Finding Perpendicular Tangent Point on Parabola

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding a point on the parabola defined by the equation y = 4x² + 2x - 5, where the tangent line at that point is perpendicular to a given line represented by the equation 3x + 2y = 7.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss finding the slope of the given line and its negative reciprocal to determine the slope of the tangent line. There is mention of using the derivative of the parabola to find the corresponding x-value where this condition holds.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed the correctness of the slope calculations and the derivative of the parabola. There is an ongoing exploration of how to apply these findings to solve for the specific point on the parabola.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty due to missing previous classes, which may affect their understanding of the concepts involved in the problem.

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Homework Statement


Find the point on the parabola y= 4x^2 + 2x - 5 where the tangent line is perpendicular to the line 3x + 2y = 7.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know what to do since I was away the last 3 classes since I was away. Help me please.
 
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You want to find the slope of the line you're given and use the definition of a derivative as well as perpendicularity to solve for the x value you want.
 
Two perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals of each other, eg: a line with a slope 2 is perpendicular to a line with a slope -1/2.

Find the slope of the line, find the negative reciprocal of that slope. The derivative of a function is the slope of that graph at any point on the graph, so find the derivative of the parabola and see at what value of x it will equal the negative reciprocal of the slope you found earlier.
 
TMM said:
You want to find the slope of the line you're given and use the definition of a derivative as well as perpendicularity to solve for the x value you want.

So I take the slope of this? 3x + 2y = 7

so...

2y = -3x + 7
y= -3/2x + 7/2

slope = -3/2 so if it is perpendicular the slope is 2/3 is that my right slope?

I now I have to do more but it that right so far?
 
Yes.
 
Correct.

dy/dx = 8x+2
You want the value of x when dy/dx is (2/3), as you said from above.
Solving for x gets (-1/6).
Plug this value into your original equation y=4x^2 etc.
 

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