1.1 Definition.

A hyperbola is the locus of a point in a plane which moves in the plane in such a way that the ratio of its
distance from a fixed point in the same plane to its distance from a fixed line is always constant which is always
greater than unity.
Fixed point is called focus, fixed straight line is called directrix and the Z
constant ratio is called eccentricity of the hyperbola. Eccentricity is denoted by e
and e > 1. P M
A hyperbola is the particular case of the conic

Directrix
ax 2  2hxy  by2  2gx  2 fy  c  0
S(Focus)
When , abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch 2  0 i.e.,   0 and h2  ab . Z

Let S (h, k) is the focus, directrix is the line ax  by  c  0 and the eccentricity is e. Let P( x1, y1 ) be a point
which moves such that SP  e.PM
ax 1  by1  c
 ( x 1  h)2  (y1  k )2  e .
a2  b2
 (a 2  b 2 )[(x1  h)2  (y1  k)2 ]  e 2 (ax1  by1  c)2
Hence, locus of ( x 1 , y1 ) is given by (a 2  b 2 )[(x  h)2  (y  k)2 ]  e 2 (ax  by  c)2
Which is a second degree equation to represent a hyperbola (e > 1).

Example: 1 The equation of the conic with focus at (1, – 1), directrix along x  y  1  0 and with eccentricity 2 is

(a) x 2  y 2  1 (b) xy  1 (c) 2xy  4 x  4 y  1  0 (d) 2xy  4 x  4 y  1  0

Solution: (c) Here, focus (S) = (1, –1), eccentricity (e)= 2

From definition , SP  e PM

2 .( x  y  1)
( x  1) 2  (y  1) 2 
12  12

 ( x  1) 2  (y  1) 2 = (x  y  1)2  2xy  4 x  4 y  1  0 , which is the required equation of conic (Rectangular hyperbola)

Example: 2 The centre of the hyperbola 9 x 2  36 x  16y 2  96y  252  0 is

(a) (2, 3) (b) (– 2, – 3) (c) (–2, 3) (d) (2, – 3)

Solution: (a) Here a  9, b  16, h  0 , g  18 , f  48 , c  252

 hf  bg gh  af   (0) (48)  (16) (18) (18) (0)  (9) (48) 

Centre of hyperbola =  ,  =  ,  = (2, 3)
2 2
 ab  h ab  h   (9) (16)  0 (9)(16)  0 
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 2

1.2 Standard equation of the Hyperbola .

Let S be the focus, ZM be the directrix and e be the eccentricity of the hyperbola, then by definition,
SP
  e  (SP ) 2  e 2 (PM ) 2 Y
Q
PM L1 M P
L
M
2
2 2 a
2
(x,y) N
 (x  a.e)  (y  0)  e  x   X
axis
X
 e (–ae,0)S (–a,0) A Z C Z A
C (a,0) S (ae,0)

Directrix
Directrix
x2 y2 x2 y2 L
  1   2  1 , where b 2  a 2 (e 2  1) L1 Q
a 2 a 2 (e 2  1) a 2
b x=–a/e Y x=a/e

This is the standard equation of the hyperbola.

x2 y2
Some terms related to hyperbola : Let the equation of hyperbola is  1
a2 b2
(1) Centre : All chords passing through C are bisected at C. Here C (0,0)
(2) Vertex: The point A and A where the curve meets the line joining the foci S and S  are called vertices of
hyperbola. The co-ordinates of A and A are (a, 0) and (– a, 0) respectively.
(3) Transverse and conjugate axes : The straight line joining the vertices A and A is called transverse axis
of the hyperbola. The straight line perpendicular to the transverse axis and passing through the centre is called
conjugate axis.
Here, transverse axis = AA  2a
Conjugate axis = BB  2b
x2 y2
(4) Eccentricity : For the hyperbola  1
a2 b2
2 2
2 2 2  2b   Conjugate axis 
We have b  a (e  1) , e  1     1   
 2a   Transverse axis 
(5) Double ordinates : If Q be a point on the hyperbola, QN perpendicular to the axis of the hyperbola and
produced to meet the curve again at Q  . Then QQ is called a double ordinate at Q.
 b   b 
If abscissa of Q is h, then co-ordinates of Q and Q  are  h, h 2  a 2  and  h,  h 2  a 2  respectively.
 a   a 
(6) Latus-rectum : The chord of the hyperbola which passes through the focus and is perpendicular to its
transverse axis is called latus-rectum.
2b 2  b2 
Length of latus-rectum LL  L1 L1   2a(e 2  1) and end points of latus-rectum L ae,  ;
a  a 
  b2   b2   b2 
L ae, ; L1   ae ,  ; L1   ae,   respectively.
 a  
 a  
 a 
(7) Foci and directrices: The points S(ae, 0) and S (ae, 0) are the foci of the hyperbola and ZM and
a a
Z M  are two directrices of the hyperbola and their equations are x  and x   respectively.
e e
Distance between foci SS  2ae and distance between directrices ZZ   2a / e .
(8) Focal chord : A chord of the hyperbola passing through its focus is called a focal chord.
(9) Focal distance : The difference of any point on the hyperbola from the focus is called the focal distance of the point.
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 3

 a  a
From the figure, SP  ePM  e x 1    ex 1  a , SP  ePM   e x 1   = ex 1  a
 e  e
The difference of the focal distance of a point on the hyperbola is constant and is equal to the length of
transverse axis.
| S P  SP | 2a  AA   Transverse axis
Example: 3 The eccentricity of the hyperbola which passes through (3, 0) and (3 2 , 2) is

13 13
(a) (13) (b) (c) (d) None of these
3 4
Solution: (b) Let equation of hyperbola is x 2 / a 2  y 2 / b 2  1 . Point (3, 0) lies on hyperbola
(3) 2 0 9 3 ( 2 ) 2 (2) 2
So, 2
 2  1 or 2  1 or a 2  9 and point (3 2 ,2) also lies on hyperbola. So,  2 1
a b a a2 b
18 4 4 4 4
Put a 2  9 we get,   1 or 2  2  1 or  2  1  2 or 2  1 or b 2  4
9 b2 b b b
We know that b 2  a 2 (e 2  1) . Putting values of a 2 and b 2
4 4 13
4  9(e 2  1) or e 2  1  or e 2  1  or e  (1  4 / 9) or e  (13) / 9  .
9 9 3
Example: 4 The foci of the hyperbola 9 x 2  16y 2  144 are
(a) ( 4, 0) (b) (0,  4) (c) ( 5, 0) (d) (0,  5)
2 2
x y
Solution: (c) The equation of hyperbola is  1.
16 9
5  5 
Now, b 2  a 2 (e 2  1)  9  16(e 2  1)  e  . Hence foci are ( ae, 0) =   4 . , 0  i.e., ( 5, 0)
4  4 
x 2 y2 x2 y2 1
Example: 5 If the foci of the ellipse  2 = 1 and the hyperbola   coincide, then the value of b 2 is
16 b 144 81 25
(a) 1 (b) 5 (c) 7 (d) 9
x2 y2 1
Solution: (c) For hyperbola,  
144 81 25
144 81 B2 81 225 5
A ,B  , e1  1  2  1   
25 25 A 144 144 4
 12 5 
Therefore foci = (ae 1 , 0)    . , 0   ( 3, 0) . Therefore foci of ellipse i.e., (4 e, 0)  (3, 0) (For ellipse a  4 )
 5 4 
3  9 
 e , Hence b 2  16  1  7.
4  16 
x2 y2
Example: 6 If PQ is a double ordinate of hyperbola 
 1 such that CPQ is an equilateral triangle, C being the centre of the
a2 b2
hyperbola. Then the eccentricity e of the hyperbola satisfies [EAMCET 1999]
(a) 1  e  2 / 3 (b) e  2 / 3 (c) e  3 / 2 (d) e  2 / 3
Solution: (d) Let P(a sec  , b tan ) ; Q(a sec  ,  b tan ) be end points of double ordinates and C(0, 0) is the centre of the hyperbola

