Determine the equation of the tangent line

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the equation of the tangent line to the function \( \frac{3x+6}{2-x} \) at the point where \( x=3 \). The original poster is attempting to apply the point-slope formula for the equation of a line.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to calculate the derivative to find the slope at \( x=3 \). There is confusion regarding the definition of the derivative and the application of the difference quotient. Some participants suggest using the quotient rule for differentiation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying the process of finding the derivative and addressing the original poster's confusion about the derivative's definition. Guidance has been offered regarding the need to calculate the derivative at the specified point.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the calculation of \( f(3) \) and the derivative, as well as the original poster's uncertainty about the appropriate differentiation rules to apply.

Blablablabla
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Homework Statement



[itex]\frac{3x+6}{2-x}[/itex]

at [itex]x=3[/itex]


Homework Equations



y - y[itex]_{o}[/itex] = m(x-x[itex]_{o}[/itex])

The Attempt at a Solution



f(3) = -[itex]\frac{15}{4}[/itex]

m = [itex]\frac{3}{0}[/itex] DNE



I have to write the equation in the form of the point-slope formula.

I can get x[itex]_{o}[/itex] and y[itex]_{o}[/itex], but I am having trouble finding m.

Thanks for any help.
 
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You didn't give an equation. I suppose it is$$
y=\frac{3x+6}{2-x}$$You need to calculate its derivative at ##3## to get the slope. You might also check your ##f(3)##.
 
Sorry, yes that is the equation. Can you help me find the derivative? I'm a bit confused because my textbook says that the derivative is

[itex]\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}[/itex]

but in class we learned that as the difference quotient, and that the derivative is when you do this:

y = x[itex]^{n}[/itex]
y' = nx[itex]^{n-1}[/itex]

Thanks for the fast reply
 
Blablablabla said:
Sorry, yes that is the equation. Can you help me find the derivative? I'm a bit confused because my textbook says that the derivative is

[itex]\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}[/itex]

That is not the derivative of f(x). You have to take the limit as ##h \to 0## to get the derivative.
but in class we learned that as the difference quotient, and that the derivative is when you do this:

y = x[itex]^{n}[/itex]
y' = nx[itex]^{n-1}[/itex]

Thanks for the fast reply

That gives the rule for differentiating powers, which is derived from the difference quotient by letting ##h\rightarrow 0##. For more complicated derivatives like your quotient, you would use the quotient rule and the power rule. Haven't you had the quotient rule?
 

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