Approximating slope of the derivative at a point

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on approximating the slope of the derivative for the curve defined by the equation y3 + x2y2 - 3x3 = 9 at the point (1.5, 2). The correct derivative, derived through implicit differentiation, is dy/dx = (9x2 - 2xy2) / (3y2 + 2x2y). Substituting the point into this derivative yields an approximate slope of 0.393, which corresponds to answer choice A) 0.39. The initial confusion stemmed from a minor error in the differentiation process.

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Homework Statement


The slope of the line tangent to the curve y^3 + x^2y^2 - 3x^3 = 9 at (1.5,2) is approximately


Homework Equations


Answer choices
A) 0.39
B) 3.2
C) -11.45
D) -2.29
E) -3.2


The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I solved for the derivative, but I'm not sure if it was to any avail seeing as when I plug the point back in I do not get an answer choice.

I got:

dy/dx = (-2xy^(2) + 9x^2) / (3y + 2x^(2)y)

Did I solve the derivative incorrectly? Or is plugging in the point not the correct course of action? Thank you again for all your help, I've been struggling with this problem a lot and any guidance/explanation would be great!
 
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Hello,

It looks like you made a small error in your implicit differentiation-- go back and double check, see if you can spot it.

Hope this helps.
 
Yep, I think you simply dropped an exponent on the y from the denominator. I got

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{9x^{2}-2xy^{2}}{3y^{2}+2x^{2}y}[/tex]

Plugging in the numbers, I get .393. Hope that helps.
 
Last edited:

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