Equation of Tangent Line for a 2D Curve

[ArcanaNoir]

Homework Statement

"Find the equation of the plane tangent to the surface (x^2-y^2)(x^2+y^2)=15 at the point (2,1)"

If only it really were a plane and a surface, I could do that. I have a formula for that. Unfortunately, this is a curve and I'm looking for tangent line.

Homework Equations

In three dimensions, the formula for the equation of the tangent plane to the surface z=f(x,y) at the point P(x_0,y_0,z_0) is z-z_0=f_x(x_0,y_0)(x-x_0)+f_y(x_0,y_0)(y-y_0)

where f_a is the partial derivative of f wrt a.

The Attempt at a Solution

Well, pretending it's in three variables, I can do
f_x=4x^3
f_y=-4y^3

z-z_0=f_x(2,1)(x-2)+f_y(2,1)(y-1)
z-z_0=32(x-2)-4(y-1)

So, how do I repair this situation/make the formula work in two dimensions/try something else?

 

[I like Serena]

I'm afraid you equation is not of the form z=f(x,y).
If you want to compare it with a 3D case, it's of the form g(x,y,z)=0.

So your formula won't work.
Do you have other methods available?

 

[ArcanaNoir]

I can not thank you enough for all your help! I really need to start paying you ;)

I can use anything through vector calculus. Something about the gradient? I think I might be supposed to take the gradient and then evaluate at the point. Does that sound reasonable?

 

[I like Serena]

:)

Yes, the gradient sounds reasonable.
But what would you get?

 

[ArcanaNoir]

well, the gradient is 4x^3i-4y^3j isn't it?

 

[I like Serena]

Yes, it is.

 

[ArcanaNoir]

Well how do I evaluate that at a point? Plug in the x and y values?
If so, I get 32i-4j

 

[I like Serena]

Yes.
This is a vector.
Can you say anything about its direction and how it relates to the curve?

 

[ArcanaNoir]

Is the gradient normal to the curve perhaps? I can't find it in my calc book.

 

[I like Serena]

Yes, it is.

 

[ArcanaNoir]

Okay so now I just need a line normal to the normal.

How do I make a vector that is perpendicular to 32i-4j ?

 

[I like Serena]

You don't need to.

Suppose you have a line given by h(x,y)=ax+by-c=0.
What would its gradient be?EDIT: to answer your question, a perpendicular vector would have a dot product that comes out as zero.

 

[ArcanaNoir]

It's gradient would be ai+bj.
But, if a gradient is normal to the curve, don't I need to find the line perpendicular to the gradient? oh.. wait, for the equation of a line, do I use a point and a normal vector? I think I do... *looking up*

[EDIT] no no, I see you use a parallel vector. So, what do I do now?

[EDIT] now I'm reading about normal vectors and equations of lines and checking my notes...

 

[I like Serena]

A line is also a curve.

If you have 2 curves that both have a normal vector that point in the same direction, wouldn't they have to be tangential to each other?

 

[ArcanaNoir]

I'm confused. I have my curve and I have my normal. I don't have another curve.

 

[I like Serena]

The parametric representation of a curve (or a surface), has a (partial) derivative that yields a vector tangential to the curve (or surface).

The equation of a curve (or surface) has a gradient that is normal to the curve (or surface).

 

[I like Serena]

I'm confused. I have my curve and I have my normal. I don't have another curve.

The line given by by h(x,y)=ax+by-c=0 is also a curve.
Its gradient is normal to the line.

 

[ArcanaNoir]

So are you saying I need to parametrize instead and take the partial derivative?

 

[ArcanaNoir]

I'm going to call it quits for tonight, I still have to iron clothes, and rest! I'll pick this back up tomorrow. Thank you so much for your time tonight!

 

[I like Serena]

Okay. Thanks for telling me.
See you later.

 

[ArcanaNoir]

I rearranged the equation to y=f(x) and I took the derivative and found the tangent line thusly. I don't have my notes with me now but I believe it was y=8x-15. Problem solved. Thanks ILS :)

 

[I like Serena]

Yep. That is the right answer.

You can do it two ways: with the derivative of a parametric curve as you have apparently done now.

Or alternatively with the gradient of an equation, which you had almost completed. ;)

 

[ArcanaNoir]

I don't think it would have been so bad if my professor hadn't written words for one dimension and then equations for another. >_< Silly prof.