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

Find relative extrema f ( x ) = x2 on [-2, Recognizes the absolute extrema...

Recognizes the absolute extrema & relative extrema for the given function.  f ( x ) = x 2        on                  [-2, 2] Solution Following is the graph for this fun

Combined mean and standard deviation, Combined Mean And Standard Deviation ...

Combined Mean And Standard Deviation Occasionally we may need to combine 2 or more samples say A and B. Therefore it is essential to identify the new mean and the new standard

????????, ?????? ?????? ?? ???? ??????? ???????? ?????? 3.5 ?? ??? ???? ???...

?????? ?????? ?? ???? ??????? ???????? ?????? 3.5 ?? ??? ???? ???? ????? 50??/???? ??????20??/???? ???? ?? ?? ?????? ???????? ??? ??? ?? ??????? ??????? ? ?? ????? ????

Pre-operational stage-development learning maths, Pre-operational Stage : ...

Pre-operational Stage :  This period of a child's cognitive development usually begins at the age of 2, and lasts until about the age of 6. Thus, it usually coincides with the pre

Ratios, 450 students. if there are 50 more boys than girls, how many boys a...

450 students. if there are 50 more boys than girls, how many boys and girls are there?

Numerical methods, Consider the following interpolation problem: Find a q...

Consider the following interpolation problem: Find a quadratic polynomial p(x) such that p(x0) = y0 p’(x1) = y’1 , p(x2) = y2 where x0 is different from x2 and y0, y’1 , y2 a

Geometry, how much congruent sides does a trapezoid have

how much congruent sides does a trapezoid have

Example of fractional equations, Example of Fractional Equations: Exa...

Example of Fractional Equations: Example: Solve the fractional equation (3x +8)/x +5 =0 Solution: Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD (x). (x) ((3x

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