Asymptote Formula


About Asymptote Formula

A straight line w.r.t a curve that tends to meet the curve at infinity is called an asymptote. A line drawn at a minimum parallel distance to the tangent of a curve that does not cut or touch the curve can be more readily comprehended. For a hyperbola, the asymptote formula is commonly defined. The Asymptote Formula is written as a line equation.

What is an Asymptote Formula?

A hyperbola's asymptote is a pair of straight lines. A hyperbola's asymptotes using an equation x2/a2 - y2/b2 = 0 is given by the following formula:

Asymptotes equation: y = b/a.x, and y = -b/a.x

Pair of Asymptotes equation: x2/a2 - y2/b2 = 0

Exercising the Asymptote Formula

Example 1: : Find the equation for a pair of hyperbola asymptotes. x2/16 - y2/25 = 1.

Solution:

Hyperbola given equation is x2/16 - y2/25 = 1

An equation is needed for a hyperbola x2/a2 - y2/b2 = 1

Its pair of asymptotes equation is bx/a, -bx/a

Here we know that a = 4 and b = 5

Thus, equation of pair of asymptotes are y = 4x/5 and y =-4x/5

Example 2: Find the equations of asymptotes of hyperbola given as: x2/49 - y2/36 = 1.

Solution:

The given equation of the hyperbola is x2/49 - y2/36 = 1

this emply: x2/72 - y2/62 = 1

Now compare the above equation with the standard equation of a hyperbola x2/a2 - y2/b2 = 1

We have a = 7 and b = 6

Further the equations of the asymptotes is y = b/a.x, and y = -b/a.x

y = 6x/7 and y = -6x/7

7y = 6x and 7y = -6x

7y- 6x = 0 and 6x + 7y = 0

Thus, the equations of the asymptotes are 7y- 6x = 0 and 6x + 7y = 0

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Frequently Asked Questions

An asymptote is a line that a curve approaches but never touches. The formula for asymptotes depends on the type:

  • Vertical Asymptote: Found by setting the denominator of a rational function to zero, x=ax = ax=a.

  • Horizontal Asymptote: Determined by comparing the degrees of the numerator and denominator in a rational function.

  • Oblique Asymptote: Found using polynomial long division when the numerator's degree is one higher than the denominator.

  1. Vertical Asymptotes occur where the function is undefined, typically at values making the denominator zero. Example: For f(x)=1x−3f(x) the vertical asymptote is x=3x = 3x=3.
    • Horizontal Asymptotes are found by analyzing the highest degree terms in a rational function. Example: For f(x)=2xx+1f(x)  as x→∞  the horizontal asymptote is y=2y