Finding the equation of a curve

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deimantas
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Curve
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The equation of the curve defined by the condition that the tangent at any point cuts the Y-axis such that the segment is twice the X value is y = x(4 - lnx²). The point (1, 4) is confirmed to be on the curve. The solution involves using the slope of the tangent and the properties of linear differential equations, specifically applying the Bernoulli method to derive the general solution. The constant C is determined by substituting the known point into the general solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically linear and Bernoulli methods.
  • Familiarity with the concept of tangents and slopes in calculus.
  • Knowledge of logarithmic functions and their properties.
  • Ability to manipulate and solve algebraic equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study linear differential equations and their solutions.
  • Learn about the Bernoulli method for solving differential equations.
  • Explore the properties of logarithmic functions in calculus.
  • Practice finding tangents to curves and their equations.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on differential equations and curve analysis, as well as educators seeking to explain the relationship between tangents and curves.

Deimantas
Messages
38
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The tangent of any point that belongs to a curve, cuts Y axis in such a way, that the cut off segment in Y axis is twice as big as the X value of the point. Find the equation of the curve, if point (1,4) is part of it.

Homework Equations



The ultimate solution is [itex]y = x(4-lnx^2)[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



This might be a little confusing, so I'll try to clarify the situation: assuming for example, that point (1,4) is part of the curve, if we try to find the tangent of the curve at that point, we know that it will cut Y axis where y=2x=2. So in that case the tangent is a line going through (1,4) and (0,2).I guess we get [itex]y = x(4-lnx^2)[/itex] when we put x=1 and y=4 into the general solution, which gives us the specific constant value, then insert the constant value into the general solution to get the final solution. But I don't know how to obtain the general solution. Could you please help me solve this problem?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The curve is y=f(x)
In general: the slope of the tangent at point x=q is f'(q)
The equation of the line is y=f'(q)x+c(q) so that c(q) is the y intercept.
The problem statement is saying that c(q)=2q... which, in general, will be a function of q.
 
Simon Bridge said:
The curve is y=f(x)
In general: the slope of the tangent at point x=q is f'(q)
The equation of the line is y=f'(q)x+c(q) so that c(q) is the y intercept.
The problem statement is saying that c(q)=2q... which, in general, will be a function of q.

So we have [itex]y=y'x+2x[/itex] which is the same as [itex]y'-y/x=-2[/itex] which is a linear differential equation, solving it by using the Bernoulli method y=uv, we get the general solution [itex]y=x(C-lnx^2)[/itex]. Inserting x=1, y=4 gives C=4, thus the final answer is [itex]y=x(4-lnx^2)[/itex].
You're awesome, thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K