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TOPIC 01
Hyperbola: branches and asymptotes
Keep signed and absolute focal differences separate; inspect degree loss when a line is parallel to an asymptote.
What you will be able to explain
Derive c²=a²+b² from the focal difference.
Identify branches, vertices and asymptotes in both orientations.
Classify focal-difference boundary cases and one-intersection lines.
Try it. Leave your reasoning visible.
Use one hint at a time. A correction explains what changed, not just the final answer.
Examples 1–3: study a full demonstration; finish a solution from its first step; then choose a method independently before opening the solution. The remaining exercises may continue after class.
The line y=x+1 meets x²−y²=1 once. Is it tangent? Justify.
Skills and prerequisite lessons
Scope: JM01 / JM02
Recent attempts (up to five)
Working and explanation
BUILD THE REASONING
Hint 1+
Substitution may reduce the degree.
Hint 2+
Compare the actual tangent slope at the intersection.
Worked solution+
The quadratic terms cancel, leaving one root.
x2−(x+1)2=1⇒x=−1,y=0
The tangent at (−1,0) is vertical, whereas y=x+1 is not.
x=−1
Not tangent; it is parallel to an asymptote.
Checks and common pitfalls: One intersection does not imply tangency when the substituted equation becomes linear.
Reasoning checklist · self / teacher assessment
Not tangent; it is parallel to an asymptote.
One intersection does not imply tangency when the substituted equation becomes linear.
Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.
Teacher preparation and assessment
40-minute lesson
Minutes
Focus
Teaching and student action
5
Prediction and diagnosis
Locate the sign of the focal difference at each vertex.
8
Concept derivation
Derive and sketch asymptote slopes with horizontal and vertical axes.
10
Guided application
Calculate a point and test whether an asymptote intersects.
12
Transfer and explanation
Classify the offset-line and focal-difference boundary cases.
5
Exit evidence
Explain why a single intersection is insufficient for tangency.
Question sequence
Which focus is farther on the right branch?
Can a line have one intersection without being tangent?
Board development
Tabulate absolute difference 0, between 0 and 2c, equal to 2c and greater than 2c.
Substitute y=x+k before mentioning any discriminant.
Expected correct and incorrect responses
Students set the discriminant to zero even after the x² term disappears. Circle the actual leading coefficient first.
Correct: “The quadratic coefficient cancels, so one intersection need not be tangency.”
Incorrect: “A line with exactly one intersection must be tangent.”
Follow-up questions
How does the unique intersection move as the parallel line offset tends to zero?
Remediation
Use the vertices to decide which signed focal difference is positive.
Exit check
Give an equation of a one-intersection non-tangent line and explain the degree loss.
Assessment checklist and sample responses
Require branch sign, standard-form parameters and a separate tangency justification. Sample: substituting y=x+1 gives −2x−1=1, so x=−1; this linear equation alone does not imply tangency.
Correct: “The quadratic coefficient cancels, so one intersection need not be tangency.”