How do you find the equations of the tangents

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the equations of the tangents to the graph of y=4x^3 that have a specific slope of 3. This falls under the subject area of calculus, particularly focusing on derivatives and tangent lines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss finding points where the slope of the tangent is 3 and suggest methods for deriving the equations of tangent lines. There is an emphasis on sharing prior attempts and identifying points of confusion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts on the derivative and the point-slope formula. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to find where the derivative equals the desired slope, but no consensus has been reached on a specific approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of site policy regarding the necessity for participants to demonstrate their own efforts before receiving assistance. Additionally, the problem has been moved to a more appropriate forum category, indicating a shift in focus.

LD745
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How do you find the equations of the tangents to the graph of y=4x^3 that have slope 3?
 
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It seems to me there are two obvious things to try:
  • Find the points where the slope of the tangent would be 3, then find the lines
  • Find the equations for all tangent lines, set the slope to 3, and solve
Surely you've already had some thoughts on the problem? It's hard to help you effectively if you don't share what you've done and at what points you're stuck.

(It's also against site policy to help people who just post their homework question and don't show any effort of their own...)
 


Oh i have...i found the derivative of 4x^3 which is 12x^2. and i also know that the point-slope formula has to be used.
 


LD745 said:
Oh i have...i found the derivative of 4x^3 which is 12x^2. and i also know that the point-slope formula has to be used.

So, in the language of calculus, you have:

[itex]y-y_{1}=\frac{dy}{dx}(x-x_1)[/itex]

[itex]\{x\in \mathbb{R} :4x^{2}=0\}[/itex]

Do you see how you might solve the problem?
 


Since this has nothing to do with differential equations, I am moving it to Calculus and Beyond Homework.
 

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