Now PQ  2b tan ; CQ  CP  a 2 sec 2   b 2 tan 2 

P (a sec , b tan )
Since CQ  CP  PQ ,  4b 2 tan 2   a 2 sec 2   b 2 tan 2 
 3b 2 tan 2   a 2 sec 2   3b 2 sin 2   a 2 C(0, 0)
 3a 2 (e 2  1) sin 2   a 2  3 (e 2  1) sin 2   1
1
  sin 2   1 ( sin 2   1) Q(a sec ,–b tan)
3(e 2  1)
1 1 4 2
 2  3  e2 1   e2   e
e 1 3 3 3
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 4

1.3 Conjugate Hyperbola .

The hyperbola whose transverse and conjugate axis are respectively the conjugate and transverse axis of a
given hyperbola is called conjugate hyperbola of the given hyperbola.

Hyperbola x2 y2 x2 y2 x 2 y2 Y
 1    1 or   1
Fundamentals a2 b2 a 2
b 2
a2 b 2
S
(0,–b)
Centre (0, 0) (0, 0)
Length of transverse axis 2a 2b Z B(0,b) y= b/e
Length of conjugate axis 2b 2a
C
X X
Foci ( ae, 0) (0,  be)
Z y= –b/e
Equation of directrices x  a / e y  b / e B (0,–b)

Eccentricity  a2  b2   a2  b2  S
e   
 e   (0,–b)
2  b2 
 a   
Y
Length of latus rectum 2b 2 2a 2
a b
Parametric co-ordinates (a sec  , b tan  ) , 0    2 (b sec  , a tan  ), 0    2
Focal radii SP  ex1  a & SP  ex1  a SP  ey1  b & SP  ey1  b
Difference of focal radii 2a 2b
(SP  SP)
Tangents at the vertices x   a, x  a y  b, y  b
Equation of the transverse y0 x0
axis
Equation of the conjugate axis x0 y0

1 1
Note :  If e and e  are the eccentricities of a hyperbola and its conjugate, then  1.
e 2 e2
 The foci of a hyperbola and its conjugate are concyclic.
Example: 7 The eccentricity of the conjugate hyperbola of the hyperbola x 2  3y 2  1 , is
2 4
(a) 2 (b) (c) 4 (d)
3 3
2 2
x y 1
Solution: (a) The given hyperbola is   1 . Here a 2  1 and b 2 
1 1/ 3 3
1 4 2
Since b 2  a 2 (e 2  1)   1 (e 2  1)  e 2   e
3 3 3
1 1 1 1 3 1
If e  is the eccentricity of the conjugate hyperbola, then  =1  1 1   e  2 .
e2 e2 e2 e2 4 4
1.4 Special form of Hyperbola .
If the centre of hyperbola is (h, k) and axes are parallel to the co-ordinate axes, then its equation is
(x  h) 2 (y  k) 2
  1 . By shifting the origin at (h, k) without rotating the co-ordinate axes, the above equation
a2 b2
X2 Y2
reduces to   1 , where x  X  h, y  Y  k .
a2 b2
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 5

Example: 8 The equation of the hyperbola whose foci are (6, 4) and (– 4, 4) and eccentricity 2 is given by [MP PET 1993]
2 2 2 2
(a) 12 x  4 y  24 x  32y  127  0 (b) 12 x  4 y  24 x  32y  127  0
2 2
(c) 12 x  4 y  24 x  32y  127  0 (d) 12 x 2  4 y 2  24 x  32y  127  0
Solution: (a) Foci are (6, 4) and (– 4, 4) and e  2 .
64 4 4
 Centre is  ,   (1, 4)
 2 2 
5 5
So, ae  1  6  ae  5  a  and b  3
2 2
( x  1) 2 (y  4) 2
Hence, the required equation is   1 or 12 x 2  4 y 2  24 x  32y  127  0
25 / 4 (75 / 4)
Example: 9 The equations of the directrices of the conic x 2  2 x  y 2  5  0 are
(a) x  1 (b) y  2 (c) y 2 (d) x 3
2 2
( x  1) y
Solution: (c) ( x  1) 2  y 2  1  5  0    1
4 4
y2 x2 b
Equation of directrices of   1 are y  
b 2
a 2 e
2
Here b  2 , e  1  1  2 . Hence, y    y 2.
2
1.5 Auxiliary circle of Hyperbola .
x2 y2
Let   1 be the hyperbola with centre C and transverse axis AA . Y
a2 b2 Q
(x,y)
P
Therefore circle drawn with centre C and segment AA as a diameter is called 
90o
N
X A(a,0) X
(– a,0)A (0,0)C
x2 y2
auxiliary circle of the hyperbola 2    1
a b
Y
 Equation of the auxiliary circle is x 2  y 2  a 2
Let QCN  
Here P and Q are the corresponding points on the hyperbola and the auxiliary circle (0    2 )
(1) Parametric equations of hyperbola : The equations x  a sec  and y  b tan  are known as the
x2 y2
parametric equations of the hyperbola   1 . This ( a sec  , b tan  ) lies on the hyperbola for all values of  .
a2 b2

Position of points Q on auxiliary circle and the corresponding

point P which describes the hyperbola and 0    2
 varies from Q(a cos , a sin ) P(a sec , b tan )
 I I
0 to
2
 II III
to 
2
3 III II
 to
2
3 IV IV
to 2
2
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 6

Note :  The equations x  a cosh and y  b sin h  are also known as the parametric equations of the

x 2 y2
hyperbola and the co-ordinates of any point on the hyperbola   1 are expressible as
a2 b2
e   e  e   e 
(a cos h  , b sin h ), where cos h   and sin h   .
2 2
Example: 10 The distance between the directrices of the hyperbola x  8 sec  , y  8 tan  is

(a) 16 2 (b) 2 (c) 8 2 (d) 4, 2

x y
Solution: (c) Equation of hyperbola is x  8 sec  , y  8 tan   sec  ,  tan 
8 8
x 2 y2
sec 2   tan 2   1   1
82 82
b2 82
Here a  8, b  8 . Now e  1  2
 1 2  2
a 8
2a 2 8
 Distance between directrices = = 8 2 .
e 2

5.3.6 Position of a point with respect to a Hyperbola .

x 2 y2 Y
Let the hyperbola be   1. P (outside)
a2 b2 P
(on)
x 2 y2 P(inside)
Then P( x1 , y1 ) will lie inside, on or outside the hyperbola  1 X X
a2 b2 A C A

x12 y12
according as   1 is positive, zero or negative.
a2 b2 Y
2 2
x y
Example: 11 The number of tangents to the hyperbola   1 through (4, 1) is
4 3
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 0 (d) 3
 16 1 
Solution: (c) Since the point (4, 1) lies inside the hyperbola    1  0  ;  Number of tangents through (4, 1) is 0.
 4 3 

