Inverse functions and tangent lines

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two problems involving calculus concepts: finding points on a curve where the tangent line is parallel to a given line and determining the derivative of an inverse function. The first problem focuses on the curve defined by y=x-2cos(x) and the conditions for parallelism with the line y=x. The second problem involves the function f(x)=x^3+x and its inverse.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conditions for parallel tangent lines, questioning the completeness of the original poster's solutions and the implications of multiple solutions for the tangent line. There is also exploration of the inverse function and its derivative, with some participants suggesting a need for clarification on notation and the application of the inverse function theorem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's attempts. Some have pointed out missing solutions and questioned the assumptions made regarding the tangent lines. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the results, particularly regarding the nature of tangent lines and the inverse function.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of considering all roots for the sine function in the first problem and the potential for multiple tangent lines due to the periodic nature of the sine function. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their findings and the implications of their calculations.

wuffle
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Homework Statement


2 problems, i solved both of them but I am not 100 % I am right

Find all points on the curve y=x-2cosx where the tangent line to the curve is parallel to the line y=x and write an equation of the tangent line at such point

Let f^-1 be the inverse of the one -to- one function f(x)=x^3+x.

Find (f^-1)'(10).



Homework Equations


slope of tangent line=f'(of the point)


The Attempt at a Solution




1st.

This seemed tricky and I did not figure it out till I had a good 11 hour sleep, what I did:

y=x , parallel lines have same slopes=>slope of tangent line is 1

y'=1+2sinx

1+2sinx=1

x=0+2pi*n

we found all points on the curve where tangent is parallel to y=x

lets find y coordinate
y=0-2cos(0)=-2

equation of tangent line
y+2=1(x-0)
y=x-2

2nd.

I think this has a twist in it but I can't find it :( , here's what I did

f^-1(x)=1/(f'(f^-1(x))

we need to find f^-1(10)
since we got f(x) its not hard to do so
10=x^3+x
x=2

f^-1(x)=1/(f'(2))
f'=3x^2+1
f^-1(x)=1/13

this is the answer?

Please check what I have written, I apologize for such a mess t.t
 
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Problem #1:
You are missing some roots for the equation, [itex]\sin(x) = 0\,.[/itex] Look at the unit circle. For what angle(s) is y = 0 ?

Because you are missing some of the solutions, you are also missing at least one tangent line. Also, why is it that a single tangent line is sufficient for all the values of x that you did find?
 
wuffle said:

Homework Statement


2 problems, i solved both of them but I am not 100 % I am right

Find all points on the curve y=x-2cosx where the tangent line to the curve is parallel to the line y=x and write an equation of the tangent line at such point

Let f^-1 be the inverse of the one -to- one function f(x)=x^3+x.

Find (f^-1)'(10).



Homework Equations


slope of tangent line=f'(of the point)


The Attempt at a Solution




1st.

This seemed tricky and I did not figure it out till I had a good 11 hour sleep, what I did:

y=x , parallel lines have same slopes=>slope of tangent line is 1

y'=1+2sinx

1+2sinx=1

x=0+2pi*n
Actually sin(x) = 0 for x = n*pi, not just multiples of 2pi.
wuffle said:
we found all points on the curve where tangent is parallel to y=x

lets find y coordinate
y=0-2cos(0)=-2
No. This is just one of the points at which the tangent line has a slope of 1. Your problem statement says "write an equation of the tangent line at such point". It's not clear to me what this means.
wuffle said:
equation of tangent line
y+2=1(x-0)
y=x-2

2nd.

I think this has a twist in it but I can't find it :( , here's what I did

f^-1(x)=1/(f'(f^-1(x))

we need to find f^-1(10)
since we got f(x) its not hard to do so
10=x^3+x
x=2

f^-1(x)=1/(f'(2))
f'=3x^2+1
f^-1(x)=1/13

this is the answer?

Please check what I have written, I apologize for such a mess t.t
 
Problem #2:

What you have done is correct.

For exponents and/or superscripts, use the Advanced message screen. (Click on "Go Advanced" below.)

Once on the advanced message screen, use the "X2" button above the message box.

Then you can write (f^-1)' (x)=1/(f '(f^-1(x)) as (f -1)' (x)=1/(f  '(f -1(x))
 
SammyS said:
Problem #1:
You are missing some roots for the equation, [itex]\sin(x) = 0\,.[/itex] Look at the unit circle. For what angle(s) is y = 0 ?

Because you are missing some of the solutions, you are also missing at least one tangent line. Also, why is it that a single tangent line is sufficient for all the values of x that you did find?

Yep, you are right, sinx=0, x=pi n , not 2pi n.

sinx=0

x=pi * n

for x=pi

y=pi+2

equation of tangent line

y-(pi+2)=1*(x-pi)

Well, it asks to write an equation of the tangent line, so I was thinking it was only 1, guess I was wrong.But can't I write infinitive amount of tangent lines?since of n?what do I do then?Do I also write for n =-1 ,+-2, +-3?
 
Last edited:
Prob. #1:

cos(±π) = -1

= cos(±3π) = cos(±5π) = cos(±7π) = ...

Also, the line y = x - 2, is tangent to y = f(x) at all points where x = 2πn, so you luck out. (You probably should show that this is the case.)

A different line is tangent to y = f(x) for x = odd multiples of π .
 
SammyS said:
Prob. #1:

cos(±π) = -1

= cos(±3π) = cos(±5π) = cos(±7π) = ...

Also, the line y = x - 2, is tangent to y = f(x) at all points where x = 2πn, so you luck out. (You probably should show that this is the case.)

A different line is tangent to y = f(x) for x = odd multiples of π .


Thanks a lot for your help!
 

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