Question

How do I determine whether a hyperbola opens horizontally or vertically?

Answer 1

Make the equation be in the form

`(x - h)^2/a^2 - (y - k)^2/b^2 = 1`

or

`(y - k)^2/a^2 - (x - h)^2/b^2 = 1`

If `x` is on front, the hyperbola opens horizontally
If `y` is on front, the hyperbola opens vertically