Finding the Normal Line for a Curve at a Given Point

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the equation of the normal line to the curve y = -3x^2 at the point (-1,-3) using derivatives. The formula for the tangent line is provided (6x + 3) and it is mentioned that the slope of the normal line is the negative reciprocal of the slope of the tangent line. The final equation for the normal line is given as y = -1/6x - 19/6.
  • #1
fatima_a
24
0
find the equation of the normal line to the curve y = -3x^2 at the point (-1,-3).


you have to use derivatives.


i am not asking for the equation of the tangent line i know that is 6x + 3. please show all the steps.

the answer is y = -1/6x - 19/6
 
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  • #2
Do you know the relationship between the gradient of two perpendicular lines?
 
  • #3
Another term for gradient in this context is "slope." You can use calculus to find the slope of the tangent line. What is the slope of the line perpendicular to the tangent line? That will be the slope of the line you want. You know a point on this line, so you will have all the information you need to get the equation of this second line.
 
  • #4
thanks i got it
 

Related to Finding the Normal Line for a Curve at a Given Point

1. What is the equation of the normal line?

The equation of the normal line is a mathematical formula that represents a line that is perpendicular to a given curve at a specific point. It can be written in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope of the normal line and b is the y-intercept.

2. How do you find the equation of the normal line?

To find the equation of the normal line, we first need to find the slope of the tangent line at the given point on the curve. Then, we can use the fact that the slope of the normal line is the negative reciprocal of the tangent line's slope to determine the slope of the normal line. Finally, we can plug the slope and the coordinates of the given point into the equation y = mx + b to find the equation of the normal line.

3. Can the equation of the normal line be used to find the slope of a curve?

Yes, the equation of the normal line can be used to find the slope of a curve at a specific point. This is because the slope of the normal line is the negative reciprocal of the slope of the tangent line at that point, which is equivalent to the slope of the curve at that point.

4. How is the equation of the normal line different from the equation of the tangent line?

The equation of the normal line and the equation of the tangent line are similar in that they both represent lines that are tangent to a curve at a specific point. However, the normal line is perpendicular to the curve at that point, while the tangent line is parallel to the curve at that point. Additionally, the slopes of the normal and tangent lines are related by the fact that they are negative reciprocals of each other.

5. Can the equation of the normal line be used to find the equation of the tangent line?

Yes, the equation of the normal line can be used to find the equation of the tangent line. This is because the slopes of the two lines are related by the fact that they are negative reciprocals of each other. Therefore, by finding the equation of the normal line, we can use the slope to find the equation of the tangent line.

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