# Thread: Help solving conics that are equal to zero, degenerate

1. ## Help solving conics that are equal to zero, degenerate

If I have a conic in standard form (converted from 9x2 -4y2-36x-24y=0) of 9(x-2)2-4(y+3)2=0, how would I go about either solving or graphing this. If it were a plus sign between them I'd just give an answer of a point, but I have a strange feeling that there is more to the answer, a solution with an explanation would be greatly appreciated.

2. ## Re: Help solving conics that are equal to zero, degenerate

this is a degenerate conic ...

3. ## Re: Help solving conics that are equal to zero, degenerate

Hello, mikewezyk!

$\text{If I have a conic in standard form }\,9(x-2)^2 - 4(y+3)^2 \:=\:0$
. . $\text{ converted from }\,9x^2 - 4y^2 - 36x - 24y \:=\:0$
$\text{how would I go about either solving or graphing this?}$

If it were a plus sign between them, I'd just give an answer of a point, . Right!
. . but I have a strange feeling that there is more to the answer. . Right again!
A solution with an explanation would be greatly appreciated.

We have: . $9(x-2)^2 - 4(y+3)^2 \:=\:0 \quad\Rightarrow\quad 4(y+3)^2 \:=\:9(x-2)^2$

. . . . . . . . $(y+3)^2 \:=\:\tfrac{9}{4}(x-2)^2 \quad\Rightarrow\quad y + 3 \:=\:\pm\tfrac{3}{2}(x-2)$

. . . . . . . . $y \;=\;-3 \pm\tfrac{3}{2}(x-2)$

These are the equations of the asymptotes of the hyperbola.