Constructing a Hyperbola

Topic:
Hyperbola

Goal

Find the locus that will create a hyperbola. A hyperbola is the set of points such that the difference of the distances from two points is constant.

Directions

1) Create a circle with center at A with defined radius d. 2) Create another circle centered at B and with radius d+a. 3) Move the slider until the circles intersect at two points. Label those two points C and D. 4) Create segments AC, AD, BC and BD. 5) Unselect the circles so that they do not show up. 6) Turn on "trace" for points C and D. 7) Move the slider around to see the points C and D "create" a hyperbola.

Observations?

Given the definition of a hyperbola (see above) why did we construct the circles in this way? Hint: How did we define our radii?

Notice that only half of the hyperbola is visible. Why is that? Hint: It has to do with how you defined your circles.

Finish it up!

Add in a few more lines of commands to create the other half of the hyperbola.