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hyperbola

hyperbola

1 9.4
An open curved shape with two matching branches that stretch away forever
  • noun
  • /haɪˈpɜːrbələ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hipérbola
  • When calculating orbital paths, a trajectory that escapes gravitational pull typically follows a hyperbola.

OK, does everybody kind of see see my hyperbolas look pretty?

Examples

  • In mathematics, a hyperbola is defined as a curve formed by the intersection of a plane with both halves of a double cone.

  • And this is a hyperbola, not a circle but a hyperbola.

  • A hyperbola goes to infinity (quickly).

    Blog text (6)
  • The graph of a hyperbola consists of two separate branches that are mirror images of each other.

Synonyms

conic section
vshyperbola
  • Specialized
6.9

A curve made when a flat surface cuts a cone, like an ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola

is a single open branch shape within that family
conic
vshyperbola
  • Specialized
8.6

A curve made when a flat surface cuts a cone, like an ellipse or parabola

is one specific open symmetric branch type among those curves

Surface Forms

hyperbola singular
hyperbolas plural

Etymology

Hyperbola comes from Greek parts hyper ('over' or 'beyond') and bole ('to throw'), and you may know hyper from hyperactive. So a hyperbola is like two curves 'thrown' far out that go on forever, which is why its branches are open and never end.