SOLUTION: Hyperbolas: Could someone please tell me how to determine if the following indicate the foci are on the x-axis or the y-axis? x^2/4 -y^2/16 = 1 x^2/49 - y^2/9 = 1 x^2/36 -

Algebra ->  Quadratic-relations-and-conic-sections -> SOLUTION: Hyperbolas: Could someone please tell me how to determine if the following indicate the foci are on the x-axis or the y-axis? x^2/4 -y^2/16 = 1 x^2/49 - y^2/9 = 1 x^2/36 -       Log On


   

Question 445873: Hyperbolas:
Could someone please tell me how to determine if the following indicate the foci are on the x-axis or the y-axis?
x^2/4 -y^2/16 = 1
x^2/49 - y^2/9 = 1
x^2/36 - y^2/16 = 1
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
 

Hi, Note: 

Standard Form of an Equation of an Hyperbola opening "right and left" is  

            %28x-h%29%5E2%2Fa%5E2+-+%28y-k%29%5E2%2Fb%5E2+=+1 

where Pt(h,k) is a center  with vertices 'a' units right and left of center.

These all open right and left with Centers(0,0) and foci along the x-axis

x%5E2%2F4+-y%5E2%2F16+=+1 vertices (-2,0) and (2,0) foci sqrt(20) each side of center

(((x^2/49 - y^2/9 = 1}}} vertices (-7,0) and (7,0) foci sqrt(58) each side of center

x%5E2%2F36+-+y%5E2%2F16+=+1 vertices (-6,0) and (6,0) foci sqrt(52) each side of center

Graph of x%5E2%2F36+-+y%5E2%2F16+=+1