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

Fibonacci number, 1. Suppose n ≡ 7 (mod 8). Show that n ≠ x 2 + y 2 + z 2...

1. Suppose n ≡ 7 (mod 8). Show that n ≠ x 2 + y 2 + z 2 for any x, y, z ε Z. 2. Prove ∀n ε Z, that n is divisible by 9 if and only if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

Define points, Define Points, Lines, and Spaces Points, lines, and planes...

Define Points, Lines, and Spaces Points, lines, and planes are known as undefined or primitive terms. These are the most significant and fundamental concepts in the study of geom

Evaluate the volume of a basketball along with the volume, Dawn wants to ev...

Dawn wants to evaluate the volume of a basketball along with the volume of a tennis ball. Which formula will she use? The volume of a sphere is 4/3 times π times the radius cub

Calculate the value of the following limits, Calculate the value of the fol...

Calculate the value of the following limits. Solution To remind us what this function such as following the graph. hence, we can see that if we reside to the r

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