1.7 Intersection of a Line and a Hyperbola.

x 2 y2
The straight line y  mx  c will cut the hyperbola   1 in two points may be real, coincident or
a2 b2
imaginary according as c 2 , ,  a 2m2  b 2 .
x 2 y2
Condition of tangency : If straight line y  mx  c touches the hyperbola 2
 2  1 , then c 2  a 2m 2  b 2 .
a b
1.8 Equations of Tangent in Different forms.
x 2 y2 xx yy
(1) Point form : The equation of the tangent to the hyperbola 2
 2  1 at ( x1 , y1 ) is 21  21  1 .
a b a b
x 2 y2
(2) Parametric form : The equation of tangent to the hyperbola   1 at (a sec  , b tan  ) is
a2 b2
x y
sec   tan  1
a b
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 7

x 2 y2
(3) Slope form : The equations of tangents of slope m to the hyperbola   1 are
a2 b2
 a 2m b2 
y  mx  a 2m 2  b 2 and the co-ordinates of points of contacts are   , .
 2 2 2 2 2 2 
 a m  b a m  b 
x 2 y2
Note :  If the straight line lx  my  n  0 touches the hyperbola 2
 2  1 , then a 2l 2  b 2m 2  n 2 .
a b
x 2 y2
 If the straight line x cos   y sin   p touches the hyperbola   1,
a2 b2
then a 2 cos 2   b 2 sin 2   p 2
 Two tangents can be drawn from an outside point to a hyperbola.

Important Tips
2 2 2 2
x y y x
 For hyperbola   1 and 2  2  1 , the equation of common tangent is y   x  a 2  b 2 , points of contacts are
a2 b2 a b
 a2 b2  (a 2  b 2 )
 ;  and length of common tangent is 2. .
 a2  b2 a2  b2 
  a2  b2
x 2 y2  b 
 If the line y  mx  a 2m2  b 2 touches the hyperbola   1 at the point (a sec , b tan ) , then   sin 1  .
a2 b2  am 

x2 y2
Example: 12 The value of m for which y  mx  6 is a tangent to the hyperbola   1 , is
100 49
17 20 3 20
(a) (b) (c) (d)
20 17 20 3
Solution: (a) For condition of tangency, c 2  a 2 m 2  b 2 . Here c  6 , a  10, b  7
Then, (6)2  (10)2 . m2  (7)2

17 17
36  100m2  49  100m2  85  m2   m
20 20
x 2 y2
Example: 13 If m1 and m2 are the slopes of the tangents to the hyperbola   1 which pass through the point (6, 2), then
25 16
24 20 48 11
(a) m1  m2  (b) m1m2  (c) m1  m2  (d) m1m2 
11 11 11 20
Solution: (a, b) The line through (6, 2) is y  2  m (x  6)  y  mx  2  6m
Now, from condition of tangency (2  6m)2  25m2  16
 36m2  4  24m  25m2  16  0  11m2  24m  20  0
24 20
Obviously, its roots are m1 and m2 , therefore m1  m2  and m1m2 
11 11
Example: 14 The points of contact of the line y  x  1 with 3 x 2  4 y 2  12 is
(a) (4, 3) (b) (3, 4) (c) (4, – 3) (d) None of these
Solution: (a) The equation of line and hyperbola are y  x  1 .....(i) and 3 x 2  4 y 2  12 .....(ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get 3 x 2  4(x  1)2  12
 3 x 2  4( x 2  2 x  1)  12 or x 2  8 x  16  0  x  4
From (i), y  3 so points of contact is (4, 3)
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 8

 a 2m 
b2
Trick : Points of contact are   , .
 2
a m b2 2
a m  b 
2 2 2

2 2
Here a  4 , b  3 and m  1 . So the required points of contact is (4, 3).

x2 y2
Example: 15 P is a point on the hyperbola   1, N is the foot of the perpendicular from P on the transverse axis. The tangent to
a2 b2
the hyperbola at P meets the transverse axis at T. If O is the centre of the hyperbola, then OT.ON is equal to
b2
(a) e2 (b) a 2 (c) b2 (d)
a2
Solution: (b) Let P(x1 , y1 ) be a point on the hyperbola. Then the co-ordinates of N are (x1 , 0) .
Y (xP1,y
xx 1 yy1 1)
The equation of the tangent at (x1 , y1 ) is  1
a2 b2 X X
O T (xN
1,0
 a2  a2
This meets x-axis at T  , 0  ;  OT.ON   x1  a 2 )
 x1  x1 Y
2 2
x y
Example: 16 If the tangent at the point (2 sec  , 3 tan ) on the hyperbola   1 is parallel to 3 x  y  4  0 , then the value of 
4 9
is [MP PET 1998]
(a) 45 o (b) 60 o (c) 30 o (d) 75 o

Solution: (c) Here x  2 sec  and y  3 tan

Differentiating w.r.t. 
dx dy
 2 sec  tan  and  3 sec 2 
d d
dy dy / d 3 sec 2  dy 3
 Gradient of tangent   ;   cosec .....(i)
dx dx / d 2 sec  tan  dx 2
But tangent is parallel to 3 x  y  4  0 ;  Gradient m  3
3
From (i) and (ii), cosec  3  cosec  2 ,    30 o
2
x2 y2 y2 x2
Example: 17 The slopes of the common tangents to the hyperbola   1 and   1 are [Roorkee 1997]
9 16 9 16
(a) – 2, 2 (b) – 1, 1 (c) 1, 2 (d) 2, 1

x2 y2 y2 x2
Solution: (b) Given hyperbola are  1 .....(i) and  1 .....(ii)
9 16 9 16

Any tangent to (i) having slope m is y  mx  9m 2  16 .....(iii)

Putting in (ii), we get, 16[mx  9m 2  16 ]2  9 x 2  144

 (16m 2  9)x 2  32m( 9m 2  16 ) x  144 m 2  256  144  0

 (16m 2  9)x 2  32m( 9m 2  16 ) x  (144m 2  400)  0 .....(iv)

If (iii) is a tangent to (ii), then the roots of (iv) are real and equal.
 Discriminant = 0; 32  32m 2 (9m 2  16) = 4(16m 2  9)(144m 2  400) = 64 (16m 2  9)(9m 2  25)

 16m 2 (9m 2  16)  (16m 2  9)(9m 2  25)  144m4  256m 2  144m4  481m 2  225

 225m 2  225  m 2  1  m  1
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 9

1.9 Equation of Pair of Tangents.

x 2 y2
If P(x 1 , y1 ) be any point outside the hyperbola   1 then a pair of tangents PQ, PR can be drawn to it from P.
a2 b2
The equation of pair of tangents PQ and PR is SS1  T 2 Y
Q
x 2 y2 x 2 y2 xx yy T (h,k)
where, S  2  2  1 , S1  12  12  1 , T  21  21  1 X X
a b a b a b A C P A
(x1,y1)
R
Director circle : The director circle is the locus of points from which perpendicular tangents
Y are drawn to
x 2 y2
the given hyperbola. The equation of the director circle of the hyperbola   1 is x 2  y 2  a 2  b 2
a2 b2
Y
P (h, k)
90o

X X
A C A

Y

Example: 18 The locus of the point of intersection of tangents to the hyperbola 4 x 2  9 y 2  36 which meet at a constant angle  / 4 , is
(a) ( x 2  y 2  5)2  4(9y 2  4 x 2  36) (b) ( x 2  y 2  5)  4(9y 2  4 x 2  36)
(c) 4 ( x 2  y 2  5)2  (9 y 2  4 x 2  36) (d) None of these
Solution: (a) Let the point of intersection of tangents be P(x1 , y1 ) . Then the equation of pair of tangents from P(x1 , y1 ) to the given
hyperbola is (4 x 2  9 y 2  36) (4 x12  9 y12  36)  [4 x1 x  9 y1 y  36]2 ......(i)

From SS1  T 2 or x 2 (y12  4)  2 x1 y1 xy  y 2 ( x12  9)  .....  0 .....(ii)

Since angle between the tangents is  / 4 .

