# Q: Given the graph of $y = \frac{1}{x}$, construct the $(x,y)$ coordinate axes using straightedge and compass

The solution to the problem above is known (see comments for a hint).

What other analytic functions can one substitute for $y = \frac{1}{x}$, and still be able to do so?

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How do you construct the axes in the case of $y=\frac 1x?$ That would help explain your question. By line, do you mean ruler? –  Ross Millikan Feb 11 '13 at 21:14
Straight edge and compass as in classic Euclidian geometry. No way to measure distance. The y = 1/x function has an interesting property - if you choose one part of the graph (say x>0) and have 2 distinct parallel segments on it, the line that goes through the midpoints of those segments has to pass through the origin. After you're able to show that, it's not hard to figure the rest. –  Meina222 Feb 11 '13 at 21:23
In my opinion, this question is quite interesting. Voted it up from -2 to -1. –  azimut Feb 11 '13 at 21:26
@Meina222 I think this question would benefit from you more precisely describing the problem and its solution in the question body, in order to motivate your nice question. It's a little unclear without referring to comments. –  Potato Feb 12 '13 at 7:47
The same construct holds true for any ellipse. See here (math.stackexchange.com/questions/263307/…) what I've done. –  RicardoCruz Jun 13 '13 at 18:43

This line cuts both branches of the hyperbola, say at $B_1$ and $B_2$. Now bisect the line connecting these cut points, i.e., $B_1B_2$, at $O$. This is the center of the coordinate system.
Through this point $O$ draw a perpendicular line. Bisect the angle between line $B_1B_2$ and the perpendicular. This is one axis of the hyperbola. The other is perpendicular to it.