Hyperbola

Pronunciation: /haɪˈpɜːrbələ/

Definitions of hyperbola

noun a symmetrical open curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side

Example Sentences

A1 A hyperbola is a type of mathematical curve.

A2 In geometry, a hyperbola is a conic section formed by the intersection of a plane and a double cone.

B1 The equation of a hyperbola in standard form is (x-h)^2/a^2 - (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1 or -1.

B2 Hyperbolas have two asymptotes that the curve approaches but never touches.

C1 The foci of a hyperbola are the points that define its shape and size.

C2 Hyperbolas can be used in engineering and physics to model various types of motion and forces.

Examples of hyperbola in a Sentence

formal The hyperbola is a type of conic section that has two branches, each extending to infinity.

informal I learned about hyperbolas in my math class, they're like two sideways U shapes.

slang That hyperbola graph is so extra, it looks like a pair of stretched out headphones.

figurative Her emotions were like a hyperbola, constantly fluctuating between extremes.

Grammatical Forms of hyperbola

• plural: hyperbolas
• comparative: more hyperbolic
• superlative: most hyperbolic
• present tense: hyperbola
• future tense: will hyperbola
• perfect tense: has hyperbolaed
• continuous tense: is hyperbolaing
• singular: hyperbola
• positive degree: hyperbola
• infinitive: to hyperbola
• gerund: hyperboling
• participle: hyperboling

Origin and Evolution of hyperbola

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'hyperbola' originates from the Greek word 'hyperbolē', meaning 'excess' or 'exaggeration'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in geometry to describe a specific type of curve, the term 'hyperbola' has evolved to also be used in a more general sense to describe exaggeration or overstatement in language.