Example

Example: Graphing (x1)29(y2)216=1\frac{(x-1)^2}{9} - \frac{(y-2)^2}{16} = 1

To graph the equation (x1)29(y2)216=1\frac{(x-1)^2}{9} - \frac{(y-2)^2}{16} = 1, apply the six-step procedure for graphing a hyperbola centered at (h,k)(h, k). Step 1: The equation is already in standard form. Step 2: Because the (x1)2(x-1)^2-term is positive, the transverse axis is horizontal, and the hyperbola opens left and right. Step 3: From (xh)=(x1)(x - h) = (x - 1), we get h=1h = 1, and from (yk)=(y2)(y - k) = (y - 2), we get k=2k = 2, so the center is (1,2)(1, 2). Since a2=9a^2 = 9, then a=3a = 3, and since b2=16b^2 = 16, then b=4b = 4. Step 4: Mark the center (1,2)(1, 2) and sketch the rectangle by moving 3 units left and right and 4 units above and below the center. Step 5: Sketch the asymptotes through the diagonals of the rectangle, and mark the vertices, which are 3 units to the left and right of the center at (2,2)(-2, 2) and (4,2)(4, 2). Step 6: Draw the two branches of the hyperbola starting at each vertex, opening left and right, using the asymptotes as guides.

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Updated 2026-05-25

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