How to graph tangent plane and surface

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around graphing a surface and its tangent plane at a specified point. Participants are exploring whether this task can be accomplished by hand or if computer software is necessary, while also seeking clarification on the equation of the surface involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the feasibility of graphing by hand versus using software, with one expressing uncertainty about how to form a plane from selected points. Questions about the equation of the surface and the problem description are also raised.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of online graphing tools, and there is acknowledgment that sketching the graph by hand is possible. However, there remains a lack of clarity on the specific equation of the surface, which is crucial for further progress.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted absence of the problem description, which may hinder participants' ability to fully engage with the task. Additionally, the requirement to zoom in on the graph poses a challenge for hand-drawn representations.

JosephK
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Homework Statement



Graph the surface and the tangent plane at the given point.
(Choose the domain and viewpoint so that you get a good view of
both the surface and the tangent plane.) Then zoom in until the
surface and the tangent plane become indistinguishable.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using Scilab but I didn't know how to use it. Does this problem require a computer or can I graph by hand? I tried to plug in points for x and y trying to keep points close together. By close I mean 1, -1, and 0. How do I form a plane from these points?
 
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JosephK said:

Homework Statement



Graph the surface and the tangent plane at the given point.
(Choose the domain and viewpoint so that you get a good view of
both the surface and the tangent plane.) Then zoom in until the
surface and the tangent plane become indistinguishable.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using Scilab but I didn't know how to use it. Does this problem require a computer or can I graph by hand? I tried to plug in points for x and y trying to keep points close together. By close I mean 1, -1, and 0. How do I form a plane from these points?

What is the equation of the surface? You forgot to include the problem description.

You should be able to sketch a graph of the surface and tangent plane without needing to use computer software.
 
If you were to graph "by hand" you are going to have a hard time "zooming" in!
There is a free on-line 3 d graphing program at
http://fooplot.com/index3d.php?

I haven't tried it myself.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mark44 said:
What is the equation of the surface? You forgot to include the problem description.

You should be able to sketch a graph of the surface and tangent plane without needing to use computer software.


z = x^2 + xy + 3y^2 (1, 1, 5)

Tangent plane I found: z = 3x +7y -5

Thank you!
 

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