v=\frac{x-z}{\sqrt{2}}$$

And see where that takes you.
 
Matterwave said:
You should make a 45 degree rotation of your x and y axes. In other words, define:

$$u=\frac{x+z}{\sqrt{2}}$$
$$v=\frac{x-z}{\sqrt{2}}$$

And see where that takes you.

I would have preferred the OP to have found this on his own. Now he has no idea where those formulas came from.
 
Ah, that's my bad...I will be more discreet in the future.
 
I'm still waiting for the explanation
 
nameVoid said:
I'm still waiting for the explanation

Well, I've asked you questions which you seemed to ignore.

Second, Matterwave has given you a very large hint. Try to use the hint to work it out for yourself. We're certainly not going to spoonfeed you the answer.
 
@namevoid: It would be good to give a complete and exact statement of the problem. Your use of ##x## and ##z## suggests perhaps this is a surface in 3D. Or not?? Also is part of the problem to put it in standard form or do you want to do that just to find the equations of the asymptotes?
 

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