Tangent lines, Mathematics

Assignment Help:

Tangent Lines : The first problem which we're going to study is the tangent line problem.  Before getting into this problem probably it would be best to define a tangent line.

A tangent line to the function f(x) at the instance x = a is a line which just touches the graph of the function at the point in question & is "parallel" (in some way) to the graph at that point. Consider the  graph below.

1835_common graph 11.png

In this graph the line is a tangent line at the specified point because just it touches the graph at that point and is also "parallel" to the graph at that point.  Similarly, at the second point illustrated, the line does just touch the graph at that point, hence it is not "parallel" to the graph at that point & hence it's not a tangent line to the graph at that point.

At the second point illustrated (the point where the line isn't a tangent line) we will sometimes call the line a secant line.

Now, we've used the word parallel a couple of times and we have to probably be a little careful with it.  Generally we will think of a line & a graph as being parallel at a point if they are both moving in the same direction at that point. So, in the first point above the graph and the line are moving in the same direction and so we will say they are parallel at that point.  At the second point, on the other hand, the line and the graph are not moving in the same direction and so they aren't parallel at that point.


Related Discussions:- Tangent lines

Cylindrical coordinate system, how to describe the locus of the equation x^...

how to describe the locus of the equation x^2+6xy+y^2+z^2=1 in cylindrical polar coordinates?

Real numbers, prove root 2 as irrational number

prove root 2 as irrational number

Ratio , 5:9 and 3:5 then find a:b:c

5:9 and 3:5 then find a:b:c?

Judgment sampling, Judgment Sampling Here the interviewer chooses whom ...

Judgment Sampling Here the interviewer chooses whom to interview believing that their view is more fundamental because they might be directly affected for illustration, to find

Fraction, Maria has a slice of pizza that is1/6 the pizza. Ben has a slice ...

Maria has a slice of pizza that is1/6 the pizza. Ben has a slice of pizza that is 1/3 of the pizza . Maria''s slice is bigger .draw pizzas to show how this possible .

How many permutations can you make of the word statistics, Q. How many perm...

Q. How many permutations can you make of the word STATISTICS? Solution:  There are 10 letters in the word STATISTICS, i.e. n=10. Three of them are S's, so n 1 =3, three are T'

PROBLEM SOLVING, The perimeter of a rectangular swimming pool is 60m. The l...

The perimeter of a rectangular swimming pool is 60m. The length of the pool is 4 m more than the width. What is the width of the pool?

Math.., how many sixs are in 60

how many sixs are in 60

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd