Question

I believe this is a hyperbola, check me please? (x-5)^2/4 + (y+3)^2/16 = 1

Answer 1

I think this is an ellipse:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellipse

Answer 2

It matches the equation of an ellipse.

Answer 3

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=%28x-5%29^2%2F4+%2B+%28y%2B3%29^2%2F16+%3D+1

Answer 4

Note that the center is at (5,-3)

Answer 5

Would that mean that (y-2)^2/4 - (x+3)^2/9 = 1 is also an ellipse?

Answer 6

No, because of the negative sign between the quadratics. This is a hyperbola:

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=+%28y-2%29^2%2F4+-+%28x%2B3%29^2%2F9+%3D+1

Answer 7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperbola

Answer 8

So the only difference between an ellipse and a hyperbola is that negative sign. Format of the equation is otherwise identical

Answer 9

Does this make sense?

Answer 10

Ohhhh, yes I see. Thank you so much!

Answer 11

You're welcome