Curve of intersection of a plane and curve

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the slope of the tangent line at the point (-1,1,5) to the curve of intersection between the surface defined by z = x² + 4y² and the plane x = -1. Participants express confusion regarding the problem setup and the terminology used in three-dimensional contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of gradients and normals to find the tangent direction. There is mention of parameterizing the curve and confusion about the terminology of "slope" in three dimensions. One participant attempts to relate a later problem involving different equations for z and expresses difficulty in isolating variables.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding parameterization and the direction vector for the tangent line. However, participants continue to explore different interpretations and approaches to related problems without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is a note about forum policy encouraging users to start new threads for different problems, indicating a structured approach to problem-solving within the community.

Yitin
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Homework Statement


I have to find the slope of the tangent line at (-1,1,5) to the curve of intersection of the surface z = x2 + 4y2 and the plane x = -1

2. The attempt at a solution
I really am having trouble figuring out where to start. The question is even numbered, and the only one like it in the chapter, so I have been having trouble figuring out what to do.
I tried googling it different ways, the explanation of a problem that is kinda like this one told me to take the gradient
2xi + 8yj - k
and then plug in (-1,1,5) and that would be the normal n1
And I was supposed to do the cross of n1 and the normal of the plane, and then some more stuff but their problem was different, and I am not really sure where to go from here, or if this is even right...
 
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Yitin said:

Homework Statement


I have to find the slope of the tangent line at (-1,1,5) to the curve of intersection of the surface z = x2 + 4y2 and the plane x = -1

2. The attempt at a solution
I really am having trouble figuring out where to start. The question is even numbered, and the only one like it in the chapter, so I have been having trouble figuring out what to do.
I tried googling it different ways, the explanation of a problem that is kinda like this one told me to take the gradient
2xi + 8yj - k
and then plug in (-1,1,5) and that would be the normal n1
And I was supposed to do the cross of n1 and the normal of the plane, and then some more stuff but their problem was different, and I am not really sure where to go from here, or if this is even right...

You wouldn't usually use the term "slope" for the tangent to a 3D curve. You would ask for a direction vector. If you plug in ##x=-1## you get ##z=1+4y^2##. With these you can parameterize the curve ##\vec R = \langle -1,y,1+4y^2\rangle##. Now it should be easy to find the direction vector for the tangent to the curve.
 
Thank you, that helped greatly, though I am still not the best at getting that curve.

A later problem has z=√(x2 + 4y2) and 3z = x + 2y + 8
I was trying to make the two Zs equal to each other, and solve for x or y, but I couldn't get any of them separate.
Same thing, finding the tangent line at a point (3,2,5)
 
Yitin said:
Thank you, that helped greatly, though I am still not the best at getting that curve.

A later problem has z=√(x2 + 4y2) and 3z = x + 2y + 8
I was trying to make the two Zs equal to each other, and solve for x or y, but I couldn't get any of them separate.
Same thing, finding the tangent line at a point (3,2,5)

Forum policy is that you start a new thread if you have a new problem. You are more likely to get an answer.
 

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