Find dy/dx and then find slope of tangent(s).

  • Thread starter Thread starter Trevor404
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Slope
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the derivative dy/dx for the implicit equation 2y² - xy - x² = 0 and determining the slopes of the tangents at x = 1. Using implicit differentiation, the derivative is derived as dy/dx = (2x + y) / (4y - x). At x = 1, the quadratic equation 2y² - y - 1 = 0 is solved to find the y-coordinates, yielding points (1, 1) and (1, -1/2). The slopes of the tangents at these points are calculated as 1 and -1/2, respectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Implicit differentiation techniques
  • Quadratic equations and their solutions
  • Understanding of slopes and tangent lines
  • Basic algebraic manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study implicit differentiation in detail
  • Learn how to solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula
  • Explore the concept of tangent lines in calculus
  • Practice finding derivatives of implicit functions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on implicit differentiation and tangent line calculations. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of derivatives in relation to implicit functions.

Trevor404
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


a) If 2y2-xy-x2=0 , find dy/dx.
b) What is/are the slope(s) of the tangent(s)at x=1?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


Using implicit differentiation:

a) (4y)dy/dx-(x)dy/dx-y(1)-2x=0

(4y)dy/dx-(x)dy/dx=2x+y

(4y-x)dy/dx=2x+y

dy/dx=(2x+y)/(4y-x)

Assuming that I found dy/dx correctly (please let me know if I did not) I am having some trouble seeing where to go from here to complete part b). If I had x and y coordinates I could work through it but with only an x value it is proving difficult for me.

My latest attempt was to try and solve for y using the original equation.

b) 2y2-xy-x2=0

At x=1, 2y2-(1)y-(1)2=0

Leaving me with:
2y2-y=1

And that's where I ended up, stuck and admittedly confused.
Any help or nudges in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Trevor
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hint: You have a quadratic equation, 2y2-y-1=0.
 
Ah yes I do!
So from 2y2-y-1=0
I get (2y+1)(y-1)=0

I can use this to find my y coordinates and then use the x and y values with my previously found dy/dx to get my slope at both points, correct?
I calculated a slope of 1 at (1,1) and a slope of -1/2 at (1,-1/2).


Thanks a lot!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
3K