Why, in a Hyperbola, does a^2 + b^2 = c^2 ? Why do the 2 C's equal?
http://www.uploadyourimages.com/img/629554hyperbola.jpg

Thanks!

I don't understand the significance of b here.

Here's why. It's a property of hyperbolas.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2223/hyperbolajk1.gif

I don't see two Cs in your equation
and why are we talking about hyperbolas but using the equation for, and drawing pictures of, a circle? *confused!*

oh... a=b?

Go here for the explanations of the hyperbola. It can be found in most algebra and calc books. A does not necessarly equal b.

Graphing - Conic Sections: Hyperbola (http://library.thinkquest.org/10030/6conichy.htm)

I guess the OP image didn't come across when I saw this the other day! Makes more sense now :)