Finding t in the Two Tangent Lines at (0,2)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the two tangent lines at the point (0,2) for a given parametric curve. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the values of t, specifically how t is determined to be equal to pi/2 and -pi/2.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss solving simultaneous equations to find values of t that correspond to the tangent lines at the specified point. There is a question about the exclusion of additional values of t, specifically in the form of \frac{ \pi }{2}+2n \pi, and whether they yield valid points on the curve.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided reasoning for the values of t and have begun to explore the implications of including other potential values. The discussion is ongoing, with questions about the completeness of the approach and the validity of certain assumptions.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the specific point (0,2) and the conditions under which the curve intersects this point. The original poster's inquiry suggests a need for clarity on the relationship between the parameter t and the curve's behavior at that point.

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Homework Statement [/b]
My book talks about find the two tangent lines at the point (0,2) for http://mathbin.net/equations/7402_0.png and http://mathbin.net/equations/7402_1.png .[/URL] It says that t then is equal to pi/2 and -pi/2. I do not know how to they solved for this t. Any help?
 
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You solve the simultaneous equation
[tex]x = 0, y = 2[/tex]

It's easiest starting with the latter:
[tex]2 = y = 2 - \pi \cos t \implies 0 = - \pi \cos t \implies t = \pm \frac{\pi}{2}[/tex]
and then all you have to do is plug them both into the equation for x and check that it gives zero (i.e. you have two values of t for which (0, 2) is on the curve).
 
Why didn't we include [tex]\frac{ \pi }{2}+2n \pi[/tex]?

Thank you!
 
Because there are no such points at which the curve goes through (0, 2).
You can plug it in:
x(pi/2 + 2 pi) = ... ?
 

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