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

Allied mathematics, The tenth term in the binomial expansion of (1-1/4)(1-1...

The tenth term in the binomial expansion of (1-1/4)(1-1/5)(1-1/6)...(1-1/n+3) is equal to

Solve the algebraic equestions, Solve the following equestions i.2x-8=8 ...

Solve the following equestions i.2x-8=8 ii.3x+2/5=4 iii.8/3x-2=2 iv.0.6x-5=7

Faltings theorem, What is Faltings Theorem? Explain Faltings Theorem

What is Faltings Theorem? Explain Faltings Theorem

How many days are there in a year, There are m months in a year, w weeks wi...

There are m months in a year, w weeks within a month and d days in a week. How many days are there in a year? In this problem, multiply d and w to obtain the total days in one

Complex number, If z=re i ? ,find the value of |e iz | Solution)   z=r(c...

If z=re i ? ,find the value of |e iz | Solution)   z=r(cos1+isin1) |e iz |=|e ir(cos1+isin1) |=|e -rsin1 |=e -rsin1

Chi-square test, my question involves frequencies less than five and i cann...

my question involves frequencies less than five and i cannot aggregate the data, what do i use instead of the chi-square test?

Describe adding and subtracting fractions in details, Describe Adding and S...

Describe Adding and Subtracting Fractions in details? To add or subtract fractions, here are some steps: 1. Find the lowest common denominator (LCD) or any common denominato

Algebra 1, the equation of a line that passes through (-3,4) and is perpend...

the equation of a line that passes through (-3,4) and is perpendicular to the line y= -3x + 1 Also Graph the inequality: -3x + y And Use -4.9t(4.9t) + 10t + 1.5 to create a fu

Limits, evaluate limit as x approaches 0 (x squared times sin (1/x)

evaluate limit as x approaches 0 (x squared times sin (1/x)

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