graph of equation xy = constant

pahio
2013-03-21 23:43:56

Consider the equation xy = c, i.e.

c
y= , (1)
x
where c is a non-zero real constant. Such a dependence between the real vari-
ables x and y is called an inverse proportionality.

The graph of (1) may be inferred to be a hyperbola, because the curve has
two asymptotes (see asymptotes of graph of rational function) and because the
form

xy c = 0 (2)

of the equation is of second degree (see conic, tangent of conic section).

One can also see the graph of the equation (2) in such a coordinate system
(x0 , y 0 ) where the equation takes a canonical form of the hyperbola. The sym-
metry of (2) with respect to the variables x and y suggests to take for the new
coordinate axes the axis angle bisectors y = x. Therefore one has to rotate
the old coordinate axes 45 , i.e.

x0 y 0

x = x0 cos 45 y 0 sin 45 =


2 (3)
0
0 0 x + y0


y = x sin 45 + y cos 45 =
2

(sin 45 = cos 45 = 1 ).
2
Substituting (3) into (2) yields

x02 y 02
c = 0,
2
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1
i.e.
x02 y 02
= 1. (4)
2c 2c
This is recognised to be the equation of a rectangular hyperbola with the
transversal axis and the conjugate axis on the coordinate axes.