Solve the Problem $\frac { x ^ { 2 } } { 10 } - \frac { y ^ { 2 } } { 24 } = 1$

question 6

Multiple Choice

Solve the problem.
-A comet follows the hyperbolic path described by $\frac { x ^ { 2 } } { 10 } - \frac { y ^ { 2 } } { 24 } = 1$ , where $x$ and $y$ are in millions of miles. If the sun is the focus of the path, how close to the sun is the vertex of the path?

• A)5.8 million miles
• B)34 million miles
• C)3.2 million miles
• D)2.6 million miles

---

Definitions:

Cones

Photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye that are responsible for color vision and function best in relatively bright light.

Color Blind

A condition where an individual has difficulty distinguishing between certain colors, often genetic in nature.

Optic Chiasms

A cross-shaped connection of the two optic nerves in the brain where visual signals are partially crossed to the opposite side of the brain.

Electrochemical Impulses

Bioelectrical signals that transmit information between neurons in the nervous system.