Question
Let one focus of the hyperbola be at and the corresponding directrix be . If and respectively are the eccentricity and the length of the latus rectum of H , then is equal to :
Options
Solution
1. Fundamental Properties of a Standard Hyperbola
To solve this problem effectively, we must first recall the key properties of a hyperbola in its standard form. A hyperbola centered at the origin with its transverse axis along the x-axis is represented by the equation: Here, is the length of the semi-transverse axis, and is the length of the semi-conjugate axis.
The crucial properties relevant to this problem are:
- Foci: The two foci are located at , where is the eccentricity of the hyperbola.
- Directrices: The equations of the two directrices are . Importantly, the directrix corresponds to the focus , and corresponds to the focus .
- Eccentricity (): For any hyperbola, the eccentricity is always greater than 1 (). It is related to and by the identity:
- Length of the Latus Rectum (): The length of the latus rectum is given by the formula: These definitions form the bedrock of our problem-solving strategy.
2. Analyzing the Given Information
We are given a hyperbola . This confirms it is a standard hyperbola centered at the origin with its transverse axis along the x-axis.
The problem provides us with specific information:
- One focus of the hyperbola is at .
- The directrix corresponding to this focus is .
- We need to calculate the value of the expression , where is the eccentricity and is the length of the latus rectum of H.
Our objective is to use the given focus and directrix to determine the values of and . Once these are found, we will use the eccentricity relation to find , then calculate , and finally substitute all values into the target expression.
3. Step-by-Step Solution
Step 3.1: Forming Equations from Focus and Directrix Information
The problem provides one focus and its corresponding directrix. We will use the standard formulas for these properties to establish a system of equations involving and .
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Using the Focus: We are given that one focus is at . For a standard hyperbola with its transverse axis along the x-axis, the foci are at . By comparing the given focus with the standard form, we can write: Explanation: We equate the given coordinate of the focus to the standard formula for the focus. This sets up our first algebraic relationship between and .
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Using the Corresponding Directrix: We are given that the directrix corresponding to the focus is . For a standard hyperbola, the directrix corresponding to the focus is . Equating the given directrix equation with its standard form: Explanation: We equate the given directrix equation to the standard formula for the directrix. It is crucial to ensure that the focus and directrix used are indeed corresponding pairs, which is explicitly stated in the problem. This gives us our second algebraic relationship.
Step 3.2: Solving for the Semi-Transverse Axis () and Eccentricity ()
Now we have a system of two equations with two unknowns, and :
To efficiently solve for and , we can multiply Equation 1 by Equation 2. This strategy is chosen because the eccentricity term '' will cancel out, allowing us to directly solve for : Explanation: Multiplying the left sides results in . On the right side, the terms cancel out. This provides a direct path to finding . Since represents a physical length (the semi-transverse axis), it must be a positive value. Therefore:
Now that we have the value of , we can substitute it back into either Equation 1 or Equation 2 to find . Let's use Equation 1: Explanation: We substitute the calculated value of into one of the original equations to solve for . As a quick check, , so . This value is indeed greater than 1, which is a fundamental property of the eccentricity of a hyperbola.
Step 3.3: Determining the Semi-Conjugate Axis Squared () using the Eccentricity Relationship
With and determined, our next step is to find , which is required for calculating the length of the latus rectum (). We use the fundamental identity relating , , and for a hyperbola: Explanation: This identity is a core property of hyperbolas. It provides the crucial link between the dimensions of the hyperbola ( and ) and its eccentricity ().
We have , so we calculate : We also have , so . Substitute these values into the eccentricity formula: Now, we solve for : Explanation: We perform algebraic simplification to isolate . Although represents a length, only is needed for the latus rectum formula, so we don't necessarily need to calculate itself.
Step 3.4: Calculating the Length of the Latus Rectum ()
Now that we have and , we can calculate the length of the latus rectum, , using its formula: Explanation: This formula directly relates the length of the latus rectum to the semi-axes lengths, which we have already calculated in previous steps.
Substitute the values and :
Step 3.5: Final Calculation of the Expression
The problem asks for the value of the expression . We have all the necessary components:
- (from Step 3.3)
- (from Step 3.4)
Substitute these values into the expression: Explanation: This is the final step where we combine all the previously calculated values into the expression required by the problem.
To simplify, we can distribute the 9 across the terms inside the parenthesis:
Thus, the value of is .
The correct option is (D).
4. Important Tips and Common Pitfalls
- Master Standard Forms: Always begin by correctly identifying the standard form of the conic section (hyperbola in this case) and recalling all its associated properties (foci, directrices, eccentricity, latus rectum). A common mistake is confusing hyperbola formulas with ellipse formulas, especially the eccentricity relation ( for hyperbola vs. for ellipse).
- Corresponding Properties: Pay close attention to which focus corresponds to which directrix. For , the focus corresponds to the directrix .
- Algebraic Precision: Be meticulous with your algebraic manipulations, especially when solving simultaneous equations and substituting values. Small errors can propagate and lead to an incorrect final answer.
- Consistency Checks: After finding , quickly verify if they satisfy the basic properties of a hyperbola: and must be positive lengths, and must be greater than 1. This can help catch calculation errors early. For example, if turned out to be less than or equal to 1, it would indicate a calculation error, as this is impossible for a hyperbola.
5. Summary and Key Takeaway
This problem is a quintessential example of how to apply the fundamental definitions and relationships governing a hyperbola to determine its characteristics. The systematic approach involved:
- Formulating Equations: Using the given focus and its corresponding directrix to set up a system of two simultaneous equations for the semi-transverse axis () and eccentricity ().
- Solving for Parameters: Solving these equations to find the numerical values of and .
- Utilizing Fundamental Identity: Employing the fundamental eccentricity relationship to calculate the semi-conjugate axis squared ().
- Calculating Latus Rectum: Determining the length of the latus rectum () using its specific formula .
- Final Evaluation: Substituting all calculated values into the target expression to arrive at the final answer.
The key takeaway is that a strong understanding of the standard forms and properties of conic sections is paramount for solving such problems efficiently and accurately.