For two distinct intersecting straight lines through the origin, with independent real linear equations and , the nondegenerate centred hyperbolas having exactly those asymptotes are
Indeed, the homogeneous quadratic form of a centred hyperbola vanishes in its two asymptotic directions and hence is a nonzero scalar multiple of . Its equation has no linear terms because the origin is its centre, and its constant term is nonzero by nondegeneracy. Conversely, the invertible linear transformation takes the displayed curve to , a hyperbola, and its ends approach or . Distinct values of give disjoint level sets. In particular, the rectangular hyperbolas with asymptotes are , .

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