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Multiple Choice
Given the hyperbola 100y2−139x2=1, find the length of the a -axis and the b -axis.
A
a=100, b=139
B
a=139, b=100
C
a=139, b=10
D
a=10, b=139
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the standard form of the hyperbola equation: \( \frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1 \). In this form, the hyperbola is vertical, meaning the transverse axis is along the y-axis.
Compare the given equation \( \frac{y^2}{100} - \frac{x^2}{139} = 1 \) with the standard form to identify \( a^2 = 100 \) and \( b^2 = 139 \).
Calculate the value of \( a \) by taking the square root of \( a^2 \): \( a = \sqrt{100} = 10 \). This represents the semi-major axis length along the y-axis.
Calculate the value of \( b \) by taking the square root of \( b^2 \): \( b = \sqrt{139} \). This represents the semi-minor axis length along the x-axis.
Conclude that the length of the \( a \)-axis (transverse axis) is \( 2a = 20 \) and the length of the \( b \)-axis (conjugate axis) is \( 2b = 2\sqrt{139} \).