ISC MATH
CONSTRUCTING A HYPERBOLA PROJECT 2025-
USING ITS FOCAL PROPERTY 26
Samridhi Ahuja. Grade 11D
Table of Contents
Serial Number Page Number Content
10
11
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my mathematics
teacher, Mr. Naresh Yalavarthi, for their constant support and
guidance. This project has helped me apply statistical concepts
to real-life scenarios. I am also thankful to my peers and family for
their encouragement during the course of this project.
Objectives
To understand the focal property of a hyperbola.
To geometrically construct a hyperbola using its focal property.
To observe the relationship between the plotted points and the equation of a hyperbola
Materials Required
Graph Paper
Ruler
Compass
Pencil
Protractor
Calculator
Methodology
Introduction
The hyperbola is defined as the set of all points in a plane such that the absolute di erence of
their distances from two fixed points (foci) is constant. The aim of this methodology is to
construct a hyperbola geometrically using this property. The process requires plotting points
that satisfy this condition and connecting them to form the hyperbola.
Step 1: Understanding the Focal Property
1. Let the two foci be F1 and F2
2. Choose a constant di erence 2a which will correspond to the distance between a point
on the hyperbola and the foci according to the formula:
3. Decide the transverse axis, which passes through both foci. The vertices of the
hyperbola lie on this axis, symmetrically on either side of the center.
Step 2: Tools and Preparation
Use graph paper to maintain accuracy.
Draw horizontal and vertical axes, labeling the center OOO.
Plot the foci on the transverse axis at points F1F_1F1 and F2F_2F2, equidistant from the
center.
Step 3: Plotting Points
1. Select a point P such that the absolute difference of its distances from F1 and F2 equals
2a.
2. Measure distances using a ruler or compass:
o Use a compass to draw two circles: one centered at F1 with radius PF1, one at F2
with radius PF2 .
o The intersections of the circles indicate possible points P.
3. Repeat this process to plot at least 10–15 points on each branch of the hyperbola for
accuracy.
Step 4: Symmetry Consideration
Hyperbolas are symmetrical about both the transverse axis and the conjugate axis.
After plotting points on one side, reflect them across the axes to get the remaining
points.
Step 5: Connecting Points
1. Use a smooth curve to connect the plotted points on each branch.
2. Avoid straight lines; the curve should be continuous and gradually widen from the
vertices.
3. Label the vertices V1 and V2, foci F1 and F2, and axes.
Step 6: Verification
1. Measure distances from several points on the curve to each focus.
2. Verify that the absolute difference of distances from the foci equals 2a for each point.
3. Record the measurements in a table to confirm the focal property.
Pre – requisites
Points Satisfying Focal Property
Point P (x,y) Distance PF1 Distance PF2 PF1-PF2
(3,0) 8 2 6
(4, 2) 7.211 1.211 6
(5,3) 8.062 2.062 6
(4, -2) 7.211 1.211 6
Formulas:
