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maths formattin
== Mathematical definition ==
A hyperbola may be more formally defined as the locus of all points the difference of whose distances from two fixed points (the foci) is constant. The [[Cartesian]] equation for a hyperbola with a semimajor axis about the x-axis is
:<math>\frac{x^2/}{a^2 } - \frac{y^2/}{b^2 } = 1 </math>
== Applications ==
[[Nuclear reactor]] cooling towers are an example of a hyperbolic-shaped structure. This form allows for maximum structural strength with minimum use of building materials.
