How to find if two curves are perpendicular

[pisces93]

Homework Statement

Two curves are perpendicular f(x)= x-4/x and h(x)= x+2/x^2-4x intersect at (2,-1). How would i find if they are perpendicular i first found the derivative of the equations by using the quotient rule but i do not know what to do next.

 

[gb7nash]

Take the derivative of each, plug in 2 in order to find the slope of each at x = 2. Then if the slope of one is -1/slope of the other, they're perpendicular.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Which, of course, is the same as saying that the product of the two slopes is -1.

 

[D H]

Two curves are perpendicular f(x)= x-4/x and h(x)= x+2/x^2-4x intersect at (2,-1). How would i find if they are perpendicular i first found the derivative of the equations by using the quotient rule but i do not know what to do next.

You could start by writing your functions correctly. Those functions as written do not intersect at x=2, and neither one has a value of -1 at x=2. I think you meant f(x)=(x-4)/x and h(x) = (x+2)/(x^2-4x). Don't make us read your mind, please.