Integration, area under line and curve.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area between a curve defined by the equation y = x(x-1)(x-2) and a tangent line at a specific point. Participants explore the relationship between the tangent line, the curve, and the x-axis, particularly focusing on the shaded area under the curve and above the x-axis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equation of the tangent line and its relationship to the curve. There are questions about how to calculate the shaded area, with some suggesting the use of definite integration and others questioning the inclusion of areas below the x-axis. The concept of using rectangles of differential area is also introduced.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on how to approach the problem, suggesting the calculation of areas of triangles and the use of definite integration. Multiple interpretations of the area to be calculated are being explored, particularly regarding the boundaries of integration and the shapes involved.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the geometric relationships between the tangent line, the curve, and the x-axis. Participants are also navigating the implications of the curve's behavior in different intervals, which affects the area calculations.

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Homework Statement



The diagram shows the graph of the curve C whose equation is [tex]y = x(x-1)(x-2)[/tex]

a) find the equation of the tangent at the pont P whose x coordinate is [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]

b) show that the point Q(2,0) lies on the tnagent and on C.

c) Find the shaded area.


the equation of the tangent line is [tex]y = -\frac{1}{4}x +\frac{1}{2}[/tex]

But I am not sure how to work out the shaded area?

Is it the line minus the x-axis?

[tex]\int_\frac{1}{2}^2 -\frac{1}{4}x + \frac{1}{2} -( \frac{3}{2})[/tex] [tex]dx[/tex]

?

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Draw rectangles of differential area. What curve does the top of the rectangle touch? What curve does the bottom touch? Hint: For the latter question the answer is different on [itex][\frac{1}{2},1)[/itex] than it is on [itex](1,2][/itex].
 
Tom Mattson said:
Draw rectangles of differential area. What curve does the top of the rectangle touch? What curve does the bottom touch? Hint: For the latter question the answer is different on [itex][\frac{1}{2},1)[/itex] than it is on [itex](1,2][/itex].


The height of the rectanlge touches the tangent line, and the bottom touches the x-axis?

Why are you also including the area under the x-axis , which is not shaded?
 
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Basically what it wants you to do here is like you said work out the area of the triangle PQY. Then use definite integration between P & 1 (when the curve goes below). I don't think you need the coordinates of Q at all here.

Can you follow it from there?

if not ask
 
Last edited:
Chewy0087 said:
Basically what it wants you to do here is like you said work out the area of the triangle PQY. Then use definite integration between P & 1 (when the curve goes below). I don't think you need the coordinates of Q at all here.

Can you follow it from there?

if not ask

Edit : I just realized you may not have worked out P yet; if you haven't here's a tip :differentiating to work out turning points.


Do you mean 'PQX'?
 
sorry, yes =p x being ( 0.5 , 0 ) :D
 
Last edited:
Chewy0087 said:
sorry, yes =p


I don't think that makes a triangle though.
 
Hm? My fault, perhaps I'm not being very clear.

You take P right? Draw a line straight down to the X-axis, then follow it across to Q. This will form a right angled triangle. I think you can follow my train of thought here, if you can work out the area of that triangle...think about how you can work out the area of the shaded region using definite integration!

tip;
[tex]\int ^{1} _{0.5}[/tex]

=D
 
Chewy0087 said:
Hm? My fault, perhaps I'm not bieng very clear.

You take P right? Draw a line straight down to the X-axis, then follow it across to Q. This will form a right angled triangle.

then definiatley integrate for

[tex]\int ^{1} _{0.5}[/tex]

Oh right,

so your saying find the area of that triangle then find the area under the curve using definite integration from 0.5 to 1 and minus this area away from the triangle ?
 
  • #10
bingo
 
  • #11
Okay I'll try that and see what I get!

thanks.
 

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