2 [ x12 y12  (y12  4) ( x12  9)]

 tan( / 4)  . Hence locus of P(x1 , y1 ) is ( x 2  y 2  5)2  4(9 y 2  4 x 2  36) .
y12  4  x12  9

1.10 Equations of Normal in Different forms .

x 2 y2 a 2 x b2y
(1) Point form : The equation of normal to the hyperbola   1 at ( x ,
1 1y ) is   a2  b2 .
a2 b2 x1 y1
x 2 y2
(2) Parametric form: The equation of normal at (a sec  , b tan ) to the hyperbola   1 is
a2 b2
ax cos   by cot  = a 2  b 2 Y Tangent
P(x1,y1)
(3) Slope form: The equation of the normal to the hyperbola Normal

x 2 y2 m (a 2  b 2 ) X X
  1 in terms of the slope m of the normal is y  mx  A C A
a2 b2 a 2  b 2m 2
Y
2 2
x y
(4) Condition for normality : If y  mx  c is the normal of 2
 2 1
a b
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 10

m(a 2  b 2 ) m 2 (a 2  b 2 )2
then c   or c 2  , which is condition of normality.
a 2  m 2b 2 (a 2  m 2b 2 )
 a2 mb 2 
(5) Points of contact : Co-ordinates of points of contact are   , 
 
 a 2  b 2m 2 a 2  b 2m 2 
x 2 y2 a2 b2 (a 2  b 2 )2
Note :  If the line lx  my  n  0 will be normal to the hyperbola   1 ,then   .
a2 b2 l 2 m2 n2
Important Tip
 In general, four normals can be drawn to a hyperbola from any point and if  ,  , , be the eccentric angles of these four co-normal
points, then        is an odd multiple of  .
x 2 y2
 If  ,  , are the eccentric angles of three points on the hyperbola.   1 , the normals at which are concurrent, then,
a2 b2
sin(   )  sin(   )  sin(   )  0
 If the normal at P meets the transverse axis in G, then SG  e . SP . Also the tangent and normal bisect the angle between the focal
distances of P.
x 2 y2
 The feet of the normals to   1 from (h, k) lie on a 2y( x  h)  b 2 x(y  k)  0 .
a2 b2
x 2 y2
Example: 19 The equation of the normal to the hyperbola   1 at the point (8, 3 3 ) is
16 9
(a) 3 x  2y  25 (b) x  y  25 (c) y  2x  25 (d) 2 x  3 y  25
2 2
a x b y
Solution: (d) From   a2  b2
x1 y1
Here a 2  16 , b 2  9 and ( x1 , y1 )  (8, 3 3 )
16 x 9y
   16  9 i.e., 2 x  3 y  25 .
8 3 3
x 2 y2
Example: 20 If the normal at ' ' on the hyperbola   1 meets transverse axis at G, then AG. AG 
a2 b2
(Where A and A are the vertices of the hyperbola)
(a) a 2 (e 4 sec 2   1) (b) (a 2e 4 sec 2   1) (c) a 2 (1  e 4 sec 2  ) (d) None of these
Solution: (a) The equation of normal at (a sec  , b tan  ) to the given hyperbola is ax cos   by cot   (a 2  b 2 )
  a2  b2  
This meets the transverse axis i.e., x-axis at G. So the co-ordinates of G are    sec  , 0  and the co-ordinates of

 a 
  
the vertices A and A are A(a, 0) and A(a, 0) respectively.
2
  a2  b2    2 2     a2  b2
 AG. AG    a    sec    a   a  b  sec   = 
 sec 2   a 2 = (ae 2 )2 sec 2   a 2 = a 2 (e 4 sec 2   1)
 a    a  
   a
      
Example: 21 The normal at P to a hyperbola of eccentricity e, intersects its transverse and conjugate axis at L and M respectively, then
the locus of the middle point of LM is a hyperbola whose eccentricity is
e e e
(a) (b) (c) (d) None of these
2 4 2 2
e 1 e 1 a e 1
Solution: (a) The equation of the normal at P(a sec  , b tan ) to the hyperbola is ax cos   by cot   a 2  b 2  a 2e 2
 a 2e 2 tan  
It meets the transverse and conjugate axes at L and M, then L(ae 2 sec  , 0) ; M  0, 

 b 
ae 2 sec  2
Let the middle point of LM is ( ,  ) ; then    sec   2 .....(i)
2 ae
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 11

a 2e 2 tan  2b
and    tan   2 2 ......(ii)
2b a e
4 2 4b 2  2 x2 y2
 1  sec 2   tan 2  ; 1  2 4
 4 4 ,  Locus of ( ,  ) is  1
a e a e  a 2e 4   a4e 4 
   
 4   4b 2 
   
 a 2e 4 a 4 e 4 
 
 4  4b 2 
  a2 a2  b2 a 2e 2 e
It is a hyperbola, let its eccentricity e 1   1 2
 2
 2 2
;  e1  .
 a 2e 4  b b a (e  1) 2
e 1
 
 4 
 
1.11 Equation of Chord of Contact of Tangents drawn from a Point to a Hyperbola .
x2 y2
Let PQ and PR be tangents to the hyperbola   1 drawn from any external point P ( x 1 , y1 ) .
a2 b2
Y
Then equation of chord of contact QR is
Q
xx 1 yy 1
or  2 1 X X
a2 b A C P A
(x1,y1)
or T  0 (At x 1 , y 1 ) R
Y

1.12 Equation of the Chord of the Hyperbola whose Mid point (x1, y1) is given h
x2 y2
Equation of the chord of the hyperbola   1 , bisected at the Y
a2 b2
Q(x2,y2)
xx yy x2 y2
given point ( x 1 , y 1 ) is 21  21  1 = 12  12  1 X
P
X
a b a b C A (x1,y1)
R (x3,y3)
i.e., T  S1
Y

x2 y2
Note :  The length of chord cut off by hyperbola   1 from the
a2 b2
2ab [c 2  (a 2 m 2  b 2 )](1  m 2 )
line y  mx  c is
(b 2  a 2 m 2 )

