To understand what this curve might look like, we have to work towards a
standard form. This is best accomplished by completing the square in the x
terms and in the y terms.
9x2 - 4y2 - 18x + 32 y - 91 = 0
9(x2 - 2x) - 4(y2 - 8y) - 91 = 0
9(x2 - 2x + 1) -9(1) - 4(y2 - 8y + 16) + 4(16) - 91 = 0
9(x - 1)2 - 4(y - 4)2 = 36
(x - 1)2 (y - 4)2
-------- - -------- = 1
4 9
(x - 1)2 (y - 4)2
-------- - -------- = 1
22 32
From this, we see that the curve is a hyperbola centered at (1, 4). When
y = 4 we have: ( x - 1)2
--------- = 1
4
So,
(x - 1)2 = 22
(x - 1) = 2 or (x - 1) = -2
Thus, x = 3 or x = -1.
Therefore, (3, 4) and ( -1, 4) are both on the curve. The asymptotes are the
lines y = (3/2)x and y = -(3/2)x and they pass through the center (1, 4).
See diagram below:

Return to the tutorial