Find Equation of Normal Line to y=x^2-5x+4 Parallel to x-3y=5

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the equation of the normal line to the parabola defined by the function y = x² - 5x + 4, which is parallel to the line x - 3y = 5. The key steps involve calculating the derivative of the parabola, setting it equal to -3 to find the tangent slope, and using the point-slope formula to derive the normal line's equation. The final equation of the normal line is y = -3x + 3, confirmed through collaborative problem-solving.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts, specifically derivatives.
  • Familiarity with the point-slope formula for linear equations.
  • Knowledge of how to determine slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines.
  • Ability to manipulate quadratic functions and their graphs.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of finding derivatives of polynomial functions.
  • Learn how to apply the point-slope formula in various contexts.
  • Explore the relationship between slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines in geometry.
  • Practice solving problems involving normal lines to curves in calculus.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on derivatives and the geometry of curves, as well as anyone interested in enhancing their problem-solving skills in mathematics.

Petrus
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Hello,
i know how to calculate normal line on point but i don't know how to do this problem.
"find an equation of the normal line o the parabola y=x^2-5x+4 tha is parallel to the line x-3y=5."
 
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Petrus said:
Hello,
i know how to calculate normal line on point but i don't know how to do this problem.
"find an equation of the normal line o the parabola y=x^2-5x+4 tha is parallel to the line x-3y=5."
If the normal has slope $1/3$ then the tangent has slope $-3$. Can you find a point on the parabola where the tangent has slope $-3$?
 
Opalg said:
If the normal has slope $1/3$ then the tangent has slope $-3$. Can you find a point on the parabola where the tangent has slope $-3$?
Hello,
I don't understand where you get them all, could you possible tell me how you know that?
 
Petrus said:
could you possible tell me how you know that?
You are told that the normal line is parallel to the line $x-3y=5$, which you can write as $y = \frac13x-\frac53.$ That is a line with slope $\frac13.$ The tangent is perpendicular to the normal, and you should know that if a line has slope $m$, then the perpendicular line has slope $-1/m.$ So if the normal has slope $\frac13$ then the tangent has slope $-3$. Does that help?
 
If I know that how shall I proceed? I can't make any progress.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hello Petrus,

If you compute the derivative of the parabola $f(x)=x^2-5x+4$, equate that to -3 and solve for $x$, you will then be able to determine the point on the parabola at which the normal line will intersect it.

Then you will have determined a point $(x,f(x))$ and the slope $m=-3$, and you may then apply the point-slope formula to obtain the equation of the desired normal line.

Can you follow these steps, and show us your work?
 
MarkFL said:
Hello Petrus,

If you compute the derivative of the parabola $f(x)=x^2-5x+4$, equate that to -3 and solve for $x$, you will then be able to determine the point on the parabola at which the normal line will intersect it.

Then you will have determined a point $(x,f(x))$ and the slope $m=-3$, and you may then apply the point-slope formula to obtain the equation of the desired normal line.

Can you follow these steps, and show us your work?
Hello Mark,
we start with calculate x
first i derivate the function $f(x)=x^2-5x+4$ and get $f'(x)=2x-5$ and then i set that =-3 and get $x=1$ and then i put $x=1$ on orginal function and get $y=0$ so we get the point slope formula $y-y1=m(x-x1)$ and get $y-0=-3(x-1)$ and then $y=3x-3$
 
I agree with your work until the very last step. You correctly wrote:

$y-0=-3(x-1)$

Now, try distributing the -3 on the right again...
 
MarkFL said:
I agree with your work until the very last step. You correctly wrote:

$y-0=-3(x-1)$

Now, try distributing the -3 on the right again...
Hello Mark,
Sorry i forgot i had -3 i mean $y=-3x+3$
 
  • #10
Yes! (Yes)

Good work, Petrus! I appreciate that you read the suggestions, applied them and posted your work as a means of following through! This let's us know that you understood the suggestions. :cool:
 
  • #11
MarkFL said:
Yes! (Yes)

Good work, Petrus! I appreciate that you read the suggestions, applied them and posted your work as a means of following through! This let's us know that you understood the suggestions. :cool:
Thank you Mark and the one who replied early!:) Now i understand how to do it thanks to the help!:) Have a nice day!
 
  • #12
Petrus said:
$y=-3x+3$
Good work! (Muscle) (Star)
 
  • #13
We are glad to help, and it is gratifying to hear that your understanding has increased! (Clapping)

This is our goal.
 

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