1.13 Equation of the Chord joining Two points on the Hyperbola .

The equation of the chord joining the points P(a sec 1 , b tan 1 ) and Q(a sec  2 , b tan  2 ) is
b tan  2  b tan 1
y  b tan 1  ( x  a sec 1 )
a sec  2  a sec 1
x     2  y  1   2     2 
cos  1   sin   cos  1 
a  2  b  2   2 
Note :  If the chord joining two points (a sec  1 , b tan  1 ) and (a sec  2 , b tan  2 ) passes through the focus of
x2 y2   1 e
the hyperbola  2  1 , then tan 1 tan 2  .
a 2
b 2 2 1 e
Example: 22 The equation of the chord of contact of tangents drawn from a point (2, –1) to the hyperbola 16 x 2  9 y 2  144 is
(a) 32x  9y  144 (b) 32x  9y  55 (c) 32x  9y  144  0 (d) 32x  9y  55  0
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 12

xx1 yy1 x 2 y2
Solution: (a) From T  0 i.e., 2
 2  1 . Here, 16 x 2  9 y 2  144 i.e.,  1
a b 9 16
2 x (1) y
So, the equation of chord of contact of tangents drawn from a point (2, –1) to the hyperbola is  1
9 16
i.e., 32x  9y  144
x 2 y2
Example: 23 The point of intersection of tangents drawn to the hyperbola   1 at the points where it is intersected by the line
a2 b2
lx  my  n  0 is
  a 2l b 2m   a 2l  b 2m   a 2n b 2n   a 2n  b 2n 
(a)  ,  (b)  ,  (c)  ,  (d)  , 
 n n   n n  
 l m   l m 
Solution: (a) Let (x1 , y1 ) be the required point. Then the equation of the chord of contact of tangents drawn from (x1 , y1 ) to the given
xx1 yy1
hyperbola is  2 1 ......(i)
a2 b
The given line is lx  my  n  0 .....(ii)
Equation (i) and (ii) represent the same line
x1 y1 1  a 2l b 2m  a 2l b 2m 
    x1  , y1   
2
a l 2
b m h n n
; Hence the required point is  n , n .
 
Example: 24 What will be equation of that chord of hyperbola 25 x 2  16y 2  400 , whose mid point is (5, 3)
(a) 115x  117y  17 (b) 125x  48y  481 (c) 127x  33y  341 (d) 15 x  121y  105
2 2
Solution: (b) According to question, S  25 x  16y  400  0
Equation of required chord is S1  T ......(i)

Here S1  25(5) 2  16(3) 2  400 = 625  144  400  81 and T  25 xx1  16yy1  400 , where x1  5 , y1  3
 25 x(5)  16y(3)  400  125x  48y  400
So, from (i) required chord is 125x  48y  400  81  125x  48y  481 .
Example: 25 The locus of the mid-points of the chords of the circle x 2  y 2  16 which are tangent to the hyperbola
9 x 2  16y 2  144 is
(a) ( x 2  y 2 ) 2  16 x 2  9 y 2 (b) ( x 2  y 2 ) 2  9 x 2  16y 2
(c) ( x 2  y 2 ) 2  16 x 2  9 y 2 (d) None of these
x2 y2
Solution: (a) The given hyperbola is  1 ……(i)
16 9

Any tangent to (i) is y  mx  16m 2  9 ……(ii)

2 2
Let (x 1 , y1 ) be the mid point of the chord of the circle x  y  16

Then equation of the chord is T  S1 i.e., xx 1  yy 1  ( x 12  y12 )  0 ……(iii)

Since (ii) and (iii) represent the same line.
m 1 16m 2  9
  
x1 y1  ( x 12  y12 )

x1 x2
 m and ( x 12  y12 ) 2  y12 (16m 2  9)  ( x 12  y12 ) 2  16 . 12 y12  9 y12 = 16 x 12  9y12
y1 y1

 Locus of (x 1 , y1 ) is ( x 2  y 2 ) 2  16 x 2  9 y 2 .
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 13

1.14 Pole and Polar g

Let P be any point inside or outside the hyperbola. If any straight line drawn through P interesects the
hyperbola at A and B. Then the locus of the point of intersection of the tangents to the hyperbola at A and B is
called the polar of the given point P with respect to the hyperbola and the point P is called the pole of the polar.
The equation of the required polar with ( x 1 , y1 ) as its pole is
xx1 yy1 A
 2 1 (h,k) Q A Pole
a2 b Polar P(x1,y1)
X X
Note :  Polar of the focus is the directrix. Q
B

B
 Any tangent is the polar of its point of contact.
(1) Pole of a given line : The pole of a given line lx  my  n  0 with respect to the hyperbola
x2 y2  a 2l b 2m  Q (h, k) B
  1 is ( x , y )   
a2 b2
1 1  n , n  A
  Polar
X X
Pole
P
(x1,y1) A B
(2) Properties of pole and polar Q

(i) If the polar of P(x1 , y1 ) passes through Q( x 2 , y 2 ) , then the polar of Q( x 2 , y 2 ) goes through P(x1 , y1 ) and
such points are said to be conjugate points.
(ii) If the pole of a line lx  my  n  0 lies on the another line l x  my  n  0 then the pole of the second
line will lie on the first and such lines are said to be conjugate lines.
(iii) Pole of a given line is same as point of intersection of tangents as its extremities.

Important Tips
x2 y2 x1 x 2 a 4
 If the polars of (x1, y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) with respect to the hyperbola   1 are at right angles, then  0
a2 b2 y1 y 2 b 4

x2 y2 x2 y2
Example: 26 If the polar of a point w.r.t. 2
 2
 1 touches the hyperbola 2
  1 , then the locus of the point is
a b a b2
(a) Given hyperbola (b) Ellipse
(c) Circle (d) None of these

Solution: (a) Let (x 1 , y1 ) be the given point.

x2 y2 xx 1 yy1 b2  xx  b2x b2
Its polar w.r.t.   1 is   1 i.e., y   1  21    2 1 x 
a2 b2 a2 b2 y1  a  a y1 y1
2
x2 y2  b2   b 2 x1  4 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 2
This touches  2  1 if    a2 .    b 2  b  a b x1  b 2  b  b x 1  1  x 1  y 1  1
  a 2y  y12 a 4 y12
a2 b  y1   1  y12 a 2 y12 a2 b2

x2 y2
 Locus of (x 1 , y1 ) is 2
  1 . Which is the same hyperbola.
a b2
x2 y2
Example: 27 The locus of the poles of the chords of the hyperbola   1 , which subtend a right angle at the centre is
a2 b2
x2 y2 1 1 x2 y2 1 1 x2 y2 1 1 x2 y2 1 1
(a) 4
 4
 2
 2
(b) 2
 2
 2
 2
(c) 4
 4
 2
 2
(d) 4
  
a b a b a b a b a b a b a b4 a2 b2
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 14

x2 y2
Solution: (a) Let (x 1 , y1 ) be the pole w.r.t. 2
 1 ......(i)
a b2
hx ky
Then equation of polar is  1 .....(ii)
a2 b2
The equation of lines joining the origin to the points of intersection of (i) and (ii) is obtained by making homogeneous (i)
 x 2 y 2   hx ky  2  1 h2   1 k 2  2hk
with the help of (ii), then  2  2    2  2   x 2  2  4   y 2  2  4   2 2 xy  0
a b  a b  a a  b b  a b

Since the lines are perpendicular, then coefficient of x 2  coefficient of y 2  0

1 h2 1 k2 h2 k2 1 1 x2 y2 1 1
2
 4
 2
 4
 0 or 4
 4
 2
 2
. Hence required locus is 4
  
a a b b a b a b a b4 a2 b2

1.15 Diameter of the Hyperbola .

The locus of the middle points of a system of parallel chords of a hyperbola is called a diameter and the point
where the diameter intersects the hyperbola is called the vertex of the diameter. (x1,y1) Y
P
x2 y2
Let y  mx  c a system of parallel chords to 2  2  1 for different
a b
X X
b2x C
chords then the equation of diameter of the hyperbola is y  2 , which is R(h,k)
a m Q
(x2,y2)
passing through (0, 0) Y

Conjugate diameter : Two diameters are said to be conjugate when each bisects all chords parallel to the others.
b2
If y  m1 x , y  m2 x be conjugate diameters, then m1m2  .
a2
Note :  If a pair of diameters be conjugate with respect to a hyperbola, they are conjugate with respect to its
conjugate hyperbola also.
 In a pair of conjugate diameters of a hyperbola. Only one meets the curve in real points.
x2 y2
 The condition for the lines AX 2  2 HXY  BY 2  0 to be conjugate diameters of   1 is
a2 b2
a2 A  b2B .
Important Tips
x2 y2
 If CD is the conjugate diameter of a diameter CP of the hyperbola 2
  1 , where P is (a sec  , b tan  ) then coordinates of D is
a b2
(a tan  , b sec  ) , where C is (0, 0).

