Equation for Tangent at (1,2) of y=2(sqrt(x)) | Derivatives Tutorial

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the equation of the tangent line at the point (1, 2) for the curve defined by the function y = 2(sqrt(x)). The user initially attempts to apply the limit definition of the derivative, lim (f(a+h) - f(a)) / h as h approaches 0, but encounters a division by zero issue. The conversation highlights the derivative formula \(\frac{d}{dx} x^n = nx^{n-1}\) as a more efficient method for calculating derivatives, ultimately leading to the conclusion that the equation of the tangent line is y = x + 1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, specifically limits and derivatives.
  • Familiarity with the limit definition of the derivative.
  • Knowledge of the power rule for differentiation.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving square roots.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the limit definition of the derivative in depth.
  • Learn the power rule for differentiation and its applications.
  • Explore tangent lines and their equations in calculus.
  • Practice finding derivatives of various functions using both limit definition and derivative rules.
USEFUL FOR

Students learning calculus, particularly those focusing on derivatives and tangent lines, as well as educators seeking to clarify the concepts of limits and differentiation.

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Find an equation for the tangent to the curve at the given point.

y=2(sqrt(x)) point- (1,2)

Ok so I think I can work most of it then I get stuck. I am not sure how you guys use the codes so I will try to type it out the best I can.

lim = ( f(a+h)-f(a) ) / (h)
h->0
= f(1+h)-f(1) / h
= (2 sqrt(1+h) - 2) / h

This is where I have gotten to. substituting in now will give me a 0 in my denominator. So where would I go next?
 
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Using the limit definition of the derivative is often quite tedious to actually find a derivative. Have you seen the result:

[tex]\frac{d}{dx} x^n=nx^{n-1}[/tex]

That will be much more useful for finding the derivative of your function.
 
danago said:
Using the limit definition of the derivative is often quite tedious to actually find a derivative. Have you seen the result:

[tex]\frac{d}{dx} x^n=nx^{n-1}[/tex]

That will be much more useful for finding the derivative of your function.


The teacher has not yet introduced us to that form to find the derivatives yet. He says that's the easy way. he just gave us the formula f(a+h)-f(a) / h and told us to use that until we actually get into derivatives.

The answer is y = x+1
 

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