Hyperbola
Tangent to Hyperbola
Grade 11

Question:

<p>The tangent to the hyperbola \(x^2 - 3y^2 = 3\) at the point \((\sqrt{3}, 0)\) when associated with two asymptotes constitutes:</p>
<p>(a) scalene triangle</p>
<p>(b) an equilateral triangle</p>
<p>(c) a triangle whose area is \(\sqrt{3}\) sq. units</p>
<p>(d) a right isosceles triangle</p>

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: Find the equation of the tangent to the hyperbola at the given point, then determine the triangle formed by this tangent and the two asymptotes. Analyze the properties of this triangle using the coordinates of its vertices.
<p><strong>Step 1: Write the hyperbola in standard form.</strong></p><p>Given: $x^2 - 3y^2 = 3$</p><p>Dividing by 3: $\frac{x^2}{3} - \frac{y^2}{1} = 1$</p><p>So $a^2 = 3$ and $b^2 = 1$, giving $a = \sqrt{3}$ and $b = 1$.</p><p><strong>Step 2: Find the equation of asymptotes.</strong></p><p>The asymptotes of $\frac{x^2}{3} - \frac{y^2}{1} = 1$ are: $y = \pm\frac{b}{a}x = \pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}x$</p><p>Or: $x - \sqrt{3}y = 0$ and $x + \sqrt{3}y = 0$</p><p><strong>Step 3: Find the tangent to the hyperbola at $(\sqrt{3}, 0)$.</strong></p><p>Using the tangent formula for $\frac{x^2}{3} - \frac{y^2}{1} = 1$ at point $(x_0, y_0)$:</p><p>$\frac{xx_0}{3} - \frac{yy_0}{1} = 1$</p><p>At $(\sqrt{3}, 0)$: $\frac{x \cdot \sqrt{3}}{3} - \frac{y \cdot 0}{1} = 1$</p><p>$\frac{x}{\sqrt{3}} = 1 \Rightarrow x = \sqrt{3}$</p><p>The tangent is the vertical line: $x = \sqrt{3}$</p><p><strong>Step 4: Find intersection points of tangent with asymptotes.</strong></p><p>Intersection with $x - \sqrt{3}y = 0$: $\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{3}y = 0 \Rightarrow y = 1$. Point: $(\sqrt{3}, 1)$</p><p>Intersection with $x + \sqrt{3}y = 0$: $\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{3}y = 0 \Rightarrow y = -1$. Point: $(\sqrt{3}, -1)$</p><p>Intersection of asymptotes: $x - \sqrt{3}y = 0$ and $x + \sqrt{3}y = 0$ gives $x = 0, y = 0$. Point: $(0, 0)$</p><p><strong>Step 5: Calculate side lengths of triangle with vertices $(0,0)$, $(\sqrt{3}, 1)$, $(\sqrt{3}, -1)$.</strong></p><p>Side 1: From $(0,0)$ to $(\sqrt{3}, 1)$: $\sqrt{3 + 1} = 2$</p><p>Side 2: From $(0,0)$ to $(\sqrt{3}, -1)$: $\sqrt{3 + 1} = 2$</p><p>Side 3: From $(\sqrt{3}, 1)$ to $(\sqrt{3}, -1)$: $\sqrt{0 + 4} = 2$</p><p><strong>Step 6: Verify triangle properties.</strong></p><p>All three sides equal 2, so the triangle is equilateral.</p><p>$∴$ Answer: b</p>
Correct Answer: b

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