Calculus Review - Tangent of function and find y-intercept

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the function g(ξ) = [(2H)/π] arctan(ξ) and requires plotting the graph of this function. The original poster is tasked with finding the y-intercept of the tangent line at the point where ξ0 = 1.30. The context includes specific values for H and ξ0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to simplify the function using the given value of H and calculates the slope of the tangent line by taking the derivative. They also compute the y-value at ξ0 and use the linear equation to find the y-intercept. However, they express uncertainty about their calculations and seek clarification on potential mistakes.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide feedback on the calculations, specifically questioning the evaluation of the linear equation y = mx + b. There is an acknowledgment of a possible error in the original poster's approach, but no consensus on the exact nature of the mistake has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of correctly evaluating the components of the linear equation and suggests that the y-intercept must be less than the calculated y-value at ξ0.

oddjobmj
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Homework Statement


Consider g(ξ) = [(2H)/π] arctan(ξ).
Plot a graph of the function g(ξ).
Imagine a line that passes through the point on the curve at ξ0 = 1.30, and which is tangent to the curve at that point. Where does the tangent line intersect the vertical axis?
[DATA: H = 2.00 ; ξ0 = 1.30 .]

Homework Equations


y=mx+b

The Attempt at a Solution


Firstly I know that H=2 so I can easily simplify the question to (4/π)*arctan(ξ).

I then want to find the slope so I take the derivative of that function and get 4/(πξ^2+π) then plug in ξ=1.3 to find the slope at that point. The result is: 0.473323

I can also plug ξ=1.3 into the original equation to find the y value at that point. The result is: 1.16514

Plugging in those values to y=mx+b I get 1.16514=(.473323)(1.3)+b. The resulting y-intercept (b) is 1.89.

Unfortunately, this is not correct! I am obviously making a silly mistake somewhere. Is anyone able to point out what I did wrong?

Thank you!
 
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You didn't evaluate y = mx + b correctly.

If y = 1.16514 and mx = 0.473323*1.3, then b must be less than 1.16514
 
I really have no idea what to say. I'll start with a thank you. Sometimes the most obvious things...
 
You're welcome. Good luck with the rest of your review.
 

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