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Multiple Choice
Find the equations for the asymptotes of the hyperbola 16y2−9x2=1.
A
y=±169x
B
y=±916x
C
y=±43x
D
y=±34x
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Recognize the standard form of the hyperbola equation. The given equation \( \frac{y^2}{16} - \frac{x^2}{9} = 1 \) is in the form \( \frac{y^2}{a^2} - \frac{x^2}{b^2} = 1 \), which represents a vertical hyperbola.
Step 2: Identify the values of \( a \) and \( b \). From the equation, \( a^2 = 16 \) and \( b^2 = 9 \). Therefore, \( a = 4 \) and \( b = 3 \).
Step 3: Recall the formula for the asymptotes of a vertical hyperbola. The asymptotes are given by \( y = \pm \frac{a}{b}x \). Substitute \( a = 4 \) and \( b = 3 \) into the formula.
Step 4: Simplify the expression for the asymptotes. Substituting \( a \) and \( b \), the equations for the asymptotes become \( y = \pm \frac{4}{3}x \).
Step 5: Conclude that the equations for the asymptotes of the hyperbola are \( y = \frac{4}{3}x \) and \( y = -\frac{4}{3}x \). These represent the lines that the hyperbola approaches but never intersects.