SOLUTION: how do i write an equation for a hyperbola with the give information, vertices (-4,0) (4,0) conjugate axis length of 8

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Question 528281: how do i write an equation for a hyperbola with the give information, vertices (-4,0) (4,0) conjugate axis length of 8
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20056) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
how do i write an equation for a hyperbola with the give information, vertices (-4,0) (4,0) conjugate axis length of 8
The transverse axis is the line segment between the vertices (-4,0) and
(4,0) which is 8 units long.  Its midpoint is the origin.  The transverse 
axis is horizontal so the equation is of the form:

x%5E2%2Fa%5E2 - y%5E2%2Fb%5E2 = 1

where a = one-half the transverse axis, which is half of 8 or 4, and
where b = one-half the conjugate axis, which is half of 8 or 4, so
a and b are both 4, so the equation is

x%5E2%2F4%5E2 - y%5E2%2F4%5E2 = 1

x%5E2%2F16 - y%5E2%2F16 = 1

That's the standard form, or you can clear of fractions and get

x² - y² = 16

Edwin