Hyperbola and an ellipse to intersect orthogonally?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions under which a hyperbola and an ellipse can intersect orthogonally. Participants explore mathematical approaches to derive the equations and conditions necessary for such intersections, focusing on the specific case of a hyperbola defined by 2x² - 2y² = 1 and an ellipse with certain properties.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the condition for orthogonal intersection, referencing a formula for orthogonal circles.
  • Another participant outlines a step-by-step method to find intersections, including deriving gradients and calculating scalar products.
  • A subsequent post raises a concern about applying the outlined method without knowing the equation of one of the curves, presenting a specific example involving an ellipse and a hyperbola.
  • Another participant suggests equations for the curves based on the previous discussion and encourages further exploration of the outlined steps to derive constraints on parameters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the proposed methods, particularly regarding the necessity of knowing the equations of both curves. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore various approaches and conditions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific forms of the equations for the curves and the unresolved nature of the mathematical steps involved in deriving the conditions for orthogonal intersections.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in mathematical intersections of conic sections, particularly those studying properties of hyperbolas and ellipses in a geometric context.

zorro
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What is the condition for a hyperbola and an ellipse to intersect orthogonally?
I have a formula for orthogonal circles -> 2g1g2 + 2f1f2 - c1c2 = 0
 
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1) Write down the equations of the two curves.

2) Find the intersections by solving the two equations simultaneously.

3) Consider one of theese intersections, say (x0, y0).

4) Derive the first equation with respect to x and y. You get a vector u(x ,y) (the gradient).

5) Do the same with the second equation. Call the gradient v(x, y).

6) Evaluate u and v at the point (x0, y0) calculated earlier.

7) Calculate the scalar product u.v and impose it's zero.
 


Thanks for your response.
How do you apply rule 2 if you don't know the equation of one of the curves?
Consider this question-

An ellipse intersects the hyperbola 2x2 - 2y2 = 1 orthogonally. The eccentricity of the ellipse is reciprocal of that of the hyperbola. If the axes of the ellipse are along the co-ordinate axes, then find the equation of the ellipse.

Eccentricity of the ellipse is 1/√2

The relation between a and b of ellipse is a2 = 2b2

Now how do you proceed?
 


Well if what you say is correct (I didn't check it) then the two equations are:

x^2 - y^2 = 1/2

x^2 + 2y^2 = 2b^2

Try doing steps 2) - 7) with theese, you should get a constraint for the free parameter b.
 

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