Example: 28 If a pair of conjugate diameters meet the hyperbola and its conjugate in P and D respectively, then CP 2  CD2 
a2
(a) a2  b2 (b) a 2  b 2 (c) (d) None of these
b2
Solution: (b) Coordinates of P and D are (a sec  , b tan  ) and (a tan  , b sec  ) respectively.

Then (CP ) 2  (CD) 2 = a 2 sec 2   b 2 tan 2   a 2 tan 2   b 2 sec 2 

= a 2 (sec 2   tan 2  )  b 2 (sec 2   tan 2  ) = a 2 (1)  b 2 (1) = a 2  b 2 .

x2 y2
Example: 29 If the line lx  my  n  0 passes through the extremities of a pair of conjugate diameters of the hyperbola 2
  1 then
a b2
(a) a 2l 2  b 2m2  0 (b) a 2 l 2  b 2 m 2  0 (c) a 2l 2  b 2m2  n2 (d) None of these
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 15

x2 y2
Solution: (a) The extremities of a pair of conjugate diameters of 2
  1 are (a sec  , b tan  ) and (a tan  , b sec  ) respectively.
a b2
According to the question, since extremities of a pair of conjugate diameters lie on lx  my  n  0
 l(a sec  )  m(b tan  )  n  0  l (a tan )  m(b sec  )  n  0 ……(i)

Then from (i), al sec   bm tan   n or a 2 l 2 sec 2   b 2 m 2 tan 2   2ablm sec  tan   n 2 ……(ii)
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
And from (ii), al tan   bm sec   n or a l tan   b m sec   2ablm sec  tan   n ……(iii)
Then subtracting (ii) from (iii)
 a 2 l 2 (sec 2   tan 2  )  b 2 m 2 (tan 2   sec 2  )  0 or a 2 l 2  b 2 m 2  0 .

1.16 Subtangent and Subnormal of the Hyperbolaa

Let the tangent and normal at P ( x 1 , y 1 ) meet the x-axis at A and B respectively. Y
2 (x1, y1)
a P
Length of subtangent AN  CN  CA  x 1 
x1
X B X
C A N
(a 2  b 2 ) b2
Length of subnormal BN  CB  CN  x1  x1 = x 1  (e 2  1)x 1
a2 a2
Y
1.17 Reflection property of the Hyperbola a
If an incoming light ray passing through one focus (S) strike convex side of the hyperbola then it will get
reflected towards other focus (S )
TPS  LPM   Y
M Light ray
 L
Reflected ray
P
 Normal
X X
(–ae,0)S A C T A S (ae,0) N

Tangent

Y

Example: 30 A ray emanating from the point (5, 0) is incident on the hyperbola 9 x 2  16y 2  144 at the point P with abscissa 8; then
the equation of reflected ray after first reflection is (Point P lies in first quadrant)
(a) 3 3 x  13y  15 3  0 (b) 3 x  13y  15  0 (c) 3 3 x  13y  15 3  0 (d) None of these
x2 y2
Solution: (a) Given hyperbola is 9 x 2  26y 2  144 . This equation can be rewritten as  1 .....(i)
16 9
Since x coordinate of P is 8. Let y-coordinate of P is  M light ray
Y Y L
 (8, ) lies on (i) Reflected ray


Normal
64  2 Tangent
  1;    27 ( P lies in first quadrant)
16 9 X X
S(–ae,0) A C T A S(ae,0)
N
 3 3
Hence coordinate of point P is (8, 3 3 )
Y

03 3
 Equation of reflected ray passing through P (8, 3 3 ) and S(5, 0 );  Its equation is y  3 3  ( x  8)
58
or 13y  39 3  3 3 x  24 3 or 3 3 x  13 y  15 3  0
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 16

1.18 Asymptotes of a Hyperbola a

An asymptote to a curve is a straight line, at a finite distance from the origin, to which the tangent to a curve
tends as the point of contact goes to infinity.
x 2 y2 b x y
The equations of two asymptotes of the hyperbola 2
 2  1 are y   x or   0 .
a b a a b
x 2 y2 x 2 y2
Note :  The combined equation of the asymptotes of the hyperbola   1 is  0.
a2 b2 a2 b2
 When b  a i.e. the asymptotes of rectangular hyperbola x 2  y 2  a 2 are y   x , which are at right angles.
 A hyperbola and its conjugate hyperbola have the same asymptotes.
 The equation of the pair of asymptotes differ the hyperbola and Y
the conjugate hyperbola by the same constant only i.e.
Asymptotes
Hyperbola – Asymptotes = Asymptotes – Conjugated hyperbola B

 x 2 y2   x 2 y2   x 2 y2   x 2 y2  A
or,  2  2  1   2  2    2  2    2  2  1 . X
A C X
a b  a b  a b  a b  C x2 y2
B 2
 1
 The asymptotes pass through the centre of the hyperbola. a b2
Y
x2 y2
 The bisectors of the angles between the asymptotes are the 2
  1
a b2
coordinate axes.
x 2 y2 b
 The angle between the asymptotes of the hyperbola S  0 i.e., 2
 2  1 is 2 tan1 or 2 sec 1 e .
a b a
 Asymptotes are equally inclined to the axes of the hyperbola.
Important Tips

 The parallelogram formed by the tangents at the extremities of conjugate diameters of a hyperbola has its vertices lying on the asymptotes
and is of constant area.
Y
Area of parallelogram QRQR   4(Area of parallelogram QDCP) = 4 ab  Constant
D Q
RM
x2 y2
 The product of length of perpendiculars drawn from any point on the hyperbola   1 to the X
P

a2 b2 C
C
X
P

a 2b 2 R
asymptotes is 2 2
. Q
D

a b Y

x 2 y2 x 2 y2
Example: 31 From any point on the hyperbola,   1 tangents are drawn to the hyperbola   2 . The area cut-off by
a2 b2 a2 b2
the chord of contact on the asymptotes is equal to
ab
(a) (b) ab (c) 2ab (d) 4 ab
2
x 2 y2 x 2 y2
Solution: (d) Let P(x1 , y1 ) be a point on the hyperbola 2
 2  1 , then 12  12  1
a b a b
x 2 y2 xx1 yy1
The chord of contact of tangent from P to the hyperbola 2
 2  2 is  2 2 .....(i)
a b a2 b
x y
The equation of asymptotes are  =0 ......(ii)
a b
x y
And  =0 ......(iii)
a b
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 17

 2a 2b   2a  2b 
The point of intersection of the asymptotes and chord are  ,  ;
  ,  , (0, 0)

 x1 / a  y1 / b x1 / a  y1 / b   x1 / a  y1 / b x1 / a  y1 / b 

1 1   8a b 
 Area of triangle = | ( x1y2  x 2 y1 ) | =   .
2 2  x 2 / a 2  y 2 / b 2   4 ab
 1 1 

