SOLUTION: When looking at an equation of a hyperbola in general form, how do you tell the difference between a hyperbola that opens up and down (y^2-x^2=1) and a hyperbola that opens left an

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Quadratic-relations-and-conic-sections -> SOLUTION: When looking at an equation of a hyperbola in general form, how do you tell the difference between a hyperbola that opens up and down (y^2-x^2=1) and a hyperbola that opens left an      Log On

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Question 38739: When looking at an equation of a hyperbola in general form, how do you tell the difference between a hyperbola that opens up and down (y^2-x^2=1) and a hyperbola that opens left and right (x^2-y^2=1) without writing the equation in standard form? I know AC<0
Answer by Nate(3500) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The a%5E2 value is always under the positive term. When this value is under the y-values, it has a vertical transverse axis. When under the x-values, it has a horizontal transverse axis. The transverse axis is 2a units long and connects the two "parabola-like" branches.