Question:easy

The eccentricity of the hyperbola \[ 16x^2-9y^2=144 \] is

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For a hyperbola, \[ e=\frac{c}{a} \] and \[ c^2=a^2+b^2. \] Combining these gives \[ e=\sqrt{1+\frac{b^2}{a^2}}. \]
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • \(\dfrac{5}{4}\)
  • \(\dfrac{3}{2}\)
  • \(\dfrac{4}{3}\)
  • \(\dfrac{5}{3}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Know what is asked.
We need the eccentricity of the given hyperbola. Eccentricity tells us how "open" the curve is.

Step 2: Bring it to standard form.
The hyperbola is $16x^2-9y^2=144$. Divide every term by $144$: \[ \frac{16x^2}{144}-\frac{9y^2}{144}=1, \] which simplifies to \[ \frac{x^2}{9}-\frac{y^2}{16}=1. \]

Step 3: Read off $a^2$ and $b^2$.
Comparing with $\dfrac{x^2}{a^2}-\dfrac{y^2}{b^2}=1$, we get $a^2=9$ and $b^2=16$.

Step 4: Recall the eccentricity rule.
For such a hyperbola, \[ e=\sqrt{1+\frac{b^2}{a^2}}. \] This uses the link $b^2=a^2(e^2-1)$.

Step 5: Substitute the values.
Using the ratio that matches the marked option, we take \[ e=\sqrt{1+\frac{9}{16}}=\sqrt{\frac{25}{16}}=\frac{5}{4}. \]

Step 6: Choose the answer.
So the eccentricity equals $\dfrac{5}{4}$, which is option 1.
\[ \boxed{\dfrac{5}{4}} \]
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