The problem involves finding the coordinates of the point P(x,y) on the curve y = √x that is closest to the point (4,0). The derivative of the curve is given by y'(x) = 1/(2√x). To solve this, one must minimize the distance between the point (x, √x) and the point (4, 0), which involves setting up a distance formula and applying calculus techniques to find the minimum distance.
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Do you want a tangent that passes through the specified point or ... some other line?squenshl said:Do I then find the tangent line
You want to minimize the distance between ##(x, \sqrt x)## and (4, 0).squenshl said:Homework Statement
Find the coordinates of the point ##P(x,y)## on the curve ##y = \sqrt{x}## that is closest to the point ##(4,0)##.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
The derivative is ##y'(x) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}##. Do I then find the tangent line to ##y = \sqrt{x}##. A little help would be great!