Example: 32 The combined equation of the asymptotes of the hyperbola 2 x 2  5 xy  2y 2  4 x  5 y  0

(a) 2 x 2  5 xy  2y 2  0 (b) 2 x 2  5 xy  2y 2  4 x  5 y  2  0  0

(c) 2 x 2  5 xy  2y 2  4 x  5 y  2  0 (d) 2 x 2  5 xy  2y 2  4 x  5 y  2  0

Solution: (d) Given, equation of hyperbola 2 x 2  5 xy  2y 2  4 x  5 y  0 and equation of asymptotes

2 x 2  5 xy  2y 2  4 x  5y    0 ......(i) which is the equation of a pair of straight lines. We know that the standard
equation of a pair of straight lines is ax 2  2hxy  by 2  2gx  2 fy  c  0
5 5
Comparing equation (i) with standard equation, we get a  2, b  2 , h  , g  2, f  and c   .
2 2
We also know that the condition for a pair of straight lines is abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch 2  0 .
25 25 9 9
Therefore, 4   25  8   0 or   0 or   2
2 4 4 2
Substituting value of  in equation (i), we get 2 x 2  5 xy  2y 2  4 x  5 y  2  0 .

1.19 Rectangular or Equilateral Hyperbola a

(1) Definition : A hyperbola whose asymptotes are at right angles to each other is called a rectangular
hyperbola. The eccentricity of rectangular hyperbola is always 2 .
The general equation of second degree represents a rectangular hyperbola if   0, h 2  ab
and coefficient of x 2 + coefficient of y 2 = 0
x 2 y2 b
The equation of the asymptotes of the hyperbola 2
 2  1 are given by y   x .
a b a
b  b
  
a  a 2b / a 2ab
The angle between these two asymptotes is given by tan    .
b   b  1  b2 / a2 a2  b2
1  
a a 
 2ab 
If the asymptotes are at right angles, then    / 2  tan   tan  2  tan  a 2  b 2  0
2 a b 2
2
 a  b  2a  2b . Thus the transverse and conjugate axis of a rectangular hyperbola are equal and the equation
is x 2  y 2  a 2 . The equations of the asymptotes of the rectangular hyperbola are y   x i.e., y  x and y   x .
Clearly, each of these two asymptotes is inclined at 45 to the transverse axis.

(2) Equation of the rectangular hyperbola referred to its asymptotes as the axes of coordinates :
Referred to the transverse and conjugate axis as the axes of coordinates, the equation of the rectangular hyperbola is

x 2  y2  a2 …..(i)
The asymptotes of (i) are y = x and y = – x. Each of these two asymptotes is inclined at an angle of 45 with
the transverse axis, So, if we rotate the coordinate axes through an angle of   / 4 keeping the origin fixed, then
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 18

XY
the axes coincide with the asymptotes of the hyperbola and x  X cos( / 4)  Y sin( / 4)  and
2
YX
y  X sin  / 4   Y cos( / 4)  .
2
Substituting the values of x and y in (i),
2 2
 X Y  Y  X a2
We obtain the       a 2  XY   XY  c 2
 2   2  2
a2
where c 2  .
2
This is transformed equation of the rectangular hyperbola (i).
(3) Parametric co-ordinates of a point on the hyperbola XY = c2 : If t is non–zero variable, the
coordinates of any point on the rectangular hyperbola xy  c 2 can be written as (ct, c / t) . The point (ct, c / t) on the
hyperbola xy  c 2 is generally referred as the point ‘t’.
For rectangular hyperbola the coordinates of foci are (a 2, 0) and directrices are x   a 2 .
For rectangular hyperbola xy  c 2 , the coordinates of foci are (c 2,  c 2) and directrices are
x  y  c 2 .
(4) Equation of the chord joining points t1 and t2 : The equation of the chord joining two points
c c

 c  c c t t1
 ct1 ,  and  ct 2 ,  on the hyperbola xy  c 2 is y   2 ( x  ct1 )  x  y t1t 2  c (t1  t 2 ) .
 t1   t2  t1 ct 2  ct1

(5) Equation of tangent in different forms

x y
(i) Point form : The equation of tangent at ( x1 , y1 ) to the hyperbola xy  c 2 is xy1  yx1  2c 2 or  2
x1 y 1
 c x
(ii) Parametric form : The equation of the tangent at  ct,  to the hyperbola xy  c 2 is  yt  2c .On
 t t
c x
replacing x1 by ct and y1 by on the equation of the tangent at ( x1 , y1 ) i.e. xy1  yx1  2c 2 we get  yt  2c .
t t

Note :  Point of intersection of tangents at ' t1 ' and ' t2 ' is  2ct1 t 2 , 2c 
 t1  t 2 t1  t 2 
(6) Equation of the normal in different forms : (i) Point form : The equation of the normal at ( x1 , y1 ) to the
 dy  y
hyperbola xy  c 2 is xx1  yy1  x12  y12 . As discussed in the equation of the tangent, we have    1
 dx ( x1 , y1) x1
1 x
So, the equation of the normal at ( x1 , y1 ) is y  y1  (x  x1 )  y  y1  1 (x  x1 )
 dy  y1
 
 dx ( x1 , y1 )
 yy1  y12  xx1  x12  xx1  yy1  x12  y12
This is the required equation of the normal at ( x1 , y1 ) .
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 19

 c
(ii) Parametric form: The equation of the normal at  ct,  to the hyperbola xy  c 2 is
 t
3 4
xt  yt  ct  c  0 . On replacing x1 by ct and y1 by c / t in the equation.
yc c2
We obtain xx1  yy1  x12  y12 ,  c 2 t 2  2  xt 3  yt  ct 4  c  0
xct 
t t

Note :  The equation of the normal at  ct, c  is a fourth degree in t. So, in general, four normals can be
 t
drawn from a point to the hyperbola xy  c 2
 c 1
 If the normal at  ct,  on the curve xy  c 2 meets the curve again in ' t  ' then; t  3 .
 t t
 c {t t (t 2  t t  t 2 )  1} c {t 13 t 23  (t 12  t 1 t 2  t 22 )} 
 Point of intersection of normals at ' t1 ' and ' t 2 ' is  1 2 1 1 2 2 , 
 t 1 t 2 (t 1  t 2 ) t 1 t 2 (t 1  t 2 ) 
 
Important Tips
 A triangle has its vertices on a rectangular hyperbola; then the orthocentre of the triangle also lies on the same hyperbola.
 All conics passing through the intersection of two rectangular hyperbolas are themselves rectangular hyperbolas.
 An infinite number of triangles can be inscribed in the rectangular hyperbola xy  c 2 whose all sides touch the parabola y 2  4 ax .

