Implicit Differentiation - Tangent Line & Horizontal Tangents

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of the tangent line to a curve at a specific point using implicit differentiation. The participants are examining the differentiation process and the resulting expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of the equation, questioning the steps taken and the accuracy of the arithmetic involved. There are inquiries about the treatment of terms and the implications of the implicit differentiation process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about specific steps in the differentiation process and the correctness of the resulting expressions. Some guidance is offered regarding the implicit differentiation of \(y^2\), but there is no clear consensus on the arithmetic or the final form of the tangent line equation.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that some information may be missing or unclear, as one participant notes that the original question appears clipped. This may affect the understanding of the problem context.

Pondera
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Homework Statement


2181.jpg


Find an equation of the tangent line to this curve at the point (1, -2).

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



2y' = 3x^2+6x
y' = 3x^2+6x
y'=3/2x^2+3x

y+2=3(x-1)
y+2=3x-3
y=3x-5
 
Last edited:
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Hi Pondera

Pondera said:

Homework Statement


2181.jpg



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



2y' = 3x^2+6x
y' = 3x^2+6x
where did the 2 go?
Pondera said:
y'=3/2x+3x
where did the power of x go?
Pondera said:
y+2=3(x-1)
y+2=3x-3
y=3x-5

I think the arithmetic needs a little work
 
Lane, I divided 3x^2+6x by two and got y'=3/2x^2+3x.

By power of x, I take it you mean power of 2? I neglected to put that in here, but it is on my scratch paper, I appologize.

I don't see where the arithmetic is flawed? I certainly believe that that is likely not the equation/form that I need, but I believe I worked what I figured to be correct out correctly. Can you be more specific?
 
ok I don't really understand what you are trying to do, just picked up some misssing parts as discussed

the question is clipped off when I veiw it
 
Also the implict derivative w.r.t. x of y2 is not 2y', it will be:

[tex]\frac{d}{dx} y^2 = 2y \frac{dy}{dx}[/tex]

horizontal derivatives where y' = 0
 

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