Find an equation that models the path of a satellite if its path is a hyperbola, a = 55,000 km, and c = 81,000 km. Assume that the center of the hyperbola is the origin and the transverse axis is horizontal.
I have the answer but would like to learn the steps

Question

Find an equation that models the path of a satellite if its path is a hyperbola, a = 55,000 km, and c = 81,000 km. Assume that the center of the hyperbola is the origin and the transverse axis is horizontal. 
I have the answer but would like to learn the steps

mathmale · Answer

Often you can find exactly what you need to know to solve a given problem by doing a quick Internet search. I searched for "equation of a hyperbola" and came up with the following (which was just one of many choices): http://www.purplemath.com/modules/hyperbola.htm The very first illustration here neatly defines the meanings of the coefficients a, b and c. Hope this info helps you get started.