How Can I Solve for B in My Math Problem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for variable B in a mathematical problem involving functions and their derivatives. Participants explore various approaches to derive tangent lines at a specific point, utilizing the point-slope formula and discussing potential errors in calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving for B, indicating a lack of instruction from their professor.
  • Multiple participants present calculations for tangent lines based on given functions, using the point-slope formula.
  • There are differing calculations for the tangent line in part b, with one participant suggesting a correction to a sign error in the formula.
  • Another participant proposes a general formula for a function involving coefficients a and b, leading to specific calculations for parts a, b, and c.
  • Participants confirm the correctness of their calculations for part c, with one stating they received a checkmark for their answer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the calculations for parts a and c, but there is some disagreement regarding the calculations for part b, particularly concerning sign errors and the resulting tangent line equation.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations depend on the correct interpretation of the point-slope formula and the distribution of terms, which may lead to different results based on minor sign errors.

Teh
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View attachment 6125I was able to get A but, B got me good. How will I be doing this part because my professor have not shown us how to do this part.
 

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a) We have:

$$y(2)=f(2)+g(2)=13+8=21$$

$$y'(2)=f'(2)+g'(2)=6+6=12$$

Using the point-slope formula:

$$y_{T}=12(x-2)+21=12x-24+21=12x-3$$

b) We have:

$$y(2)=f(2)-4g(2)=13-4(8)=-19$$

$$y'(2)=f'(2)-4g'(2)=6-4(6)=-18$$

Okay, you have the point $(2,-19)$ and the slope $-18$.

Using the point-slope formula, what do you get for the tangent line?
 
MarkFL said:
a) We have:

$$y(2)=f(2)+g(2)=13+8=21$$

$$y'(2)=f'(2)+g'(2)=6+6=12$$

Using the point-slope formula:

$$y_{T}=12(x-2)+21=12x-24+21=12x-3$$

b) We have:

$$y(2)=f(2)-4g(2)=13-4(8)=-19$$

$$y'(2)=f'(2)-4g'(2)=6-4(6)=-18$$

Okay, you have the point $(2,-19)$ and the slope $-18$.

Using the point-slope formula, what do you get for the tangent line?
will it be y = -18x - 55 ?

- - - Updated - - -

the said:
will it be y = -18x - 55 ?
nvm caught my mistake y = -18x + 17
 
the said:
will it be y = -18x - 55 ?

No, I think you have made a very minor sign error...we have:

$$y_T=-18(x-2)-19$$

When you distribute the $-18$ to the $-2$, you get a positive value...;)

edit: Yes, now you have it. (Yes)
 
MarkFL said:
No, I think you have made a very minor sign error...we have:

$$y_T=-18(x-2)-19$$

When you distribute the $-18$ to the $-2$, you get a positive value...;)

edit: Yes, now you have it. (Yes)

for C) I got y = 24x + 4 ... make sure if i got it correct?
 
the said:
for C) I got y = 24x + 4 ... make sure if i got it correct?

c) We have:

$$y(2)=4f(2)=4(13)=52$$

$$y'(2)=4f'(2)=4(6)=24$$

Okay, you have the point $(2,52)$ and the slope $24$.

Using the point-slope formula, we find:

$$y_T=24(x-2)+52=24x+4\quad\checkmark$$
 
MarkFL said:
c) We have:

$$y(2)=4f(2)=4(13)=52$$

$$y'(2)=4f'(2)=4(6)=24$$

Okay, you have the point $(2,52)$ and the slope $24$.

Using the point-slope formula, we find:

$$y_T=24(x-2)+52=24x+4\quad\checkmark$$


thank you very much
 
The way I would have likely worked that as a student would have been to write:

$$h(x)=a\cdot f(x)+b\cdot g(x)$$

And so:

$$h(2)=a\cdot f(2)+b\cdot g(2)=13a+8b$$

$$h'(2)=a\cdot f'(2)+b\cdot g'(2)=6(a+b)$$

So, having the point $(2,13a+8b)$ and the slope $6(a+b)$, we have:

$$y_T=6(a+b)(x-2)+13a+8b=6(a+b)x+a-4b$$

Now, we have a formula to answer the 3 questions:

a) $a=b=1$

$$y_T=6(1+1)x+1-4=12x-3$$

b) $a=1,\,b=-4$

$$y_T=6(1-4)x+1+16=-18x+17$$

c) $a=4,\,b=0$

$$y_T=6(4+0)x+4-0=24x+4$$
 

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