Example: 33 If 5 x 2  y 2  20 represents a rectangular hyperbola, then  equals

(a) 5 (b) 4 (c) – 5 (d) None of these
Solution: (c) Since the general equation of second degree represents a rectagular hyperbola if   0, h 2  ab and coefficient of x 2 
coefficient of y 2  0 . Therefore the given equation represents a rectangular hyperbola if   5  0 i.e.,   5
Example: 34 If PN is the perpendicular from a point on a rectangular hyperbola to its asymptotes, the locus, the mid-point of PN is
(a) Circle (b) Parabola (c) Ellipse (d) Hyperbola
Solution: (d) Let xy  c 2 be the rectangular hyperbola, and let P(x1 , y1 ) be a point on it. Let Q (h, k) be the mid-point of PN. Then the
 y 
coordinates of Q are  x 1 , 1  . Y
 2  xy=c2
y1 Q (h, k) P(x1, y1)
 x 1  h and  k  x 1  h and y1  2k
2
But (x1 , y1 ) lies on xy = c2. O
X X
N
2 2
 h . (2k)  c  hk  c / 2

Hence, the locus of (h, k) is xy  c 2 / 2 , which is a hyperbola.

 c Y
Example: 35 If the normal at  ct,  on the curve xy  c 2 meets the curve again in t, then
 t
1 1 1 1
(a) t   (b) t   (c) t  (d) t  2  
t 3
t t 2
t2
 c
Solution: (a) The equation of the tangent at  ct,  is ty  t 3 x  c t 4  c
 t
 c
If it passes through  c t ,  then
 t 
tc 1
  t 3 ct   ct 4  c  t  t 3 t  2  t 4 t   t   t  t   t 3 t (t   t)  t    3
t t
Example: 36 If the tangent and normal to a rectangular hyperbola cut off intercepts a1 and a 2 on one axis and b1 and b2 on the
other axis, then
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 20

(a) a1 b1  a 2 b 2  0 (b) a1b 2  b 2 a1  0 (c) a1 a 2  b1b 2  0 (d) None of these

Solution: (c) Let the hyperbola be xy  c 2 . Tangent at any point t is x  yt 2  2ct  0

2c
Putting y  0 and then x  0 intercepts on the axes are a1  2ct and b1 
t
Normal is xt 3  yt  ct 4  c  0 .
c (t 4  1)  c(t 4  1)
Intercepts as above are a 2  , b2 
t3 t
c (t 4  1) 2c  c(t 4  1) 2c 2 2c 2
 a1 a 2  b1 b 2  2ct  3
  = 2 (t 4  1)  2 (t 4  1)  0 ;  a1 a 2  b1b 2  0 .
t t t t t
Example: 37 A variable straight line of slope 4 intersects the hyperbola xy  1 at two points. The locus of the point which divides the
line segment between these two points in the ratio 1 : 2 is [IIT 1997]
2 2 2 2 2 2
(a) 16 x  10 xy  y  2 (b) 16 x  10 xy  y  2 (c) 16 x  10 xy  y  4 (d) None of these

Solution: (a) Let P(h, k) be any point on the locus. Equation of the line through P and having slope 4 is y  k  4(x  h) .....(i)
Suppose this meets xy  1 ......(ii) in A(x1 , y1 ) and B(x 2 , y 2 )
1
Eliminating y between (i) and (ii), we get  k  4(x  h)
x
 1  xk  4 x 2  4hx  4 x 2  (4 h  k) x  1  0 ......(iii)
4h  k 1
This has two roots say x 1 , x 2 ; x 1  x 2  ......(iv) and x 1 x 2   ......(v)
4 4
2x1  x 2
Also, h [  P divides AB in the ratio 1 : 2]
3
i.e., 2x 1  x 2  3h ......(vi)
4 h  k 8h  k 8h  k 2h  k
(vi) – (iv) gives, x 1  3h   and x 2  3h  2 . 
4 4 4 2
8h  k  2h  k  1
Putting in (v), we get  
4  2  4

 (8h  k) (2h  k)  2  16h 2  10hk  k 2  2

 Required locus of P(h, k) is 16 x 2  10 xy  y 2  2 .
Example: 38 PQ and RS are two perpendicular chords of the rectangular hyperbola xy  c 2 . If C is the centre of the rectangular
hyperbola, then the product of the slopes of CP, CQ, CR and CS is equal to
(a) – 1 (b) 1 (c) 0 (d) None of these
Solution: (b) Let t1 , t 2 , t 3 , t 4 be the parameters of the points P, Q, R and S respectively. Then, the coordinates of P, Q, R and S are
 c  c   c   c 
 ct1,  ,  ct 2 ,  ,  ct 3 ,  and  ct 4 ,  respectively.
  
t1   t2   t3   t4 
     
c c c c
 
t 2 t1 t4 t3 1 1
Now, PQRS    1     1  t1t 2t3 t4  1 .....(i)
ct 2  ct1 ct 4  ct 3 t1t 2 t3t4
 Product of the slopes of CP, CQ, CR and CS
1 1 1 1 1
    1 [Using (i)]
t 12 t 22 t 32 t 42 t 12 t 22 t 32 t 42
 Conic Section : Hyperbola 21

1.20 Intersection of a Circle and a Rectangular Hyperbola a

If a circle x 2  y 2  2gx  2 fy  k  0 cuts a rectangular hyperbola xy  c 2 in A, B, C and D and the
parameters of these four points be t1 , t 2 , t 3 and t 4 respectively; then
2g k
(1) (i)  t1   (ii)  t1t 2 
c c2
 2f 1 2f
(iii)  t 1 t 2 t 3  (iv) t 1 t 2 t 3 t 4  1 (v)  
c t1 c
 c  c 
(2) Orthocentre of ABC is H   ct 4 ,  but D is  ct 4 , 
 t4   t4 
Hence H and D are the extremities of a diagonal of rectangular hyperbola.
 c c  1   g f
(3) Centre of mean position of four points is   t 1 ,   i.e.,   ,  
 4 4  t 1   2 2
 Centres of the circles and rectangular hyperbola are (– g, – f) and (0, 0); mid point of centres of circle and
 g f
hyperbola is   ,   . Hence the centre of the mean position of the four points bisects the distance between the
 2 2
centres of the two curves (circle and rectangular hyperbola)
(4) If the circle passing through ABC meet the hyperbola in fourth points D; then centre of circle is (–g, –f)
 c  1  c1 1 1  
i.e.,   t 1  t 2  t 3   ;     t 1 t 2 t 3  
 2  t1 t 2 t 3  2  t1 t 2 t 3  

Example: 39 If a circle cuts a rectangular hyperbola xy  c 2 in A, B, C, D and the parameters of these four points be t1, t2 , t3 and t4
respectively. Then
(a) t1t 2  t3t4 (b) t1t2t3t4  1 (c) t1  t2 (d) t3  t4

Solution: (b) Let the equation of circle be x 2  y 2  a 2 ......(i)

c
Parametric equation of rectangular hyperbola is x  c t, y 
t
c2
Put the values of x and y in equation (i) we get c 2t 2   a 2  c 2t 4  a 2t 2  c 2  0
t2
c2
Hence product of roots t1t 2t3 t4  1
c2
Example: 40 If the circle x 2  y 2  a 2 intersects the hyperbola xy  c 2 in four points P (x1, y1), Q(x 2 , y2 ), R(x3 , y3 ) , S(x4 , y4 ) then

(a) x1  x2  x3  x4  0 (b) y1  y2  y3  y4  0 (c) x1 x 2 x 3 x 4  c 4 (d) y1y2 y3 y4  c 4

Solution: (a,b,c,d) Given, circle is x 2  y 2  a 2 .......(i) and hyperbola be xy  c 2 .....(ii)

c2 c4
from (ii) y  . Putting in (i), we get x 2  2  a 2  x 4  a 2 x 2  c 4  0
x x
 x1  x2  x3  x4  0 , x1 x 2 x 3 x 4  c 4

Since both the curves are symmetric in x and y,  y1  y2  y3  y4  0 ; y1y2 y3 y4  c 4 .

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