$b$

Definition

$b$ is a variable that represents one of the key parameters in the equation of a hyperbola, a type of conic section. The hyperbola is a curve that is defined by its center, major axis, minor axis, and the values of $a$ and $b$, which determine the shape and orientation of the curve.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The equation of a hyperbola in standard form is $\frac{(x - h)^2}{a^2} - \frac{(y - k)^2}{b^2} = 1$, where $(h, k)$ is the center of the hyperbola, $a$ is the length of the major axis, and $b$ is the length of the minor axis.
2. The value of $b$ determines the vertical stretch or compression of the hyperbola, with larger values of $b$ resulting in a more vertically elongated curve.
3. The ratio of $a$ to $b$ determines the eccentricity of the hyperbola, which is a measure of how elongated the curve is. A hyperbola with a larger eccentricity is more elongated.
4. The orientation of the hyperbola is determined by the relative values of $a$ and $b$. If $a > b$, the hyperbola opens horizontally, and if $a < b$, the hyperbola opens vertically.
5. The value of $b$ also affects the asymptotes of the hyperbola, which are the straight lines that the hyperbola approaches as it gets farther from the center.

Review Questions

• Explain how the value of $b$ in the equation of a hyperbola affects the shape and orientation of the curve.
  • The value of $b$ in the equation of a hyperbola, $\frac{(x - h)^2}{a^2} - \frac{(y - k)^2}{b^2} = 1$, determines the vertical stretch or compression of the curve. A larger value of $b$ results in a more vertically elongated hyperbola, while a smaller value of $b$ leads to a more vertically compressed curve. The ratio of $a$ to $b$ also affects the eccentricity of the hyperbola, with a larger eccentricity corresponding to a more elongated curve. Additionally, the relative values of $a$ and $b$ determine the orientation of the hyperbola, with $a > b$ resulting in a horizontally opening hyperbola and $a < b$ resulting in a vertically opening hyperbola.
• Describe the relationship between the value of $b$ and the asymptotes of a hyperbola.
  • The value of $b$ in the equation of a hyperbola, $\frac{(x - h)^2}{a^2} - \frac{(y - k)^2}{b^2} = 1$, also affects the asymptotes of the curve. The asymptotes are the straight lines that the hyperbola approaches as it gets farther from the center. The slope of the asymptotes is determined by the ratio of $a$ to $b$, with a larger value of $b$ resulting in asymptotes that are closer together and a more vertically elongated hyperbola. Conversely, a smaller value of $b$ leads to asymptotes that are farther apart and a more horizontally elongated hyperbola.
• Analyze how changes in the value of $b$ in the equation of a hyperbola would affect the graph of the curve and its properties.
  • Changing the value of $b$ in the equation of a hyperbola, $\frac{(x - h)^2}{a^2} - \frac{(y - k)^2}{b^2} = 1$, would have a significant impact on the graph of the curve and its properties. A larger value of $b$ would result in a more vertically elongated hyperbola, with the curve stretching farther along the $y$-axis. This would also affect the eccentricity of the hyperbola, making it more elongated. Additionally, the asymptotes of the hyperbola would become closer together, as the slope of the asymptotes is determined by the ratio of $a$ to $b$. Conversely, a smaller value of $b$ would lead to a more horizontally elongated hyperbola, with the curve stretching farther along the $x$-axis. This would result in a hyperbola with a lower eccentricity and asymptotes that are farther apart.

Related terms

Conic Section: A conic section is a curve that is the intersection of a plane and a cone. The four types of conic sections are the circle, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola.

Major Axis: The major axis of a hyperbola is the longest diameter of the curve, and it is the line segment that passes through the center of the hyperbola and has endpoints on the curve.

Minor Axis: The minor axis of a hyperbola is the shortest diameter of the curve, and it is the line segment that passes through the center of the hyperbola and is perpendicular to the major axis.