Find the gradient of the tangent

In summary, the problem is to find the gradient of the tangent to the curve f at x=0, given the function f(x) with certain constraints. The conversation includes an attempt at solving the problem, but there is some confusion about the correct answer. The correct solution has a gradient of 2, not -2.
  • #1
arvins9
1
0

Homework Statement

For every x>-4 where x[tex]\in[/tex] [tex]\Re[/tex] applies

sinx+x[tex]\leq[/tex]f(x)[tex]\leq[/tex]8[tex]\sqrt{x+4}[/tex]-16

Find the gradient of the tangent to the curve of f at x[tex]_{0}[/tex]=0

Please help me I am trying to solve this exercise for more than two hours!
I'm desperate.
 
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  • #2
i think the functions is g(x) <=f(x)<=h(x) has
slope [g(x) at x=0 ] = 2 and
slope [h(x) at x=0 ] = -2
however i think the function is too many in between so the question is not relevant [ i think].
 
  • #3
nik21bigbang said:
i think the functions is g(x) <=f(x)<=h(x) has
slope [g(x) at x=0 ] = 2 and
slope [h(x) at x=0 ] = -2
No, [itex]h(x)= 8\sqrt{x+ 4}- 16= 8(x+4)^{1/2}- 16[/itex]
so [itex]h'(x)= 4(x+ 4)^{-1/2}[/itex] and h'(0)= 4/2= 2, not -2.

however i think the function is too many in between so the question is not relevant [ i think].
 
  • #4
HallsofIvy said:
No, [itex]h(x)= 8\sqrt{x+ 4}- 16= 8(x+4)^{1/2}- 16[/itex]
so [itex]h'(x)= 4(x+ 4)^{-1/2}[/itex] and h'(0)= 4/2= 2, not -2.

i think you should recheck your answer,please see h'(0) = -2:smile:
 

1. What is the gradient of the tangent?

The gradient of the tangent is the slope of the tangent line to a curve at a specific point. It represents the rate of change of the curve at that point.

2. How do you find the gradient of the tangent?

To find the gradient of the tangent, you can use the derivative function. Take the derivative of the curve at the given point and evaluate it to get the slope of the tangent line.

3. Why is finding the gradient of the tangent important?

Finding the gradient of the tangent is important because it allows us to understand the behavior of a curve at a specific point. It helps us determine the direction and rate of change of the curve, which is useful in various scientific and mathematical applications.

4. Can the gradient of the tangent be negative?

Yes, the gradient of the tangent can be negative. This means that the curve is decreasing or moving in a downward direction at that point.

5. How is the gradient of the tangent related to the curvature of a curve?

The gradient of the tangent is related to the curvature of a curve through the second derivative. The second derivative indicates the rate of change of the gradient, which is used to calculate the curvature of the curve at a specific point.

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