Tangent to the Point: Solving for b and c

In summary, to find the values of b and c for the pababola y=x^2+bx+c such that the line y=2x is tangent to the point (2,4), we can use the fact that the derivative at a point is the slope of the tangent line at that point. By substituting x=2 into y'=2x+b, we get b=-2. Then, by plugging in the values for b and the point (2,4) into the equation 4=2x+b+c, we can solve for c and get c=4. Therefore, the parabola is y=x^2-2x+4.
  • #1
danne89
180
0
Consider the pababola y=x^2+bx+c. Find the values of b and c such that the line y=2x is tangent to the point (2,4).

I've no clue at all...
 
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  • #2
Really, no clue at all? Did it not occur to you that if the line is tangent to the parabola at the point (2,4), then the parabola must go through (2,4)- that is, that
4= 22+ b(2)+ c.

Has no one told you that the derivative at a point IS the slope of the tangent line at that point? What is the slope of the line y= 2x? Can you find the derivative of
y= x2+ bx+ c at x= 2?
 
  • #3
danne89 said:
Consider the pababola y=x^2+bx+c. Find the values of b and c such that the line y=2x is tangent to the point (2,4).

I've no clue at all...
You have y = 2x as the tangent line.. and you know that y' = 2x + b and thus you can substitute x = 2 into y' to get y' = 4 + b and from the question you know y' = 2... and so 2 = 4 + b; b = -2
Next step is finding c, just plug in:
4 = 4 - 4 + c
c = 4
And the parabola is y = x^2 - 2x + 4
And to test it..
y' = 2x - 2
And at the point (2,4); y - 4 = 2(x-2); y = 2x - 4 + 4 = 2x
And that's the answer...
Or I could be completely wrong. :approve:
 

What is the overall concept of "Tangent to the Point: Solving for b and c"?

The concept involves finding the values of b and c in a quadratic equation by using the tangent line at a specific point on the curve.

What is the formula used to solve for b and c in this method?

The formula is b = y - (x^2 / 4c) and c = (y - bx) / x^2, where (x,y) is the point on the curve where the tangent line is drawn.

What is the significance of finding the values of b and c in this problem?

Finding the values of b and c allows for the construction of the quadratic equation, which can be used to model various real-world scenarios and make predictions.

What are the necessary steps to solve for b and c using this method?

The steps include finding the slope of the tangent line at the given point, substituting it into the formula, and then using the resulting equations to solve for b and c.

Can this method be used for any point on the curve?

Yes, this method can be used for any point on the curve, as long as the slope of the tangent line at that point is known.

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